Private Tour: Great Ocean Road

Imagine waking up in Melbourne and being whisked away for a full day of breathtaking coastal scenery, iconic landmarks, and encounters with local wildlife—all in the comfort of a private vehicle with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. This 12-hour tour for up to six people, offered by Melbourne Experiences, costs $627 per group, providing a more intimate alternative to the crowded bus tours. What makes it truly stand out? First, the personalized attention from your guide, who shares stories and local secrets that turn sightseeing into storytelling. Second, the comfort and flexibility of traveling in a spacious car, making stops and exploring at your pace.

Two highlights we love are the opportunity to see koalas at Kennett River—something you won’t get on every tour—and visiting Bells Beach, famous for hosting the longest-running surf contest in the world. These authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments make this tour much more than just a sightseeing checklist. A potential consideration? While the tour lasts a full 12 hours and covers a lot of ground, some travelers might find the long day a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to 12-hour excursions. However, for anyone keen on a deep, personalized exploration of the coast, this tour suits travelers who appreciate storytelling, wildlife encounters, and local flavors.

If you’re someone who values small-group intimacy, expert guides, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s ideal for those wanting more than a cookie-cutter experience, especially if you’re eager to learn the stories behind the sights and encounter wildlife in natural settings.

Key Points

Exclusive Experience: Private group for up to six ensures personalized attention and storytelling.
Authentic Encounters: Koalas, kangaroos, and local wildlife at Kennett River add a special touch.
Iconic Landmarks: Visit Bells Beach, The Memorial Arch, Gibson’s Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles.
Flexible Itinerary: Guides share stories and adjust stops based on your interests.
Comfort and Convenience: Spacious vehicles and pickup/drop-off in Melbourne CBD.
Local Flavors: Enjoy lunch in Lorne and indulge in Dooley’s Ice Cream at Apollo Bay.

Our love for this tour begins with how it balances scenic beauty, authentic wildlife encounters, and storytelling. It’s designed for travelers who want a true taste of the coast, minus the overwhelming crowds and cookie-cutter buses. Let’s break down what you can expect on this full day of adventure.

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The Itinerary: From Melbourne to the Coast and Back

The tour starts with a pickup in Melbourne, just a short hop over the Westgate Bridge, leading you out of the city’s hustle. The first official stop is Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia, setting the tone for a coastal adventure. The highlight here is Bells Beach, famous worldwide for its surf contests—and you’ll get to stand on the sands where surfers chase waves and history.

Next, your guide will take you through Anglesea, a charming seaside town, before heading to Aireys Inlet and the iconic Memorial Arch, which commemorates the construction of the Great Ocean Road itself. Here, you’ll hear stories about the engineering feat that made this scenic drive possible.

From there, it’s Teddy’s Lookout, which offers stunning panoramic views—perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the landscape. Lunch is in Lorne, a cozy seaside town where you can enjoy local flavors and unwind by the water. If you want a quick snack or a longer break, this is the spot to do it.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit Wye River and then head into Kennett River—a wildlife hotspot where you’ll walk in the National Park, searching for Koalas resting in treetops. Travelers have raved about this wildlife encounter, with one reviewer noting they saw 50+ kangaroos hopping around at a secret spot—a treat you might not find on more generic tours.

From Kennett River, it’s a short drive to Apollo Bay, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved ice cream break at Dooley’s Ice Cream—a local favorite. Here, the relaxed atmosphere is perfect before the final stretch to the coast’s most famous attraction.

The last leg takes you to Port Campbell, home to the Twelve Apostles. You’ll walk down Gibson’s Steps to the beach below, giving a closer view of these limestone stacks. Then, a stroll along the Boardwalk offers spectacular photo opportunities. The tour culminates with a visit to Loch Ard Gorge, where waves crash against cliffs and the stories of shipwrecks add a hint of romance and history.

Finally, the journey back to Melbourne offers more opportunities to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and stories shared by your guide.

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The Value of a Private, Small-Group Tour

Traveling in a spacious, private vehicle means more comfort and flexibility. Unlike large buses, your group can stop for extra photos or linger longer at favorite spots. Plus, with a guide dedicated solely to your group, you’ll get personalized stories and insights that bring each stop to life.

The small group size fosters a friendly, engaging atmosphere—perfect for asking questions and hearing local secrets. Many travelers have commented on guides like Harrison and Ronnie, describing them as knowledgeable, friendly, and great storytellers. One reviewer shared that their guide tailored the day to their requests and even revealed a secret kangaroo spot—something you’d never find on a large, scripted tour.

The Experience: Scenic Views, Wildlife, and Local Flavors

What sets this tour apart? It’s the combination of natural beauty and authentic encounters. The Twelve Apostles themselves are worth every photo and story—these limestone formations, shaped by millennia of erosion, look stunning against the ocean backdrop. The wildlife spotting at Kennett River adds a layer of authenticity, allowing you to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitats instead of zoo enclosures.

Your guide’s storytelling makes each stop meaningful, sharing history, local lore, and personal anecdotes. The visits to popular sites like Bells Beach are complemented by lesser-known gems and delicious local stops like Lorne and Apollo Bay.

The Practicalities: Comfort, Timing, and Cost

For $627, this full-day experience offers excellent value. The private group size means you won’t be pressed into a crowded bus or spectating behind a crowd—more like a scenic, story-filled day with friends. The pickup and drop-off in Melbourne CBD make logistics simple, and the spacious, comfortable vehicle ensures you’re not cramped on the long drive.

Timing-wise, the tour lasts about 12 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full days of exploration. The price includes the vehicle, guide, and all the stops, but food and drinks are on your tab—so pack snacks or plan for lunch in Lorne or Apollo Bay.

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The Reviews Speak for Themselves

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Travelers praise guides like Jono and Harrison for their knowledgeability and friendliness, with one noting they couldn’t have asked for a better guide. The stunning views at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge consistently garner compliments.

One traveler from Mexico shared, “Spectacular tour, Pete took us to see koalas, kangaroos and spectacular places like the 12 apostles, nothing is missing, excellent guide.” Another from the US wrote, “He provided us with the perfect day, tailored to our requests while suggesting local favorites. Seeing 50+ kangaroos hop around at his secret spot was unforgettable.”

This private tour appeals most to travelers who value customization, comfort, and storytelling. It’s perfect if you want a more intimate experience with fewer people, personalized insights, and wildlife encounters. If you’re eager to avoid large bus crowds and prefer to explore at your own pace, this experience delivers.

It’s also well-suited for those interested in local flavors—lunch in Lorne and ice cream at Apollo Bay add a tasty touch. And if you love photo opportunities and learning about the stories behind the sights, this tour checks every box.

In short, this private Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles tour offers a balanced mixture of scenic beauty, wildlife, personalized storytelling, and comfort. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a deeper, more authentic experience beyond the typical bus trip. The guides’ local knowledge and the small-group atmosphere make it especially valuable—allowing you to take your time and truly connect with the landscape and its stories.

While the full-day commitment may be long, the comfort, flexibility, and authenticity make it worthwhile. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour provides lasting memories of Australia’s rugged coast and iconic landmarks.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes pickup and drop-off in Melbourne CBD or surrounding areas, a spacious vehicle, and a private guide for the day. Food and drinks are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop and soak in the scenery.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95. Travelers should be comfortable with a full day of sitting and walking.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the guide shares stories and can tailor the experience based on your interests, making it more personalized than standard tours.

Do I get to see wildlife?
Absolutely. Kennett River is a highlight, where you can walk in the national park and see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. The tour doesn’t include food, but there are plenty of options in Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Is the vehicle comfortable?
Yes, the spacious car ensures comfort during the long drives, and small groups mean more space and less crowding.

How is the guide’s knowledge?
Reviews mention guides like Jono, Harrison, and Ronnie as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, sharing stories that enhance the experience.

Are there any stops for lunch?
Yes, lunch is in Lorne, with opportunities to enjoy local flavors, and a break for ice cream in Apollo Bay.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your plans.

This detailed, authentic look at the Private Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Tour should help you decide whether this intimate, storytelling-focused journey fits your travel style. It promises a day full of stunning sights, wildlife surprises, and personal touches—making every moment memorable.