12 Apostles and Otways Day Tour: An Intimate Exploration of Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
4.9
157 Ratings
Southbank
Embark on an intimate day tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne. Visit the 12 Apostles, explore ancient rainforests, spot wildlife, and indulge in local delights.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Twelve Apostles - Here we will take a 1km stroll along the boardwalk while appreciating the stunning views
  • Gibsons Steps - We walk down the 70m cliffside pathway to the beach where there is plenty of time to take some incredible photos.
  • Beauchamp Falls - We take a 3km hike through ancient rainforests to the dreamy Beauchamp Falls.
  • Great Otway National Park - We visit the giants of the forest at the Californian Redwoods
  • Apollo Bay - We stop at the beautiful seaside town of Apollo Bay for ice cream and a stroll along the pristine beaches.
  • Lorne Beach - Lorne or Apollo Bay for an optional ice cream
  • Kennett River - Kennett River is next where you’ll get the chance to spot native koalas, king parrots & kangaroos going about their routines.
What's Included
  • Friendly and knowledgeable tour guide
  • A Grade 2 hike to one of the Otways’ pristine waterfalls
  • A visit to Kennett River to see native Australian Koalas
  • Exploration of the towering Californian Redwoods
  • Views of the breathtaking 12 Apostles & Gibson Steps
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
  • Provided rain ponchos & first aid for safety
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Entrance to Port Campbell, 12 Apostles & Great Otway National Park included
  • Journey along the Great Ocean Road, with stops at the coastal townships of Apollo Bay & Lorne
  • Snacks provided
  • Unforgettable memories
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Our intimate group (limited to 8 participants) will leave Melbourne and head directly to the renowned 12 Apostles before the crowds emerge. Here, we will enjoy a 1km wander along the promenade, taking in the breathtaking views of the limestone columns before proceeding to Gibson Steps. We descend the 70m cliffside path to the beach, where there’s ample opportunity to snap some memorable pictures.

Following this, we’ll delight in a scrumptious lunch at our preferred local café, then journey through the enchanting Great Otway National Park. We’ll enjoy a brief trek through ancient rainforests to one of the Otways’ untouched waterfalls (unreachable by large tour buses).

Continuing on, we’ll stroll among the towering trees of the Californian Redwoods forest, then proceed along the famous Great Ocean Road, stopping at Apollo Bay for an optional ice cream treat. Finally, we’ll visit Kennett River, where you’ll have the opportunity to see native koalas, king parrots & kangaroos in their natural habitats.

  • Comfortable trainers or hiking boots
  • Water bottle (1L)
  • Cash or credit card for lunch (around $35)
  • Warm layers just in case
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses & a hat
  • Swimsuit & a towel for a swim in the ocean (optional on summer months)
  • Good vibes
Location
Hamer Hall
Saint Kilda Road
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne - (Undercover taxi rank located on St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall & the Arts Centre). Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your departure time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(157 Ratings)
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1 star
Kaileyt
May 2, 2024
Perfect day on the great ocean road! - Wow, what an insanely perfect day visiting the great ocean road with Mark from Hike & Seek. When researching tours, I knew I didn’t want a big bus group and Hike & Seek was the perfect small group in a nice 8-person max tour group. Mark had so many great stories and historical knowledge. We learned so much and had a great time with him & Dino! We also saw so many wild koalas and mobs of kangaroos which was a major highlight for us! If you have time to spend a day on the great ocean road, book with Hike & Seek. The way they format their tour misses the big tour bus crowds so you have a more personalized and calm experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jullius_p
Mar 22, 2024
Worth the trip ! - Guide Miranda is friendly, knowledgeable, resourceful and an excellent driver ! Weather was good, bright and sunny with a hint of cool air..!
Review provided by Viator
Monahank
Mar 18, 2024
Absolute blast with Dino and Mark! - The 12 Apostles, Otways, and Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne is a breathtaking journey through some of Australia's most iconic landscapes. From the bustling city streets of Melbourne, you'll embark on a scenic drive along the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. These stunning rock formations are a testament to the power of nature and offer breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn. In addition to the 12 Apostles, the tour also takes you through the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges, where you can marvel at towering ferns, ancient trees, and cascading waterfalls. It's a peaceful retreat into nature's embrace, offering a welcome contrast to the dramatic coastal scenery. Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides Mark and Dino provide fascinating insights into the history, geology, and ecology of the region, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photography buff, or simply looking for a memorable day trip from Melbourne, the 12 Apostles, Otways, and Great Ocean Road tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation42538353725
Mar 12, 2024
Great Experience - Recommend you do this. - Fantastic Day! Mark & Dino were wonderful guide’s🫶. You’ll see breathtaking ocean views and tranquil forests & 🦜🐨🦘👩‍🌾 🍽️👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1829mepeterl
Mar 1, 2024
Highly Recommended - Annie, our guide and driver was amazing. She's warm, friendly and provide commentaries along the way. Good planning on her part. Highly recommended. Well worth the trip with Hide & Seek
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sophie_s
Feb 25, 2024
Excellent day trip! - Everything was great from the star until the end of the trip. Thanks to Angie who was a wonderful guide, smiley, knowledgeble and fun to be with.
Review provided by Viator
L8113gqanitab
Feb 20, 2024
Saw more then expected - This tour was amazing. Right from the pick up point to our first pit stop for coffee. Angie our tour guide was fabulous. She told us interesting tidbits the entire journey. The 12Apostles are stunning. The schedule and stops was just perfect. I saw more than expected. Highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janie_t
May 14, 2024
Are we there yet😆🙃 - Was a good small group of 8 ppl van, we only end up 7 of us. That is reason i book this trip, snall group & Mark very good in telling us detail of place & everywhere we past by🤗& fun. He is full of knowledge 😲🙂 Our 🤩😘highlight was waterfall & beautiful forest. Get ready for few big step down & up again from the waterfall. Bring your heart rate up up u go 😁& fun🤪. Our dislike was is long long drive in van, like almore half day in van to place. No good for me i have badly travel sickness. Coming back down was very rough road😬😰& fast. For lunch the place is very beautiful area, lots of pity colourful birds around to take photo but the food was just over price 😱not worrh it. Main meal is size of starter🫣. For me this trip is more like sightseeing & long van ride. My experience with my kids. Happy travelling everyones🤗
Review provided by Viator
288ritvam
May 11, 2024
Oh wow! Astonishing road trip! - This was my first sihhtseeing tour in Australia. It was otherwise amazing experience, but the visiting times was quite short at each place. At the van or mini bus, I didn’t hear all the talk, hence I was cornerd. And the accent was difficult some times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_a
Feb 24, 2024
Had trouble finding the... - Had trouble finding the pick up location and the tour provider wasn't available by phone to offer help or answer questions.
Review provided by Viator
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