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Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles & Rainforest Walk with Morning Tea
About This Tour
Travel along the world-famous Great Ocean Road on an unforgettable day trip from Melbourne, packed with iconic sights and hidden coastal gems. This legendary stretch of road is renowned for its dramatic scenery, surf beaches, native wildlife, lush rainforests, and powerful Southern Ocean views. Spot wild koalas in their natural habitat, wander beneath towering trees, and soak up the relaxed coastal vibe in charming seaside towns like Apollo Bay. Discover the rugged beauty of the Shipwreck Coast, explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge, and take in sweeping ocean views from the very best lookouts within Port Campbell National Park. With time to enjoy beautiful beaches, short walks, and photo stops along the way, this experience offers the perfect balance of must-see highlights and immersive exploration—making it an ideal choice for travellers wanting to see more than just the postcards.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Live English commentary and stories along the journey
- Knowledgeable local driver-guide throughout the tour
- Opportunities to see native Australian wildlife in the wild (with morning tea stop)
- Comfortable air-conditioned coach transport with onboard Wi-Fi
- Admission to Great Ocean Road National Park
- Return transportation from central Melbourne
✗ Not Included
- Meals not listed in the itinerary — we’ll stop along the way so you can support local businesses
- Spending money for souvenirs, snacks, or that must-have fridge magnet
Itinerary
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Get ready—our adventure begins soon! The bus is on its way, so grab your gear, feel the excitement, and let's hit the road! We depart from Melbourne at 7:35am sharp, and head over the Westgate Bridge towards the surf coast capital. It's recommended guests eat breakfast before the tour as we don't stop until mid-morning.
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Enjoy morning tea and wildlife sightings from Serendip Sanctuary located west of Melbourne on the road down to the Great Ocean Road.
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As we leave Melbourne we bypass the second largest city in Victoria, known as Geelong.
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Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the Surf Coast, passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as Anglesea, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet, we stop along the way for some morning tea and to breath in the fresh sea air whilst spotting surfers out on the water, with the proximity to Antarctica you will learn why this is great surf but also why wet suits are a necessity!
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A monument to mark the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
After some photos at the iconic Memorial Arch and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course stopping for pictures!)
After some photos at the iconic Memorial Arch and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course stopping for pictures!)
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Explore the Great Ocean Road
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A welcome lunch break is taken in Apollo Bay at the end of the surf coast, you'll have plenty of time to explore this seaside community and eat from one of the many local cafe or pubs (at own expense).
Once you have explored Apollo Bay, grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream then it is back on the bus to head inland to the Green Coast.
Once you have explored Apollo Bay, grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream then it is back on the bus to head inland to the Green Coast.
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till on the Great ocean Road but now continuing up into the lush green Otway’s we drive through towering Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a patch of Cool Temperate Rainforest. You will be amazed at the difference in scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and, marvel at the ‘ancient relics’ – the Myrtle Beach trees that provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a super continent known as Gondwanaland. Breath in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive out to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast!
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Also in the National Park we head down to Loch Ard Gorge, site of one of Australia’s most well known shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and beach views. This is also where you will find rock formations such as Island Archway, Razorback and the ‘Salt and Pepper Shakers’ too.
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Once out of the trees and back by the Southern Ocean we arrive in Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic 12 Apostles. We will spend about 40mins at the Apostles where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.
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After a full day of exploring we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac, here you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at own expense)..
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As we roll back to your pick-up point, sit back, relax, and relive the magic of the day—full of epic sights, laughs, and unforgettable moments. We return to Melbourne late in the evening, at approximately 8:00pm.
Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not suitabled for wheelchairs, prams or stroller accessible, please do not bring on tour as you will be asked to leave at the hotel.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- For this tour we have a translation app that can translate all guide commentary to the languages listed above. The traveler just needs to ask their guide or request this on the date of departure and we can advise them of how to download and listen.