Great Ocean Road Private Luxury Tour

Imagine a day dedicated solely to soaking up the jaw-dropping scenery of Victoria’s most iconic coastal route—without the crowds, in a comfortable private vehicle, with a guide who knows the ins and outs of every stop. That’s exactly what the Great Ocean Road Private Luxury Tour offers. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 15 reviews and glowing recommendations, this tour seems to tick all the right boxes for travelers craving a tailored, high-quality experience.

We particularly love the customization options, the knowledgeable guides (many reviewers sing their praises), and the chance for a more relaxed, less crowded sightseeing day. However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include breakfast and lunch, so a bit of budget planning is needed for meals. This tour is ideal for families, small groups, or couples who value comfort and flexibility over large bus crowds.

Key Points

• Private group of up to 7 ensures personalized attention.
• Flexible itinerary allows you to choose stops and duration.
• Expert guides make the experience informative and engaging.
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle enhances the journey.
• Ideal for families and children with child seats available.
• Includes scenic stops, wildlife spotting, and iconic landmarks.

The Experience: What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour is truly tailored for those who want to avoid the rush of larger group trips. Being a private experience means you can decide how long to linger at each stop—whether you’re snapping photos at Teddy’s Lookout or marveling at the Twelve Apostles. The tour is designed to be around 11.5 hours, with enough time to enjoy each highlight without feeling hurried.

The tour starts with a pick-up from Melbourne, in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—perfect for a scenic, relaxed ride. The small group size of up to 7 travelers ensures a cozy, intimate atmosphere and more personalized insights from your guide.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

The Twelve Apostles

Start your adventure at the most famous icon of Victoria—the Twelve Apostles. This set of limestone stacks rising from the ocean is a must-see. Many reviews highlight this as the big ticket item, and for good reason. The view is breathtaking. One reviewer mentioned the option to take a helicopter ride for an aerial perspective, which adds another layer of magic, although this is an optional extra and not included in the base price. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, with free admission, giving plenty of time for photos or just soaking in the scene.

Loch Ard Gorge

Next, a short drive brings you to Loch Ard Gorge, another natural wonder that’s just next to the Twelve Apostles. It’s a dramatic, windswept cove with stunning cliffs and history. Expect to spend about an hour here. Reviewers point out this as a “natural treasure,” and many appreciate that this stop feels less crowded, thanks to the reverse route and private nature of the tour.

Gibsons Steps

A quick 20-minute stop at Gibsons Steps offers a chance to see the limestone stacks from below. You can walk down the stairs to the beach, where the limestone formations appear even more impressive up close. The views from the top are also fantastic for photographs.

The Great Ocean Road Itself

The journey along the heritage-listed Great Ocean Road is a major highlight. This stretch offers sweeping views of ocean, cliffs, and lush hills. With about 3 hours allocated, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace, with time to stop for photos or short walks. Reviewers often mention how the road’s curves and viewpoints create a rollercoaster of spectacular vistas.

Mait’s Rest

A walk through Mait’s Rest in the Otways Forest offers a change of scenery—dense eucalyptus woods and towering trees. Some of these trees are over 300 years old, and the forest atmosphere offers a nice contrast to the coastal scenery. Expect about 30 minutes here, with many reviewers remarking on the tranquility and the chance to see wildlife.

Apollo Bay for Lunch

Here, you’ll stop for about an hour and can choose your lunch. Many travelers rave about the local seafood, especially the fresh Fish and Chips—a crowd favorite. This flexibility allows you to pick a spot that suits your tastes, whether a casual café or a sit-down restaurant.

Great Otway National Park

Post-lunch, a two-hour walk through the dense Eucalyptus forest is often a highlight. Keep an eye out for koalas and other wildlife, as many reviews note spotting wildlife here. The park’s lush greenery and towering trees make for memorable photos and peaceful moments.

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

A quick 15-minute stop at the Memorial Archway offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to learn about the road’s history. It’s a quick but meaningful stop that adds context to your journey.

Split Point Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse, built in 1891, is another highlight. A 20-minute stop offers a chance to explore the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views. The original construction, with timber fittings and a functioning lantern, makes it a fascinating spot.

Teddy’s Lookout

Finally, Teddy’s Lookout is widely praised as the best photo spot on the tour. With scenic views of St George River, Lorne Beach, and the Otway Ranges, you’ll want your camera ready. Many reviewers describe it as an ‘iconic’ stop, perfect for capturing memorable shots.

What’s Included and What’s Not

A big plus for this tour is that it includes bottled water and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—making the journey pleasant regardless of the weather. As for extras, you’ll need to budget for meals, as breakfast and lunch are not included. The flexibility to choose your lunch spot at Apollo Bay gives you control over your dining experience.

Guides and Customer Experience

Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer praised Ange for being “friendly, calm, and knowledgeable,” noting that he made the longer drives enjoyable with engaging conversation. Another reviewer mentioned Melvin’s vast knowledge and personable manner, making the day even more memorable.

Having an experienced guide who can adapt the pace and highlight the best viewpoints is a significant reason why many travelers feel this tour is worth the price.

Is This Tour Worth the Cost?

At around $913.75 for a group of up to 7, this private tour isn’t cheap—but it offers excellent value for those wanting a tailored, stress-free experience. The attention to detail, the flexibility in stops, and the comfort of a private vehicle all contribute to a more relaxed and enriching day. For families or small groups, the cost per person is often justified by the personalized service and the ability to avoid crowds.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with children, thanks to child seats available on request, and for groups seeking a more private, customizable adventure. It’s perfect if you value comfort, flexibility, and expert guides over the hustle of bus tours. It also appeals to travelers who want to capture iconic sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large crowds.

Final Thoughts

The Great Ocean Road Private Luxury Tour offers a comprehensive, flexible, and comfortable way to experience Victoria’s most famous coastal sights. From the spectacular Twelve Apostles to the lush Otways rainforest and historic lighthouses, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded day. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach significantly enhance the experience, making it both educational and fun.

While the price tag is on the higher side, the quality, personalization, and convenience make it a worthwhile option for those who appreciate a more tailored outing. Whether you’re traveling with family, a small group of friends, or as a couple, this tour promises a memorable day with plenty of picture-perfect moments.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, child seats are available if requested, making it a family-friendly option.

What is included in the price? The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water. Meals are not included, but there is a stop for lunch where you can choose your own.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts roughly 11 hours and 30 minutes, covering all the major sights with ample time for photos and short walks.

Can I customize the stops and duration? Yes, this is a fully bespoke experience, so you can decide which places to spend more time at and which to pass through quickly.

What is the group size? The tour is private for up to 7 people, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Is it possible to see wildlife? Yes, particularly in the Otways National Park where koalas and other animals can often be spotted.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included. You will have a stop at Apollo Bay for lunch, which you can purchase from local eateries.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How do I book this tour? Booking can be done directly through the provider, 88 Luxury Tours, with confirmed details and a mobile ticket provided upon booking.

In summary, this tour offers a superb combination of comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance—perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, personalized taste of the Great Ocean Road’s stunning scenery. Whether you’re after iconic sights or hidden gems, this private experience promises a memorable day in Australia’s most scenic coastal region.