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7 of the Best Great Ocean Road tours from melbourne 2024

Have you been wondering great ocean road tours from melbourne? I’ve got you covered!

G’day travellers!

I’m here to tell you about why a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne is the perfect way to experience one of Australia’s most iconic road trips.

As an Australian living near Victoria, I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel along the Great Ocean Road four times, and I’m here to share my experience with you so that you can find the best tour and make the most out of your Great Ocean Road journey.

The best thing about a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne is that it gets you quickly out of the city and into nature.

From stunning coastal cliffs, golden sand beaches, lush forests and plenty of wildlife, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll get a chance to check out some of Australia’s best surf spots along the way!

So if you’re trying to find the best tour for your own personalised Great Ocean Road adventure from Melbourne, look no further. With my authority and trustworthiness as an experienced Australian traveller, I can help make sure that you don’t miss out on any of our country’s incredible sights!

My Top 3 Picks: Best great ocean road tours from melbourne

#1 Top Pick
Twelve Apostles rock formations Great Ocean Road Victoria Australia

GOR Reverse Tour

  • Max of 12 People
  • Get in Before the Crowds
#2 Pick
Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia. Closeup of the cockpit of a helicopter and pilot who performs a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles and the shipwreck coast

VIP Helicopter Experience

  • 2.5 hours Flight Time
  • Private Tour
#3 Pick
Aireys Inlet, Great ocean road Victoria Australia

2-Day Camping and Surfing Tour

  • 2-hour Surf Class
  • Camp in Teepee by the Beach

7 of the Best great ocean road tours from melbourne

Twelve Apostles rock formations Great Ocean Road Victoria Australia

1. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  12 hours | ✅ Book it!

The reverse itinerary boutique tour of the Great Ocean Road is ideal for travelers looking to get a more immersive experience of the region. With an early-morning start, you can expect to arrive at attractions like London Bridge and 12 Apostles well before the crowds and other tour buses arrive.

Not only will you be able to admire these iconic sites, you’ll also get a chance to learn about the region’s history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide with insight into the area’s unique heritage.

A small-group experience ensures that you won’t be lost in the shuffle, allowing for maximum opportunity to take in all that this spectacular part of Australia has to offer.

Our tour guide, Neil, was absolutely wonderful! We learned more from him on this tour than we had learned on a previous tour. We had a lovely day for the tour and we recommend doing a reverse tour such as this one, as you visit the 12 Apostles first. Also, we prefer small group tours such as this one. We had enough time at each stop to learn a bit about the area and to take in the sights. We highly recommend this tour and hope you’re fortunate to have Neil as your guide.” -JulieM (Read more reviews)

Great Ocean Road’s Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour is the perfect way to quickly and easily visit all of the amazing sights this region has to offer. This private tour starts in Melbourne and includes National Park fees, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing your own tickets.

In the morning, you’ll travel inland and head straight for the 12 Apostles, Gibsons Steps, The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park, and Great Otway National Park.

You’ll also take a 20 minute rainforest walk at Mait’s Rest and a koala walk at Kennet River. Finally, enjoy a gorgeous view from Teddy’s Lookout before heading back to Melbourne.

With Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour you’re guaranteed to skip the long lines and experience everything this beautiful Australian coastline has to offer!

Important details

  • Start time: 6:50am – Pick up from State Theatre on St Kilda Road
  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Includes: National Park fees, Professional guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned minivan and Bottled water.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia. Closeup of the cockpit of a helicopter and pilot who performs a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles and the shipwreck coast

2. Private VIP Helicopter Experience from Melbourne to 12 Apostles

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Treating yourself to a private VIP helicopter experience from Melbourne is a great way to take your trip to the next level. Enjoy the luxury of having your own dedicated aircraft and personalized service as you soar over the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps.

Take in the breathtaking views from up high, or get closer to the action with a walk down the Gibson steps for an unbeatable view of these majestic cliffs at sea level.

The 2 hour stay on the ground allows you plenty of time to explore and take in this awe-inspiring scenery however you please.

“The whole experience was amazing, we loved flying, the view of Melbourne city, Flemington, Bay of islands, London bridge, the arch and 12 apostles! Our pilot Edward was fun, informative and went above and beyond. It was for our honeymoon so we added landing at a winery for lunch. The food at Terindah Estate was so good. Would definitely recommend to everyone such a memorable experience!!” -Emma & Taleb (Read more reviews)

Marvel at the breathtaking view of the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks located off the shore of Victoria, Australia.

