MELBOURNE BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Limestone sentinels and shipwreck lore: A full-day sweep along the Great Ocean Road
A seat-in-coach, full-day (12.59-hour) exploration of the Great Ocean Road that takes you from Melbourne’s river crossing past seaside towns to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Limestone sentinels and shipwreck lore: A full-day sweep along the Great Ocean Road.
Set out from Melbourne at dawn for one of the planet’s most celebrated coastal drives — a full-day loop that threads seaside towns, cliff-top lookouts and iconic limestone stacks culminating at the Twelve Apostles and the historic Loch Ard Gorge.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One of the world’s great coastal drives
The Great Ocean Road — lauded as the “Best Coastal Drive on the Planet” — unfolds with rolling surf, limestone cliffs and seaside villages as the coach follows the coast from Melbourne through Geelong and onward past Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
The Twelve Apostles up close (from the clifftop)
The tour stops at the region’s most photographed formation — the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles — where visitors view the stone giants from the clifftop boardwalks that frame the dramatic ocean drop.
Loch Ard Gorge and a 19th-century shipwreck
A visit to Loch Ard Gorge recalls the 1878 wreck of the clipper Loch Ard and the dramatic coastline geology that both sheltered and claimed ships in the age of sail.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day is a long, steadily paced coach journey punctuated by short walks and viewpoints: morning travel via the Westgate Bridge and Geelong, a roadside stop for comfort and refreshments, a stroll through the bayside villages of Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, then the coastal crescendo — boardwalk viewpoints at the Twelve Apostles and a visit to Loch Ard Gorge before a return inland to Melbourne.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and when it may not be ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour starts at the Immigration Museum (Cnr Flinders & Market St) at 07:00 and finishes back at the same point at approximately 20:00; passengers should wait outside at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to pick up time and note pick up times may vary with traffic.
Plan for a full day out: bring any personal necessities for a long coach day and money for refreshments during the scheduled toilet/refreshment stops where coffee, tea and hot chocolate may be available.
The fare includes national park fees and seat-in-coach transport with commentary from the driver-guide; the standard offering is a shared (SIC) tour though private charter options can be discussed with the operator at additional cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
This is a full-day tour of approximately 12.59 hours in duration.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
The tour begins at the Immigration Museum (Cnr Flinders & Market St) at 07:00 and returns to the same location at about 20:00.
What is included in the fare?
The fare includes national park fees and seat-in-coach transport with commentary from the driver-guide.
Is this a shared or private tour?
The advertised tour is based on seat-in-coach (shared) transportation; private charter options are available on request for an additional cost.
What is the children’s policy?
Children aged 3–11 must pay the child price; persons 12 and over are charged the adult price. Children 2 years and under are free only if they do not occupy a seat (they must sit in a parent/carer’s lap at their own risk); if a seat is required, the child fare applies.
What should I know about pick up?
Please wait outside at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to pick up; pick up times may vary depending on traffic and alternate pick up locations can be arranged in advance for an additional cost.