2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour and Platypus paddle

Explore the Great Ocean Road and Otways in an Intimate 2-Day Guided Tour with Platypus Spotting

If you’re looking to see some of Australia’s most iconic coastline and rainforest without the hassle of driving, this 2-day tour from Melbourne promises an immersive experience. For $401.43 per person, you’ll hop aboard a small group of just seven travelers, which means you’ll get plenty of personal attention and a chance to connect with like-minded adventurers. The tour hits the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge, before heading inland to explore the Otways with a sunrise paddle in search of platypus — a rare treat for wildlife lovers.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of breathtaking scenery and intimate wildlife encounters. The early morning walk by Lake Elizabeth, in search of platypus, is a rare experience not often offered on larger tours. Plus, the small group size maximizes flexibility and personal interaction, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

A potential consideration is that meals are not included, so you’ll need to budget for your own dinners and lunches, which can add up depending on your tastes. Also, the tour involves some walking and light physical activity, so it’s suited for those with a moderate fitness level.

This tour suits travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters, appreciate small groups, and want to see the best of Victoria’s coast and forests without the stress of self-driving. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy a mix of scenic sightseeing and nature pursuits early in the morning.

Key Points

Intimate group size ensures personalized attention.
Wildlife viewing, including koalas, parrots, and platypus, makes this a special experience.
Diverse scenery from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests offers varied photo opportunities.
Flexible schedule for meals and free time, allowing you to explore local spots.
Well-rounded itinerary covers iconic sights and lesser-known gems alike.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and local tips.

A Closer Look at the 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Otways Tour

This guided journey takes you beyond the typical bus crowd, offering a personalized and relaxed way to enjoy some of Victoria’s most beautiful landscapes. With a focus on authentic experiences, the tour combines classic sights with wildlife encounters, making it perfect for those who want a well-rounded adventure but prefer not to navigate themselves.

Day 1: From Melbourne to the Coast and Otways

Your day begins early, departing Melbourne around 6:15 am with the goal of avoiding traffic and the crush of larger tour buses. The first stop is St Paul’s Cathedral, a quick photo op and a reminder of Melbourne’s historic charm. From there, you travel through a series of scenic spots, each offering a glimpse of Australia’s diverse terrain.

The first major highlight is the Arch, a natural rock formation along the coast. You’ll continue to London Bridge, a famous rock formation that often captures photos from visitors, and then move to the Port Campbell area for a bathroom break and some local sightseeing.

Next, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, where the rugged beauty of the coastline unfolds in two lookouts and a walk down into the gorge itself. Here, the landscape is dramatic — a perfect place to appreciate the power of nature. The Twelve Apostles follow, arguably Australia’s most iconic rock formations. From the boardwalk or optional helicopter ride (at extra cost), you’ll get fantastic views of these towering limestone stacks.

Midday, there’s a break for lunch at Yatzies Gardens, where the chance to see parrots adds a fun touch. After lunch, the tour continues inland through Apollo Bay and then into the Otway Forest, with visits to Mait’s Rest — a quick rainforest walk through towering redwoods that can make you feel small amid giant trees. The final stop of the day is Cape Patton Lookout, offering sweeping views of the ocean before heading to Forrest, where your accommodation is included in the tour price.

The evening in Forrest offers a chance to relax and explore on your own — dinner is at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose local spots.

Day 2: Wildlife and Forests in the Otways

The highlight of the second day is the platypus paddle at Lake Elizabeth. Rising before dawn, you’ll head down to the lake for a quiet kayak adventure searching for these elusive creatures. The chance to see a platypus in the wild is quite special, and many travelers find this early start worthwhile.

Post-paddle, you’ll enjoy breakfast at Forrest Brewing Company (own cost), then explore the Otway Redwoods, where towering trees create a majestic forest atmosphere. A visit to Hopetoun Falls offers a peaceful waterfall experience — a refreshing sight after the forest walk.

Returning toward Melbourne, the journey includes a bathroom stop at Cafe La Hoot and a scenic drive through Colac. You’ll arrive back in Melbourne around 4 pm, completing a full but manageable two days of sightseeing, wildlife, and scenery.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

The small group size of just seven travelers is a real strength. It makes the experience more personal and flexible, allowing your guide to tailor the day a bit or accommodate the interests of the group. The guide, Walter, is praised in reviews for his knowledge, which adds depth and context to each stop.

Transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary carefully balances iconic sights with quieter moments, like the rainforest walk and wildlife viewing. The price is reasonable considering the inclusion of 1 night of accommodation and the platypus paddle — experiences that are often hard to access independently or cost extra.

A notable point is that meals are not included. While this allows flexibility, it means you’ll want to bring snacks or budget extra for meals, especially since some stops are short. The early start and long days mean you should be prepared for some physical activity, though most stops involve short walks and sightseeing.

Why Travelers Like This Tour

Many reviews, including one enthusiastic comment, highlight the knowledgeable guide as a major plus. You’ll gain insights into both the natural beauty and the wildlife, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The chance to spot koalas, parrots, and especially platypus, makes this tour particularly appealing for nature lovers.

Possible Drawbacks

The main drawback is the cost, as the tour doesn’t include meals, and optional extras like helicopter rides are at additional expense. The schedule can be quite packed, which might make it less suitable for travelers looking for a leisurely pace. Also, the group size of seven, while intimate, means availability could be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic vistas and wildlife encounters without the stress of driving or organizing logistics. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate small-group touring and are comfortable with some physical activity. Nature enthusiasts eager to see koalas, parrots, and platypus in their natural habitat will find this trip rewarding.

If you’re after a well-organized adventure with knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and the chance for real wildlife moments, this tour offers excellent value — especially considering the included overnight accommodation and unique activities.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, transportation is provided throughout the tour in a comfortable vehicle, with pickup offered.

Are meals included in the tour price? No, meals are not included. You’ll need to budget for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

What are the main sights visited? Key sights include The Arch, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, and Cape Patton Lookout.

Can I see wildlife like koalas and parrots? Yes, stops at Kennett River and other locations give chances to see koalas and parrots in the wild.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels? The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to some walking and outdoor activities.

What makes this tour different from others? Its small group size, focus on wildlife, and early morning paddle for platypus give it a distinctive, authentic touch.

Are helicopter rides available? Yes, but at an extra cost and not included in the base price.

When does the tour start and end? It begins at 6:15 am and returns around 4 pm in Melbourne.

What do reviewers say about the guide? Multiple reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, making the experience more engaging and informative.

To sum it up, this 2-day Great Ocean Road and Otways tour offers a carefully crafted blend of iconic landmarks, lush forests, and wildlife encounters that appeal to travelers seeking an authentic and intimate Australian adventure. Its small group size, knowledgeable guide, and unique activities like the platypus paddle make it stand out among other tours — perfect for those who want meaningful experiences without the hassle of self-driving. While it requires some physical activity and a bit of planning for meals, the chance to see Australia’s extraordinary coast and forests in such a personal setting makes it a worthwhile choice for nature lovers and scenery seekers alike.