This private VIP helicopter experience from Melbourne takes 1 hour and 15 minutes by helicopter and you’ll get to enjoy the natural wonder of these iconic rock formations up close! With premium noise-cancelling headsets from Bose provided, your journey in the sky will be more comfortable and enjoyable.

There’s also an option for a private landing at a winery for lunch if you so choose! So come join us on this unique helicopter experience – book it now and explore one of Victoria’s most spectacular sights in style!

Important details

  • Start time: Your chosen time when booking – meet at Essendon Fields
  • Duration: 5 hours with 2.5 hours flight time.
  • Includes: Private Helicopter reserved exclusively for you, Premium noise-cancelling headsets from Bose, Private Landing at 12 Apostles Helipad, 2 hours to walk down the Gibson Steps or visit the viewing platforms, optional lunch at a Winery.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Aireys Inlet, Great ocean road Victoria Australia

3. 2-Day Camping and Surfing Great Ocean Road Trip from Melbourne

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 Days | ✅ Book it!

Visiting the Great Ocean Road on a 2-day camping and surfing trip from Melbourne is a great way for younger travellers to experience the best of Australia.

Your journey will begin with an exciting two-hour surf class, where you’ll learn the basics of surfing on some of Australia’s most iconic beaches. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore Apollo Bay, The Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge while enjoying stunning views.

At night, your group will set up camp in Native American-style teepees near the beach. Here you can relax around the campfire and enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ dinner under the stars.

With only 15 people in your small group tour, you can rest assured that you’ll get an intimate and authentic experience as you explore all that this stunning region has to offer.

This 2 day Great Ocean Road Trip from Melbourne promises to be one of your most memorable experiences in Australia!

If you’re a little bit younger this tour is amazing! Meals were all provided, sites were beautiful and I met the best group of people to experience it with. Andrew the tour guide was young, really funny and was such a great person to have running the tour. He did a great job, and I know this tour will be a memory for me. Definitely recommend!!” -Kiyah_M (Read more reviews)

Exploring the south coast of Victoria can be one of the most memorable experiences in Australia. From Melbourne, a two-day road trip along the Great Ocean Road is the perfect way to experience its beauty. Your first stop should be Bells Beach, the world-famous surf spot that is full of breathtaking views.

From there, you can take a koala walk through Kennett River and explore its lush forests. Afterward, cruise down the great ocean road and stop whenever the moment feels right – it could be for a stroll on the beach or just to wander around a wildlife sanctuary.

We will make sure to make some time for two hours of surfing at Lorne before we proceed.

At Cape Patton Lookout Point, you will enjoy panoramic views stretching across miles and miles of Great Ocean Road. End your day with an overnight camp at Apollo Bay, where you can fall asleep under an array of stars in the night sky.

The next day, drive through the Otway Rainforest and visit The Twelve Apostles – limestone stacks that stand proudly against the backdrop of wild waves and expansive sky.

Afterwards, relax at Loch Ard Gorge before crowds arrive to this tranquil paradise on earth. Enjoy some shark and chips at Lake Colac before continuing your journey back to Melbourne!

Important details

  • Start time: 9am – meet at St Pauls Cathedral.
  • Duration: 2 day camping trip
  • Includes: Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Overnight accommodation, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned minivan and Local Guide

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Aerial view. The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone rocks in the Pacific Ocean near the coast. Great Ocean Road. Helicopter flight over the scenic Pacific coastline. Australia.

4. 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours OR | ✅ Book it!

The 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour is a great option for travelers who want to see the iconic 12 Apostles but don’t have much time.

With a private guide, you can visit stunning landmarks like Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and Razorback before finally reaching the majestic 12 Apostles.

Best of all, you’ll be back in Melbourne by mid-afternoon so you can still enjoy the rest of your day.

If you’re looking for Great Ocean Road tours for seniors, this tour is perfect for those who are short on time but don’t want to miss out on a beautiful part of Australia.

Orlando is an exceptional guide. He not only takes you to the tour spot but also tells you about points along the way. We had advised that a traveler had a gluten allergy and he was prepared with a restaurant that had gluten free options. The best part was the coast and the beautiful limestone carvings. It is mesmerizing to look at the waves crash against the limestone and continue to carve the stone. Don’t miss this beauty and Orlando is the guide to take you there.” -RichardHenley (Read more reviews)

This 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour is everything you could hope for from a private tour. Not only will you get to avoid the large crowds of visitors, but you’ll also get to enjoy a morning tea stop at Winchelsea as you journey inland.

Then, when you arrive at the 12 Apostles, take some time to wander about and take in the breathtaking views. Afterward, head to Gibson Steps where you’ll descend 86 steps down to the beach below 70-meter high cliff line.

Walk along the beach taking in the enormous rock stacks before heading to The Loch Ard Gorge for an incredible tragedy story of one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks.

The Razorback formation is sure to amaze as it offers dramatic views of this rugged coastline. Reenergize with lunch at Port Campbell before heading back to Melbourne – an experience that will stay with you forever!

Important details

  • Start time: 7:00am – pickup from any hotel or Air BNB in Melbourne City and Southbank
  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Local Guide, Private Tour

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Hopetoun Falls the most iconic waterfall on the Great Ocean Road

5. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 Days📍 LOCATION: Melb->Adel | ✅ Book it!

Travel from Melbourne to Adelaide and experience the best of the South East Coast! Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns, with incredible surf beaches, seaside towns, national parks, rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls.

You’ll get to see landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Mackenzie Falls along the way.

Stay a night in Warrnambool and Halls Gap for a true break from reality – complete with plenty of optional activities like wine-tasting and sightseeing.

At the end of this incredible 3-day Great Ocean Road and Grampians road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide you can choose to stay in the city for more adventures. So grab your bags and come explore!

I absolutely recommend this tour, I had a great time, and we were very luck to have our guide Blinky who really went above and beyond to keep us entertained and gave great explanations.” -Lillian_W (Read more reviews)

Begin your 3-Day adventure by exploring the world famous Great Ocean Road, take a photo under the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Checkout the pristine surf beaches and seaside town of Apollo Bay.

Take a guided walk through natural rainforest deep in the Great Otway National Park and stroll the cliff side boardwalks at the iconic 12 Apostles.

Visit the wonders of the shipwreck coastline and venture off exploring the hidden beach of Loch Ard Gorge, see the limestone coastal formations at London Bridge, before staying overnight at Warrnambool.

On Day 2 you uncover the wonders of Tower Hill National Park, an extinct volcano rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife.

Arrive into Halls Gap around lunchtime with time to explore and go in search for kangaroos in the wild, learn about Indigenous culture at Brambuk Cultural Centre, hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over The Grampians, enjoy a group dinner and overnight stay in Halls Gap.

Day 3 involves exploring the rugged wilderness of The Grampians National Park and panoramic views from Boroka Lookout.

Check out Reed’s Lookout and The Balconies also known as Jaws of Death; hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls; stop in Horsham for lunch; then head on towards your final stop in Adelaide to travellers!

Important details

  • Start time: 7:35am start at Immigration Museum Melbourne -> End point 83 Franklin St Adelaide around 7:30pm
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Includes: 2 Nights’ accommodation in Halls Gap and Warrnambool, Admission to all National Parks, Guided bush walking (~6.5km total), Breakfast x 2 and Dinner x 1, Air-conditioned mini-coach travel, small group touring experience and Expert driver guide.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Twelve Apostles beach and rocks in Australia, Victoria, beautiful landscape of Great ocean road coastline

6. Great Ocean Road Tour for 18-35 year olds only

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✅ Book it!

See the Great Ocean Road in style with this exclusive tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 18 to 35 year olds looking for adventure.

With private transportation, you’ll start your journey from one of several hostels in Melbourne. You’ll drive along the winding roads and make plenty of stops for photos at iconic locations, like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Great Otway National Park.

There’s no better way to get to know this stunning stretch of coastline than on this well-crafted tour.

This tour was amazing, Cameron was the best driver and guide and he really made this tour what it was. He provided so much information about all the sights and his enthusiasm was present all day, he has a genuine interest in the Great Ocean Road. It was a great experience and highly recommend doing this tour, truly amazing!” -Niamh_M (Read more reviews)

The Great Ocean Road Tour for 18-35 year olds offers a unique experience for young travellers. Not only will you see some of the most stunning sights in Australia, but you’ll also get to experience some of the most memorable moments as well.

The tour includes stops at Port Campbell National Park, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, The Razorback, Gibsons Steps and Loch Ard Gorge – all of which are incredible sights to behold. After these stops, the tour offers lunch at Apollo Bay, where you can enjoy some delicious meals and relax with your new friends.

The second half of the tour takes you to Kennett River, where you can observe wild koalas and birds in their natural habitat. Once there, head to The Lorne Pier for breathtaking views of the sea and Fairhaven Beach for a chance to take a dip in the water.

Finally, end your journey with a visit to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway – an iconic symbol that commemorates Australian history.

From breathtaking views to wild animal encounters – this Great Ocean Road Tour provides everything you need for an unforgettable experience! Join now and make memories that last a lifetime!

Important details

  • Start time: 
  • 6:45 am – Base Backpackers Hostel St Kilda 6:55 am – YHA Central 7:00 am – Corner King and Little Bourke Streets (in front of Melbourne City Backpackers) 7:05 am – The Village Melbourne Hostel 7:10 am – Space Hotel.
  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Includes: Coffee and/or Tea and Air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch is not included.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Loch Ard Gorge one of the most tourist attraction place along the way of Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia.

7. Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour from Melbourne

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10-12 hours | ✅ Book it!

The Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour is a must-do excursion from Melbourne for any travellers wanting to explore the best of Victoria’s natural beauty.

Spend a full day exploring the landmarks of the Great Ocean Road; watching the sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles rock formation, passing through lush Otway Ranges and spotting koalas, visiting landmarks in Port Campbell National Park and more.

These stunning coastal views will offer plenty of photo ops and are sure to leave you with amazing memories that will last a lifetime. So why not take an adventure and explore this incredible route today!

The view on The Great Ocean Road was mesmerising. Our guide, Aaron, was both informative, cool and funny. The tour was really unforgettable.” -MohammedYazid_B (Read more reviews)

Explore the idyllic seaside town of Anglesea! Capture a beautiful photo at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway and marvel at the stunning views of the coast. Then, take a drive to Kennet River in Otway Ranges for lush green forests and calm waters.

Take in all the beauty that Australia’s Shipwreck Coast has to offer by visiting Loch Ard, the most famous ship of this region.

And don’t miss out on experiencing one of nature’s best displays – an unforgettable sunset with the 12 Apostles as its backdrop.

If you’re lucky, your guide might even be able to squeeze in a quick visit to Gibson Steps! Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour from Melbourne is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy all these breathtaking sights and more!

Important details

  • Start time: Your exact meeting time will be provided after a booking is placed. Pickup is only available from the list of hotels provided upon checkout. Your pickup will be between 9am-10am (April-October) & 10am-11am (November-March) depending on which hotel you selected.
  • Duration: 10-12 hours
  • Includes: Friendly & Informative Tour Guide, Pickup from Selected Hotels, Air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Famous Cape Otway lighthouse near the Great Ocean Road on southern coast of Victoria state, Australia. The oldest lighthouse in Australia

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FAQs About melbourne to great ocean road Tours

How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?

The Great Ocean Road is approximately 250 km west of Melbourne.

What is the best way to get to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?

The most common way to get to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is by car. Depending on traffic, it should take about 3-4 hours for a one-way trip. Alternatively, there are some tour companies that offer coach tours from Melbourne city centre or airport directly to the Great Ocean Road.

What kind of attractions can I expect along the Great Ocean Road?

Along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be able to experience beautiful scenery including coastal cliff formations such as The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, Australian wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos, and picturesque seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne.

How many days do I need to explore the whole stretch of the Great Ocean Road?

It can take anywhere between 2-3 days depending on how much time you want to spend at each attraction along the road. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, 4 days would provide enough time to properly explore all of its highlights or enjoy an express tour to see as much as you can in 1 day. .

Taking Tours of Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is a PERFECT way to check out all of the famous sites while being able to site back and actually enjoy the scenery!

Final Thoughts: touring the great ocean road

The Great Ocean Road is an incredible journey that should not be missed! Whether you’re looking for a day tour or planning a longer road trip, taking in all the amazing sights is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories and plenty of stories to tell.

With a tour operator, you can sit back and relax while someone else drives so you can take it all in without worrying about navigating or parking.

What better way to explore the wonders of the south coast than on board a comfortable coach? So why not book your day tour today and experience the beauty of Australia’s most iconic coastal drive?

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Author

  • Sam

    Sam is a seasoned solo traveler who’s explored four continents and visited 49 countries, making her a trusted authority in travel planning—especially for solo female adventurers. Through her website, Travelling King, Sam offers tailored itineraries and expert guides designed to make every trip seamless and unforgettable. Whether it’s luxury escapes, quick getaways, or in-depth destination guides, her expertise keeps her at the forefront of the solo travel community, inspiring women to explore the world confidently and independently.

    View all posts https://www.tiktok.com/@travellingkng

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