Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade & Free City Tour

Planning a trip to Melbourne and wanting a mix of stunning scenery, native wildlife, and city culture? This 3-day tour by Go West Tours promises a well-rounded experience with expert guides, eco-conscious values, and plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, wildlife lover, or cultural explorer, this package aims to tick all those boxes.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the small-group approach, offering a more personal touch and valuable insights from passionate local guides. Second, the upgraded comfort with modern minibuses and amenities like Wi-Fi make the long days more enjoyable. Lastly, the combination of iconic sights—from the 12 Apostles to the Penguin Parade—means you’ll leave with a well-rounded view of Victoria’s natural and cultural treasures.

A potential consideration is the full schedule packed into just three days—while it’s efficient, it can be a little fast-paced for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Still, it’s an excellent choice for travelers eager to see a lot without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

This tour suits those who value authentic wildlife encounters, are interested in cultural highlights, and appreciate the convenience of well-organized, guided trips. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown in a limited time.

Key Points

• Expert local guides provide engaging storytelling and insider tips.
• Eco-friendly operations support wildlife and conservation efforts.
• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides enhance the experience.
• Includes iconic sights like the 12 Apostles, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, and Melbourne city highlights.
• Flexible scheduling allows you to choose your city tour date.
• Great value for money at $220 per person, considering the inclusions and quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: The Great Ocean Road Adventure

The first day is dedicated to the legendary Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most scenic drives. We loved how the tour begins early, with pick-up from central Melbourne — typically between 7 and 8 a.m., giving ample time to explore without feeling rushed. The journey in a modern minibus feels plush, with upgraded seating and onboard Wi-Fi, making the hours fly by.

You’ll experience some of Victoria’s most stunning coastal scenery. The stops include famous beaches, where you can snap photos of sweeping waves and rugged cliffs. The guide will share stories about the Shipwreck Coast, particularly the tragic tale of the Loch Ard Gorge, which adds historical flavor to the natural beauty.

Next, you visit the 12 Apostles, the star attraction. These limestone stacks rising out of the ocean are even more breathtaking in person. Reviewers mention the amazing views and photographic opportunities. The Gibson Steps, where you can walk down to the beach and get close-up shots of the cliffs, are a highlight.

The tour also includes a visit to Gibson Steps, allowing for a different perspective of these iconic formations. Despite some weather variability reported by one reviewer, the guides’ positive energy and enthusiasm keep spirits high, regardless of the sky’s mood.

Day 2: Phillip Island Penguin Parade

On the second day, the focus shifts to native wildlife and the enchanting Penguin Parade. The trip is scheduled for the day after the Ocean Road, with pickup between 10 a.m. and noon, depending on the season. This flexibility is appreciated, as it aligns with your previous day’s adventure.

The journey to Phillip Island is beautifully scenic, and guides often share insights into the island’s conservation efforts. You’ll stop at Brighton Beach to admire its famous colorful beach boxes, a perfect Instagram moment. Then, a visit to the Moonlit Wildlife Conservation Park allows you to see local animals up close, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies.

The Penguin Parade is the star of this day. The standard viewing seats are well-placed for optimal wildlife viewing, and the experience is described as both charming and captivating. One reviewer highlighted the friendly guides and the well-organized nature of the event, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Day 3: Melbourne City Highlights

The third day offers a free city tour valued at $89 AUD, giving travelers a taste of Melbourne’s vibrant urban culture. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, which makes it flexible depending on how your trip unfolds.

The tour covers iconic Melbourne landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) forecourt, and Fitzroy Gardens. The guides are passionate, sharing stories behind each site—adding depth beyond just sightseeing.

While this is a shorter tour, the efficient itinerary means you’ll leave with a good sense of the city’s character, history, and modern vibe. Note that the tour is conducted in English, with an included multilingual audio guide in 16 languages, making it accessible for international travelers.

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Transportation, Comfort, and Extras

Throughout your trip, comfort is prioritized. The minibuses are modern, clean, and equipped with Wi-Fi, making long hours on the road more pleasant. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for the Ocean Road and Phillip Island tours, simplifying logistics.

The guides are described as passionate storytellers, feeling more like friendly travel companions. One review praised guide Jools for her positive energy and wildlife knowledge, making the long day enjoyable despite weather challenges.

For added value, this tour includes breakfast or morning tea, park entry fees, and the Penguin Parade tickets—so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. The Melbourne City Highlights Tour, being free, offers excellent value for those wanting a quick cultural fix.

What’s Not Included and Practical Tips

Food and drinks aren’t included, so bringing your own snacks, water, and sunscreen is recommended. The tour doesn’t provide hotel pickups for the city tour, which starts at a central meeting point, so plan accordingly.

Weather can be unpredictable, so packing weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes is a smart move. Also, bring a camera, power bank, and reusable water bottle to stay energized and eco-friendly.

Authentic Insights From Reviews

A reviewer from Slovakia praised the guide Jools and her colleague Gumnut for making the 13-hour day memorable, emphasizing her positive energy and wildlife spotting skills. They mentioned that despite the weather not always cooperating, the guide’s enthusiasm kept everyone smiling.

Another reviewer highlighted the value of the tour, stating that it’s a well-organized, immersive experience that felt like traveling with friends rather than just a bus load of travelers. The combination of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights was deemed excellent for the price.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 3-day adventure offers a balanced mix of natural wonders, wildlife, and city highlights at a competitive price point of $220 AUD per person. The inclusion of key attractions like the 12 Apostles and Penguin Parade, along with the personalized small-group vibe, makes it a strong choice for those who value quality guides and well-organized logistics.

While the schedule is packed, the comfort, expert guidance, and eco-friendly focus elevate the overall experience. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Victoria’s best in a short amount of time without sacrificing quality.

If you’re after iconic sights, native wildlife, and a taste of Melbourne’s culture—all with a friendly, professional touch—this tour is an excellent investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island tours from selected Melbourne City locations, making logistics easier.

Can I choose my city tour date?
Yes, you can select your preferred date during the booking process for the Melbourne City Highlights Tour, which is scheduled separately from the other two days.

What is the duration of each day’s tour?
Each tour day is designed to maximize sightseeing within a full-day schedule. The Ocean Road and Phillip Island tours run from morning until late evening, with return times around 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. for the Ocean Road and up to midnight for Phillip Island.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own or purchase food at stops along the way.

What kind of transportation is used?
Travel is in a modern minibus with upgraded seating, equipped with Wi-Fi and climate control, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally suited for most ages; however, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with large luggage.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is available in 16 languages, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

What should I bring on the tours?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, weather-appropriate clothing, camera, and a power bank are advisable.

Is the tour weather dependent?
Tours run rain or shine, so be prepared for all weather conditions. The experience remains worthwhile regardless of the weather, thanks to excellent guides and flexible planning.

This all-in-one package by Go West Tours offers an engaging, well-organized way to explore some of Victoria’s most iconic sights and wildlife habitats. The combination of expert guides, eco-conscious practices, and a variety of experiences makes it a compelling choice for travelers wanting a memorable, hassle-free adventure.

Whether you’re marveling at the 12 Apostles, watching the Penguin Parade, or strolling through Melbourne’s lively streets, this tour provides a comprehensive yet personal feel that’s hard to beat — all at a reasonable price point. Perfect for first-timers, wildlife lovers, or anyone eager to make the most of their Melbourne stay.

You can check availability for your dates here: