Great Otway National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour in Reverse

2. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour in Reverse

Travel along the Great Ocean Road route in reverse to avoid the crowds on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, and more. Stop at the Great Otway National Park for a guided rainforest walk. What makes this tour unique is that it goes in reverse compared to typical Great Ocean Road tours. Your guide will drive inland in the morning, arrive at the attractions before all the crowds get there, and come back through the world-famous coastline, the Great Ocean Road. First, stop at a rural town for breakfast, where you can get in a good stretch and enjoy a coffee (cost not included). From there, go straight to the first attraction, the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy the internationally famous limestone formation lookouts without the crowds of people. See the Razorback rock formation, the lookout at the Gibson Steps, and the enchanting Loch Ard Gorge Beach. Learn about Loch Ard's shipwreck story, then make a lunch stop in the town of Port Campbell or Apollo Bay (cost not included). Choose to go for a walk to the beach for more pictures. When you depart the Twelve Apostles area, drive through Great Otway National Park. Connect with nature during a 20-minute rainforest walk to witness some of Australia's most amazing rainforest scenery. On your way back, travel along the Great Ocean Road coastline, through Apollo Bay. Listen as your guide shares stories and facts about the city while on your way to Kenneth River. At the river, be camera-ready as you may encounter some local koalas and colorful parrots. Before returning to Melbourne, the final stop will be at the quaint coastal town of Lorne for another epic beachfront view. 

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip

3. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip

Enjoy this guided, nature-filled road trip and discover Victoria's stunning coastline and rainforest. Drive the Great Ocean Road, a winding road that reveals uninterrupted beaches, dramatic coastlines, and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges. Travel west to the start of the Great Ocean Road and pass the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Pass through the scenic towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. There are plenty of opportunities to see the native wildlife and get a glimpse of cute koalas and a variety of birds.  Discover the Shipwreck Coast, stroll along the historic beaches, and see Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive at the 12 Apostles where you will be dwarfed by the high cliff line and these enormous offshore stacks. Snap a memorable photo before you begin your journey back to Melbourne.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Rainforest Full-Day Trip

4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Rainforest Full-Day Trip

Begin the day with an early start leaving Melbourne city where you will drive over the Westgate Bridge towards the Great Ocean Road - one of the few places where the destination and the journey are the same things. Once you arrive at the Great Ocean Road, enjoy morning tea along the Surf Coast at your first stop, a perfect way to meet your fellow travelers and your guide for the day. As you wind along this iconic road, each twist and turn reveals new spectacular views of the rugged coastline and into the Otway Ranges that lie inland. To hear the history of the road and its workers as you make a stop at Memorial Arch, also known as the Great Ocean Road sign. Pass through quaint yet popular holiday resort towns before your guide takes you on a wild koala-spotting adventure among their natural habitat of the eucalyptus trees. Make your way to the historical town of Apollo Bay for a bite of lunch. Stroll the streets, meander the main beach, or try some unique and award-winning ice cream. After lunch, the road ventures away from the coastline and into the heart of the Otway National Park. Embark on a guided walk through the crisp, fresh air of an ancient rainforest. A truly magical part of the day as you're immersed among ferns and the world's second-tallest species of tree. The journey continues through the rainforest before reaching the Shipwreck Coast, where you will find some of the biggest attractions for the day. Hear about the coastline's most famous shipwreck before stepping down into the gorge at the center of the story of the Loch Ard ill-fated journey. Be towered by the sheer limestone cliffs that form the gorge as you stand on the beach or step into the cold waters of the Southern Ocean at the bottom before reaching the major attraction - the 12 Apostles. View these ginormous limestone monoliths formed by hundreds of years of erosion as they stand high and strong against the forces of nature. A true sight to behold and a perfect way to cap off the day before making your way back to Melbourne for the night. 

Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

5. Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

Take a scenic drive along Great Ocean Road and watch the sunset over the Twelve Apostles on a tour from Melbourne. Depart Melbourne a little later than most Great Ocean Road tours to experience the dramatic landscapes without the crowds. Get panoramic views of the coast in comfort. Drive past the famous sands of the Surf Coast then continue through the Great Otway National Park and gaze in awe at the massive eucalyptus trees. Hear tales of shipwrecks at Loch Ard Gorge and encounter koalas in their natural habitat along the way. Take souvenir photos of the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch and get countless other photo opportunities during the day. Listen to the expert commentary and avail of the free Wi-Fi to share your experience on your favorite social media platform as it happens. End by watching a magnificent sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations before making your way back to Melbourne.

Oceans to Mountains Explorer: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour

6. Oceans to Mountains Explorer: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour

Day 1: Melbourne to Warrnambool Start your 3-Day adventure by exploring the world famous Great Ocean Road with its stunning ocean views and surf beaches. Spot wild koalas and take a guided rainforest walk before visiting the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles and other wonders of the Shipwreck Coast. Overnight in Warrnambool. Day 2: Warrnambool - Halls Gap On the second day, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Later hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over the Grampians. Finish the day with a traditional Aussie BBQ and overnight stay in Halls Gap. Breakfast and dinner are included. Day 3: Halls Gap - Melbourne or Adelaide On the last day of the journey, hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls, then check out some other famed sights such as Boroka Lookout and The Balconies. After an incredible few days exploring the coastline and mountain ranges, we make our way back to Melbourne arriving around 5:30 PM. Alternatively if your traveling through to Adelaide you will arrive at 7:30 PM. Breakfast is included.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Reverse Eco Tour

7. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Reverse Eco Tour

Embark on a guided tour along the Great Ocean Road of Australia's southern coast, departing from Melbourne. See the stunning rock formations along the coast, enjoy a picnic lunch, explore a section of the Great Otway National Park, and search for koalas at Kennett River. Depart the Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) early in the morning, and travel inland to arrive at the "Shipwreck Coast" before the rest of the tour buses arrive. See the beautiful limestone rocks of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps without the crowds. Hear the story of Loch Ard as you step down into a gorge carved by the Southern Ocean over hundreds of years. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of these breathtaking spots. Then, drive back along the Great Ocean Road, waving at the other tour buses as they pass in the opposite direction. Stretch your legs in the Otway Ranges on a guided rainforest walk amongst some of the tallest tree species in the world. Drive back to the coastal road and visit the seaside town of Apollo Bay. Continue along the coast, traveling a twisting route with spectacular ocean, beach, and cliff views. Stop in Kennett River to look for koalas in their natural habitat amongst the eucalyptus trees. Pass through small seaside towns as you continue your journey and stop at Memorial Arch, where a sign honors the workers that built the road. Return to Melbourne for the end of your perfect Great Ocean Road experience.

2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour

8. 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour

Day 1 Guests on this small group tour are picked up from their city hotel or Federation Square and quickly depart Melbourne via the West Gate Bridge. Travel through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelon, where you have time to stroll along the beautifully transformed waterfront. Start your journey along the Great Ocean Road at Torquay, stopping at various places along the coast including Bells Beach and the scenic morning tea location. Your focus then turns to Australian native wildlife as you observe Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild. This is one of many opportunities to see and hear about Australia's unique and unusual animals in their native habitat. Your journey then begins along the very scenic, cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. While winding your way along you stop to view sites such as the 'Memorial Arch' and hear about the intriguing story of this incredible road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts. With its abundance of cafes and restaurants, it is the perfect place for a lunch break. You may even find time to have a swim or do some shopping. After lunch you cruise along the spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots, including Kennett River where you can see koalas and many colorful native birds in the wild. Visit Apollo Bay before checking in to Chris's Beacon Point or Beacon Point Ocean View Villas. Your private self-contained villa is set high on a hill overlooking the Southern Ocean. This amazing setting is a great place to relax and unwind for a couple of hours. You'll have dinner tonight at the the award-winning Chris's Restaurant, next door to your accommodation, where the only thing that matches the food are the views. After breakfast in Apollo Bay, you go into the Great Otway National Park. Enjoy a 1-km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world's tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns, and unique features such as 'yabbie chimneys'. We traveling through the Otway ranges and onto the so-called 'Shipwreck Coast'. Your first stop is at Castle Cove overlooking the Aire river valley. Your guide will introduce you to the strong Aboriginal heritage of the region, where many tribes prospered around the coastline for thousands of years. In the same area, millions of years ago, when Australia was part of the great southern land, Gondwana, dinosaurs roamed the land. A unique find along the coast in 1987 uncovered important clues into the world's prehistoric past. The 12 Apostles are icons of Australia's natural beauty. You'll arrive as the stacks are lit with the morning sun, making them perfect for photos and crowd-free. This is a bonus for taking a 2-day trip as the stacks are silhouettes in the afternoon and overcrowded. After hearing of the creation of the stacks and holding some of the limestone rock you can explore the boardwalks or brave a helicopter flight along the coastline at your own expense. You'll then visit 'Loch Ard Gorge', the site of the most famous 19th-century Australian shipwreck. You'll hear the entire story, from the calm voyage, to the tragic wreck, to the courageous survivors and their ultimate fate. While hearing the tale you will be able to see and hold some original artifacts, photos, and documents from the 'Loch Ard' contained in treasure chests. Port Campbell is your lunch stop for today. This small fishing village of just 350 is set in a beautiful natural port and has some wonderful cafes and restaurants for food and views. After lunch you'll travel to a lesser-known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. This section includes London Bridge, the Bay of Islands, the Bay of Martyrs, and Boat Bay before your journey turns inland and travels through open farmland towards Melbourne, arriving there around 18:00.

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Day Tour

9. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Experience the natural beauty of Australia's southern coastline with Melbourne Limolink's Great Ocean Road Tour. This full-day tour will take you on a scenic journey along one of the world's most iconic coastal drives, featuring stunning views of the ocean, rock formations, and lush rainforests. Begin your adventure by departing Melbourne early in the morning, and head out to the Great Ocean Road. As you travel, your expert guide will share fascinating insights about the history and culture of the region, as well as interesting facts about the wildlife and plants you'll encounter along the way. The first stop on the tour is at the iconic surf beach of Torquay, the birthplace of surfing in Australia. Here, you'll have an opportunity to stroll along the beach, watch the surfers, and grab a coffee or breakfast at one of the local cafes. From Torquay, continue along the Great Ocean Road, soaking up the breathtaking coastal scenery as you go. You'll see rugged cliffs, stunning rock formations, and tranquil beaches nestled in hidden coves. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as you may spot kangaroos, wallabies, and even koalas in the eucalyptus trees. One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at the iconic Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising out of the ocean. You'll have plenty of time to take in the awe-inspiring views from multiple vantage points. Next, explore the rugged coastline further with a visit to the Loch Ard Gorge, where the shipwreck of the Loch Ard lies. The natural rock formations are truly unique, with towering cliffs and arches carved out by the powerful ocean waves. After a delicious lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants, you'll visit the Otway Rainforest, a lush oasis of tall trees and exotic plants. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Before heading back to Melbourne, you'll also have the opportunity to visit the quaint seaside town of Apollo Bay. Take a stroll along the beach or explore the shops and galleries before returning to the city. Melbourne Limolink's Great Ocean Road Tour is an unforgettable experience that takes you on a journey of discovery through one of Australia's most stunning landscapes. With comfortable transportation, expert guides, and plenty of time to explore, this tour is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Book your tour today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Adelaide to Melbourne: 3-Day Ultimate Overland Journey

10. Adelaide to Melbourne: 3-Day Ultimate Overland Journey

Embark on a 3-day tour from Adelaide to Melbourne with accommodation in the heart of the Grampians surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos. Travel south to the Shipwreck Coast and visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other stunning locations before continuing the journey to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Day 1: Adelaide - Halls Gap Depart the city through the Adelaide Hills en route to the Grampians National Park. Traveling through the western plains of Victoria, watch as the mountain range slowly grows on approach. Hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls and explore other famed lookouts of The Balconies and Boroka Lookout before checking in for the night in the heart of the Grampians Halls Gap. Day 2: Halls Gap - Warrnambool Start the day with a hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over the Grampians. Later, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Finish the day with time to relax in the town of Warrnambool, before coming together for a group dinner and at a local hotspot (dinner and beverages at guests' own expense). Day 3: Warrnambool - Melbourne The last day is a journey along the historic Great Ocean Road. Begin with the highlights of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Embark on a guided rainforest walk before lunch in the popular seaside town of Apollo Bay. Follow the road to its end as it twists and turns with stops at Memorial Arch and a famous surf beach or two, arriving in Melbourne in the evening.

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What people are saying about Great Otway National Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,332 reviews

I would like to thank Go West for organising an exciting trip to the twelve apostles. It was perfectly planned out,..the whole trip was broken down into mini journeys to bring out the best experience of the great ocean road, this also provided multiple rest and stretch for everyone on board. Our tour guide Lauren was super kind and approachable,..made everyone feel comfortable throughout the trip and provided so many interesting stories and historical fact on the area we visited during our journey. Those historical facts were very interesting to me made the trip organic helping everyone live through the timeline of the great ocean road. I believe to understand Australia and grasp a glimpse of its amazing history, the great ocean road, is a must and a great start. Lauren thank you so much. I also wanna thank our group on that day everyone very respectful and polite. Cheers Thank you

The whole 2 day experience was wonderful! Pierre, our guide was easy going, friendly, accommodating and a wealth of knowledge. The tour was exactly as described and all advertised locations were visited with the history or a story forthcoming. There was a small group of 6 in our case. The overnight accommodation at Beacon Point Ocean View villas was unique with amazing views. The dinner at Chris's was superb! Breakfast (also included) was a good variety and plentiful servings in a very pleasant little cafe. Definitely recommend Australian Natural Treasures(ANT) touring company! Magic and moments rather than names and numbers!

I had a great day trip. Our guide for the day - Chris, was really good with the history and wildlife information. He even stopped at multiple points along the Great Ocean Road so that people can take pictures. I absolutely loved viewing the twelve apostles. I would highly recommend booking a tour with Chris as the guide and get to know history about the Ocean Road as you witness the breathtaking views.

Lots of wonderful views of the great ocean road. The guide took us to all the best viewpoints with an interesting and informative description of each.

Go west tours !!! Luke tour guide. Very helpful, funny, and the tour is a MUST!