Melbourne: 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of Australia’s most iconic coastal scenery without the tourist crowds, this guided day tour from Melbourne offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and charming towns. At just $145 per person, this 12-hour experience hits many of the must-see sights along the Great Ocean Road, including the world-famous 12 Apostles, the lush Otways rainforest, and even a chance to see koalas in their natural habitat.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it manages to pack so many highlights into one day without feeling rushed. The early start means you get to see the 12 Apostles before the crowds arrive — a real advantage — and the visits to Gibson Steps and Kennett’s River are thoughtfully timed to catch wildlife activity at its best. The guided hikes offer a deeper connection with nature, and the small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures a more intimate, flexible experience.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour does not include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to meet at the designated spot in St. Kilda. Also, as it’s a full-day outdoor adventure, wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for variable weather is essential. This tour is best suited for active travelers — those who love scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and a rundown of the coast in one packed day.

If you’re after a reliable, well-reviewed trip that combines scenery, wildlife, and local towns in a manageable timeframe, this tour is a solid pick. It’s particularly ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time and experience the best of Victoria’s coast.

Key Points

• Early start for the best views of the 12 Apostles before crowds
• Small group size for a more personal and flexible experience
• Diverse highlights including waterfalls, redwoods, and wildlife spotting
• Guided hikes that deepen appreciation of the rainforest and waterfalls
• Excellent value considering the variety of stops and experiences
• No lunch included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase at stops

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Victoria’s Coastal Wonders in Comfort

This tour is designed for those who want a comprehensive day trip that balances sightseeing, activity, and wildlife encounters. Starting early from Melbourne, you’ll head straight to the 12 Apostles, perhaps Australia’s most iconic limestone stacks, without the usual crowds. The advantage of an early start is clear: we loved the peace and quiet in the morning, which allowed us to take more intimate photos and really soak in the views.

The Gibson Steps are next, where you can walk down a 70-meter cliffside pathway to the beach below. Here, the dramatic coastline provides fantastic photo opportunities, especially as the waves crash against the cliffs. Several reviews mention the quality of the photos taken here, along with appreciation for how well-timed the stops are for optimal lighting and fewer visitors.

From there, the tour enters the Great Otways National Park, a lush rainforest full of towering California Redwoods. Our guide led us on a manageable, Grade 2 hike that was accessible even for those without bushwalking experience. The trail is on a hardened surface with some gentle hills, making it suitable for most. The highlight here was a visit to a pristine waterfall, which many reviewers describe as “magical” and well worth the short trek.

As we left the rainforest, the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road continued, passing charming coastal towns like Apollo Bay. The small town of Lorne gets a dedicated 30-minute stop, giving travelers time to browse shops, grab a quick swim, or just enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Many find this a relaxing break amidst the day’s busier sightseeing.

A special highlight for many is the visit to Kennett’s River, where koalas are often seen lounging in trees or munching leaves. Several reviews praise how knowledgeable guides are at spotting wildlife and sharing insights into their behavior—one reviewer noted, “Shane, our guide, was a tremendous observer,” which truly enhances the experience.

Finally, a visit to the Redwood Forest offers a striking contrast to the coastal scenery, with towering Californian Redwoods reminiscent of the American west coast. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect and marvel at nature’s diversity.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes all major stops: Apostles, Gibson Steps, Otways waterfalls, Redwoods, and the wildlife spotting at Kennett’s River. The guided hike to the waterfall is rated Grade 2, suitable for most fitness levels, and offers a real connection to the rainforest environment.

What you should bring is a comfortable pair of shoes, sun protection, a hat, and some cash or credit card for extras like snacks, souvenirs, or optional meals. Since no lunch is included, you might want to pack a picnic or plan to buy something at Lorne or the other stops.

Not included are hotel pickups and drop-offs, which means you should plan your arrival at the meeting point in St. Kilda. The meeting point is conveniently located near Flinders Street Station and Hamer Hall, making it easy to access via Melbourne’s public transport.

The Value of a Small Group Guided Tour

Most reviews emphasize the value of the small group size — limited to just 8 people — which makes for a more personalized, relaxed experience. Guides like Curtis and Shane are repeatedly praised for their knowledge, passion, and spotting skills, especially when it comes to wildlife.

On top of that, the tour’s pacing is well-regarded; travelers appreciate that it isn’t overly rushed but still manages to cover a lot in one day. The inclusion of hikes, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing makes it a well-rounded experience that caters to nature lovers and photo enthusiasts alike.

A Day Well Spent on Victoria’s Coast

This tour offers significant value considering the variety and quality of sights included. The early access to the 12 Apostles is a major plus, allowing you to avoid the crowds that can detract from the experience. The guided rainforest walk and waterfalls deepen the sense of connection to the landscape, and the wildlife sightings, especially of koalas, are highlights many travelers cherish.

The only real trade-off is the absence of lunch, but that can be easily managed with a bit of planning. It’s also a full day, so comfortable clothing and shoes are a must.

In essence, this trip is perfect for active travelers who want a broad, immersive taste of Australia’s southern coast. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time in Melbourne but eager to see the best natural attractions in a single, organized package.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a well-organized, engaging day trip that combines scenic beauty with wildlife and small-town charm. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer guided tours to maximize their time and learn from knowledgeable guides. If you value early access to major sights, appreciate nature hikes, and want to see koalas in the wild, this tour checks all those boxes.

While not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to the hiking involved, it’s a great option for active visitors who want a balanced, authentic snapshot of Victoria’s coast.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, you’ll need to meet at the designated spot in St. Kilda, which is near Flinders Street Station. It’s a straightforward walk or transit from most Melbourne accommodations.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, starting early in the morning and ending in the evening.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Since no lunch is provided, pack snacks or plan to buy food at stops.

Is the hike suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the hike to the waterfall is Grade 2, on a hardened surface with some gentle hills, accessible for most people without bushwalking experience.

Can I see koalas and kangaroos?
While koalas are the main focus at Kennett’s River and are often spotted resting in trees, sightings depend on timing and luck. Guides are skilled at locating wildlife.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for active families with older children comfortable walking and outdoor activities. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience and easier interaction with the guide.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience some of Victoria’s most stunning scenery and wildlife without the hassle of self-driving. Its emphasis on early access, guided hikes, and small group intimacy makes it stand out for travelers who want more than just a bus ride.

If you’re eager to see the 12 Apostles in tranquility, enjoy the lush Otways rainforest, and spot koalas in their natural environment, this trip delivers in spades. It’s particularly perfect for those who appreciate a mix of adventure, scenery, and local charm, all within a comfortable, organized package.

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, authentic coastal adventure that balances iconic sights with personal touches, this tour is a smart choice that leaves you with lasting memories of Victoria’s spectacular coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: