Private Great Ocean Road Day Tour With Early Departure (12 Hours)
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This Private Tour of the Great Ocean Road departs early (7am) with a direct pick-up from you Melbourne CBD hotel, so you arrive before other tour groups and avoid the crowds at most lookouts.
We are real locals and true specialists of The Great Ocean Road. Our tours offer premium service that includes lunch and snacks. Spend a full day of sightseeing including the Shipwreck Coast, with more stops than usual plus extra time to linger at two of the most popular sites - The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
- Early Departure 7am (6:45 for some locations)
- Direct hotel pick up in the morning
- We are Ahead of the Crowds and have lookouts to ourselves
- This is a Private Tour - Only your group will travel
- Our local Experience
- We specialise in ONLY The Great Ocean Road
- Snack Pack
- More Photo Stops
- See Kangaroos, Koalas and Native Birds in the Bush
- Choose to upgrade your tour by adding an extra hour (can be added later)
(Over 12 years old only)
Available options
Great Ocean Road Day Tour With Early Departure
Duration: 12 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Direct Hotel Pickup in the Morning (7am)
Local Expert Guide dedicated to your group
Fruit & snacks
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private Tour and Personal Driver/Guide (Only your group will travel)
Detailed itinerary
1
Near Bells Beach we search for Wild Kangaroos in the bush
2
Views of Anglesea Beach from Various Locations
3
Views of this magnificent beach
4
The Great ocean Road Sign
5
Toilet Stop and Beach Views
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Travel from Lorne to Apollo Bay with various photo stops
7
A great place to spot koala's in the wild
8
The best lookout on the Great Ocean Road
9
Stunning scenery and one of the best beaches in Australia
10
Stop 10
Time to see these Magnificent Limestone pillars, Created from 16 thousand years of erosion.
11
Stop 11
More exploring at this stunning multi viewing area. Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge Beach and Shipwreck Walk
12
We drive home through Farmland including Dairy, Cattle and Sheep and crops.
13
One of the best way to see the 12 Apostles and the nearby rock formations is by Air. The 12 Apostles Helicopter Company is a local institution with a perfect safety record to boot. They offer a number of different joy flight durations with professional qualified pilots.
We recommend you choose our 'Extended 14 hour Tour' if you want to include a joy flight, as you may require additional time for the pre-booking process and for the flight itself.
All joy flights are at additional expense and can be booked on the day via your guide (no need to pre-book).
14
This is our final stop. Not as well know as the 12 Apostles, but equally as impressive. You will also get a chance to walk down to the beach and hear the story of the famous ship wreck at nearby Loch Ard Gorge
What's not included
Gratuities
Children under 12 cannot travel with us. We apologise for this inconvenience.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
12 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
210 reviews
5★
193
4★
10
3★
1
2★
2
1★
4
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pickup times will be advised at least 24 hours prior to the tour departure. Your guide will send a text message to re-confirm the Pick up location and time.
Please call / text us on +61 466 888 775 to discuss the many different options you have on this tour, including the option to upgrade your Great Ocean Road experience.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
No children under 12 years of age
We have a strict 24 Hours No Refund Cancellation Policy due to the limited and nature of out tours
Driving time is 8 hours. If you get motion / travel sickness we do NOT recommend you choose this tour. We offer a 2 day tour which would be much more suitable.
Important notes
You must advise us at least 24 hours in advance, or the hotel address that you require a Pick Up from. It must be with the the CBD Grid, Southbank or Docklands area. If it is outside of these areas, you must make your own way into Melbourne City Centre area to one of our designated listed hotel picks-up locations, or meet us at our 'Generic Pick Up Point'. Pick up will be at 6am sharp. Please be waiting at the entrance to your hotel at this time.
Generic pick up point is Eureka Tower, Southbank at 6am. You must check your email the evening before your tour for final Pickup Instructions.
About Melbourne
Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.
Top Attractions
Federation Square
Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
Cultural
1-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have entry fees)
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.
Nature
1-3 hours
Free
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.
Sports
1-3 hours (longer for events)
Free to enter (tours and events have fees)
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.
Scenic Drive
Full day or overnight trip
Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.
Market
1-3 hours
Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.
Art
1-3 hours
Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Avocado Toast
A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.
Breakfast
Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)
Lamb Rump
A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.
Dinner
Contains meat
Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.
Dessert
Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)
Flat White
A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.
Drink
Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges
Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley
Kayaking on the Yarra River
Spa and wellness retreats
Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending live performances and events
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
- • Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center
By train
Southern Cross Station
By bus
Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fitzroy
St Kilda
Carlton
Southbank
Brunswick
Day trips
Yarra Valley
60 km from Melbourne • Full day
The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.
Mornington Peninsula
80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight
The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.
Phillip Island
140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight
Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
Festivals
Australian Open • Mid-January
Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August
Pro tips
- Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
- Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
- Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
- Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
- Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes
$360
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
