2-Day Private Premium Great Ocean Road Tour

If you’re dreaming of sweeping coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and world-famous landmarks, a 2-day private tour along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road might just be your perfect escape. This experience, offered by Discovery Tours Australia, promises a luxurious, personalized journey that combines breathtaking scenery with the comfort of boutique accommodation and expert guiding. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal a well-crafted experience designed for those who value both adventure and comfort.

What we love about this tour is its luxury transportation, ensuring you travel in style and comfort, the chance to enjoy exclusive experiences like helicopter rides over the 12 Apostles, and the inclusion of boutique stays that let you unwind after a day of exploration. Plus, with private guides, you’ll get tailored insights into what makes this coastline so special. That said, the tour’s two-day duration means it’s quite packed, so those seeking a more leisurely pace might find it a bit rushed. This experience is ideal for travelers who want rich, authentic experiences without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Luxurious Private Transport: Travel in style with an air-conditioned, private vehicle and driver-guide.
• Exclusive Experiences: Includes helicopter flight, boutique accommodation, and guided walks.
• Diverse Highlights: From renowned surf beaches to waterfalls and coastal formations.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: All national park fees, meals, and activities like wine tastings are covered.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those wanting a premium, hassle-free adventure.
• Limited for Young Children: Not suitable for kids under five years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Ultimate Luxury Journey: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Day One: From Melbourne to Apollo Bay with Iconic Stops

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from Melbourne CBD around 9 am, in a sleek, air-conditioned vehicle. A private chauffeur ensures your comfort and provides commentary on the drive, which is already a step above standard coach tours. The first stop is Bells Beach, famed for its legendary surf and vibrant community vibe. Here, you’ll get a chance to snap photos and soak in the waves that draw surfers from around the world.

Next, your guide takes you to Bellbrae Estate for a wine tasting session. The reviews mention this as a highlight, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to sample local wines in a relaxed, boutique setting. It’s a nice touch that adds a bit of indulgence and local flavor to the experience. Afterward, a gourmet lunch in Lorne provides a chance to enjoy fresh seafood or other regional delights, giving you fuel for the afternoon.

The afternoon includes Teddys Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the coast—perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots. The walk through Erskine Falls rainforest is another favorite, a lush, green excursion that reveals the region’s natural beauty. Reviewers mention that the rainforest walk is easy to moderate, making it accessible but still rewarding. As daylight fades, you arrive at a boutique hotel in Apollo Bay, where cozy rooms and a delicious dinner await, rounding out a day packed with sights and experiences.

Day Two: From Rainforests to the Iconic Coastline

Your second day begins with a scenic drive through the Otway Rainforest, a drizzle of mist and the sounds of birds make this a peaceful start. The real star comes later: a helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast**. This is the crown jewel of the tour, offering breathtaking aerial views of towering limestone stacks and rugged shoreline. Multiple reviews highlight how worthwhile this exclusive experience is, providing perspectives impossible from land.

Descending to Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll get up close with the jagged cliffs and sea caves. These sites are praised for their dramatic scenery and storytelling—some reviews mention the cliffs’ sheer drops and quiet coves that evoke a sense of adventure. Lunch in Port Campbell is included, giving you a chance to refuel before exploring the Bay of Islands and its stunning coastal park.

The day wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Melbourne along an inland route, avoiding the busiest coastal sections and giving you some quiet moments to reflect on the trip. Throughout, the private nature of the tour means your group is small, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility. The tour’s inclusion of all national park fees and guided walks ensures transparency and no hidden costs.

Why This Tour Stands Out

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Private Luxury Vehicle & Guide

Traveling in a premium vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide means you avoid the crowds and rigid schedules common with bus tours. This setup allows for a customized experience, with your guide sharing insights about each stop—something many travelers appreciated, especially those who want to learn more about the region’s geology, history, or local anecdotes. One review specifically mentioned that the guide was “knowledgeable and personable,” making the trip more engaging.

Exclusive Experiences

The helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles is a standout feature, offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks. Many guests found this a highlight, with some mentioning they would book the experience again just for the aerial views. The wine tasting at Bellbrae Estate adds a touch of luxury and regional authenticity, making the experience more well-rounded.

Boutique Accommodations & Gourmet Dining

Staying in boutique hotels in Apollo Bay provides a cozy, intimate setting that contrasts with larger chain hotels. The reviews praise the comfortable, well-appointed rooms and the chance to unwind after a full day. The included gourmet lunch and dinner elevate the experience, turning a sightseeing trip into a culinary journey as well.

All-Inclusive Value

All fees, national park entries, and guided walks are included, which means no surprises on the bill. This transparency is a plus for travelers seeking a hassle-free experience. When considering the price, many reviewers felt that the luxury transport, exclusive sights, and personalized service justified the cost, especially compared to larger group tours.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book early: Due to its private nature, spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Bring essentials: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, and a passport or ID for any wine tastings.
• Dress comfortably: Layers are advisable, especially if you plan to do the rainforest walk or enjoy the helicopter ride.
• Consider dietary needs: The tour can accommodate other dietary requirements if notified in advance.
• Timing: The pick-up is at 9 am, but confirm your hotel location to ensure smooth transfer.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This premium, personalized experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate comfort, exclusivity, and detailed insights. It’s perfect for honeymooners, couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want a hassle-free, luxurious adventure. Because children under five aren’t suitable, it’s less ideal for families with very young kids, but older children and teenagers who enjoy scenic landscapes and aerial views might find it special.

If you’re after a classic, crowded coach tour, this might feel too exclusive. But for those who want to explore the coast with a knowledgeable guide, in style and comfort, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Day Private Premium Great Ocean Road Tour offers a well-balanced mix of luxury, adventure, and authentic coastal experiences. The private transport, guided walks, exclusive helicopter flight, and boutique accommodation combine to create a memorable escape that’s more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s a tailored experience designed for travelers who want quality over quantity, comfort over crowds.

While it’s not the cheapest way to see the coast, the value lies in the personalized service, exclusive experiences, and the ease of having everything planned for you. For those who seek a seamless, indulgent adventure along one of Australia’s most stunning coastlines, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pick-up?
Guests are asked to be ready 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, which is typically around 9 am. The guide will arrive with a premium vehicle in Melbourne CBD.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 5 years old are not suitable for this experience, likely due to the nature of the activities like helicopter flights and rainforest walks.

What’s included in the price?
All national park fees, guided walks, boat or helicopter experiences, boutique accommodation, meals, and refreshments are included, ensuring no hidden costs.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, other dietary needs can be catered for if you notify the tour provider at the time of booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended.

Is it possible to customize the itinerary?
The tour is private, so your guide can tailor certain aspects—like the timing at stops—within the day’s schedule.

How long is the helicopter flight?
While the exact flight duration isn’t specified, reviews emphasize that it provides stunning aerial views of the coast, making it a highlight of the trip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

To sum it up, this tour stands out for its luxury, personalized approach, and the chance to see the Great Ocean Road’s highlights with comfort and insight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a memorable journey, it’s a superb way to experience Australia’s best coastal scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: