Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles day trip

Follow the Surf Coast beyond Torquay, stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch and continue through seaside towns towards Apollo Bay. Go West’s day tour combines coastal views with a rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park, then takes you to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Wild koalas may be seen along the way, but sightings depend on the animals.

Morning tea and coach travel are included. Lunch in Apollo Bay and the evening meal stop in Colac are paid separately. At the Twelve Apostles, use the clifftop viewing paths: there is no beach access below the main lookout. Access to other beaches and steps depends on weather, closures and the day’s timing. Optional helicopter flights cost extra, can only be arranged through the guide on the day, and can mean missing Loch Ard Gorge.

This is a long day in a vehicle, broken up by short walks and stops. Pickups run 07:00–08:00 and the expected Melbourne return is 20:30–21:30. Although the operator describes the tour as 12–13 hours, reserve the full pickup-to-return window. Do not pair it with a timed evening reservation, event session or flight. Bring a small daypack, water, comfortable walking shoes and a windproof layer.