12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Private Smal Group Tour FREE entries

Experience the Best of the Great Ocean Road in a Small Group Setting

If you’re looking to explore one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives without the hassle of big crowds, this 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Private Small Group Tour offers a fantastic way to see the highlights comfortably. Priced at just over $83 per person, this half-day to full-day adventure takes you from Melbourne with a maximum of 11 travelers, ensuring a more intimate, relaxed experience. Your day includes visits to famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Great Otway National Park rainforest, along with charming stops in seaside towns like Apollo Bay.

What we love most about this tour is the reverse itinerary — visiting the most popular sites early in the day before they get crowded. This means more space for photos and quiet moments to soak in the scenery. The second standout feature is the personalized attention from your guide, who shares insights about the area’s geology and history, enhancing the scenic journey with stories and local knowledge.

One caveat? The tour’s length varies from 6 to 12 hours, so it’s worth planning your day accordingly, especially if you prefer a shorter trip. Also, since breakfast and lunch are not included, bringing snacks or planning meals around the stops is advisable.

This experience is perfect for travelers who value authentic, less touristy encounters and want a well-paced, informative tour with plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting. It suits those who enjoy a small-group vibe, friendly guides, and a carefully curated route that gets you to the best spots before they fill up.

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: Max 11 people for a more personalized experience.
• Early Access: Visit major sights before the crowds, thanks to the reverse itinerary.
• Diverse Stops: From iconic landmarks to rainforest walks and wildlife encounters.
• All-Inclusive Fees: No hidden costs, with most entry fees covered.
• Flexible Duration: Tours range from 6 to 12 hours, accommodating different schedules.
• Convenient Pickup: Pickup offered from Melbourne CBD, making the start seamless.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road: A Balanced, Authentic Journey

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most scenic drives, renowned for its dramatic limestone stacks, lush rainforests, and charming coastal villages. This private small group tour allows you to experience it without the rush or chaos often found on larger bus excursions.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

The day begins with a pickup from Melbourne’s CBD, typically around 7 am, setting you comfortably on your way. Your guide, whose passion and knowledge come through in reviews, leads the journey, sharing stories about the area’s natural and maritime history.

Stop 1: Colac – A Cozy Countryside Welcome

You’ll start with a brief stop in Colac, a peaceful town in dairy country. It’s a perfect spot for a quick morning tea or breakfast (own expense). The peaceful atmosphere here sets the tone for a relaxed day ahead, and it’s nice to kick things off amid local life before heading to the coast.

Stop 2: Mutton Bird Lookout – Geological Marvels

Next, the tour takes you to Mutton Bird Lookout, a fantastic spot to reflect on the ancient history of the coast. You’ll learn how these cliffs were once deep under water and formed about 200 million years ago from ocean debris. It’s a great place for photos, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the ocean beyond.

The Twelve Apostles – A Landmark Like No Other

Of course, the highlight is the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. With 45 minutes allocated, you’ll have ample time to admire these formations, take photos, and soak in the rugged beauty. The fact that admission is included makes it a straightforward visit, and early arrival helps beat the crowds noted by many travelers.

Loch Ard Gorge – A Wreck with a View

Another must-see is Loch Ard Gorge, named after a shipwreck. The cliffs here are dramatic, and the waters crystal clear. Walking along the beach or exploring the nearby shipwreck memorial offers a sense of connection to maritime history. The 30-minute stop provides a good chance for a leisurely exploration.

Scenic Stops in Port Campbell National Park

The tour also includes a broader walk in Port Campbell National Park, where you can enjoy more spectacular coastal views and learn about the natural formations that make this area so unique. The park is free to enter, and its rugged cliffs and rock formations are a photographer’s dream.

Rainforest Adventures: Mait’s Rest and Great Otway National Park

Moving inland, Mait’s Rest offers a lush rainforest walk among towering mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech trees. It’s more than just a walk — it’s a chance to experience Victoria’s temperate rainforest and observe native ferns and birdlife.

Following that, Great Otway National Park presents an entirely different side of Victoria’s landscape. Here, you might see koalas in the trees, and the waterfalls at Hopetoun and Triplet Falls are accessible via short, scenic walks. This part of the trip combines visual beauty with opportunities to spot native wildlife, which many reviewers find memorable.

The Iconic Arch & Seaside Charm

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway is not just a scenic stop but a historic monument built by soldiers returning from WWI. It’s a powerful reminder of the road’s national significance and the resilience of those who built it.

Apollo Bay offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere for a quick break — a perfect spot for a snack or just to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Wildlife & Sweet Finale at Kennett River

No trip is complete without a wildlife encounter, and Kennet River is famous for koalas and kangaroos. You might find yourself with a photo of a sleepy koala in a eucalyptus tree, an experience many travelers cherish.

Finally, to satisfy your sweet tooth, the tour concludes at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can indulge in handmade chocolates and artisanal ice cream. With the included entry, it’s a delightful way to end the day on a sweet note.

The Experience We Value

The tour’s transportation—an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi—makes the long drives comfortable. The small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guide’s insights help turn scenery into stories. Many reviewers, including one who said their guide was a “true gem,” praise the personalized attention and deep knowledge shared.

Analyzing the Value

At just over $83, this tour offers great value. All entry fees for key sites are included, and the smaller group ensures better access and a more relaxed atmosphere. Compared to larger tours, this one minimizes wait times and maximizes quality time at each stop.

However, the tour’s length can stretch to 12 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers prepared for a full day, especially if you want to see everything without rushing. Breakfast and lunch aren’t included, so packing snacks or planning meals is wise.

Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, scenic experiences with fewer crowds, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for travelers who value personalized guides, want to see iconic sights early in the day, and don’t mind a longer trip to truly enjoy the region. Families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a comfortable, well-organized day out will find this tour a good match.

The Sum Up: Is This the Right Tour for You?

This small-group tour strikes a good balance between cost, comfort, and authentic experience. With its focus on iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, combined with rainforest walks and wildlife encounters, it offers a comprehensive taste of the Great Ocean Road’s natural beauty.

The personalized service and early visits help you avoid the crowds, an advantage many travelers appreciate. The value is solid, considering all the included entry fees and the quality of the guide’s storytelling, which many reviews call “fascinating” and “passionate.” It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want more than just a bus ride — they want a meaningful, memorable adventure.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a relaxed, well-curated way to see one of Australia’s most stunning coastlines — and leave with plenty of photos and stories to tell.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 12 hours, depending on the group and traffic conditions, giving you flexibility for a more relaxed experience.

What is included in the price?
Your fare covers all site entry fees (like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge), transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi onboard, and hotel pickup from Melbourne CBD.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase meals at stops such as Apollo Bay.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it suitable for families with children, especially those who enjoy scenic walks and wildlife viewing.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a pre-designed tour with a fixed route and schedule. However, the small group setting allows for some flexibility and personalized attention from the guide.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, as the tour is popular, especially with just 11 spots available, booking ahead guarantees your place.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour makes exploring the Great Ocean Road accessible, enjoyable, and memorable—perfect for those who want to experience the highlights without the hassle of large crowds or rushed schedules.