Small-group 2-day tour · Most Melbourne hotels and hostels
This two-day small-group trip takes the whole Great Ocean Road at walking pace: Torquay, Erskine Falls, Lorne and a night in Apollo Bay, then rainforest, Lavers Hill and all nine lookouts of the Shipwreck Coast on day two. It suits travellers who want the Twelve Apostles without cramming 285 km of coast into one long day.
A day trip to the Twelve Apostles means about 3 hours inland each way, or 4 to 5 hours along the coast. This tour takes the pressure off by sleeping halfway. Day one is the eastern Great Ocean Road: morning tea in Torquay while the surfers ride, a stop at a chocolaterie, Split Point Lighthouse, the Memorial Arch, then the steps down to Erskine Falls. Lunch and a stroll in Lorne follow, with time for a quick swim if you can handle cold water. Sheoak Falls and Marriners Lookout above Apollo Bay end the day, and you sleep in an Apollo Bay hostel.
Day two starts early with a rainforest walk on the Green Coast and morning tea at Lavers Hill, the highest point of the road. Then the Shipwreck Coast: the listing promises all nine lookouts on this stretch, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has closed the Loch Ard Gorge beach steps for now, but the lookouts are open. The return to Melbourne is inland. One guest counted 15 stops on each day.
The group is small, up to 11, and guests almost always name the guide, Walter. A guest names the operator as Around and About. The price covers a dorm bed, morning tea and fresh fruit on both days, chilled water and park entry. Rated 4.5 from 94 reviews. Since 16 October 2026, drivers need a timed-arrival booking to park at the new Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre. Tour operators get guaranteed parking bays at a set time, so as a tour guest you book nothing extra. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Pickup at most Melbourne hotels and hostels, morning tea in Torquay, then the Chocolaterie and Split Point Lighthouse.
The arch, then Erskine Falls (the Authority says the base of the falls is closed for storm repairs, so the view is from the upper platform for now), then lunch (own cost) and a possible swim at Lorne.
Another waterfall stroll, wildlife stops, Marriners Lookout, then a night in an Apollo Bay hostel.
An early rainforest walk, lookouts along the Green Coast and morning tea at the road's highest point.
All nine lookouts, among them the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, then inland back to Melbourne.
★★★★★Highly recommend! The whole 2 day experience was amazing - glad it wasnt all packed into 1 day. Walter was really friendly and knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions. Was nice to have a small group rather than lots of people as it meant we got to know each other. Lots of stop off points and got some amazing views along the Great Ocean Road!
★★★★★AMAZING!!! Walter was such a fun guide and you could tell he has a lot of experience and knowledge. We had 15 stops on the first day and 15 stops at the second day. Walter really took us to the best places and look-out-points. The hostel was really nice (and clean) too.
★★★★★The tour was packed! So many amazing stops and Walter was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and he's extremely accommodating to our needs. 100% recommended!
★★★★★Absolutely amazing 2 day trip. Walter was amazing, so informative and knowledgeable. We got to see so many great places, a lot more having 2 days and didn't feel rushed at all.
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In a hostel in Apollo Bay. The price includes a dorm bed, and the listing offers an accommodation upgrade at extra cost. You can eat out or cook in the hostel's large kitchen.
Morning tea and fresh fruit on both days, plus chilled water. Lunches and dinner are at your own cost.
Up to 11, per the listing. Guests often travel in even smaller groups; one counted five participants.
Yes, on day two, with all nine lookouts on the Shipwreck Coast, including Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Our tours guide compares it with the one-day options.
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The whole Great Ocean Road over two days, with a night in Apollo Bay and every lookout on the Shipwreck Coast.
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