Great Ocean Road Tour Melbourne
Embark on a journey of breathtaking beauty and exhilaration with Australia’s Great Ocean Road Tour! Stretching from Torquay to Allansford, the tour takes travellers through a picturesque landscape of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. Along the way, visitors can explore some of Melbourne’s most iconic sights, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and Loch Ard Gorge.
Overview of the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Melbourne, Australia. The time takes you on a scenic drive along the southern coast of Victoria, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and a plethora of wildlife.
The tour typically starts in Melbourne and takes you on a full Great Ocean Road day trip Melbourne to some of the most iconic destinations along the Great Ocean Road. You will drive through charming seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Kennett River, perfect for a morning tea break and some koala spotting in their natural habitat.
As you continue driving, you will come across the stunning Port Campbell National Park, home to iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, the London Bridge, and the Island Archway. These limestone stacks are geological wonders formed over millions of years and are a must-see attraction.
The Great Ocean Road tour is not just about stunning views and natural wonders but is also an opportunity to experience the laid-back coastal culture of Victoria. You will have the chance to explore coastal towns like Apollo Bay and Torquay surf beach and interact with the locals while indulging in their charming coffee shops and artisanal outlets.
What to Expect from the Tour
First, you’ll explore charming seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Kennett River. These quaint little towns offer a perfect spot for a morning tea break and an opportunity to spot cuddly Koalas in their natural habitat. In Apollo Bay, you’ll find a laid-back coastal vibe with stunning ocean views, while at Kennett River, you’ll have close encounters with the wild Koalas.
You’ll come across the spectacular Port Campbell National Park as you journey. Here you’ll witness iconic natural landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, the London Bridge, and the Island Archway; these limestone stacks are geological marvels shaped over millions of years. You’ll also explore the rugged coastline and witness stunning open ocean views.
A visit to this site is an opportunity to pay your respects. The tour also allows one to explore Australia’s iconic locations, like Cape Patton and the Memorial Arch. The Memorial Arch represents the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I. A th the Great Ocean Road tour, you’ll have an experienced guide leading the way, offering insightful commentary, and answering all your questions. The time also features stops at other beautiful sites, including the Shipwreck Coast and pristine surf beaches like Bells Beach.
In conclusion, taking a Melbourne tours Great Ocean Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to be unforgettable. This tour has everything from natural wonders to cultural experiences and iconic landmarks.
Apollo Bay
The town boasts long stretches of pristine beaches, ideal for surfing, swimming, or simply a relaxing day soaking up the sun. The foreshore offers shady picnic spots, playgrounds, and barbecues, making it the perfect place for a family getaway. And if you’re up for a more adventurous experience, try sea kayaking, diving, or fishing.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the nearby Great Otway National Park offers a range of stunning walks and hikes, including the famous Otway Fly Treetop Walk. The treetop walk takes you through a temperate rainforest canopy, where you’ll encounter some of Australia’s tallest trees, the eucalyptus species.
Apollo Bay is also an excellent base for exploring the iconic Great Ocean Road. The town is located approximately halfway along the scenic coastal drive. It is an ideal spot to stop for a morning tea or lunch break before exploring other fantastic locations, such as the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, and the Shipwreck Coast.
In essence, Apollo Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure-filled holiday, or a taste of the stunning coastal scenery of Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
Kennett River
Nestled along the iconic Great Ocean Road, Kennett River is a picturesque coastal town that offers a unique wildlife experience. Known for its wild koalas, the Kennett River is a natural habitat for these furry marsupials, giving visitors a rare opportunity to spot them in the wild.
Apart from koalas, the Kennett River is also home to various native Australian birds, including colourful parrots, cockatoos, and kookaburras. Visitors can join a guided tour or walk through the town’s lush forests to spot these beautiful feathered creatures.
Another highlight of a visit to Kennett River is its stunning coastal views. The town overlooks the sparkling waters of the Southern Ocean, framed by rugged cliffs and golden beaches. Visitors can take a scenic drive or walk along the coastal road, admiring the stunning ocean vistas and catching glimpses of seals and dolphins frolicking in the waves.
A must-visit spot in Kennett River is the Grey River Road viewing area, where visitors can witness a dramatic sight known as the “Island Archway.” This natural limestone arch stands tall in the ocean, just off the coast, and is a stunning sight.
Port Campbell National Park
One of the most iconic attractions within Port Campbell National Park is the Twelve Apostles. These towering limestone stacks rise majestically from the ocean, providing visitors with unforgettable views. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk, specially designed to offer the best views of these incredible formations or take a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view.
Another popular attraction within Port Campbell National Park is the Loch Ard Gorge, named after a ship wrecked off the coast in the mid-19th century. Today, visitors can walk along the beach to explore the glistening rock formations that the tide has eroded. The natural beauty of this area is truly breathtaking, with jagged cliffs rising high above the ocean and waves crashing against the shore echoing through the air.
Port Campbell National Park is also home to various native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park to learn about the local wildlife and their natural habitats.
Shipwreck Coast
The Shipwreck Coast is a section of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road steeped in history, with tales of shipwrecks and maritime disasters dating back centuries. This wild and rugged stretch of coastline is home to some of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge.
Despite its tragic past, the Shipwreck Coast is now a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Visitors flock to the area to soak up the stunning coastal views, breathe fresh sea air, and witness some of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. From spotting wild koalas to exploring ancient rainforests and taking a coastal drive along the rugged coastline, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy along the Shipwreck Coast.
Surf Coast
Torquay, the Surf Coast’s largest town, is famous for its surf beach, Bells Beach. This iconic beach is known for its powerful waves, attracting some of the world’s best surfers to compete in the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. But even if you’re not a surfer, Bells Beach is still worth a visit to see the impressive coastline and watch the waves crashing against the shore.
But the Surf Coast is not just about the beaches. The area has stunning natural attractions like the Great Otway National Park. This temperate rainforest is home to some of the tallest trees in Australia, including the magnificent Mountain Ash. Visitors can hike through the rainforest, spot wildlife, or take a scenic drive through the park.
The Surf Coast offers plenty of adventure activities for those looking for more adrenaline, such as zip lining and rock climbing. And if you need a break from all the action, there are plenty of charming coastal towns to explore, such as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach, located on the Surf Coast in Victoria, Australia, is one of the world’s most popular and iconic surf beaches. Known for its powerful and consistent waves, Bells Beach attracts surfers from across the globe and plays host to major international surfing competitions every year.
The beach is surrounded by magnificent cliffs and a rugged coastline that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Bells Beach is a great spot to catch a stunning sunrise, walk along the shore, or sit back and watch the surfers in action.
For those looking to try out surfing, Bells Beach is the perfect place to take lessons or improve your skills. Several surf schools in the area cater to all levels of experience, and the consistent swells make it a great place to learn.
The Twelve Apostles
One of the most iconic sights along the Great Ocean Road is The Twelve Apostles. This stunning rock formation comprises 12 limestone stacks that rise from the sea, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Visitors can take in the magnificent views of The Twelve Apostles from several lookout points along the coast, including Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. Tours are also available, taking visitors to the Apostles by boat, allowing them to get an up-close look at the impressive rock formations.
Viewing Wild Koalas in their Natural Habitat
The Great Ocean Road tour is an ideal opportunity to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat, where they can be seen up close and personal. As you go along the scenic coastal drive, you’ll be treated to lush green forests and stunning seaside views. But the chance to spot these marsupials makes the trip unforgettable.
During your visit to Kennett River, you’ll witness the koalas moving around in their natural habitat. You’ll see them munching on leaves, stretching their legs, and often lazily sleeping in the trees. Watching these creatures go about their day is an exceptional experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Exploring Ancient Rainforests and Tallest Trees (Eucalyptus)
The Great Otway National Park is among the best places to explore these ancient rainforests. This vast parkland is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet, including the towering Mountain Ash trees that can reach over 100 meters in height. The park is also filled with fern gullies, cascading waterfalls, and hidden streams perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
One of the best ways to experience the rainforest is by taking a guided hike through the park. Plenty of experienced guides in the area will take you on a journey through the forest’s heart, pointing out unique features and hidden treasures. They’ll also be able to share stories of the indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for thousands of years.
The eucalyptus trees are another highlight of the ancient rainforest. These towering giants can be seen along the Great Ocean Road, their trunks soaring high into the sky and their branches creating a dense canopy overhead. And it’s not just their height that’s impressive – the bark on these trees is renowned for its unique patterns and colours, making them a true wonder of nature.
Pricing
Our Great Ocean Road Tour is priced at $150 per person. It includes hotel pick-up, transport to the Twelve Apostles Lookout, entry fees to Otway National Park, a guided walking tour of the rainforest, and koala spotting in Kennett River.
What do you need to bring?
When embarking on a Great Ocean Road tour, pack the essentials for your day out. You should bring appropriate clothing and footwear, such as a light jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, depending on the weather conditions. Consider bringing a camera or binoculars to capture the magnificent views and wildlife sightings. Bringing snacks and plenty of fluids is recommended to keep your energy levels up throughout the day
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FAQ
What are the key attractions of the Great Ocean Road Tour?
How long does the tour take, and where does it start?
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the tour?
Is the Great Ocean Road Tour suitable for families?
Absolutely! The tour is family-friendly, offering something for everyone. From scenic views and wildlife spotting to exploring rainforests and relaxing on beaches, it caters to a wide range of interests and ages.