If you’re looking for the best Great Ocean Road tours, you might not know what type to take to ensure an amazing tour. Yes, the Great Ocean Road is home to charming seaside towns, famous surf beaches, and rainforest alike, all of which make for amazing views and even better photos. Knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the opportunity to see wildlife make for an amazing tour experience along the Great Ocean Road.
Choosing your mode of transportation and type of tour is essential. From absolutely fantastic helicopter tours along the Great Ocean Road to driving the stretch yourself, there are plenty of great options to consider.
Great Ocean road tours include:
Taking a Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour
If your main goal is to get the best possible experience and see the Great Ocean Road in style, then there's simply no better way to go than with a helicopter tour.
A Great Ocean Road helicopter tour is worth it if you want to get an aerial vantage point and see all of the best sites that this area has to offer from a much different perspective than anywhere on the ground. Taking a Great Ocean Road helicopter tour is all about luxury, adventure, and the thrill of riding in a helicopter.
You might not stop at as many places as if you were driving in a bus or car, but there's just a certain sense of excitement that comes with being thousands of feet up in the air and seeing the ground from so high up. There's just nothing quite luxurious as seeing the Great Ocean Road from a powerful helicopter.
What to Expect
Great Ocean Road helicopter tours, such as those from Rotor One, usually depart from Melbourne sometime in the morning, usually not quite as early as with a bus tour, which is just one of the benefits, because you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn.
What it really comes down to is that going on a Great Ocean Road helicopter tour is an unforgettable adventure. Instead of slowly winding your way along the coast and cliffs for hours on end, you get to fly high above the limestone stacks, coastlines, and rolling hills.
Instead of spending upwards of 12 or 14 hours on the road, you'll spend just a couple of hours in the air, along with some stops on the ground. Some Great Ocean Road helicopter tours may last as little as 15 minutes, whereas others like the 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour from Rotor One, lasts for several hours and includes a variety of stops.
When you take a Great Ocean Road helicopter tour, you get to experience what it's like to ride in a powerful chopper, along with an air-conditioned cabin, noise cancelling headphones, and an expert guide that will provide you with commentary all along the way. One of the most common stops for a Great Ocean Road helicopter tour is the 12 apostles, and you'll even get to walk right down to the beach.
Why Take a Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour?
There are so many reasons to take a Great Ocean Road helicopter tour, with photo opportunities being one of them. Yes, taking photos is great if you're sitting in a car or bus, but it's just nothing like taking photos from an aerial vantage point the helicopter provides you with. It's a photographer's dream!
Speaking of an aerial vantage point, whether we're talking about the Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Shipwreck Coast, or the London Arch, there's just nothing like seeing these iconic landmarks from a bird's eye perspective. You get to see things in a different way, and you'll spot details that you just can't see from the land.
Something else to consider is that when you take a helicopter tour, you aren't going to be out all day. You might only be out for five or six hours, instead of 14, and that means not getting quite so tired. While an all-day trip that lasts more than 12 hours might be great for some, you'll likely end up tired, fatigued, and maybe even bored.
A helicopter ride keeps things exciting, lets you see all of the best sights, but doesn't drag on like some car or bus trips can. It's about getting to see everything that the area has to offer without wasting any time. Also worth noting is that a helicopter trip is just super luxurious and comfortable.
There's no traffic to get in your way, there are plush seats, and you get to travel in an air-conditioned cabin. Let's not forget the fact that you don't have to do any driving yourself, and you don't have to cram yourself onto an uncomfortable bus either. If there's a special occasion at hand, and you need a good way to celebrate, then the Great Ocean Road bus tour is certainly the way to go.
Drawbacks of a Helicopter Tour
One of the only real drawbacks with the helicopter tour is that you can only fit so many people. The only other drawback here is that helicopter tours are quite weather sensitive. Poor visibility, strong rain, or winds may cancel or delay your flights.
Great Ocean Road Bus Tours
One of the most common, convenient, and laid-back ways to take a tour from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road is by bus. The Surf Coast is a key destination on these tours, known for its scenic beauty, popular surfing spots, and charming coastal towns such as Torquay and Anglesea. If you’re looking for a full day excursion, one that can last up to 14 hours, then taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour is certainly worth considering.
Generally speaking, a Great Ocean Road bus tour will leave from the Melbourne CBD very early in the morning, and return at some time during the evening. Bus tours are fantastic for people who want to see all of the best places that this area of the world has to offer without having to stress about planning, navigating, or driving.
What to Expect
When taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour, you can expect to follow an itinerary of a moderate pace. You’ll usually be picked up from a central Melbourne location, such as a hotel, and then drive through a variety of famous lookouts, national parks, and coastal towns. The Surf Coast, with its captivating coastal scenery and the experience of enjoying fresh sea air, adds to the allure of this remarkable journey.
Along the way, the bus driver or guide should provide you with informative commentary to make the trip just a little more informative and exciting. Keep in mind that although group sizes can vary, most operators keep the groups fairly small, usually no more than 25 people, which is ideal because it helps create a really relaxed and personal experience.
Great Ocean Road bus tours are ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, and moreover, for international visitors as well.
If you happen to be unfamiliar with driving on the left hand side of the road, then having somebody else drive the bus for you is not a bad idea. If you plan on taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour, doing so during the warmer months, sometime between October and April, is ideal, as this is when the weather is fairly predictable.
Why Take a Great Ocean Road Bus Tour?
You're wondering why you would want to take a Great Ocean Road bus tour. Well, one of the biggest benefits is that there's just no hassle. You don't have to manage time frames, navigate difficult routes, or rent a car.
Also, the fact that you get insightful commentary from an expert guide helps make the trip more exciting, and allows you to learn things that you would otherwise never be aware of.
What's also beneficial about a bus tour is that you'll follow a comprehensive itinerary, so there will be no shortage of sights to see. Most Great Ocean Road bus tours feature anywhere between 5 and 10 stops, making sure that you get the most bang for your buck.
Drawbacks of a Bus Tour
Now, there are of course some drawbacks to taking a bus tour, especially along the Great Ocean Road, as you'll probably be on the road for up to 14 hours. By the end of the day, you'll likely be tired and your backside might be hurting from sitting in those bus seats all day.
It's just a really long day, and aside from that, keep in mind that the more stops you make, the less time you'll have at each stop, which can make things feel a little bit rushed at some points. You will see plenty of sights and highlights, but big buses can't go off the beaten path, and because of time constraints, you can't really explore each location in depth either.
If you are looking for a Great Ocean Road bus tour, this one is worth considering, with stops at Torquay, the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, and more.
Taking a Self-Drive Tour of the Great Ocean Road
If you plan on touring the Great Ocean Road, one of the most obvious ways to do so is of course by car. Here, we're talking about taking a self-drive tour of the Great Ocean Road. If you're a Melbourne local, you might use your own private vehicle, but if you're a tourist, this means renting one.
Of course, what's great about taking a self-drive tour is that you get to dictate the pace, the stops, and everything in between. It's you behind the wheel, you're setting the pace, and you plan the route. You also get to plan where to stop, when to stop, and how long to stop at its location.
Most people would begin their self-drive Great Ocean Road tour in Melbourne and head west towards Torquay, and continue along the Great Ocean Road until they get to the Twelve Apostles.
There are some people who may complete the loop in just one day, but there are many sites to see, which means that taking a multi-day self-driving Great Ocean Road trip might be in your wheelhouse.
What to Expect: Charming Seaside Towns
If you drive your own vehicle along the Great Ocean Road, you'll be able to see all of the places you love, set your own pace, and travel with the people who you like the most.
Yes, you're going to be driving for a full day, along with frequent spots to view all of the best sites, cafes, beaches, and more. Just remember that there won't be much mobile coverage in some of these areas, so bringing some physical maps with you, or at least some online maps is recommended.
Also remember, you'll need to plan for food, fuel, and if you're planning on staying overnight, some kind of accommodation.
When driving along the Great Ocean Road, weather can also be volatile, so be prepared for this, and keep in mind that some of the stretches can feature fairly narrow roads.
Why Self-Drive the Great Ocean Road?
You might be wondering why you would drive the Great Ocean Road yourself. Well, the simple fact is that you're the one who's in charge. If you want to sleep in a little bit and start your trip late, that's completely up to you, and unlike with any other tour, nobody's going to leave without you. It's all about you and your timeline.
While private and guided tours are great, they relegate you to seeing the stops on their itinerary. However, if you're driving yourself, you can visit whatever sites you want, especially those that are found off the main highway.
If you’re on your own, visiting locations such as Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Johanna Beach, Milanesia Beach is much easier and possible. If you're on a tour bus, it's quite likely that you won't be able to see unique or secluded locations like this.
Something else to think about is that if you're a group of people, it might just be cheaper if you take your own car or rent one. If you do something like a bus tour, each person will have to pay a set fee, but if you rent your own vehicle, everyone in the vehicle can split the costs, therefore making it more cost effective.
On that note, if you and your group decide that one day isn't enough to see all of the Great Ocean Road, then you can always take your car, drive to a motel or hotel, and stay a night.
Drawbacks of a Self-Driving Tour
Although there are many great reasons to drive the Great Ocean Road with your own vehicle, there are some drawbacks too, with fatigue being one of them. If you're doing a round trip from Melbourne, it means that you're going to be doing a whole lot of driving, with the full loop taking up to 14 hours, or even longer with more stops.
It means having to concentrate on the road a whole lot, and that can make you feel tired. There's also the simple fact that you have to navigate the entire route so you don't get lost, and if you're an international traveler, learning how to drive on the left hand side of the road can be a real challenge.
What you might also find is that when you get to popular locations, such as the Twelve apostles or Apollo Bay, you might not be able to find anywhere to park, especially during the busy seasons. Also worth noting is that if you take some kind of guided tour, you'll be provided with commentary the whole time, so you actually know what's going on, something that you don't get when you drive your own vehicle.
Going on a Private Great Ocean Road Tour
Yet another option you have at your disposal is going on a private Great Ocean Road tour. If you want a highly personalised way to see this coastal drive, then a private tour is definitely the way to go. Now, yes, a private tour will likely still take you on a bus, but it's different than the bus tours we talked about above.
Unlike much larger bus tours that have shared itineraries and run on fixed schedules, private tours often give you the freedom to shape your day according to your own group dynamic, pace, and interests. Depending on the specific private tour in question, you might even get to set your own stops and choose how long you want to stay there.
Depending on your group size, you'll likely travel in a luxury van or mini coach, and the tour should start sometime around 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning, likely picking you up at a hotel our central Melbourne location. One of the defining features here is that you'll have an expert dedicated guide who is your storyteller, driver, and local expert. Most of these tours will last around 11 hours.
Whether you're a couple celebrating a small occasion, a corporate team, a small group of friends, or a family, this is a great way to travel the Great Ocean Road. If you don't want to have to drive yourself, but you want control over how the day unfolds, then this is the way to go.
What to Expect
When you take a private Great Ocean Road tour, you can expect a long but satisfying day. You'll get to travel in a comfortable luxury vehicle, and the people of your own choosing.
When you take a private tour, you get to choose who comes with you and who doesn't, unlike those larger bus tours that might have you sitting beside people that you don't want on your trip.
All day long, your guide will provide you with insightful commentary on the region's wildlife, geology, history, and more. You can also expect tailored stops for your group.
Why Take a Private Great Ocean Road Tour?
If you want the flexibility of a self driving tour, but without the actual driving, then a private Great Ocean Road tour is the way to go. The options allow you to choose your own schedule, so if you want to stay at one location longer, you can choose to do so.
Another advantage of taking a private tour is that you have a personal guide who gives you all of their attention. They tailor the day specifically for you, and this means that you get to do and see all of the things that you want to the most.
Furthermore, this type of private tour generally has fewer people than a larger bus tour, therefore making it a little more personal. At the very least, it's going to be much less crowded, as there are fewer people, and you'll also likely be in a larger, more spacious, and more comfortable vehicle.
Furthermore, because you're in a bit of a smaller vehicle, you'll likely have better access to hidden gems and scenic lookouts than with larger buses. At the very least, a private tour is extremely engaging and educational.
Drawbacks of a Private Tour
Although private tours are great, there are some drawbacks you have to consider, with pricing being one of them. Unlike larger group bus tours which can cost just a few $100, or even less, you can expect to spend around $1000 for a private day trip.
Furthermore, it's still a very long trip, and you'll still be on a bus, no matter how luxurious it is. Something else to consider is that private tours usually don't come with all that many inclusions, things like meals, especially if you don't pay extra for them.
Having to organise your own meals may be a bit of a drawback for you. There's also the simple fact that there are other much more exciting types of Great Ocean Road tours to take, such as a helicopter tour.
Great Ocean Road Boat Tour or Cruise
Last but not least, you could always go on a boat tour or cruise along the Great Ocean Road. Just like taking a helicopter tour, going on the Great Ocean Road boat cruise provides you with a much different perspective than if you were taking a bus or car tour.
This is a type of tour that puts you at eye level with the limestone stacks, towering cliffs, and even marine wildlife.
If you're someone who likes being on the water and feeling the power of the ocean, then a boat trip is right for you. Keep in mind that boat tours of the Great Ocean Road usually operate out of either Apollo Bay or Port Campbell, and many travel to the Shipwreck coast.
There are some boat tours that only last a couple of hours, whereas others may last for up to half a day. If you're a marine enthusiast and nature lover, then this is for you, especially if you hate driving in a car.
What to Expect
If you're taking a boat tour of the Great Ocean Road, you can expect a scenic tour along a variety of major coastal formations, including Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and The Grotto. The fact is that all of these structures look much more impressive when you're at eye level with them.
Although there are many larger tours, there are also many boats and cruisers that carry 12 passengers or less, therefore making it quite an intimate experience. Of course, you'll get to feel the power of the ocean, but another thing you'll be able to expect here seeing a lot of wildlife, such as seals, albatross, whales, and dolphins. Some operators also provide sunset cruises, with yet another unique perspective of the area.
Why Go On a Great Ocean Road Boat Tour?
There are many reasons to take a boat tour of the Great Ocean Road, including that unique perspective of the cliffs. Boat tours also tend not to have huge crowds, so you won't have to fight for position.
Great Ocean Road boat tours are especially great for people who love wildlife and the marine environment in general. You're just not going to see the same kind of wildlife from a cart as you would from a boat. There's also the simple fact that you don't have to do any planning or driving yourself.
Drawbacks of a Boat Tour
There are of course some drawbacks to a boat tour as well, including the simple fact that you probably won't see the whole Great Ocean Road from one side to the other. You'll likely only get to see a fairly small stretch.
Also keep in mind that if you're on the water and susceptible to motion sickness, you may end up feeling sick. Don't forget that if you're on a boat, you likely won't get to explore a lot of the beaches or rainforests along the Great Ocean Road. On that note, boat tours are also highly weather dependent.
What You'll Get to See On Great Ocean Road Tours
Let's take a quick look at all of the awesome sights that you might get to see if you take the right Great Ocean Road Tour.
- Southern Ocean
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Phillip Island
- London Bridge Arch
- The Iconic Twelve Apostles
- Apollo Bay
