Private Tour of The Great Ocean Road. Please Email if more than 6

Taking a drive along the Great Ocean Road is one of those Australian bucket-list activities—an iconic route that offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery. While many travelers opt for group tours or self-drive options, a private tour promises a more relaxed, tailored experience. Based on glowing reviews and detailed tour features, this private option from Melbourne stands out as a flexible and comfortably paced way to enjoy this spectacular stretch of coastline.

We love that this tour offers customizable options, like optional helicopter flights or lunch, making it adaptable to different interests. The personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide is a major plus, ensuring you don’t miss out on hidden gems or interesting facts. The luxury of private transport means you can leave the worry of navigation and traffic behind, allowing for a truly stress-free day. A potential downside? The cost per group might seem steep for some, but considering the exclusivity and inclusions, many find the value quite compelling. This tour suits couples, small groups, or families seeking a comfortable, curated adventure along Australia’s famous coast.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored to your interests and pace
• Expert guides with local knowledge ensuring an engaging day
• Comfortable transport in a private vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Flexible options like helicopter flights and lunch available
• Ideal for small groups up to six, offering intimacy and personalized service
• Incredible scenery at famous sights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Bells Beach

Why Consider This Tour?

The Great Ocean Road is renowned worldwide for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping vistas, and iconic landmarks. Traveling with a private guide elevates this experience because it means you get full attention, tailored stops, and insights that you might not find in a large-group setting. The fact that you can choose to incorporate a helicopter flight or enjoy a leisurely lunch adds an extra layer of customization that makes this tour especially appealing for travelers looking for a memorable, bespoke day.

The reviewers’ feedback highlights the professionalism of guides like Mark, who is praised for his punctuality, friendliness, and local expertise. One reviewer describes him as “simply one of the best guides we have ever had,” emphasizing the value of knowledgeable, personable guides in making such an outing special. Another reviewer appreciated that the tour was taken in the reverse route to avoid crowds, a thoughtful touch that shows the flexibility offered.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Start at Bells Beach

Your day begins with a pickup from your Melbourne hotel, typically around 7:30 am. The first stop is Bells Beach, famous for its powerful surf and as the home of the Easter Classic World Surf Championship Round. This spot is perfect for snapping photos, soaking in the sea breeze, and understanding why this beach has such a legendary reputation. With 15 minutes allocated and no admission fee, it’s a quick but impressive start.

The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

Next, you’ll head to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and Loch Ard Gorge, arguably the most famous part of the drive. Expect around 70 minutes here to explore the awe-inspiring limestone stacks and learn about their formation and history. The visitor center provides informative displays, and if weather permits, you’ll be able to walk closer to the towering formations or take in the views from lookout points. One guest raves that the views are some of the best cliffs they’ve ever seen, emphasizing how photogenic and dramatic this site is.

Gibson Steps

From there, a short 15-minute stop at Gibson Steps allows visitors to appreciate the sheer scale of the cliffs and, if tides are right, walk down onto the beach for a closer look. The view from above offers a stunning perspective of the coast, and some travelers enjoy walking down if conditions allow.

Apollo Bay

The tour moves on to Apollo Bay, a charming seaside town that used to be a quiet fishing village but now acts as a gateway to the Limestone Coast. Spending about an hour here gives you a chance to stretch, grab a coffee, and enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe. It’s a great spot for photos and for soaking in the local ambiance.

Kennett River

A highlight for nature lovers is the 30-minute stop at Kennett River, where many travelers report spotting native wildlife like koalas and various native birds high in the trees. The reviews mention that wildlife is usually spotted here, adding a magical touch to the day—something you might miss on a larger tour or self-drive.

Upmarket Seaside Town (optional)

Depending on your preferences, the tour can be tailored further, perhaps including a visit to another charming coastal town, or optional activities like a helicopter flight for aerial views of the coast.

Transport and Comfort

The private vehicle used in this tour is described as spacious and comfortable, suitable for up to six guests. Guests consistently mention the benefit of having a dedicated guide who manages timing and navigation, freeing you from driving stresses. The tour ensures hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Melbourne hotel, which means you don’t need to worry about parking or directions—just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Price and Value

At $1,840.58 per group (up to six), this tour isn’t cheap, but the value comes from the personalized experience, private vehicle, and flexibility. Guests report that the guided insights and ability to skip busy times or routes make it well worth the cost. For travelers wanting a seamless, hassle-free day with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers significant convenience and comfort.

Optional Extras

You can enhance your trip with optional activities like a helicopter flight, which offers stunning aerial views of the coast—an unforgettable perspective. Alternatively, some guests opt to include a leisurely lunch, transforming the day into a full-day indulgence.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The small group size (max six guests) means a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention and flexible scheduling. The knowledgeable guides, as praised by reviewers, turn a sightseeing drive into a storytelling journey, sharing insider tips and lesser-known facts. The tour’s ability to be customized—whether it’s the route, stops, or additional activities—means you can prioritize what excites you most.

Travelers who appreciated the reverse route noted that it helped them avoid busy traffic, which can be a significant advantage if you’re keen to skip the crowds and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for those who prefer a luxurious, relaxed pace and value expert guidance. It suits small groups, couples, or families seeking an exclusive experience with the ability to customize stops and activities. If you’re interested in stunning scenery, wildlife spotting, or aerial views, this tour hits those marks well.

Travelers who want the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off and don’t want to worry about driving or navigating will find this particularly appealing. However, those on a tight budget might consider whether the premium cost aligns with their travel plans.

The Sum Up

Opting for a private, customizable tour of the Great Ocean Road offers an intimate, flexible way to explore one of Australia’s most famous coastlines. The combination of experienced guides, scenic stops, and optional extras like helicopter flights makes this an excellent choice for travelers who want more than just a standard sightseeing bus ride.

While the price is higher than some group tours, the value lies in the comfort, personalization, and expert insights. It’s especially suited for small groups, couples, or families looking for a memorable, stress-free adventure with authentic local touches. If you value tailored experiences, stunning vistas, and knowledgeable guides, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Melbourne, making the day seamless and convenient.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to six guests, ensuring an intimate experience. For larger groups, you should contact the provider for a quote.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is customizable. You can choose to include a helicopter flight or lunch, and the guide can tailor stops to your interests.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 12 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Layers are advisable, especially if choosing outdoor activities.

Are meals included?
Food and drinks are not included unless specified, so plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during stops.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so plan accordingly. Some outdoor activities might be affected by weather, but the guide will adapt as needed.

This private Great Ocean Road tour is a fantastic way to enjoy Australia’s stunning coast with comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance. Whether you’re into scenic vistas, wildlife, or simply a stress-free day out, it’s a memorable option worth considering.