1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Experience and enjoy the Great Ocean Road. Every twist and turn exposes you to stretches of broad, uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines, lots of wildlife and the lush rainforests.
During this 1 day trip we'll visit Cape Otway, Lorne, Apollo Bay, London Bridge, 12 Apostles & Shipwreck Coast. You'll make new friends, eat good food and explore the Great Ocean Road
- Small Group Adventure
- All Fees & Taxes
- Knowledgable/Experienced Guide
- Tea / coffee / biscuits
- Great Lunch Options
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Accommodation Pickup/Drop Off
- 12 Apostles & Shipwreck Coast
- Cape Otway & Lorne
- Apollo Bay
- Spot wild Koalas
- Trip length:
- 1 Day
- Group size:
- Max 34
- Start:
- Melbourne
- End:
- Melbourne
- Vehicle:
- Airconditoned 4WD Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- N/A
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Travel with us along the Great Ocean Road spanning 192 kilometres from Anglesea to the Port Campbell National Park along Victoria’s southern coastline.read less
We make our way to our first highlight, the Memorial Arch. Listed as a National Heritage, the war memorial archway is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Stop for a photo in front of the Great Ocean Road sign before we begin winding our way along one of the greatest coastal roads in the world.
Great Ocean Road Tour
We will be keeping our eyes out to spot Australian wildlife throughout the day. If you’re lucky enough, you may see some Kangaroos and listen to the songs of lovely birds native to Australia such as Kookaburras, King Parrots, Yellow Robins, Fairy-Wrens, and much more.
Coastal Villages
We will visit the quaint coastal town of Apollo Bay in southwestern Victoria. Located on the east side of Cape Otway, Apollo Bay is a natural resort town where you can explore its rich rainforests filled with waterfalls, streams, lush vegetation, and exotic wildlife. We will stop here for lunch at your own expense. Enjoy a cafe dining experience or a picnic down the beach – the choice is yours.
Cape Otway National Park
Explore the Great Otway National Park with your tour guide and learn about this incredible ancient rainforest. Witness with towering centuries-old eucalyptus trees, thousand year old lush ferns, magnificent wetlands, a variety of native birds, and many different species of wild animals.
The 12 Apostles
Be mesmerized by the famous 12 Apostles and soak in the splendour of the rock formations’ allure and magnificence. Let the towering cliffs dwarf you as the raging waters of the surf pound on the rocks below. Witness the changing colours of the sky and sea as the sun slowly sinks behind the giant limestones. You can see the Gog and Magog from the viewing platform at the 12 Apostles with views of Gibson Steps in the distance. An incredible highlight of your Great Ocean Road Tour.
Loch Ard Gorge
Get lost in the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge while learning from our tour guide some history of the area’s famous shipwrecks. There had been over 200 shipwrecks between Port Fairy and Cape Otway. Hear the harrowing story of two young survivors of the Loch Ard Ship Wreck in 1878. Marvel at the formations of Island Archway, Razorback and the Salt and Pepper Shakers.
Return to Melbourne
As we head back to Melbourne, we will have a stop in the town of Colac for dinner at your own expense.
This Great Ocean Road Tour includes all entry fees. Our friendly, hospitable, and informative tour guide will point you to some interesting sites and facts and will entertain you with stories and tales. We have a modern air-conditioned bus with experienced driver to pick you up and drop you off at your inner city hotel.
Bring a sense of adventure together with your warm clothes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Bring your camera so you can record your adventure and experience with us in this Great Ocean Road tour.
Departure / Arrival
This tour departs Melbourne from the following meeting points at 7am:
- Athenaeum Theatre - 188 Collins St Melbourne
- Bunnings Waurn Ponds - 237 Colac Road Outside the front door
- Crown Promenade - 8 Whiteman St Queensbridge St Southbank
- Holiday Inn - 575 Flinders Lane Melbourne
- Ibis on Therry - 15-21 Therry St Melbourne
- Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St Cnr Market St Melbourne
- Newport Bus Interchange - Mason St Newport
- Pegasus Apart Hotel - 206 ABeckett St Melbourne
- Space Hotel - 380 Russell St Melbourne
- The Savoy Hotel - 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
- Windsor Hotel - 111 Spring St Melbourne
- YHA Melbourne Metro - 78 Howard St North Melbourne
Start / Finish
Tour Starts:
Melbourne CBD Area
- 07:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel
- 08:30 - Bunnings Waurn Ponds
- 07:40 - Crown Towers
- 07:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- 07:35 - Immigration Museum
- 07:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel
- 06:55 - Pegasus Apart Hotel
- 07:05 - Space Hotel
- 07:25 - The Savoy Hotel
Tour Finishes
Melbourne CBD Area at approximately 6pm
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes.
- Warm jacket
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Custom-prepared airconditioned mini bus
- Pickup from Accommodation in CBD area
MEALS
- Morning Tea and coffee
OTHER
- Park entry fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How much luggage can I take?
You may bring a backpack and suitcases and it will be stored securely in our trailer or under the bus during the trip. We recommend bring a smaller day pack to store your daily essentials such as drinks, jackets and sunscreen while on tour.
Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?
During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance.
If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.
Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?
Generally you will not have enough time to do laundry whilst on tour. You will be having far too much fun! However, for longer tours heading towards Adelaide involving hostel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes if really need. Please enquire by contact us directly via email or phone.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours in the Northern Territory you will need a sleeping bag. The Northern Territory can get very cold at night, especially during the months of June and July. If you don't have one then they are available for hire. Please refer to the "What to bring" section of the tour page for pricing.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended.
Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Can I get online whilst travelling?
For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe.
This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
For camping tours internet will not be available.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
If you are using Telstra as your mobile service provider than most likely yes! Their coverage of Australia is quite extensive so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.
However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself.
If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible.
Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and its many facets. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast - although there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
How many people will be on tour?
Group sizes vary from tour to tour. You can find the size of your group by checking out information at the top right hand corner of the tour page. Group sizes range of 5 - 24 people.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Not really. The centre of Australia is quite dry and there is very few places where we are allowed to swim. However, for tours heading upwards towards Darwin there may be areas for swimming. If you aren't able to swim then you don't need to go into the water. In many cases there may be shallow areas when you can still get wet without having to actually swim. Please contact us for more information.
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
What will the food be like?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve picnic sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner - This can vary between pastas, bbqs, rices and other hearty food to keep you energized! We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations.
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.