Go West Tours Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

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A Great Ocean Road day from Melbourne that leaves later than most tours, so the coast is quieter when you reach it and you are at the Twelve Apostles as the sun goes down. Small groups of up to 24, with koala spotting at Kennett River and the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck story on the way.

Days

12 hours

Age

All ages; infant and booster seats for 0 to 5 on request

Group size

Small group, max 24

Start / finish

Melbourne / Twelve Apostles / Melbourne
Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight

Return

Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight

Transport

Small touring bus with upgraded seating and wi-fi

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Go West Tours Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

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Included experiences

Anglesea — walk along the Anglesea River
Kennett River — look for wild koalas in the gum trees
Otway Ranges — drive through the forest with photo stops
Loch Ard Gorge — the shipwreck story from the lookouts above
Twelve Apostles — watch the sunset over the limestone stacks

Go West Tours Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE MORNING: MELBOURNE TO THE SURF COAST

This tour leaves later than most, so the crowds have moved on by the time you reach the coast. Pick-ups run between about 9 and 11am depending on the season, and the bus heads off at around 10am over the West Gate Bridge, 2.6 km long and 58 metres above the Yarra, with the city and Port Phillip Bay behind you. Your guide talks you past Geelong and through the beach towns of the Surf Coast. The first stop is Anglesea, a quiet holiday town where you can stretch your legs along the Anglesea River before it meets the sea.

MIDDAY: THE ARCH, LORNE AND KENNETT RIVER

Just past Anglesea you reach the Memorial Arch at Eastern View. The Great Ocean Road was built by about 3,000 returned First World War soldiers between 1919 and 1932, and it is still the largest war memorial in the world. Lunch, at your own cost, follows the season. In summer it's Lorne, home since 1979 of the Pier to Pub, a 1.2 km ocean swim that draws thousands every January. In winter it's Kennett River, where you walk among the eucalypts looking up for the wild koalas that live in the forest. Most groups spot some, though wild animals can't be promised.

AFTERNOON: THE OTWAYS AND LOCH ARD GORGE

The road climbs into the Otway Ranges, among the wettest country in Victoria, where tall mountain ash and fern gullies crowd the road, then drops back to the cliffs of the Shipwreck Coast and Port Campbell National Park, with photo stops on the way. At Loch Ard Gorge your guide tells the story of the clipper Loch Ard, which struck nearby Mutton Bird Island on 1 June 1878. Of 54 people on board, only two teenagers lived: Tom Pearce, who pulled Eva Carmichael from the surf and sheltered her in a cave in the gorge. From the clifftop viewpoints you look over the gorge and rock shapes such as the Razorback and Island Archway.

SUNSET: THE TWELVE APOSTLES AND HOME

The day is timed to reach the Twelve Apostles as the sun goes down. These limestone stacks, some up to 45 metres tall, were cut from the mainland cliffs by the Southern Ocean, and there have never really been twelve; one collapsed in 2005 and the sea keeps working on the rest. With the day-trippers gone, the light turns the stone orange and then pink. Afterwards there's a short dinner stop on the way back, at your own cost, and you're dropped at your inner-city accommodation between about 9pm and midnight, depending on the season.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Melbourne city hotels. Your actual pick-up point and time may differ from the one you choose and will be shown on your ticket. Pick-up points at Torquay and Waurn Ponds may also be possible; ask when you book.
Departure time: Pick-ups between about 9am and 11am, depending on the season; the bus leaves the city at around 10am.
Finishes: Back at inner-city accommodation between 9pm and midnight, depending on the season and sunset time.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 15 and under pay the child fare; under-16s travel with a parent or guardian. Infant and booster seats for ages 0 to 5 are limited each day, so ask for one when you book.
Fitness: Short, easy walks at each stop. Wheelchairs cannot be carried, as there is no safe storage on the bus.
Dietary needs: Most food stops can do gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan, and you are welcome to bring your own food.
Please note: There is no room for prams, strollers or luggage; bring a small day pack only. Seats are first come, first served. The tour is in English and runs rain or shine. This tour does not include the Maits Rest rainforest walk.

What to bring

Layers — Melbourne weather changes quickly, and the coast is cool after dark
Comfortable walking shoes
Refillable water bottle
Snacks if you like
Power bank — there is no charging on the bus
Headphones for the audio guide app
Swimsuit and towel if you want a dip at one of the beaches
Card or cash for meals

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at selected Melbourne city hotels
English-speaking guide
Audio guide in 16 languages through the free Go West Tours app
Small touring bus with upgraded seating and air-conditioning
Onboard wi-fi
All national park entry fees

Not included

Lunch and dinner — bought at the stops, or bring your own
Helicopter flights (not allowed at sunset, so none on this tour)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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 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 carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed 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 or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

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.

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, try to book 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.

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.

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 it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share 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. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

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.

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.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

I booked the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour and Rachel, our guide and driver, was excellent. She shared her favourite local spots and stories, played Hangman with us on the whiteboard when we were stuck in traffic, took great photos for us, and even stopped so we could photograph a koala crossing the road.

Jerry Li Verified· Travelled 24th October 2026

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