From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

Traveling along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is often regarded as one of Australia’s most iconic drives, and a guided tour can make experiencing its highlights more manageable and enriching. This particular 12.5-hour tour by Explore Australia packs in stunning scenery, native wildlife, and some of the most famous landmarks — all while offering the convenience of organized transport and knowledgeable guides.

From what we’ve gathered, the tour scores a solid 5 out of 5 based on five reviews, with travelers highlighting the stunning vistas, friendly guides, and authentic wildlife encounters.

However, with such a packed schedule, it’s worth noting that long day trips can be tiring, especially if you’re not an early riser or used to big group tours. Still, if you’re eager to see the coast and wildlife without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this tour offers a fantastic value.

This experience suits travelers craving a comprehensive, guided day trip that balances scenic beauty, wildlife, and history, all at a reasonable price point of $94 per person.

Key Points

• Convenient Full-Day Experience: Covering major sights with a knowledgeable guide.
• Early Departure: Designed to avoid crowds and maximize scenic views.
• Wildlife Encounters: Koalas and colorful birds in natural habitats.
• Iconic Landmarks: The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
• Includes Park Fees & Roundtrip Transport: Simplifies planning and budgeting.
• Not suited for Strollers or Young Children: Due to tour logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Early for the Best Views and Fewer Crowds

This tour kicks off from Melbourne early in the morning, with pickup locations conveniently spread across the city. The scheduled departure around 6:30 am (from outside the Mail Exchange Hotel) guarantees you a head start on the crowds and the chance to enjoy the coast in a more tranquil setting. The early start is a big plus, as many reviewers praise the quieter atmosphere at key stops, making photos and wildlife sightings more enjoyable.

First Stop: Anglesea

The journey begins with a stop in Anglesea, a charming coastal town. Here, you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or even indulge in breakfast at your own expense. The relaxed vibe and ocean breeze set the tone for the day, and this brief pause helps shake off the early morning grogginess.

The Historic Memorial Arch

Next, your group visits the Memorial Arch, a striking monument built to honor the soldiers who constructed the road after World War I. The arch isn’t just a photo op but a testament to Australia’s resilience. The guides typically share snippets about the road’s history, adding depth to the experience. Expect to take plenty of photos with the arch framing the stunning ocean backdrop behind.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Coastline Drive & Scenic Views

From there, the tour follows the coastal highway, hugging cliffs and surf, offering panoramic vistas. Travelers consistently mention how breathtaking the views are, especially as the landscape constantly shifts. Expect plenty of stops for photos, with guides pointing out interesting geological formations and scenic photo opportunities.

Wildlife at Kennett River

A highlight for many is the stop at Kennett River, renowned for its wildlife. Here, you might see koalas among eucalyptus trees — many visitors comment on how close and accessible these animals are, often just a few meters away. The chance to see kangaroos, parrots, and kookaburras flying overhead adds to the charm. Reviewers emphasize how authentic these sightings are, with one noting, “We saw several koalas just lazing about, no zoo cages, just nature in its element.”

Nature Walk at Maits Rest

Next, you’ll stroll through Maits Rest, a lush rainforest walk where ancient trees and winding paths create a peaceful escape. The terrain is accessible, but sturdy shoes are recommended. Expect to see vibrant birdlife and maybe even some nocturnal creatures if you’re lucky. This stop offers tranquility away from the coastal crowds, and many reviewers commend the peaceful vibe and vibrant greenery.

Lunch Break at Lavers Hill

Midday, you’ll stop at Lavers Hill, a quaint spot for a meal at your own expense. The local cafes serve hearty, regional fare, perfect to recharge for the afternoon. Reviewers mention that this is a good opportunity to enjoy local flavors and take a breather before the big landmarks.

The 12 Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge

The tour’s most famous attraction—the 12 Apostles—is a sight not to miss. The towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean are even more impressive in real life than photos can capture. Many reviews highlight the awe these formations inspire, especially as waves crash around them and the sun sets (if your timing aligns).

Following the Apostles, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, a site famous for a tragic shipwreck. The rugged cliffs, quiet beach, and surrounding history make it a compelling stop. Travelers appreciate the mix of natural beauty and storytelling, feeling the raw power of the ocean and the resilience symbolized by the site.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up with the return drive to Melbourne, generally arriving around 7:00 pm, providing plenty of time to reflect on the day’s adventures. Reviewers mention that the long drive is worth it for the comprehensive experience and the chance to see so much in one day.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Expert Guides

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, noting they’re friendly, informative, and capable of sharing not just facts but interesting stories. One reviewer mentioned their guide, “Brad,” as being especially personable, adding humor and local insights that made the trip memorable.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters

Unlike zoo visits, wildlife sightings occur in natural habitats, making the experience more genuine. Visitors often mention how close they got to koalas and vibrant parrots, which adds a special touch to the day.

Well-Chosen Stops

The balance between iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles and peaceful nature walks like Maits Rest ensures the tour appeals to both scenic lovers and nature enthusiasts. The inclusion of historical context at the Memorial Arch and Loch Ard Gorge enriches the experience.

Value for Money

At $94 per person, the tour offers full-day transportation, park fees, and guided commentary—a package that’s hard to beat considering the cost of independent travel, entry fees, and self-guided planning.

Practical Aspects & Tips for Travelers

Transportation & Group Size

The roundtrip transport from Melbourne is included, making logistics straightforward. The group size tends to be larger, but the early start and scheduled stops mean you’ll still get ample opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes for walking, warm clothing for potentially chilly mornings, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Note that baby strollers are not allowed**, likely due to uneven terrain at some stops.

Timing & Pacing

The 12.5-hour duration means a full day of sightseeing, so prepare for an active day. Many travelers mention the long drive as a consideration, but most agree the scenery and photo stops make it worthwhile.

Food & Drinks

Lunch is at your own expense, so packing snacks or deciding where to eat in Lavers Hill is advisable. The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, but many travelers find this gives flexibility to choose local cafes or pack a picnic.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you enjoy scenic drives, wildlife watching, and iconic landmarks, this tour hits all the marks. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free experience with plenty of photo opportunities and educational commentary. Nature lovers will appreciate the stops at Maits Rest and wildlife encounters, while history buffs may find the Memorial Arch and Loch Ard Gorge particularly compelling.

However, if you prefer a leisurely pace or traveling with very young children, this might feel a bit long and structured. The absence of stroller access and the early start could be challenging for some families.

Final Thoughts

This Great Ocean Road & Wildlife tour offers a comprehensive, value-packed day for anyone eager to see the best of Victoria’s coast in one go. Between the spectacular scenery, authentic wildlife encounters, and educational stops, it’s a well-rounded experience that balances natural beauty with history and fun.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge elevate the trip, making it more than just a bus ride. While the long hours may test some travelers’ patience, the breathtaking views and memorable wildlife moments easily compensate. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their day with minimal planning, especially if they’re comfortable with group tours and early mornings.

This tour provides a reliable way to tick off one of Australia’s most photogenic and awe-inspiring drives — a must-do for first-time visitors or anyone looking to experience Victoria’s coast with ease and authenticity.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 12.5 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers national park fees, roundtrip transport from Melbourne, and an informative, friendly guide.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are at your own expense. There’s a lunch stop at Lavers Hill, where you can choose to dine at regional cafes.

Where is the pickup point?
The main pickup is outside the Mail Exchange Hotel at 688 Bourke Street, with alternative locations available if booked in advance.

Can I bring a stroller?
No, baby strollers are not allowed, likely due to uneven terrain and walking paths at some stops.

What wildlife might I see?
You can expect to see koalas in their natural eucalyptus habitat, as well as parrots, kookaburras, and other native birds.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s best suited for older children and adults; very young kids might find the long hours and walking challenging.

How crowded are the stops?
Early departure helps avoid crowds, but popular landmarks like the 12 Apostles can get busy later in the day.

What makes this tour a good value?
With all transport, park fees, and guided commentary included at just $94, it offers a hassle-free, comprehensive experience of Victoria’s scenic highlights.

To sum it up, this guided tour of the Great Ocean Road combines scenic beauty, wildlife, and history into a single, well-organized day. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a hassle-free way to see the highlights, especially if they value expert guides and authentic wildlife encounters. While long, the journey is packed with memorable moments that make the effort more than worthwhile — a true highlight for anyone visiting Melbourne wanting to experience Australia’s stunning coastal landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: