3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour

Experience the Best of Melbourne and Surrounds in 3 Days

Imagine a journey that takes you from the iconic Great Ocean Road’s dramatic cliffs and famous Twelve Apostles to the adorable penguins waddling home at Phillip Island, topped with an insightful city tour of Melbourne. All that, for around $227 per person, in just three days. The tour is led by friendly guides, with a maximum group size of 24 guests, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience. One of the standout features is the multilingual audio guide app available in 16 languages, making this an accessible adventure for international travelers.

What we love most is how this tour balances nature, wildlife, and city highlights seamlessly. The stops at Loch Ard Gorge and Gibsons Steps are breathtaking, offering jaw-dropping views and stories that stick with you. The Penguin Parade at sunset is truly enchanting, a highlight that really captures the magic of Australian wildlife. Plus, the small-group setting means more space on the coach and plenty of opportunity for questions and photos.

A potential consideration is the packed schedule, especially on Day 2 with long drives and multiple stops. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, some parts might feel rushed. However, if you’re eager to see a wide variety of highlights, this tour packs a lot into a manageable timeframe. It’s best suited for travelers who want value, variety, and expert guiding in a comfortable, small-group setting.

In summary, this tour suits first-time visitors eager to tick off iconic sights, nature lovers wanting up-close wildlife encounters, and city explorers looking for a comprehensive Melbourne experience. With consistently high reviews praising guides and views, it’s clearly a well-loved choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary — combines coastal, wildlife, and city sights in just 3 days.
• Small Group Experience — max 24 guests for personalized attention and comfort.
• Expert Guides & Multilingual App — friendly guides and 16-language support enhance understanding.
• High Value — includes many entrance fees and memorable experiences at a competitive price.
• Flexible & Convenient — hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, and a satisfaction guarantee.
• Potentially Busy Days — expect long days with lots of stops and travel.

In-Depth Review: What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

When we think about the value of a guided tour, it’s often about convenience, expertise, and memorable moments. This 3-day combo offers all three, making it an excellent choice for those who want a broad yet intimate view of Melbourne’s surroundings. You’ll start each day with a hotel pickup, ensuring you skip the hassle of navigating public transport or finding meeting points—especially helpful if you’re new to Melbourne.

Day 1: The Iconic Great Ocean Road

The first highlight is the Great Ocean Road, a driving route famous worldwide. Your day kicks off with a beachside morning tea at Torquay, giving you that relaxed seaside vibe before the sightseeing begins. The Memorial Archway provides a perfect photo opportunity—it’s the official start of the road, and a classic first-stop for many travelers.

Next, your guide will help you spot koalas among the treetops—a treat for wildlife lovers. The charming town of Apollo Bay offers a chance to grab lunch and soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere. Then, you’ll visit Cape Patton Lookout, which presents sweeping views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves, ideal for snapping photos.

One of the most iconic stops is the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the ocean—truly a sight that sticks in your memory. The Gibsons Steps allow you to descend to the beach for a closer view, and Loch Ard Gorge tells a compelling story of shipwreck history. These stops are included in the price, and reviews mention the stunning scenery and engaging storytelling as the main draws.

Day 2: Wildlife Encounters & Penguin Parade

The second day combines a wildlife park visit with the famous penguin parade. The Brighton Bathing Boxes give you a colorful photo opportunity—fun, if just for a quick snapshot. Then, you visit the Moonlit Sanctuary, where you’ll have opportunities to feed kangaroos and wallabies. Reviewers rave about guides like Cloe, who makes the experience lively and informative, making it clear that the guides significantly enhance the day.

Heading to Phillip Island, you’ll explore Cape Woolamai, offering stunning views only during summer, and the Nobbies, with its impressive cliffs, seals, and panoramic ocean vistas. During the summer, the tour includes a stop in Cowes, a lively seaside town perfect for a quick dinner or coffee break.

The highlight is the Penguin Parade, where you’ll witness little penguins emerging from the sea at sunset and waddling towards their burrows. The guides assist in securing the best seats, ensuring you get an up-close experience of this charming spectacle. Many reviews mention how guides’ local knowledge and attention to detail make the experience extra special.

Day 3: Melbourne Highlights

Your final day is a city-focused walk through Melbourne’s artistic and historic spots. You’ll start at Hosier Lane, famous for its ever-changing street art, offering a vibrant intro to Melbourne’s creative spirit. Passing through the Arts Precinct and visiting the Shrine of Remembrance, you’ll get a sense of the city’s cultural and national identity.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), even from the outside, is a must-see for sports fans. The tour includes a quick visit to the Fitzroy Gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll, as well as stops at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Old Melbourne Gaol—both rich in history.

The driving through Parliament Hill and the little Italy district add flavor to this city day, giving a well-rounded view of Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods. The guided nature of this tour ensures you’re not just seeing sights but understanding their stories—something reviews confirm as a real plus.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Jonathan mentions how Woody and Cloe “made us most welcome,” emphasizing the personal touch. Rakesh highlights how guides also double as photographers and storytellers, making the experience both fun and educational. Clodagh appreciated the fabulous tour guides like Chris N, Lucy, and Bill, noting they made her trip memorable.

The views are consistently described as breathtaking, especially at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Cape Woolamai. Many reviewers also appreciate the smooth organization—timely pickups, well-paced days, and clear instructions—making this a stress-free experience.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour’s air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating ensures comfort during long drives, which is especially important for the longer days on the coast and island. Wi-Fi on board, as well as a small group size, means you’re not just another face in a crowd but part of a cozy, friendly group.

Cost and Value

At $226.81, the tour offers great value considering it includes multiple entrance fees, wildlife encounters, and guided commentary. The reviews highlight that the experiences are worth the price, with many travelers saying they would have paid much more for the quality and variety of sights and guides.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler wanting a comprehensive, well-organized way to see the highlights of Melbourne and surrounds without the stress of planning each stop, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for those who value expert guiding, small group intimacy, and a mix of natural beauty and cultural sights.

Nature lovers will especially appreciate the stunning coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and the famous Penguin Parade. History buffs and city explorers will enjoy the cultural insights and iconic landmarks. And if you’re short on time but want maximum exposure, this tour packs in a lot efficiently.

This experience is best for travelers who are comfortable with busy days—long drives, multiple stops, and early mornings—and who want to maximize their time with guided insights. The consistently high reviews about guides and scenery suggest that if you want a reliable, engaging, and value-packed trip, this tour could very well meet your expectations.

FAQ

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from selected Melbourne hotels, making it easy to start your adventure without navigating public transport.

What’s included in the price?
Your tour includes breakfast, friendly guides, all entrance fees at Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wi-Fi on board, and transportation in an air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews mention guides like Woody and Cloe as being fabulous, engaging, and full of local knowledge, greatly enhancing the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans shift.

What about the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While most travelers find it appropriate, consider the long days and outdoor stops—strollers, large luggage, and baby capsules are not permitted on the coach.

How do I book the day I want?
You select your Great Ocean Road tour date at checkout and then choose your preferred day for the Phillip Island penguin tour and the city tour separately.

In The Sum Up

This 3-day combo tour offers a well-rounded experience of Melbourne’s natural beauty, wildlife, and urban charm—all at a competitive price. The small group size, expert guides, and inclusive experiences make it a reliable choice for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves.

Travelers who love breathtaking scenery, up-close wildlife encounters, and cultural insights will find this tour worthwhile. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate personalized attention and want a hassle-free way to explore some of Australia’s most iconic sights.

While the schedule is quite full, the variety and quality of experiences justify the busy days. If you’re looking for a memorable, well-organized adventure with friendly guides, this tour is a winning pick. Just pack your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure—you won’t be disappointed.