Traveling along Australia’s Great Ocean Road is often considered a must-do for anyone visiting Melbourne. While many choose group tours, this private experience offers a personalized way to soak in the coast’s breathtaking sights, all with the comfort of tailored planning and expert guidance. We’ve reviewed this tour to help you decide if it fits your travel style and expectations.

What immediately catches your attention is the high praise from previous travelers, especially concerning the knowledgeable guides, stunning photo opportunities, and the value packed into a full-day experience. The tour’s flexibility—like the option to do the drive in reverse—means you get a more peaceful, less crowded visit to iconic spots like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

One potential consideration is the cost—at over $1,200 per person, it’s a premium experience. But for those who value privacy, expert local insights, and a custom itinerary, the price might very well be justified. This tour suits travelers who want to explore at their own pace, capture fantastic photos, and enjoy a comfortable, private journey rather than a large-group coach trip.

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Key Points

Personalized Experience: It’s a private tour, so you get undivided attention from your guide and a flexible itinerary.
Expert Guidance: The guides, like Paul, are praised for their friendliness and extensive local knowledge, making each stop more meaningful.
Beautiful Stops: From lighthouses and waterfalls to the Twelve Apostles, each location offers unique scenery and photo opportunities.
Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicles and door-to-door pickup make the long day comfortable and hassle-free.
Authentic Encounters: Opportunities to see native wildlife like koalas in their natural habitat add an authentic touch to your trip.
Value for Money: While pricier, the private nature, expert guidance, and avoided crowds make this a well-rounded choice for discerning travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

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Starting Early: A Full Day’s Journey Begins at 7:00am

This tour kicks off early to make the most of the daylight and avoid the crowds. The private vehicle with air conditioning ensures a comfortable ride through the scenic coastline, allowing you to relax from the start.

Aireys Inlet and the Split Point Lighthouse

Your first stop is Aireys Inlet, home to the famous Split Point Lighthouse. Known for its distinctive red cap, this lighthouse is a local landmark visible from miles away. A self-guided tour of the lighthouse provides sweeping views of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and insights into the area’s maritime history. Expect about two and a half hours here—plenty of time for photos, a quick history lesson, or just soaking in the coastal vistas.

Reviewers highlight how the guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience. One mentions the guide’s “considerate planning” that allows for capturing photos with ease, emphasizing that this is more than just a drive—it’s an opportunity for meaningful stops.

Lorne: A Charming Coastal Village

Next, the tour swings into Lorne, a seaside town that’s been attracting visitors for over a century. Known for its white-sand beaches and arts scene, Lorne offers a laid-back environment perfect for a quick stroll or a coffee break. With about an hour here, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and take in the relaxed vibe.

Teddy’s Lookout: Scenic Overviews

A short drive from Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout provides sweeping views of the coast and the Saint George River. The viewing platform is accessible via a walkway, offering dramatic vistas of breaking surf and mountain peaks. It’s a favorite among travelers, with many reviews praising the “breathtaking, sweeping, coastal views.”

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Erskine Falls: Nature’s Power

Down the road, in the Otway Ranges, Erskine Falls offers a spectacular sight—water plunging down 30 meters. The hike includes an easy walk to the first lookout, while the more adventurous can climb down 230 steps to get closer to the waterfall. Reviewers love this stop, with one highlighting the lush, fern-covered gullies created by the high rainfall in the area. The waterfall’s flow varies depending on recent rain, but even a trickling falls can be impressive after a dry spell.

Kennett River: Wildlife Encounters

One of the tour’s unique highlights is the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat at Kennett River. Unlike other parts of Australia where koalas are elusive, this spot is renowned for its large populations. Many visitors have commented on how easy it is to spot these sleepy creatures nestled high in eucalyptus trees, making for great photo opportunities. It’s a 15-minute stop but one that adds authentic wildlife encounters to your trip.

Apollo Bay: Coastal Charm and Local Life

Further along, Apollo Bay provides a perfect blend of nature and local life. With its beaches, harbor, and bustling cafes, it’s an ideal place for a leisurely break—about 1 hour and 15 minutes—where you can stretch your legs, grab a snack, or simply enjoy the seaside views. Many reviews mention the town’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful grassy foreshore.

Mait’s Rest: Ancient Rainforest

In the Otways, Mait’s Rest offers a gentle walk through ancient rainforest. The wooden boardwalk keeps the ecosystem protected while giving visitors close-up views of 300-year-old trees, lush ferns, and moss-covered roots. It’s a peaceful, almost magical place, appreciated by travelers for its tranquility and natural beauty.

The Twelve Apostles: Iconic Coastline

Of course, no trip along the Great Ocean Road is complete without visiting the Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks are a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunrise or sunset when their hues shift dramatically. The erosion that formed these stacks has taken millions of years, resulting in one of the most stunning natural spectacles in Australia. Expect about four hours at this stop, which is ample time to walk along the viewing platforms and capture those postcard-perfect shots.

Additional Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Paul for their friendly, approachable manner and deep local knowledge. One mentions that Paul even coordinated a helicopter tour for a previous client, showing how flexible and attentive the tour can be. The small group or private nature of the experience is also highly valued, allowing travelers to tailor their visit and avoid the crowds typical of larger tour groups.

Transportation, Timing, and Overall Value

The tour’s inclusion of private, air-conditioned transportation means you’re traveling comfortably throughout the day. Starting early ensures you beat the larger crowds, especially at popular spots like the Twelve Apostles. With a full-day duration of approximately 12 hours, there’s plenty of time to explore each stop without feeling rushed.

At over $1,200 per person, this experience is a premium price point. However, considering the private setting, personalized attention, and quality of stops, many feel it offers good value—particularly for couples, small groups, or travelers seeking a more intimate connection with the coastline. The price does not include lunch or dinner, so planning ahead for meals is advised, but the tour does include coffee or tea, ensuring you stay energized.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for travelers who value comfort, personalized service, and the chance to explore at their own pace. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those seeking a more relaxed, exclusive experience. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple looking for a special day out, this private option could turn a standard coast drive into a memorable adventure.

The Final Verdict

This Great Ocean Road Full Day Private Tour offers a thoughtfully curated, intimate experience of one of Australia’s most iconic coastlines. With expert guides, flexible itineraries, and the chance to see wildlife in natural settings, it’s a compelling choice for travelers who want more than just a quick snapshot of the region.

While the cost is on the higher end, the value lies in the quality of the experience, the avoidance of crowds, and the chance to capture stunning images without feeling rushed. The stops are well-planned, and the guide’s local insights make each location come alive.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic journey along the coast, with a touch of luxury and personalized attention, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate comfort, want to avoid large crowds, or are eager to explore the coastline at their own pace with an expert by their side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be inclusive and comfortable. It’s a private experience, so it can be tailored if needed.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and coffee or tea throughout the day. It does not include lunch or dinner.

Can I start the tour at a different time?
The default start time is 7:00am, but as this is a private tour, you may be able to request a different pickup time—confirm with the tour provider.

How long are the stops?
Stops vary in length: from 15 minutes at Kennett River to about 4 hours at the Twelve Apostles, giving you ample time to explore and photograph.

Is the itinerary fixed or flexible?
The tour offers a flexible approach, with the option to do the drive in reverse or customize some stops, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option if your plans change.

This private tour of the Great Ocean Road combines comfort, authenticity, and stunning scenery, making it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a memorable, intimate coastal adventure.