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• November 28, 2022

Great Ocean Road Tour Comparisons

Use these Great Ocean Road tour comparisons to decide whether to take a Day Tour or Sunset tour of this amazing destination near Melbourne. 

The Great Ocean Road is an iconic touring destination just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Australia. After 22 years of operating tours to this fantastic destination, we know a thing or two about touring the road. We’ve put together two tours that let you experience nature, wildlife, coast, ocean and rainforest – along the Great Ocean Road. 

From cruising the Surf Coast to viewing the incredible 12 Apostles, this is a day with plenty of action and breathtaking moments. Here we compare our two Great Ocean Road tours to help you decide which one to take.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne

Our Great Ocean Road day tour is for anyone who wants to experience the original and the best day tour from Melbourne. This is the first tour Go West ran back in 2000 when the company first began. While the itinerary has been improved over the years, the aim of the tour is still the same – showcase the best of the Great Ocean Road. 

What’s included:

• Spend the day touring the famous Great Ocean Road, with incredible views around  every turn
• Enjoy coffee, tea and cake at our first stop on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
• Visit the Memorial Arch and learn about the history and construction of the Great Ocean Road
• See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
• Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay for a lunch break, with your choice of many cuisines on offer
• Take a walk through towering eucalyptus trees and lush ferns in the Otway Rainforest at Maits Rest Walk 
• Visit the coastal look out for the most famous view – the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
• Time permitting, walk down the staircase carved into the cliffs at Gibson Steps
• Visit the incredible beach at Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck

What’s not included: Compared to the Sunset Tour, the Day Tour doesn’t include a visit to the Twelve Apostles Lookout for sunset. It does include a visit to the Twelve Apostles in the afternoon, with plenty of time to explore, marvel at the views and take photos. However, if you want to be at this location for the sunset, this is not included in this tour. 

Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne

Our Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road is great for anyone that has limited time or wants to avoid the crowds on the Great Ocean Road. It also has the bonus of sunset at the 12 Apostles. The tour departs the city later than other tours, meaning you can start your day with a sleep in and we won’t be touring the road at the same time as most of the other bus groups. The highlight of this tour is being at the most famous location on the Great Ocean Road after the crowds have left and while the sun sets. 

What’s included on the Sunset Tour:

• Depart Melbourne later in the day to tour the famous Great Ocean Road, with incredible views around every bend
• Visit the Memorial Arch to learn about the construction of the Great Ocean Road
• See wild koalas in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
• Enjoy a lunch break in one of the Great Ocean Road’s scenic coastal towns 
• Drive through the Great Otway National Park
• Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
• Visit the famous 12 Apostles at dusk to watch the sunset and stay to see the colours lighting up the sky 

What’s not included on the Sunset Tour: Compared to the Day Tour, the Sunset Tour does not include morning tea or a walk in the rainforest at Maits Rest. Also the lunch stop is not in Apollo Bay, but in another seaside town on the Great Ocean Road. 

What is included in both Great Ocean Road Tours

• A scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road from the Surf Coast to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge 
• Both tours include plenty of opportunities to get out of the bus and explore the great destinations along this iconic road
• A friendly and knowledgeable tour guide who will be your host and driver for the day 
• All our tour depart from Melbourne and are family friendly
• Hotel pickups and drop offs are included in both of these tours. You can nominate your preferred pick up location when making your booking. 
• For both tours guests will travel in our 24-seater buses with upgraded seating 

Wondering what other tours you could take in Melbourne?

Melbourne has some fantastic day trip destinations that you might want to visit along with a tour of the Great Ocean Road. If you’ve got time during your visit to Melbourne, consider taking one of these other great tours. 

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

Our ultimate Melbourne wildlife tour first visits the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Then Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade.

Peninsula Hot Springs Day Tour 

Enjoy a morning of relaxation and pampering at the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs. Followed by an afternoon exploring some of the Peninsula’s best lookouts.

Grampians National Park

Put on your walking shoes and join your guide to discover waterfalls, wilderness and wildlife in the Grampians National Park. 

Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour

Join our Gourmet Tour to the Yarra Valley to taste wines, cheese, chocolate and more – as well as indulge in a gourmet winery lunch. 

Wilsons Promontory Day Tour 

Explore Wilson Promontory National Park to discover pristine beaches, native Australian wildlife, idyllic coastal views and untouched bushland.

Puffing Billy + Penguins Day Tour

For a day of iconic Melbourne experiences, our Puffing Billy Tour will have you riding a century-old steam train, meeting native Australian animals and watching the world famous penguin parade. 

Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au

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1 day great ocean road day tour - go west.

Experience the spectacular Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Your small, personalized eco tour takes you in a comfortable 24-seater touring vehicle along the winding Great Ocean Road. Go West is a premium service offering you the very best of the Great Ocean Road region.

From AU$155

Make a booking with your preferred option.

• Scenic coastal drive with iconic landmarks
• Highlights include Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Expert guide providing insightful commentary
• All transfers in air-conditioned comfort
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• Morning tea
• All National Park entry fees and taxes
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Bus Tours to the 12 Apostles from Melbourne

Day & Overnight Bus Tours along the Great Ocean Road

Day tours by bus from Melbourne and return operate all year, if you prefer not to self-drive along the Great Ocean Road , an organized bus tour is a perfect option. A number of bus tour companies operate one-day and multi-day trips along the coast to the 12 Apostles.

Our map with 50 of the best highlights along the Great Ocean Road will help you to discover what to expect on a tour to Australia’s most visited destination.

Cheap Great Ocean Road Tour

Finding the best cheap Great Ocean Road tour for one or two days is something many budget travelers search for. The cheapest way to tour is by sharing a rental car or campervan with friends or a group .

If this is not something you want to do, the numerous day tours we recommend below, leaving from Melbourne and touring along the Great Ocean Road are a budget-friendly way to travel. Visitors can also opt for a tour that goes on to Adelaide or via the Grampian Mountains.

Bus Tours – Great Ocean Road

Listed below, we have handpicked the best  Great Ocean Road Tour options. We suggest using the small bus tour companies – fewer passengers and generally more time to see the sights. Read all the details of the tours on offer to decide which one suits you best.tour the Great Ocean Road by bus – 1 day or more?

Tour the Great Ocean Road by bus – 1 day or more?

Do you want to spend just a day, or maybe two? Are you planning on continuing on to Adelaide – then a trip that takes you along the Ocean Road, through the Grampian Mountains, and to Adelaide might be the best choice.

As a former small group tour operator/guide on the Ocean Road with years of experience and having done a couple of hundred trips in the region, I definitely want your experience along the Great Ocean Road to be the best it can be which is why these companies have all been recommended as being experts with awesome bus tours to offer travelers.

We do recommend spending more than one day visiting the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles … but, if one day is what you prefer or all the time you have available – Do it!

These tours can all be booked easily through ‘ Get Your Guide’ one of the largest online tour companies.

Go West Eco Tours – 1 Day Tour

Go West is a well established small bus tour company that has earned itself an excellent reputation over many years, since last-century in fact. This one-day tour stops at all the highlights of the Great Ocean Road including a beautiful rain forest walk along the way.

Read more about the one-day Great Ocean Road tour with Go West

Aat kings large coach 1 day tour.

AAT Kings is a large bus company that has been operating for a long time. They run 1-day tours using full-size coaches that carry 50 or more passengers. If you prefer to be on a big bus for the tour, AAT Kings might be ideal.

Read more about a 1 day Tour with AAT Kings

Wildlife 2 day great ocean road & grampians tour.

Wildlife Tours have been providing great tours for more than 20 years. They are a really well-established company and great value for money. This 2-day tour stays overnight in the Grampians, the first day is spent on the Great Ocean Road before driving to their accommodation in the Grampian Mountains.

Read more about the tours they offer.

Autopia tours 2 day great ocean road & otways.

Autopia Tours has been going for well over 20 years. This small bus company was one of the first backpacker style tour operators in Melbourne. I believe they are actually owned by one of the big bus companies now, but they still operate in the same way by offering small bus fun tours to travellers. This trip is great as they take passengers via Warrnambool then along to the 12 Apostles for sunset with an overnight stay in Port Campbell. The second day is spent cruising back along the Ocean Road to Melbourne. This tour is quite a bit different from most!

Read more about Autopia’s Two Day Tour

Bunyip tours 2 day great ocean road & phillip island.

Bunyip Tours , such a great name! Another long-established small bus tour company. This tour is a bit different and a good plan. The Bunyip bus takes passengers along to the beginning of the Great Ocean Road and does the trip in reverse. Travelers then stay overnight on the Bellarine Peninsula before crossing by ferry to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and then travel on down to Phillip Island and the famous Pengiun Parade.

Find out more about Bunyip Tours

Wildlife tours 3 day great ocean road & grampians.

Wildlife also operate a 3 day tour along the Great Ocean Road, staying the first night in Warrnambool before driving on to the Grampian Mountains the next day and spending a night there. This is a good value trip and allows for enough time to really enjoy two beautiful regions of Victoria

Find out more about this 3-day tour

Groovy grape tours – great ocean road to adelaide.

Groovy Grape Tours are loads of fun and have been operating tours for over 20 years. Groovy Grape Tours operate a 3 day tour along the Great Ocean Road, staying the first night in Warrnambool before driving on to the Grampian Mountains the next day and spending a night there. This is a good value trip and allows for enough time to really enjoy two beautiful regions of Victoria. They initially started out offering tours from Adelaide into the wine producing region of the Barossa Valley and now offer an action packed 3-day tour along the Ocean Road, into the Grampian Mountains and onto Adelaide (or vice versa). For visitors travelling on from Melbourne, this tour offers a fun way to travel between the two cities. Groovy Grape still run tours into the Barossa Valley as well as 5-day trips from Adelaide to Uluru (or in reverse).

Find out more about Groovy Grape Ocean Roa d Tours

Helicopter tours.

Well, this is one way to experience The Ocean Road in a day. Helicopter Tours operate out of Melbourne, offering a few different choices including a flight to the Twelve Apostles for lunch and then down to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins come ashore.

The pilot lands the helicopter by the 12 Apostles so passengers can take in the most famous section of the Ocean Road and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch – Proposals… Anniversaries… Just because you want to…

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Ferreting Out the Fun

Travel Tips and Inspiration for the Culturally Curious

Driving the Great Ocean Road with Go West Tours

Last updated on September 11, 2018 By Heather Hall 3 Comments

No trip to Australia would be complete without cruising the Great Ocean Road. This 250-kilometer highway stretches along the southern tip of the continent and provides jaw-dropping views of the coast. Surf towns dot the shores, koalas slumber in eucalyptus forests, and centuries of erosion are evident on steep sandstone cliffs which culminate in the Twelve Apostles rock formations.  So what’s the best way to experience the Great Ocean Road: self drive or tour ? I opted for the latter for two reasons. First, I was nervous to drive on the opposite side of the road from what I’m used to. Second, I was pressed for time on my two-week Australian holiday yet wanted to see as much as possible. The Great Ocean Road Day Tour offered by Go West Tours sounded like the perfect fit.

The journey began bright and early in Melbourne. I met Go West’s small air-conditioned bus near my hotel at 7am and was soon joined by about 20 other passengers (most of whom were German retirees). The mood was subdued as we groggily left the city, but our outgoing tour guide, Alex, soon had us wide awake with his interesting trivia and cheesy jokes. Alex also had a penchant for playing songs that corresponded to our route , and at times the bus felt like a big karaoke party! We made our first stop around 8:30am to enjoy instant coffee and store-bought cake at a peaceful spot along Australia’s Surf Coast. The autumn weather was overcast and chilly, but that didn’t stop surfers from plying the waves. We had enough time to stroll along the beach and visit the toilets before continuing on our journey.

After pausing for photos by the sign marking the entrance to the Great Ocean Road, we drove to the town of Torquay for another toilet break. Torquay is where surfing began in Australia and is home to popular brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. The town itself looked very charming and I wish we’d had more time to explore. Had I been driving, I would have lingered here awhile. But then I would likely have missed the eucalyptus grove our bus pulled into next. We spotted two wild koalas snoozing high up in the trees! Colorful birds also swooped in looking for food and attention.

Back on the bus, Alex circulated a menu and order form for our lunch, which was waiting at a Thai cafe in Apollo Bay when we rolled up at 1pm. We had just 45 minutes for lunch, so I appreciate that it was taken care of in advance, but would have preferred to sample fresh seafood at one of the town’s many other restaurants. As it was, most of us slurped down our serviceable noodles to spend the bulk of the allotted time exploring Apollo Bay. Nearly everyone arrived back at the bus with cups full of Dooley’s ice cream , an award-winning local brand .

As we pulled away from the coast, Alex cranked up the song from the Lion King (“In the jungle, the mighty jungle,”) signaling our next destination: Great Otway National Park . We strolled through Maits Rest, a lush primordial rain forest which Alex said was home to the world’s tallest trees after California Redwoods. Indeed, some were so large we could stand inside their trunks! I was most impressed, though, with the giant ferns that looked like they’d been growing since the Ice Age. We were warned (jokingly?) about flesh-eating snails, but everyone survived unscathed. The packed-earth walkways were slick with moisture, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Then, with the Rocky theme song playing, we finally reached what we’d all been waiting for – the Twelve Apostles ! The famous landmark is a grouping of limestone towers that have been shaped by eons of erosion. There use to be nine towers but one gave way to the crashing waves, so only eight remain standing. (They were dubbed “Twelve Apostles” as a marketing gimmick; Originally the rocks were called “Sow and Piglets.” I find that moniker much more charming.) Viewing platforms line the wind-swept cliffs so the formation can be admired from many different angles.

A short drive away, Gibson Steps lead down to the beach for a close-up view of two of the apostles. Take care, though. Several members of our tour group got a little too close and were drenched when they arrived back at the bus! It was an easy climb down the 86 steps, though they were a bit slippery. Alex said the staircase is often closed due to inclement weather and I certainly wouldn’t want to get caught there in a storm.

Our final stop of the day was Loch Ard Gorge . We were told that many shipwrecks have taken place in the rough water here. According to one story, two teenagers survived a wreck and miraculously washed ashore on the beach. Alex played “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic so we were expecting a great love story, but, alas, it was not to be. The rescued girl wasn’t interested in the boy and married someone else.

There are three well-marked walks on the cliffs around Loch Ard Gorge and we had enough time to complete them all. The landscape is constantly changing as the pounding waves take a toll on the crumbling rocks. Two of the current towers, nicknamed Tom and Eva in honor of the shipwreck survivors, use to be connected by an arch that recently collapsed. The power of the water is tremendous .

It was pitch dark on the ride back to Melbourne and the lack of street lights made me glad I wasn’t behind the wheel. At one point a kangaroo hopped across the road and our bus driver, Sue, barely managed to avoid hitting it! We stopped for dinner in a nondescript town with lots of fast food options and made it back to Melbourne around 9:30pm. It was a long, full day and we were exhausted by the end. If I’d had more time, self driving would have allowed for a much for relaxed pace. But we saw a ton in one day,  Alex made the adventure fun and memorable, and I enjoyed the camaraderie of my bus mates. Would I recommend Go West Tours? Absolutely!

Would you prefer to take a tour or drive the Great Ocean Road yourself? Tell me in the comments!

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Reader Interactions

September 13, 2018 at 11:56 am

What great pictures. You did see a lot in one day. Would be nice to go at a slower pace to do more exploring.

[…] The Great Ocean Road stretches for nearly 250 kilometers along the southwestern coast of Victoria, Australia. Instead of attempting to drive it myself – on the opposite side of the road! – I joined about 20 strangers on a Great Ocean Road day tour with Go West Tours. The small bus picked me up from my Melbourne hotel early in the morning and returned me there that same night. (Tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views.) Our tour guide, Alex, was a hoot, playing music that corresponded with our journey and sharing interesting tidbits along the way. We made more stops than I was expecting, giving us plenty of opportunities to stretch our legs and take photographs. The biggest treats came near the end, when we finally made it to Port Campbell National Park, home to the Twelve Apostles rock formations, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps. Incredible doesn’t begin to describe the experience! (You can read my full review here.) […]

[…] you have an extra day in Melbourne, I highly recommend taking a drive along the Great Ocean Road. For an idea of how to plan a two-week Australian holiday, click here to see my […]

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Great Ocean Road Tour – Go West Tours

About the Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours

I had looked forward to my tour of the Great Ocean Road with Go West Tours since I arrived in Melbourne and woke up excited and anxious for it to begin. Purchased at a cost of A$137, this tour would follow the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles. If everything remained on schedule, I would leave around 8:00 am and arrive back at 9:30 pm. A 6:45 am wakeup provided plenty of time to be ready for a 7:50 am pickup.

The bus arrived five minutes early at 7:45 am, and I learned that I was the last pickup. Being the last pickup meant that there was only one seat available toward the back of the bus. Thankfully, my seatmate was not a large man, and there was plenty of room.

Our tour guide introduced himself as Scott and told us to call him ScoMo, which amused some of the passengers as that is the nickname of the Australian Prime Minister. ScoMo was one of the best guides I’ve ever had and went out of his way to give me a specialized individual helicopter tour of the 12 Apostles. To achieve this, ScoMo dropped me off at a different site, shuttled all the passengers to the next stop, and then came back and waited for me to return from my helicopter ride. Scott definitely went above and beyond what was expected of a tour guide, and I sincerely thank him.

Great Ocean Road Tour - Table of Contents

Updated – May 14, 2023

• About the Tour
• Surfing Coast – Lorne Beach
• Memorial Arch
• Kennet River Koala Walk
• Apollo Bay – Lunch
• Great Otway National Park’s Temperate Rainforest
• Helicopter Tour – Twelve Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Colac – Dinner
• Conclusions

Great Ocean Road Tour Packages

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The Great Ocean Road Tour - Surfing Coast - Lorne Beach

Our first stop was at the historic beach area known as Lorne Beach. It is here that the surfing brand Billabong began and still has its headquarters today. After getting off the bus, there was a slight uphill walk to see a beautiful panoramic view of the entire beach. While it was not a windy day, the waves were still spectacular, and I took a few pictures looking in each direction.

During this stop, ScoMo set up hot drinks and cakes at a picnic area, providing a chance to have a light breakfast. I grabbed a delicious slice of blueberry cake and used the extra time to walk to another viewing area. Here, there was a small creek that was flowing into the ocean. It was fascinating to watch the creek fight against the surf to join the sea. In total, we spent around 45 minutes at this stop before we boarded the bus and set off to our next destination.

The Great Ocean Road's Memorial Arch

Our next stop was a brief stop at the Memorial Arch to the Great Ocean Road. ScoMo explained that following World War I, many soldiers returned to Australia needing work. The government wanted them to create something they could be proud of and commissioned the soldiers to build the Great Ocean Road. Most of the road was built by hand with no tools other than shovels and picks.

Our time at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch was short, as it took only ten minutes to take a picture in front of the arch. I took a few pictures and then got back on the bus excited to learn about the next destination ScoMo had asked if anyone was afraid of birds as we would soon be heading to someplace where birds would often land on people.

Great Ocean Road Tour - Kennet River Koala Walk

Just outside the town of Apollo Bay, our next stop was at a small forested area full of parrots, cockatoos, and koalas known as the Kennet River Koala Walk. This stop would provide a chance to see koalas and birds in their natural habitat.

The Kennet River Koala Walk was one of my favorites as my 3-year-old niece, not because of the koalas but because she loves birds. I was able to get a video of a bird on my head and multiple pictures of birds crawling all over me. Also, it was here that I was my first wild koala. Throughout the 30 minutes spent at this location, I saw four wild koalas and well over 100 parrots and cockatoos.

I should note that it is technically illegal to feed the birds. It is disappointing that despite being illegal and unhealthy, the food stand sells bird food. While I had birds land on me, I did not purchase any food, nor did I feed them. My lack of food probably explains the “dirty looks” the birds gave me just before they flew away.

The Great Ocean Road - Apollo Bay - Lunch

Apollo Bay was our next stop, and we were given just over 30 minutes for lunch. Although there were no fast-food restaurants, there were a variety of cafe-style eateries ranging from Chinese Noodles to burgers and fries. I tried my first Australian Meat Pie from the local bakery.

Meat pie is similar to a chicken pot pie but with beef instead of chicken. I feel like it is best described as beef stew inside a flaky crust. A sausage roll accompanied my meat pie, and both were delicious.

By the time I had finished eating, it was time to find the bus. Finding the bus was difficult as four Go West Busses were touring the Great Ocean Road, and all of them had stopped for lunch at the same time. Eventually, everyone found ScoMo, and we continued to our next stop.

Great Ocean Road Tour - Great Otway National Park’s Temperate Rainforest

After lunch, it was time to burn off some calories, and a guided walk of Great Otway National Park’s Temperate Rainforest was a perfect way to do so. Unfortunately, the usual walk known as Mait’s Rest was closed because of storm damage. It was slightly disappointing as Mait’s Rest is home to the Myrtle Beech Tree, which is the Redwood of Australia. Since Mait’s Rest was inaccessible, we went on a different hike slightly further down the road.

During our hike, we saw giant ferns and smaller Myrtle Beech Trees. I was also on the lookout for one of Australia’s deadliest predators, the Otway Black Snail. Before we disembarked from the bus, ScoMo told us a story about this deadly creature that wanted to eat us. It turns out; it was a carnivorous snail, and it would take weeks for it to actually eat the arm of a person. To ease our fears, ScoMo reminded us that if we encountered one of these snails, we could simply outrun it. Following the rainforest walk, we got back on the bus to head to the 12 Apostles.

Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles Helicopter Tour

The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. Despite their name, there are only seven apostles after one recently collapsed. On our way to the first viewing point, ScoMo had asked if anyone wanted to take a helicopter tour. He highly recommended it as the best possible purchase anyone could make. I decided to see the apostles by helicopter at an added cost of A$145.

After ScoMo dropped everyone else off at a viewing point, he shuttled me to the helicopter pad. There was quite a wait, and we were told it would take at least an hour before I could get on a helicopter. ScoMo gave me his cell number and told me to call him when I was done. While I waited, he drove the group to the next viewpoint and then turned around to come back and get me. It was an excellent individualized service, as he really wanted me to see the apostles from the air.

The helicopter ride took fifteen minutes, and there were four passengers in a ‘copter. I rode with a family that included both parents and their son. Since I was solo, I got to sit in the front while the family sat in the back. The pilot gave each of us headphones, so we could hear her narrate the ride.

As the helicopter turned around, a giant rainbow was visible right over the water. I had lucked out and just missed the rain. Fifteen minutes went by so quickly, but the ride provided a stunning view of the Twelve Apostles.

When we landed, and I disembarked, ScoMo was waiting for me. He wanted to make sure that I could as much time as possible at Loch Ard Gorge, the final stop of the tour.

The Great Ocean Road - Loch Ard Gorge

The final stop was Loch Ard Gorge. The gorge is named after the British Clipper Loch Ard, which was wrecked just off the shore in 1878. There were only two survivors of the wreck, two 19-year-olds named Tom and Eva. Today, the remnants of an arch where they swam ashore stand with two pillars named Eva and Tom.

I arrived at Loch Ard Gorge well after the rest of my tour group because of my helicopter ride. My late arrival allowed only about fifteen minutes total, which was just enough time to walk down to the shoreline of the gorge and take a few pictures.

Our final stop was at a viewpoint just passed Loch Ard Gorge.  At this viewpoint, there was a flock of birds that would rise up and down as an entire group using the wind.  I wish I had taken a video as it was extraordinary to watch.

Colac - Dinner

The drive back to Melbourne was three hours. Thankfully, one hour into the three-hour drive, we stopped for dinner in the town of Colac. ScoMo told us that Colac had some of Australia’s finest dining options, which included Subway, McDonald’s, a Noodle Shop, and Red Rooster. I had never had the opportunity to eat at Red Rooster, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered a sampler box which consisted of a chicken sandwich, fries, chicken nuggets, and deep-fried pineapple.

Following dinner, it was two hours to get back to Melbourne. Since I was the last one picked up, it meant I was the first one dropped off. I arrived at my hotel just before 9:30, exhausted but appreciative of the fun day.

Conclusions - Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours

The Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours is a fantastic way to see the sights of the Great Ocean Road. The itinerary allowed the perfect amount of time at each of the stops, and ScoMo was easily one of the best guides I’d ever toured with. Not only did he provide individualized service, ensuring I could take the helicopter tour, but also gave excellent commentary along the way. His commentary included, “look, there’s a koala in that tree.” It was amazing that ScoMo was able to remember the precise location of every koala on the Great Ocean Road.  I give this tour my highest recommendation and thank Go West and ScoMo for the wonderful tour of the Great Ocean Road.

There are many great tour packages for touring the Great Ocean Road.  Below are some of the packages that caught my eye.  I am an affiliate partner of Viator.  If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.

If you prefer to book the Great Ocean Road Tour directly with Go West Tours you can do so by clicking  HERE .  I do not receive any commission for packages booked directly with Go West Tours.

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Review Of Great Ocean Road Day Tour From Melbourne By Go West Tours

Published December 11, 2019

As part of my recent five-day trip to Melbourne, I booked a tour of the nearby Great Ocean Road . I decided to write up this quick review so that anyone considering visiting on a group tour will know what to expect. I booked mine with a company called  Go West Tours , and I was pretty happy with what they offered.

Whether you decide to book with Go West Tours or another company (or even explore on your own with a rental car), I highly recommend dedicating at least one day of a vacation in Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road. It’s an absolutely breathtaking drive that could easily be the highlight of your trip!

Summary of What We Did

I’ll start with a summary of the sites we stopped at on our tour. If you’d like to skip ahead to the section on things I liked and areas for improvement for Go West Tours, click here .

1. Hotel Pick-up

The tour started around 7:30 a.m. with a hotel pickup. I just had to walk across the street from where I was staying in Melbourne’s Chinatown and I found the van waiting for me.

2. Breakfast in Torquay

Our first stop was for a quick breakfast after everyone had been picked up. We ended up having coffee and pastries at the public beach park in the small town of  Torquay .

3. Great Ocean Road Arch

After actually turning onto the Great Ocean Road, we stopped for a few minutes to take some pictures of  the arch . Don’t forget to check out the statue on the left dedicated to the people who built the road in the 1800s.

4. Quick Stop in Lorne

This  surfer’s haven  is home to a number of high-end resorts and vacation homes, and we got out of the van for a few minutes here to stretch our legs and admire the town’s main beach.

5. Koala Spotting

Up next on the list: seeing koalas! We pulled off into a eucalyptus forest and walked for about ten minutes, eyes scanning the trees for any koalas. I think we stopped somewhere near  Point Hawdon  or Kennett River, but don’t quote me on that.

We did see maybe four or five, but three of them were clustered together on a single tree at the bottom of the hill. If you have a fancy camera lens or binoculars, bring it for this stop! The shadows in the trees make it a hard to see anything (like eyes or noses) in great detail. This was the best shot I got of them.

6. Lunch in Apollo Bay

By the time we pulled into the town of  Apollo Bay , I was starving. Luckily, it turned out to be the perfect place for lunch: the main road had tons of options. I went for fish and chips at  George’s Food Court , which had a huge dining room and served other standards like pizza and burgers.

Apollo Bay looked like an especially beautiful little town that I would’ve liked to explore just a bit more if I had the time. Unfortunately, we had to get right back on the bus to head to our next destination.

7. Rainforest Hike near Great Otway National Park

After lunch, the landscape changed dramatically from rolling seaside hills to a dense rainforest. The road at this point turns inland, and our guide explained all the ways in which this particular forest was a fascinating and unique ecosystem. We drove through Otway National Park before getting out at the smaller  Melba Gully State Park  for a walk.

This short hike ended with a waterfall, but I found the unusual ferns in the forest much more interesting than the little gurgling stream at the end.

8. The Twelve Apostles

Perhaps the most famous and photographed portion of the Great Ocean Road is known as the Shipwreck Coast , which is home to some really stunning cliffs as well as the  Twelve Apostles , which are the limestone formations jutting out of the ocean as seen below.

It’s awesome to watch the huge waves come crashing onto shore here, and luckily there are great views on both sides of the narrow walkway overlooking the ocean. Be warned, though: there are a ton of tourists here!

9. Loch Ard Gorge, Island Arch, and the Razorback

This was probably the most impressive stop on our tour, partly because it wasn’t nearly as crowded as the Twelve Apostles, but also because it’s just incredibly beautiful . There were three different things to check out here: the Loch Ard Gorge, the Island Arch, and the Razorback.

The Loch Ard Gorge

This  lagoon  is almost completely surrounded by huge limestone cliffs and boasts crystal clear blue waters. A narrow staircase leads down to the sandy beach, where you can dip your toes in the water or swim if you have time.

The Island Arch

The  Island Arch  is shown in the picture below. It’s worth a quick glance, but I’d recommend spending most of your time admiring either the gorge or the Razorback, discussed next.

The Razorback

You could definitely argue that the  Razorback  is as impressive as the Twelve Apostles, but I for one am glad that the tourist crowd here was significantly smaller. This narrow stretch of rock that’s technically an island has amazing formations on its top, including a small arch. Don’t miss seeing this one!

10. Dinner in Colac

For dinner, we stopped in the small town of  Colac , which is further inland. There were a couple of options along the main road, and I decided to try the town’s phở restaurant.

Since we ended up driving back on a faster route to return to Melbourne, I really enjoyed seeing all of the fields of the countryside. Victoria has a lot of sheep and cattle farms, and it was very interesting to see the animals grazing in the fields.

11. Hotel Drop-off

Finally, we made it back to Melbourne at around 8:30 p.m. It was a long day, but well worth the effort!

Logistics of Booking

I booked my trip through a third-part website called  GetYourGuide  (specific listing can be found  here ), and booking went smoothly. The tour cost about $100 USD for one person, and I received a confirmation email after booking. I wasn’t asked to present any form of voucher or QR code at pickup, only a name confirmation. I had one small issue related to GetYourGuide, which I discuss in detail below .

Review of Go West Tours

Let me start off by saying that overall, Go West Tours did a good job. It was pretty clear that they cared about making the experience as interactive as engaging as possible, which was probably the most important thing for a long van tour like this. Below you can read the things I liked specifically and possible areas of improvement.

Things They Did Well

1. our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly..

The thing I appreciated most was how much knowledge our tour guide had about everything we saw. He told us about the history of the towns we passed through, some of the animal species we encountered, and the geology behind the stunning Shipwreck Coast. Longer stretches of driving were broken up perfectly by facts, stories, and anecdotes.

2. Our tour group size was optimal.

Another thing I liked about this tour was the group size. Each vehicle had a maximum number of 24 passengers, and this ended up being an ideal number for this kind of tour. You’ll see other tour buses along the various stops you make, and some are massive. I can only imagine that listening to a guide speak on a bus like that would feel more like a series of lectures than a conversation.

3. They made an attempt to have guests get to know each other.

The last thing I liked about this tour was that they made an effort to have people actually talk to each other. Not all tours do this, and I’ve been on at least one in recent memory in India where no one really talked to each other because the guide didn’t really facilitate any conversation between visitors. Go West Tours was basically the opposite, which was quite refreshing.

Possible Areas for Improvement

1. i felt just a little bit carsick..

As I’m sure you can imagine, a thirteen-hour tour is quite long. Portions of the Great Ocean Road are filled with twists and turns, and this made me a bit carsick at times. I’m personally sort of sensitive to motion sickness, but it felt like our driver was maybe accelerating through some of these curves, and going slightly slower through them could’ve helped just a bit.

2. The pacing of the tour was fast, especially for meals.

We obviously covered a lot of ground on our trip, and I’m glad we did. However, the time spent at each stop felt limited. There wasn’t really an opportunity to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Nonetheless, it wasn’t unmanageable at most of the stops. However, for lunch and dinner, I felt like I really had to scarf my food down in order to be back to the van on time. I personally would’ve preferred fifteen more minutes for both meals even if it meant getting back to Melbourne half an hour later in the evening.

3. A mention of a helicopter ride on GetYourGuide that never happened.

So at the time of writing, an “optional helicopter ride” is mentioned on the GetYourGuide listing for this activity. The full text reads:

“For those guests who do not want to take the optional helicopter ride over the Shipwreck Coast, an alternative stop is possible at Gibsons Steps. Here guests can descend the steps to Gibsons Beach below for beach level views of two of the Twelve Apostles.”

Our tour group did neither the helicopter ride nor Gibsons Steps (which I believe are currently closed at the time of writing, December 2019). In any case, the mention of the helicopter ride should be removed from GetYourGuide if it’s not a standard offering (which I imagine it’s not. We saw helicopter tours at the Twelve Apostles, but there was no way there would be time for it with the tight schedule, and I also suspect that they might cost hundreds of dollars).

4. Natural Lighting at the Twelve Apostles

This isn’t so much an issue pertaining to Go West Tours, but just a general warning: the lighting at the Twelve Apostles during the afternoon wasn’t ideal for photos, especially portraits with the scenery in the background. Maybe the position of the sun might be better during other months of the year, but I sort of doubt it. And as good photographers will tell you, natural lighting for photos tends to be best early in the morning or during sunset, but obviously the tour schedule isn’t planned around that.

Is the group tour worth it?

In wrapping up, I’ll address one last question: was the tour worth the money? It’s fair to say that 100 USD for a day trip isn’t the most budget-friendly activity you could do, but I’d say it was still worth it. Go West Tours clearly knew how much time we had to spend at each stop. I’m sure if I rented a car and went on my own, I would just spend all morning in the first town we passed through, and constantly want to pull off on the side of the road to take a million pictures.

The tight schedule is a bit of a blessing and a curse. You get to see so much beauty in one day, but there’s not a ton of time to take it all in. In a perfect world, I’d love to spend three days in a rental vehicle exploring each small town in depth. But the Great Ocean Road can be done in a day, especially with a company like Go West.

In case the pictures haven’t convinced you, I’ll say it explicitly: I highly recommend seeing the Great Ocean Road on your next trip to Melbourne! If you’re spending more than two or three days in the city, there’s no excuse not to dedicate a day to getting out of the city and seeing the stunning landscapes and coastline that Victoria has to offer!

Have you been on a day trip to the Great Ocean Road? Did you travel with Go West Tours? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought!

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This post was published on Dec 11, 2019

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This post has 18 comments.

Wow, I can’t get over this breathtaking views! I am dreaming about going to Australia and I would surely include the Great Ocean Road in My itinerary. You covered exactly what I really love seeing – stunning nature with amazing views and of course dellicious food on the road 🙂

I’m planning my trip to Melbourne in March and this post comes just in time. Thank you for detailing very clearly all activities in the tour, as well as the things I should note before booking. Despite some possible areas for improvement, this company still seems like a reliable tour organiser, especially with a knowledgeable tour guide and an optional tour group. I’m so glad I’ve found your post!

Being European, I never really got the appeal of a road trip, but since visiting the US and Canada I totally do! It’s such a lovely way to enjoy the scenery and spend a couple of days exploring. This drive sounds incredible and the pictures look amazing. I would probably rather drive myself so that I can have more control over the itinerary, but this sounds like a good tour. I definitely get car sick in minivans too, so that would also be a problem for me.

Beautiful photos! The experience and views for sure were worth these 100$ 🙂 It’s great to know that there are such a good offers of trip to the Great Ocean Road – as a person without driving licence I sometimes feel pity that many highly recommended roadtrip destinations are hardly accessible for non-drivers. After reading your review I would definitely consider booking the tour!

This looks wonderful! I’m sure I would love koala spotting and I would get a little car sick too, but I do love a tour sometimes. They are good fun! Thank you for the review!

Looks like you had a wonderful day trip – nice and sunny too. I’ve seen the Apostles three times and each time it’s been grey and drizzling. $100 may seem like a lot but it takes the stress out of driving yourself and you’d probably never have known where to find the koalas on your own. Lovely photos.

We will be visiting Australia in 2020. So it is good to get an idea of day trips we can do. It certainly looks like the Great Ocean Road would be worth a day trip. We might want to drive ourselves so we could enjoy more time at the beach. We don’t surf but do love to watch surfers. A view of the Twelve Apostles certainly seals the need to travel along the Great Ocean Road! Although I have to agree with you that the Razorback might be more impressive a sight. Good to know that the tour with Go West Tours was worth it if we decide not to drive.

We’ve definitely got the Great Ocean Road on our to do list as we move around Australia in our caravan. There are few things on here that I hadn’t heard about in much detail, so it’s good to have all the info wrapped up in one place. I reckon if you’re on a time limit in Australia, doing a tour like this is a great way to see a lot of the highlights.

One of my favourite coastlines in Australia. We’ve stopped off to spot the Koala’s and saw quite a few. The luck of the draw I guess 😉

I cant believe I missed out on the Great Ocean road whilst in Melbourne, but I hope to be back very soon and this will be done. At least this time I will have my family in tow and cant wait to show them the beauty of Australia.

We chose the Great Ocean Roads Tour in Reverse. That means we hit the Twelve Apostles first! I think it was for better natural lighting.

I’ve done almost this very drive, and my gosh are you right about how exceptional it is. I did this almost five years ago, but I can still see a lot of those images with incredible clarity!

I actually did the same trip but without a company, just by myself and it was amazing. I however decided to stay overnight in Warnambool because else the day would’ve been very long (as it was, in your case!) and I wanted to explore these places at leisure. I absolutely loved the Great Ocean Road drive, it’s a highly recommended activity for anyone visiting Melbourne. Didn’t you absolutely love spotting the koalas hugging the tree branches?

The landscapes of The Loch Ard Gorge, Razorback and The Island Arch are absolutely breathtaking. Looks like from your experience that the Great Ocean Road Tour is totally worth it for anyone looking for a road trip from Melbourne.

I have been to the Great Ocean Road and seen the 12 Apostles. It is a spectacular sight. Your photos really capture the scenery beautifully. Personally, I think it’s best to stay overnight at one of the towns along the way, as it is an exhausting trip to do in just one day. Yes, car sickness is a big factor for many of us. Driving yourself helps with that. Or make sure you take travel sickness medication before you leave.

Wow, you sure did get a lot done in one day! But a 13 hour tour sounds like a LONG day, especially if you’re with people you don’t know. I’ve done some tours that are that long, but they were private. I think I’d want to spend a couple of days enjoying the Great Ocean Road, but good to know this tour is an option!

Greact Ocean Road was my favorite day tour from Melbourne. Each stop in between was worth stopping and I was amazed to see this beautiful part of the world. All the arches, view of ocean with Apostle and forest with exotic animals are adorable. Thanks for sharing great tips.

I as well went go West on Great Ocean road tour Kevin our guide as great. I am pleased you enjoyed the tour as well.

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5 Towns On the Great Ocean Road To Visit, Australia

If you’re going to explore The Great Ocean Road Drive in Victoria, let me make a suggestion; Don’t rush it. 

There is so much to see and do, that you need to spend at least five days to visit the main attractions and landmarks, such as the iconic Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell National Park.

But most people know that already, and have allocated such time to do a road trip. What’s not always clear though, is which towns on the Great Ocean Road you should visit.

Whether you’re looking for places to stay on The Great Ocean Road or you need somewhere with more civilization for a lunch spot, be sure to check out these five towns on the GOR.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Great Ocean Road?

1. torquay, victoria, 2. lorne, victoria, 3. kennett river, gor, 4. apollo bay, great ocean road, 5. port campbell, victoria, final thoughts, tours to the great ocean road, more travel tips for victoria, australia.

The Great Ocean Road  can be completed in one day but it deserves more. You deserve more.

It’s one of Australia’s best road trips for a reason.

Everyone has different time constraints, but you should give yourself at least three days to drive the Great Ocean Road, but five would be more ideal.

We took two weeks for our Great Ocean Road trip, but we are blessed with time.

The tour buses that routinely drive the Great Ocean Road in one day and get to the 12 Apostles limestone stacks at lunchtime (the best time is sunrise or sunset) and will also bypass many of the highlights.

For that reason, we always recommend you hire a car if you don’t have your own and do it yourself.

This 243 km road needs to be experienced from behind the wheel and having your own vehicle allows you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints when and where you like.

The Best Towns on The Great Ocean Road

Besides the stunning beaches, waterfalls, walks, and forests, there are some great towns dotted along the Great Ocean Road worthy of your time.

Here are five towns we recommend you not only visit, but stay at and enjoy what they have to offer.

The Great Ocean Road officially starts in the town of Torquay, and we recommend you stay here for one night before you start the drive, so you can have a full day on the road.

We recommend starting the Great Ocean Road drive from this direction and driving towards Adelaide , so you’ll be on the lane closest to the ocean which makes for easier stops at the view points.

The township of Torquay is famous for its surfing culture, which you can learn more about at the surfing museum Surf World . Even surf brands Rip Curl  and  Quicksilver  were founded in Torquay.

Nearby is one of Australia’s best surfing beaches, Bells Beach , home to the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition (made infamous by the movie Point Break).

Bells has an impressive cliff-face and the ocean views are spectacular. You can see surfers catching waves here all year round, even in the winter when the waves reach up to 20 feet!

Torquay also offers  popular activities such as nature walks, fishing, sailboarding, surfing and mountain bike riding.  Y ou can enjoy a two hour surf lesson at Torquay Beach – the surfing capital of Victoria.

Just down the road is Jan Juc a neighboring suburb known for its hills and native tea tree. There’s a trail running along the coast between Torquay and Jan Juc for walkers and bike riders that offer excellent views.

Leaving Torquay and continuing west, check out the townships of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet which are beautiful, and if you’re into golfing, pack your clubs and head over to Anglesea Golf Club.

You’ll definitely notice the change in the scenery.

Find accommodation and apartment rentals for Torquay here.

Lorne was our favorite town along the Great Ocean Road drive and we spent three relaxing days here. It’s picturesque and situated right on the Southern ocean with a charm that’s hard to resist.

Lorne has some great cafes to keep your coffee and cake addiction well satisfied. There are several unique shops, boutiques, and galleries to keep the shoppers happy.

The beach is lovely for a walk either early morning or late afternoon and stop at the Lorne Beach Pavilion for a coffee, or beer, with uninterrupted views of the water.

For lunch, eat at The Bottle of Milk ,  famous for their burgers, or grab some takeaway and sit on the grass at the excellent playground by the beach and let the kids run around.

Just behind Lorne, take a short drive to Teddy’s Lookout for spectacular views of the Great Ocean Road. There’s also a 45-minute walk you can do here.

Another great viewpoint spit is Split Point Lighthouse, which is on the way to Lorne in a small town called Fairhaven. This is a great place to do some whale watching from the shore.

The best time to see whales is from June to September, and they frequently swim in the waters along the GOR so always keep your eyes open for them if you visit during this time.

Lorne also plays host to The Falls Music & Arts Festival at the end of December which is very popular.

For a comfortable place to stay, we recommend where we stayed at the Mantra Apartments right on the beach and an easy walk into town.

Read more: Mantra Lorne Review – great place to stay in the Great Ocean Road

With a population of only 50, Kennett River is a quiet and laid-back town between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Flanked by the Great Otway National Park this town is probably best known for the place to see koalas in the wild along the Grey River Road in the middle of town, just look for the crowds of people and follow their gazes up for quick koala spotting.

There’s also the glowworms at night in Melba Gully, a tropical rainforest neaby, and you can buy bird feed from the store here and feed wild king parrots and Rosellas.

It can be very popular here with many tourist buses lined up. But it’s a lot safer, and easier, to view the koalas here compared to driving Otway Lighthouse Road.

If seeing koalas and glow worms isn’t enough, there are excellent fishing and surfing beaches for beginners. There’s a caravan park at Kennet River should you wish to stay longer with Australia’s favourite furry friends.

Don’t miss the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, a fun and thrilling activity that allows you to climb obstacle courses in the tree canipes, walk the treetop walk, and zip along ziplines. The surrounding forest as many walking trails to enjoy.

Check out places to stay in Kennett River here!

Half-way along the Great Ocean Road is our second favourite town, Apollo Bay, often described as the place where the hill meets the sea.

Panoramic views over the harbour and the coastline from the Mariners Lookout will give you the best perspective of this. The lookout is located at the northern end of town off Mariners Lookout Road.

Apollo Bay was once a sleepy fishing village but is now a modest seaside town of 2,000 people with plenty of cafes, restaurants and a community market each Saturday. In April it hosts one of the best three-day music festivals in Victoria, the Apollo Bay Music Festival.

Just down the road at Cape Otway are some of the best walks in the country and the town makes for a great base to explore the Otway region of lighthouses, rainforests, waterfalls, and farmland.

Maits Rest is an easy 800m self-guided circuit walk through ancient, cool temperate rainforest and 

the walk to Triplet Falls , a one-hour return loop, is a highlight.

The Cape Otway Lighthouse is Australia’s oldest lighthouse still in operation today, you can take a tour and climb to the top 90 meters high with breathtaking views of Bass Straight.

Just up the road from Apollo Bay is one of those “best-kept secrets” of the Great Ocean Road, the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary , a rocky beach with a seal colony.

Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak run 2-hour tours to view the seals.

• For an affordable and homely place to stay, we recommend the Apollo Bay Eco YHA Hostel .
• Find more hotels and apartments for Apollo Bay through Booking.com

Read More: Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road: Apollo Bay YHA

Another one of the most popular towns on the Great Ocean Road to stay in is Port Campbell. Though some people opt to stay in Port Fairy, which is smaller and quieter, or Warrnambool, for proximity to Logan’s Beach.

For travelers who prefer a more livelier atmosphere, Port Campbell is the better choice. What makes it appealing for travellers is its close proximity to Port Campbell National Park , home to the Twelve Apostles and many other famous Great Ocean Road landmarks.

It’s still a nice enough town with a few cafes, shops and a bay area in a natural setting, but we mainly used it as a base to explore the surrounding area.

We spent the whole day in the National Park, starting with sunrise over the 12 Apostles and finishing with a sunset picnic.

During the day we walked down Gibson’s Steps and then visited Loch Ard Gorge , London Bridge , The Grotto , The Arch , and the Bay of Islands with a handy lunch break back in Port Campbell.

• We stayed in a cabin in the Port Campbell Holiday Park which was a one minute walk into town. You can find more accommodation for Port Campbell here !

The Great Ocean Road continues on and finishes at Port Fairy. We didn’t really explore the last section too much but did stop at Port Fairy for lunch.

It was pouring with rain so could not explore more. Through the drizzle, it looked like a lovely historical fishing village.

There are many towns on the GOR in Australia, but we hope this guide gave you some inspiration for some towns to visit on your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

These towns are the perfect pitstop for a night and the ideal destinations to help you break up your road trip.

If you’re looking for more road trip ideas for Australia, then check out these other guides:

• The Great Beach Drive in Queensland
• 14 best Australia road trips
• Our podcast that shares details on our 18 month Australia road trip .

The Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Tour

The Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island Tour may be the best way for you to explore this area. Cosmos Tours are part of the Globus family of brands who we love! Be sure to use our exclusive discount below.

Food, native wildlife (obviously kangaroos) and heritage; this 8-day tour through Victoria and South Australia comes filled with awe-inspiring scenery, heritage sites, top-notch cuisine and endless fun experiences along the way.

Beginning in Melbourne and ending in Adelaide, you’ll travel west along the Great Ocean Road towards Adelaide, with overnight stops in Warrnambool, Mt Gambier, Tailem Bend and Kangaroo Island .

GLOBUS DISCOUNT JUST FOR YOU!

We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2023 and 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

While we recommend road tripping the Great Ocean Road in your own vehicle, we understand this is not always possible. We recommend these tour options through our tour booking partner, Get Your Guide.

Planning to visit other places in Victoria, Australia? Here are some other useful travel tips…

• The best things to do on the Great Ocean Road Australia
• 8 Exciting Places to visit near Melbourne
• A guide to Wilsons Promontory National Park?
• Don’t miss these Beaches in Melbourne
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Tell us. What are some of your favourite towns along the Great Ocean Road? Let us know in the comments.