Discover the Wonders of the Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles on a Private Tour

Imagine a full day exploring one of Australia’s most iconic and scenic coastal routes, all in the comfort and privacy of your own group. For around $713 (for up to three people), you gain access to a personalized 10-hour experience with a professional chauffeur, luxury transportation, and carefully selected stops that highlight the natural beauty of Victoria’s coast. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a balance of breathtaking views, charming towns, and wild nature.

What we particularly love about this experience is how flexible and tailored it feels — it’s not just a cookie-cutter bus trip but rather a curated journey suited to your pace and interests. Two highlights stand out: first, the stunning sight of the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean; second, the chance to spot native Australian wildlife like koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat.

One potential consideration is that food and entry fees are not included — so you’ll want to budget for meals and tickets if you plan to explore certain attractions more deeply. Still, this trip is ideal for travelers craving a luxurious, intimate, and customizable experience— perfect for small groups, couples, or friends who want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy Australia’s coast in style.

Key Points

Private, Personalized Experience: Tailored for small groups, offering a more intimate and flexible tour.
Stunning Coastal Views: Includes iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps.
Charming Towns & Rainforests: Stops at Lorne, Apollo Bay, and the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park.
Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals in natural settings.
Luxury Transportation & Guides: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with live guides speaking multiple languages.
Flexible & Unforgettable: A full-day adventure designed to leave you with lasting memories and great photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Great Ocean Road & the Twelve Apostles: A Comprehensive Review

The Great Ocean Road is often heralded as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and this private tour makes experiencing it both special and manageable. It’s a full-day trip that begins early in Melbourne, with convenient pickup from your accommodation. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, which might seem long, but with so much to see and do, time flies while you’re soaking in the views.

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The Convenience of Private, Luxury Transport

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the luxury transportation offered. You can choose from a range of vehicles—luxury vans, mini-buses, or coaches—tailored to your group size. The air-conditioned comfort ensures you’re not just battling the Aussie sun but also traveling in style. Plus, with free WiFi, you can upload your photos or scroll through maps as you go.

Having a professional chauffeur means you don’t have to worry about navigation or driving and can focus on the views and your company. We loved the smooth ride and attentive service that let us relax and enjoy the landscape without distraction.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

The tour’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of the coast. Starting with a scenic drive out of Melbourne, your first major stop is the Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks are the highlight for most visitors, and for good reason—they’re jaw-droppingly impressive. Standing close, you’ll feel the raw power of nature that carved out these formations over thousands of years.

Next, you’ll visit the nearby Loch Ard Gorge, famous for its shipwreck history. It’s a stirring site where crashing waves and jagged cliffs tell stories of shipwrecks and survival. Reviewers have described the gorge as “a fascinating glimpse into the past,” and many appreciate the opportunity to learn a bit about local history while taking stunning photos.

From there, the stops diversify into charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. These towns offer a break from the coast’s ruggedness, with local cafes, art galleries, and a relaxed vibe. Lorne, in particular, is noted for its quaint charm, making it an ideal spot for a coffee or a walk along the beach.

Other notable stops include the Gibson Steps, which provide a different perspective on the coastline—standing at the foot of towering cliffs, you can look up at the rugged cliffs and imagine the forces that shaped them. The rainforest of Great Otway National Park offers a lush contrast to the coastal scenery, and many travelers enjoy walking through the towering trees or spotting local animals.

Wildlife and Nature

A real treat is the chance to see native Australian wildlife. Guides often point out koalas resting in eucalyptus trees or kangaroos grazing near the road. We loved the way guides brought these animals to life, sharing stories and facts that brought the environment into sharper focus.

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Timing and Pacing

Your guide will manage the timing, ensuring you get ample time at each stop but also keep to a schedule that maximizes your day. Many reviews mention that the tour’s pacing is just right—giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

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What’s Not Included

While the transportation and guide are top-notch, keep in mind that lunch, snacks, drinks, and entry tickets are not covered. This flexibility is a plus for those wanting to choose their meals or visit specific attractions, but it’s worth planning ahead to avoid surprises.

Authenticity and Personalization

Unlike large group tours, this private experience allows for some degree of flexibility. If you’re particularly keen on spending extra time at a specific spot or avoiding a busy lunch spot, your guide can accommodate that. Travelers have noted how much they appreciated the personalized touch—your guide is invested in making sure you see what you want and enjoy the journey.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Reviewers highlight how guides like Tom or others made the experience exceptional. They’re praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to share local insights. As one reviewer pointed out, “We loved how our guide shared stories about the coast and wildlife, making the scenery come alive.”

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $713 for a group of up to three, this tour might seem on the higher end compared to bus passes or self-guided trips. However, it’s important to consider what you’re getting: luxury transportation, a personal guide, and the ability to explore at your own pace. For small groups or couples seeking a more intimate experience, the value becomes clear. It offers not just sights but comfort, flexibility, and expert insights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time along the coast without the hassle of driving or navigating crowds. It suits those who appreciate comfort and personalized service and are willing to invest a bit more for a seamless, tailored adventure. It’s also a great choice if you’re traveling with a small group and want to share an exclusive experience.

The Sum Up

This private tour of the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles delivers a well-rounded, comfortable, and memorable experience for those looking to see one of Australia’s most stunning coastlines without the stress of self-driving or big tour groups. The combination of beautiful scenery, native wildlife, and charming towns makes it a versatile choice for nature lovers, history buffs, and those simply seeking a peaceful escape.

What sets this trip apart is the personalized service and the opportunity to tailor your day, all while traveling in style. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary ensure you’ll leave with plenty of photos, stories, and a true appreciation for the raw beauty of Victoria’s coast.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in a luxurious, authentic experience, this tour offers excellent value—especially if you prioritize comfort and personalized attention. It’s a smart choice for small groups, couples, or anyone wanting an exclusive, scenic adventure in Australia.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup from your Melbourne CBD location, roundtrip transportation in a luxury vehicle, a live guide, air conditioning, and free WiFi.

Are meals included?
No, meals, snacks, and drinks are not included, giving you flexibility to choose where and what to eat during the day.

Can I customize the stops?
While the tour follows a planned itinerary, the private nature allows some flexibility if you wish to spend extra time at certain sights or skip others.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, making it a full day of sightseeing with ample time at major stops.

Is this suitable for families or small groups?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups of up to three, offering a more intimate experience that can be perfect for families, friends, or couples.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a camera, sunscreen, water, and any personal snacks or medications you might need, since food is not included.

Is there a language barrier?
Guides speak multiple languages including English, Hindi, Spanish, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Urdu, ensuring a diverse range of travelers are well accommodated.

You can check availability for your dates here: