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Incredible Day Trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
The world-famous Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic routes in Australia. You can easily spend a few days exploring the beautiful coastline but if you’re in a rush you can also do a day trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.
I’ve been to the Great Ocean Road twice and both times I was stunned by the beautiful landscapes and world-famous coastline. The first time I went on a guided tour and the second time I went by rental car.
In my opinion, it’s best to take a rental car if you have more than one day to explore the area but if you want to the Great Ocean Road in one day a guided tour is the best option.
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Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary
✅ Best 1 day Great Ocean Road tour
✅ Small group tour of max 12 people
✅ Get to the top sights before anyone else
Private One Day Great Ocean Road Tour
✅ Flexible private tour
✅ Make the most out of your day
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off
Why taking a Great Ocean Road day tour is the best option
The main attraction of the Great Ocean Road is the 12 Apostles. The scenic route on the coast from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles is about 270 km or 168 miles and the drive takes at least 4 hours.
The coastal road is also very curvy and sometimes quite narrow and don’t forget you have to drive on the left side. So the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne would be too exhausting for me on a day trip.
On a tour, you can rest in the bus or car and you’re fit for exploring on the stops on the way. And while you explore the beautiful scenery your driver can relax by the bus so they are well-rested for the remaining journey.
It’s a very long day but the Great Ocean Road tours manage to fit the best spots in a Great Ocean Road one day itinerary. And the tour guides know the best places to go.
🤩 I love this Great Ocean Road private tour for its customizability
Key stops on a day trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road is a beautiful and iconic drive that takes you along Australia’s stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views and charming towns. Here are some key stops you should make during your road trip in order to make it one of the best day trips from Melbourne.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Australia and a famous spot for surfers from all over the world.
But to be completely honest, I don’t think there’s enough time on a Great Ocean Road 1 day itinerary for Bells Beach. Because there are so many more stops to come.
🤩 In this Great Ocean Road private tour you have time to stop at the famous surf spot in Bells Beach
Memorial Arch
The first stop on the Great Ocean Road trip is the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a monument dedicated to the World War I servicemen who built this scenic route.
The Memorial Arch is a great photo opportunity at the beginning of your Great Ocean Road day trip itinerary.
Lorne
Our next stop was the picturesque town of Lorne. Lorne is the perfect destination to relax and unwind at its beautiful beaches.
We stopped in Lorne to have some breakfast and morning tea and coffee at the Swingbridge Café which is a cute little café next to the ocean with vegan options.
Afterwards, we strolled down the beach and went for a swim before heading on. But don’t spend too much time there because there are many more Great Ocean Road beaches to come.
🤩 I love this Great Ocean Road private tour for its many stops
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a picturesque seaside village that offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors on a day trip.
You can take a stroll along the beautiful 3km long sandy beach or try some water sports.
But don’t spend too long in the coastal town of Apollo Bay if you want to see all of the Great Ocean Road in one day, there’s still a lot more to come.
Gibson Steps
Don’t miss the Gibsons Steps, located within Port Campbell National Park. They are 86 steps carved into the limestone cliffs. So, a bit of exercise but the beautiful beach is so worth the steps.
At the bottom, you’ll find yourself on a secluded beach, a stunning example of the rugged coastline. Enjoy the views of the powerful Southern Ocean and watch the waves crash against the cliffs.
🤩 I love this tour to Great Ocean Road for being a small group day tour
12 Apostles
No Great Ocean Road itinerary 1 day or longer would be complete without stopping at the world-renowned 12 Apostles.
These limestone rock formations have been shaped by the relentless waves and are an awe-inspiring sight.
Since the Twelve Apostles are the main attraction it can get very crowded on the viewing platform, but it’s still worth it.
And if you feeling very adventurous you can even take a helicopter tour from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles.
Loch Ard Gorge
Continuing on your journey, make sure to stop at the Loch Ard Gorge. This dramatic gorge was named after the tragic shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878.
As impressive as the 12 Apostles are, I think Loch Ard Gorge is my highlight of a day trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, so I highly recommend not skipping it.
Once you walk down the steps you see an impressive cave with stalactites and tropical plants and when you turn around and walk towards the ocean you see incredible cliffs rising into the air.
🤩 I love this tour of Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne for offering the best value for money
Thunder Cave
Thunder Cave is a natural wonder located just a short walk from Loch Ard Gorge.
As you approach the cave, you’ll hear the thunderous sounds of waves crashing into the cave, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.
