Ultimate Great Ocean Road Morning Escape Full Day Tour

Melbourne , Australia

Ultimate Great Ocean Road Morning Escape Full Day Tour

Active

(11 reviews)

12h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly a photographer’s delight with its impressive coastline to drive along and unmatched scenery that takes your breath away. Experience the Great Ocean Road like never before. Start your journey at the iconic 12 Apostles, beating the crowds and capturing the breathtaking views in the soft morning light. This reimagined tour offers a fresh perspective on the Great Ocean Road, ensuring you enjoy its highlights at the most serene and picturesque times. With our carefully crafted itinerary, you'll explore Australia's coastal gem with comfort, exclusivity, and unforgettable memories.
(Due to the trip's long duration, the disbandment time may be later than expected. We kindly advise you not to book flights on the same day to avoid any inconvenience)
(The driver will choose the forward route or the reverse route depending on the road conditions.)

Available options

287 Lonsdale St Pick-up

Starting point:<br/>287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Great Southern Hotel Pick-up

Starting point:<br/>52 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Grand Hyatt Hotel Pick-up

Starting point:<br/>42 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Men's Gallery Pick-up

Starting point:<br/>601 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

What's included

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Air-conditioned coach

Audio Commentary (Including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)

Friendly and informative English and Chinese-speaking driver/guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

After we depart the city, we’ll head straight for the west part of the Great Ocean Road to begin our journey, travelling through some country towns along the highway.

Stop 2

Once out of the trees and arrived in the Southern Ocean, we arrive at Loch Ard Gorge, shrouded by impressive limestone cliffs. You can take a walk and check out the local attractions, including the Archway, the Razorback, and Dumpling Pots. You’ll also get to learn about Australia’s most famous shipwreck.

Stop 3

Afterwards, you’ll move on to Port Campbell National Park, home to the iconic 12 Apostles. Beating the crowds and capturing the breathtaking views in the soft morning light, 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.

Stop 4 Pass by

Next, pass through the Great Otway National Park, and then we brief stop by the roadside and walk into the sweetly scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in their native habitat. We also have an opportunity to see some local wildlife here.

Then stop in the seaside township of Apollo Bay, with time to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. The town boasts wide sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding lush green hills, creating a harmonious natural landscape.

Passing through the quaint seaside resort towns of Lorne and Wye River.

Then take the opportunity to capture a moment under the historic Memorial Arch at Eastern View, one of the iconic landmarks of the Great Ocean Road, originally erected to commemorate the builders of the road.

Following that, visit the Split Point Lighthouse, which is famous for its role in the TV series ‘Round the Twist’, located near Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road. It is a historic white tower offering stunning views of the coastline and ocean. Built in 1891, it remains an iconic landmark and a popular spot for photography.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Personal Travel Insurance

Available languages

Audio guide

KO CMN JA EN

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You can scan the QR code to access multilingual tour commentaries for this tour

Please provide us with your email address so we can send you the tour confirmation

The rest of the total duration was spent on the way and transportation between attractions.

Meeting point

Location: Melbourne City
Address: 52 Spencer Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (In front of The Great Southern Hotel)

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes