Top ratedGreat Ocean Road Boutique Tour in Reverse
Inland first to the Twelve Apostles before the crowds, then rainforest, koalas and the coast road home, max 12.
How you get there: Inland first, Apostles before the crowds
Eleven tours from Melbourne, sorted by how the day runs: inland first, coast first, at sunset, over two or three days, privately or by air. Each one has its own page with what it includes and what guests say.
A full day from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles and back: inland first to beat the crowds, the classic coast road first, or a waterfall hike in the Otways.
Top ratedInland first to the Twelve Apostles before the crowds, then rainforest, koalas and the coast road home, max 12.
How you get there: Inland first, Apostles before the crowds
Best valueLondon Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, The Razorback and the Apostles, then koalas and Apollo Bay, at the lowest price.
How you get there: Starts at London Bridge, coast road home
Classic routeThe classic coast-first day: Torquay morning tea, Apollo Bay, Maits Rest, then the Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
How you get there: Coast road first, Apostles in the afternoon
HikeThe Apostles early, Gibson Steps, an Otways waterfall hike and the Redwoods, in a small group that walks more.
How you get there: Apostles early, then a waterfall hike
A later start and the evening light on the stacks, with Loch Ard Gorge on the way and the drive home after dark.
SunsetA late hotel pickup, the Surf Coast, Loch Ard Gorge and sunset at the Twelve Apostles, park entry included.
How you get there: Late start, Apostles at sunset
Slower trips with nights in Apollo Bay, Warrnambool and Halls Gap: the whole Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, or a one-way journey to Adelaide.
2 daysWaterfalls, Lorne and a night in Apollo Bay, then every lookout on the Shipwreck Coast, in a group of up to 11.
How you get there: Night in Apollo Bay, Apostles on day 2
3 daysThe Apostles on day one, then Tower Hill and Grampians hikes, with two nights, four meals and park fees included.
How you get there: Apostles on day 1, then the Grampians
One wayOne way from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Twelve Apostles and the Grampians, with two nights and four meals.
How you get there: One way, ends in Adelaide
Your own car and driver-guide for the day, or a private helicopter from Melbourne that lands at the Apostles.
PrivateYour own car and driver-guide for the day, with tolls, parking, water and tips included, at your own pace.
How you get there: Private car, your pace
By airFly private from Melbourne, land at the Apostles helipad, spend 2 hours there and follow the coast home.
How you get there: Helicopter, 1 hour 15 minutes each way
Not the Twelve Apostles: Melbourne's other big day out, with wildlife and the Penguin Parade at sunset.
Cross-sellMelbourne's other great day out: Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade at sunset, ticket included.
How you get there: Phillip Island, not the Great Ocean Road