Melbourne Trip Overview
Travel along the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne. This iconic stretch of coastal road is famous for its surf beaches, koalas, rainforest, the Shipwreck Coast and of course the spectacular 12 Apostles. Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park. Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay as well as have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 hours
Starts: Melbourne, Australia
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
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What to Expect When Visiting Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Travel along the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne. This iconic stretch of coastal road is famous for its surf beaches, koalas, rainforest, the Shipwreck Coast and of course the spectacular 12 Apostles. Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park. Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay as well as have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Anglesea Visitor Information Centre, Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Victoria 3230 Australia
Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the Surf Coast, passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as Anglesea, Lorne and Airey’s Inlet, we stop along the way for some morning tea and to breath in the fresh sea air whilst spotting surfers out on the water, with the proximity to Antarctica you will learn why this is great surf but also why wet suits are a necessity!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway, Great Ocean Rd 689/721 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne, Victoria Australia
A monument to mark the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
After some photos at the iconic Memorial Arch and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course stopping for pictures!)
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, 100 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233, Australia
A welcome lunch break is taken in Apollo Bay at the end of the surf coast, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this seaside community and eat from one of the many local cafe or pubs (at own expense).
Once you have explored Apollo Bay, grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream then it is back on the bus to head inland to the Green Coast.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia
till on the Great ocean Road but now continuing up into the lush green Otway’s we drive through towering Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a patch of Cool Temperate Rainforest. You will be amazed at the difference in scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and, marvel at the ‘ancient relics’ – the Myrtle Beach trees that provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a super continent known as Gondwanaland. Breath in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive out to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast!
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, Victoria 3269 Australia
Once out of the trees and back by the Southern Ocean we arrive in Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic 12 Apostles. We will spend about 40mins at the Apostles where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road Port Campbell National Park, Victoria 3269 Australia
Also in the National Park we head down to Loch Ard Gorge, site of one of Australia’s most well know shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. This is also where you will find rock formations such as Island Archway, Razorback and the ‘Salt and Pepper Shakers’ too.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: WWI Memorial, 117 Murray St, Colac VIC 3250, Australia
After a full day of exploring we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac, here you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at own expense) if you wish as we will arrive back home in Melbourne at approximately 7:00pm.
Duration: 30 minutes
