Turquoise ocean and limestone stacks along the Twelve Apostles coastline

SMALL-GROUP TOURS FROM MELBOURNE

Great Ocean Road.
A day trip from Melbourne.

Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and coastal towns on a small-group tour from Melbourne.

Explore the Tour
Melbourne departureSmall-group day tourReverse coastal route

A FULL DAY ON THE COAST

Great Ocean Road
& Twelve Apostles

Travel inland to the Twelve Apostles, then follow the coast back through Apollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.

Limestone stacks and surf at the Twelve Apostles

See the coast with a small group.

Our reverse route starts with the Shipwreck Coast before continuing through seaside towns and coastal lookouts. The reference schedule allows around 90 minutes at the Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps, followed by a stop at Loch Ard Gorge.

There is also a lunch stop at Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where entry is optional and costs extra. See the schedule below for each stop and the expected return time.

Starts from
Melbourne, Victoria
Trip style
Small-group day tour
The highlight
Twelve Apostles & coastal scenery
Plan Your Day

THE REVERSE ROUTE

Your route
through the day.

An inland start, the Shipwreck Coast, then a coastal drive back to Melbourne.

Reference winter itinerary

During daylight saving time, the schedule runs approximately 40 minutes later. All times and stops are approximate and may change with conditions.

Backgrounds show supplied Great Ocean Road scenery. Not every backdrop depicts the named stop.

7:30 AM

Melbourne city pick-up

Join the tour at your confirmed Melbourne city pick-up point. Check the location and meeting time before travelling.

City pick-up

8:00 AM

Leave Melbourne

Set off towards the Shipwreck Coast via the inland route.

Reverse route

10:00 AM

A short break in Colac

Take a short rest break in Colac. The team may use another rest stop if the day’s conditions require it.

Around 15 minutes

11:15 AM

Twelve Apostles & Gibson Steps

Explore the Twelve Apostles viewpoints, with time to walk towards Gibson Steps if access and conditions allow.

Around 90 minutes

12:55 PM

Loch Ard Gorge

Stop at the gorge to see the sheltered inlet and surrounding limestone cliffs.

Around 30 minutes

1:40 PM

Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park

Allow an hour for lunch and an optional visit to the wildlife park. Park entry is at your own expense.

Around 60 minutes · Optional, extra cost

3:40 PM

Apollo Bay

Take a short break in Apollo Bay before continuing along the coast.

Around 15 minutes

5:10 PM

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop for a photograph at the timber Memorial Arch.

Around 10 minutes

7:20 PM

Back in Melbourne

Arrive back in the city. Traffic, weather and road conditions can affect the return time.

Approximate city return

Places along the route.

Limestone stacks on the Shipwreck Coast, a sheltered gorge and a road that follows the ocean.

Loch Ard Gorge with turquoise water between limestone cliffs

Loch Ard Gorge

Look down into the inlet from the coastal viewpoints. Access to paths and beach areas depends on conditions.

Curving coastline and blue ocean along the Great Ocean Road

The coastal road

The return route follows sections of the Great Ocean Road, passing headlands and seaside towns.

Twelve Apostles limestone pillars and waves

The Twelve Apostles

See the limestone stacks from the designated viewing areas. Bring a warm layer for the exposed coast.

Stops and walking access may change with weather and road conditions.

Pack for a full day out.

A few practical details to help you get ready.

Leave the day free

The winter reference schedule returns around 7:20 PM. Avoid a tightly timed evening booking.

Bring a warm layer

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, water and sun protection. Coastal weather can change quickly.

Plan for walking

Some viewpoints have steps or uneven paths. Let the team know about mobility needs before booking.

Allow for lunch

The wildlife park stop includes an hour for lunch. Entry to the park is optional and costs extra.

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch surrounded by trees

MEET SIJI TOURS

A Melbourne team,
looking after your trip.

SIJI Tours is based in Melbourne. Our team works in local tours and travel services, including vehicle coordination, route planning and guest support.

We focus on small-group trips around Victoria, starting with the Great Ocean Road. We handle the route and transport so you can enjoy the stops without organising the drive yourself.

Have a question about joining the tour? Include it in your enquiry so the team can check the arrangements with you.

Explore the itinerary

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Great Ocean Road coastal scenery