London Bridge
Finally, visit the famous London Bridge, magnificent rock formations that once connected the mainland to a natural offshore arch.
In 1990, the connecting span collapsed, leaving what we see today as a captivating sight. Capture some unforgettable photos and soak in the beauty of the surrounding coastline.
🤩 I love this tour for visiting all highlights in a Great Ocean Road one day trip
If you have more time to explore the Great Ocean Ride, you can continue driving to see the Grotto and the Bay of Islands, two more fantastic stops on the Great Ocean Road.
Wildlife Encounters
If you’re planning a day trip to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, you’re in for a treat, especially when it comes to wildlife encounters!
Seeing local wildlife is one of the best things to do in Australia and the Great Ocean Road is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of them.
Great Otway National Park
The Otway National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and native birds. The tranquil settings within the park provide great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
We parked our car at the Cumberland River Holiday Park to hike to some waterfalls and saw kangaroos right at the campsite!
Kennett River
Along your journey, you’ll likely have the opportunity to see wild koalas in their natural habitat. One of the top spots to spot these adorable marsupials is at Kennett River.
As you wander down the road or explore the nearby bushland, keep your eyes peeled for the furry koalas snoozing or munching on the leaves of the eucalyptus trees high up in the trees!
🤩 I love this Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne for including a koala walk at Kennett River
Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for a wide range of birds and penguins as you explore the park’s stunning landscapes. But you might even come across other wildlife.
I saw an echidna on the way to Thunder Cave and it was the cutest thing. But we almost missed it, you need to have a close look at the bushes next to the path.
Staying overnight at the Great Ocean Road
I know this article is about a day trip from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, but I just want to put it out there, you can, of course, change your mind and turn the day trip into a weekend trip.
You can also incorporate the Great Ocean Road into a longer Australia itinerary whether it’s a self-drive road trip or a trip with public transportation.
There’s plenty to see on the Great Ocean Road, you can spend a few days exploring this beautiful area of Australia. And the best part: you can even find some free camping options on the Great Ocean Road.
FAQ about a Great Ocean Road Melbourne day trip
Can you do Great Ocean Road in one day from Melbourne?
Yes, you can see the main attractions of the Great Ocean Road in one full day from Melbourne but you won’t have much time on each stop.
Can you do the Great Ocean Road in a day?
Yes, it’s possible to see the highlights of the Great Ocean Road in one full-day tour.
How long does it take to do the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
To go from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, the main attraction at the Great Ocean Road takes about 3 hours on the inland route and about 4 hours on the scenic coastal route.
What are the best months to visit the Great Ocean Road?
The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is in the Australian summer, so in December to February.
Is Great Ocean Road worth it?
Yes, the Great Ocean Road is absolutely worth it. It’s the most beautiful road in Australia in my opinion, the coastline is simply stunning.
What is the best section of the Great Ocean Road?
The best section of the Great Ocean Road is around the 12 Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park.
Are the 12 apostles worth visiting?
Yes, the 12 Apostles are worth visiting. They are a truly stunning rock formation and the highlight of the Great Ocean Road day trip adventure.
What is the best time to see the 12 apostles?
The best time to see the 12 Apostles is at sunset because of the beautiful light.
🤩 I love this private one day trip to Great Ocean Road for having 30 great stops
Final thoughts: Day trip to Great Ocean Road
Doing the Great Ocean Road in one day is a lot but it’s still so worth it if you’re short on time. To walk the beautiful coastline was one of the best experiences of my Australia trip.
There are also many other amazing day trips you can do from Melbourne, like visiting the natural Peninsula hot springs for a relaxing day out. Or do an adventure trip to Wilsons Promontory.
Read more:
- Incredible Helicopter Ride in Melbourne: The 3 Best Tours
- 7 Absolute Best Day Trips From Melbourne Australia
- The 3 Best Peninsula Hot Springs Tour from Melbourne
- Incredible Day Trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
- 5 Absolute Best Things to Do Wilsons Prom
- Best Yarra River Cruises in Melbourne & Fun Water Activities
- Does it Snow in Australia Melbourne? A Quick Overview
- Is Melbourne the Capital of Australia? No, But It Was Once
- Is Melbourne on the Coast? Exploring the City’s Seaside
- The 13 Best Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Sydney
- 3 All-Vegan Restaurants for Best Vegan Breakfast Sydney
- Is Canberra Worth Visiting? It Is For a Stopover
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