Exploring Ride Tours’ 2-Day Great Ocean Road Trip for 18-35 Year Olds
If you’re dreaming of ticking off the iconic Great Ocean Road while avoiding the crowds and enjoying a relaxed pace, this Ride Tours 2-day experience might just be your perfect match. Designed specifically for young travelers aged 18-35, this tour promises a blend of incredible scenery, wildlife encounters, and social vibes—all wrapped into an affordable package.
What sets this trip apart? First, opting to travel in the reverse direction helps you dodge busy crowds, giving you a more intimate experience at popular sights. Second, the all-inclusive approach—covering breakfast, dinner, and accommodation—means less stress about logistics and more focus on soaking up the views. Lastly, the small group size (max 20) guarantees a friendly, personalized atmosphere with plenty of opportunity for genuine connections.
One thing to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for some snacks or meals on your own. But honestly, with the itinerary packed with highlights, you’ll find enough stops to grab a bite. This tour is best suited for adventurous, moderately active travelers who love wildlife, scenic landscapes, and meaningful group moments.
Key Points
- Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 20 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personal and engaging trip.
- Wildlife & Nature: Opportunities to see kangaroos, koalas, emus, and maybe even whales.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Multiple iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge.
- Accommodation & Food Included: Hassle-free nights at a unique hostel and delicious meals.
- Reverse Route: Travel in the opposite direction to avoid crowds and get a different perspective.
- Value for Money: At $233.91, including accommodation, meals, and guided experiences, it offers good value for a two-day adventure.
Looking for more options in St Kilda? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
Day 1: Wildlife & Coastal Wonders
The trip kicks off early at 7:00 am from St Kilda, heading into the heart of Victoria’s coast. The first stop is Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a sunken volcano teeming with Aussie wildlife. Here, you’re likely to spot kangaroos, emus, and maybe even koalas, as one reviewer noted, “loads of Australian wildlife like kangaroos, emus, and koalas.” Spending about an hour exploring this reserve gives you a chance to see animals in their natural habitat, a real highlight for nature lovers.
Next, the tour heads to Logan’s Beach, especially during winter, with the hope of catching Southern Right Whales with their calves. Reviewers appreciated these wildlife sights, mentioning how nice it was to see animals up close. Afterward, you’ll visit the Bay of Martyrs, where you can walk along the beaches of the Bay of Islands National Park—perfect for playful photos and some quiet reflection.
The journey continues with a descent into the Grotto, affectionately called the “Mermaids Love Pond” by one reviewer, due to its stunning sea-carved formations and crystal-clear waters. The guide takes you down into this natural marvel, promising that you’ll get a sense of the area’s mystical charm. Then, a quick stop at London Bridge, Bay of Islands, and The Grotto allows for photo opportunities and soaking in the rugged beauty of the coast.
Day 1 Evening: Cozy Stay & Craft Beer
The first night is at Sow & Piglets Guest House, the only hostel in Australia with its own craft brewery. Guests rave about the friendliness of the staff and the lively atmosphere—perfect for socializing after a day of exploring. The accommodation is included, so you won’t need to hunt down a hotel elsewhere, saving both time and money.
Day 2: Iconic Sights & Coastal Towns
The next morning, you’ll return to the famous Twelve Apostles, ideally timed for sunrise or sunset, to enjoy breathtaking views. Guests have expressed how the “beauty and grandeur” of the Apostles still take their breath away, even on multiple visits.
Continuing along the coast, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, where stories of shipwrecks intertwine with stunning limestone cliffs. One reviewer called it “the shipwreck coast,” noting the dramatic scenery and informative walk.
The tour takes a refreshing break in Mait’s Rest, walking through a lush rain forest in the Otway National Park. Expect cool, shaded paths and plenty of opportunities to spot local flora and fauna, just as one reviewer described as a “guided walk through the cool temperate rain-forest.”
Later, you’ll have free time in Apollo Bay, a charming seaside town teeming with local brews, ice cream, and a chance to swim or relax on the beach. Reviewer Emily even mentioned enjoying the local brew pub and the famous Dooley’s Ice Cream, highlighting the town’s laid-back charm.
The final stops include Lorne Pier, where you might spot seals or stingrays, and Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. These spots give you a taste of the local surf culture and coastal ambiance.
The Full Loop
Traveling at a relaxed pace, the tour covers every centimetre of the Great Ocean Road, as one traveler put it, ensuring you get plenty of time at each stop. The itinerary is crafted to avoid the rush typical of larger tours, meaning you’ll have ample moments for photos, wildlife encounters, and just taking in the views without the crowds.
What We Love About This Tour
Guides Known for Their Enthusiasm and Knowledge: Several reviews praised guides like Cam, James, and Guy for their helpfulness, humor, and dedication. They go beyond just driving, often acting as photographers, storytellers, and even cooks—one review mentioned the guide being a “driver, chef, and friend.”
Wildlife Encounters: Several guests noted how many animals they saw, from kangaroos and koalas to whales and seals. One reviewer shared, “Cam is excellent at finding koalas,” which makes wildlife a true highlight of the journey.
Delicious Food & Unique Accommodations: The included buffet dinners and breakfasts are well-received. Staying at Sow & Piglets, especially with its craft brewery, offers a unique experience. Reviewers appreciated the quality of the food and the friendly atmosphere.
Stunning Scenery & Sunset Views: Visitors consistently mentioned how breathtaking the views are, particularly at sunrise and sunset at the Twelve Apostles. The chance to see these iconic formations in different lights is a big bonus.
Value for Money: At just over $230, covering accommodation, meals, and guided experiences, many reviewers felt this was a great deal for what’s included.
Practical Considerations
While the tour offers a lot, there are some things to keep in mind. Lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning a quick meal during free time is advisable. The moderate physical activity involved—like walking through the rain forest or down into the Grotto—means it’s suitable for most travelers with a reasonable fitness level.
The small group size ensures a more intimate experience but means spots can fill up quickly—it’s wise to book about 20 days in advance, as most travelers do. The tour is not suitable for travelers under 18, and the experience is designed for young adults seeking social, active adventures.
The Sum Up
This 2-day Great Ocean Road tour from Ride Tours offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural spots. The thoughtfully curated itinerary, combined with knowledgeable guides and inclusive meals and accommodation, makes it a compelling choice for those wanting to see the best of the coast without the hassle.
It’s especially perfect for young travelers who value social atmospheres, authentic encounters, and a relaxed pace. If you’re eager to enjoy iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge while meeting fellow adventurers, this tour will serve you well.
The tour’s small group vibe, expert guides, and scenic stops make it a worthwhile investment, delivering a memorable Australian road trip experience packed with photo-worthy moments, wildlife sightings, and delightful towns.
FAQ
Is breakfast and dinner included?
Yes, the tour includes both breakfast and a buffet dinner, helping you start each day well-fed and ending with a relaxed meal.
Can I join if I’m not very active?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, such as walking down into the Grotto or exploring rainforests. Most travelers with a reasonable fitness level should be fine.
What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, some stops like Logan’s Beach are especially exciting during winter for whale watching. The scenery is stunning in all seasons.
How many people are in each group?
The maximum is 20 travelers, ensuring a friendly, less crowded experience.
What’s the accommodation like?
You’ll stay overnight at Sow & Piglets Guest House, a unique hostel with its own craft brewery, praised for its friendly vibe and cozy atmosphere.
What food is included, and what’s not?
Included are breakfast and dinner, but lunch is not provided. You’ll need to plan for some snacks or meals during free time.
This Ride Tours 2-day Great Ocean Road experience balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity, making it an excellent choice for young explorers craving natural beauty and social interaction.