Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles & Rainforest Tour

Spotswood, Melbourne



Travel the Great Ocean Road, over 200 kilometers of spectacular coastline with jaw-dropping ocean views and ancient rainforests. Visit the iconic 12 apostles, explore beaches, and spot wild koalas.

This full-day guided tour explores the Great Ocean Road, Otway National Park, and coastal landmarks near Melbourne, suitable for nature and history enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Discover the historical Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
  • Enjoy a beach walk, coastal views, and seaside town visits
  • Take a guided walk through Otway National Park rainforest
  • Visit the Twelve Apostles and a secluded beach at Loch Ard Gorge

Description

Depart Melbourne early morning via the Westgate Bridge to maximize your Great Ocean Road experience. After approximately one hour of driving, pause at a popular surf beach near Anglesea for a break. Continue to the Memorial Arch, honoring World War I returned soldiers who helped build the 151-mile road.

The journey progresses along the coast, offering ocean, beach, and cliff views. Your guide will assist with spotting koalas in eucalyptus trees along the route. Stop for lunch in Apollo Bay (lunch not included) before entering the Otway Rainforest, where the road diverges from the ocean.

Take a 30-minute guided walk amid towering rainforest trees. The tour then continues through the forest back to the coastline, reaching the Shipwreck Coast. Spend ample time exploring the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, with your guide sharing local shipwreck stories.

The day concludes with a return drive to Melbourne, providing time to reflect on the day’s sights.

Includes

  • Guided rainforest walk
  • National Park entry fees
  • Koala spotting opportunities
  • Bus transportation with onboard WiFi
  • Hosted by a local, knowledgeable tour guide
  • Live commentary in English, with a translation app available for 10 languages including Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish

Excludes

  • Food and beverages
  • Personal expenses

Important Information

  • Provide a contact number to assist with morning pickups
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes before departure to ensure boarding
  • A translation app is available onboard in multiple languages; headphones are not provided
  • Booking vouchers do not need to be printed; a paperless boarding system is used

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

For a smooth trip, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and consider packing snacks. The best time to visit is during daylight for optimal views and wildlife spotting.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, Otway National Park rainforest walk, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and coastal towns near Melbourne.
The tour departs from Melbourne, typically crossing the Westgate Bridge before heading towards the Great Ocean Road.
The tour is a full-day experience, usually lasting around 10 to 12 hours from Melbourne.
Yes, the tour includes opportunities for beach walks at locations such as Loch Ard Gorge and other coastal areas near Melbourne.
The guided rainforest walk is generally accessible but may involve uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.
The tour can be taken year-round from Melbourne; check the weather forecast for coastal conditions and tour availability.
It's recommended to bring water and snacks, although some tours may include stops at seaside towns where you can purchase refreshments.
Restroom stops are included at various points along the route, including towns and park facilities near Melbourne.
Yes, photography is allowed at all stops including the Twelve Apostles, Otway rainforest, and coastal viewpoints near Melbourne.
Yes, the tour is suitable for families but involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so younger children should be supervised.

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