The 15 Best Tours in Great Ocean Road

1.Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour – Max 11 Guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 714 reviews · from $114Our pick

This 13-hour small-group tour takes you from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles first, then along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Kennett River, and Lorne. Expect a Toyota Hiace-style minibus, live commentary, hotel pickup, early coastal views, and possible koala and kangaroo sightings. Guides may include James, Marty, Chris, Kev, or Glenn.

“Chris was a wonderful guide along the Great Ocean Road; he kept a tight ship and everyone on schedule. He shared his expertise about each stop but did not overwhelm us with information. Even the music was carefully chosen and selected so anyone on this tour could enjoy the full experience of this place in the world.”

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2.Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles London Bridge Koala Kangaroo

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 537 reviews · 13 hours · from $41Best value

Spend 13 hours on a reverse Great Ocean Road trip with guides such as Philip, William, Daniel, and David Hsu. Visit Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, London Arch, Apollo Bay, and Kennett River, with chances to see wild koalas, kangaroos, and parrots. Expect a long coach day, late lunch, and fewer crowds at major stops.

“Our Great Ocean Road day trip was absolutely fantastic! The scenery was breathtaking – wild, powerful, and incredibly beautiful. Nature at its best. Our driver and guide, Philip, was an amazing and very positive person who kept us entertained throughout the journey and shared so many interesting facts about the places we visited. He was extremely well organized and truly cared about every single passenger, making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. We were driven back to Melbourne smoothly and safely, and the whole experience felt relaxed and perfectly planned. Big thank you to Philip. You made this trip unforgettable for us! Highly recommended! 🌊🌟”

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3.Hot Air Balloon Flights Geelong (The Great Ocean) + Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · from $294

Meet at Rydges Geelong at 5:00 am for transport to the launch field. You will spend about an hour floating over Geelong, the coastline, and Bellarine Peninsula, with time to watch the balloon being prepared. The experience ends with a buffet breakfast at Rydges Hotel. The small group is limited to 22 people.

“We enjoyed the whole thing. Watching and participating in the set up and learning how the pilots work out the course was fascinating.”

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4.2-Hour Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · from $106

At Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool, you get two hours inside the Sanctuary, with access to 18 geothermal rockpools, sensory caves, aromatherapy pools, and a cold plunge. Choose a daytime session for all ages from five, or an adults-only Twilight session from age 16. Robes, towels, and lockers cost extra.

“Very relaxing well organised and lovely staff Natural hot springs therapeutic helped me sleep We had the thermal pools to ourselves alot it was an awesome experience”

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5.Walk with Wildlife: Guided Tour in Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $42

Follow a 1.4-kilometer all-abilities path near Apollo Bay with a conservationist guide. Binoculars and headsets help you spot birds and wildlife across grassland, forest, bushland, and tree fern gullies. You’ll also visit the Conservation Ecology Centre Research Hub and can stop at the cafe or gift shop afterward.

“Our guide was very informative, friendly and knowledgeable. This was our best wildlife tour of this trip. You shouldn’t miss this one if you want to learn a lot and see a lot of animals in the wild.”

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6.Two Hour Surf Lesson in Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · from $47

Meet your surf coach at Torquay Surfing Academy for a two-hour beginner lesson near the Great Ocean Road. You’ll get a wetsuit and board, learn ocean safety, practice catching waves and popping up, then warm up with a hot shower. Coaches such as Kev and Molly have helped beginners find their feet.

“Had a great time with surf lessons run by Kev and Molly. Good teacher to student ratio to ensure everyone was looked after.”

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7.Torquay: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 113 reviews · 90 minutes - 6 hours · from $59

Meet Go Ride A Wave at Torquay Beach for a beginner-friendly surf lesson with a Level-1 coach. You’ll learn safety and board control on the sand, then practise in waist-deep water before working on your pop-up. Coaches including Tim, Sara, Joel, and Izzy are praised for patient, personal help. Wetsuit, board, sunscreen, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“We had a great time on our surfing lesson with Izzy and Will! Izzy was so patient with us ( beginners) , offered lots of encouragement and tips. Would recommend!”

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8.Learn to Surf at Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · from $60

Meet Go Ride A Wave at 1/15 Bell St, Torquay, at 10:00 am. Your coach supplies a wetsuit and soft beginner board, teaches safety and standing on the beach, then helps you catch waist-deep waves. The two-hour lesson ends back at the shop with time to shower and change.

“We had a great time. Tim is a legend - he explained everything in simple, easy to understand terms, and provided good feedback in the water. Recommend!”

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9.Learn to Surf at Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · from $60

Meet at 143B Great Ocean Road in Anglesea for a 2-hour beginner surf lesson. You’ll receive a wetsuit, soft board, safety briefing, and hands-on coaching in waist-deep water. The class starts at 10:00 am, ends back at the shop, and is limited to eight people.

“Really fun and easy to book and all was very smooth flowing. Loved all of it and no complications whatsoever.”

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10.2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · from $132

Meet Torquay Surfing Academy at 34A Bell Street for a private two-hour surf lesson shaped around your ability. Coaches such as Rob, Kev, Alexandro, and Tony work with everyone from first-timers to advanced surfers. Boards and wetsuits are included, and you can finish with a hot shower.

“Had Rob as a teacher this morning for a private surf lesson. He was great! Gave me good pointers and had me catching lots of waves. Beautiful morning out on the water! Thanks Rob!”

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11.Wilsons Promontory Morning Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 2h 30m · from $109

Spend 150 minutes cruising Wilsons Promontory with an English-speaking guide aboard a custom-built amphibious boat. You’ll see South Point, the Glennies, Anderson Islets, Anser Island, Mount Oberon, Norman Beach, and Skull Rock, with chances to spot seals, dolphins, and migrating whales. Bring warm clothes and allow 30 minutes for check-in.

“My family and I had a great time on this cruise. The staff that were with us, Dave and Gareth (not sure if I got these names right) were fantastic and knowledgeable. They made sure that safety was top priority but more importantly that it would be an enjoyable and memorable experience. The highlights for me were the playful seals, skull rock and the exhilarating boat ride. The drive from Adelaide to Hastings then Hastings to Wilsons Prom was indeed worth it! Thanks to all the staff of the Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruises. - Josie, Allan & Family. 30 March 2024, 11am group.”

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12.Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · from $60

Meet your instructors at the Lorne Sea Baths for a two-hour beginner surf lesson. Hugh and Nigel lead you through safety, beach technique, and supported practice in the water. Your booking includes a wetsuit, board, legrope, and equipment storage, but you arrange your own food and transport.

“Great instructors for every level of beginner, I’d highly recommend it, suits and boards are decent quality too.”

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13.Tandem Skydive over Great Ocean Road + Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 45 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $282

Take a tandem skydive from up to 15,000 feet above the Great Ocean Road, with about 60 seconds of freefall and wide views of cliffs, surf, and Victoria’s coast. Certified instructors, including Chico, guide you through the jump. Optional Melbourne CBD transfers make the day easier, while photo and video packages are available at the drop zone.

“Surreal experience. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Skydive australia , the activity providers were professional to the core and provided a safe experience. Please note the pickup stop is near the station. Read the note mentioned to go to the exact spot if pickup option is selected.”

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14.Great Ocean Road Must-See Extended Tour – 12 Apostles & Beyond

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · from $43

Spend about 13 hours on the Great Ocean Road with a bilingual driver-guide, air-conditioned transport, and stops at the Chocolaterie, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Guides such as Vance, Tony, and Augustine add local facts, humor, and help with photos.

“Good bus tour, with lots of interesting stops and a great driver and guide. Didn’t think we’d be able to see so much in just a day.”

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15.Great Ocean Road Tour PRIVATE LUXURY-FREE entry,hotel pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 31 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $80

Travel from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road with a private guide, or join a small group in a 12 or 22 seat vehicle. See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest, Apollo Bay, Kennet River, and the Memorial Archway, with hotel pickup available for private bookings.

“The day trip was informative. Guide was excellent he made sure we got to see what we wanted. We seen Koalas and Kangaroos plus Great Ocean Road.”

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