
12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 228 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group worth booking?
12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group is a 12-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $157 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 228 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (228)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $157 per person
Our small group (4-11 Guests) will depart Melbourne and head straight to the famous 12 Apostles before the masses of people arrive. Here we will take a 1km stroll along the boardwalk while appreciating the stunning views of the limestone stacks before continuing onto Gibson Steps. We walk down the 70m cliffside pathway to the beach where there is plenty of time to take some incredible photos. Next it’s time for a delicious lunch at our favourite local cafe before we’ll drive through the magical Great Otway National Park and take a short hike through ancient rainforests to one of the Otways' pristine waterfalls (where the big bus companies can’t go). Our next stop we will take a stroll amongst the giants of the forest at the Californian Redwoods before continuing along the iconic Great Ocean Road stopping at Apollo Bay for an optional ice cream. Kennett River is next where you’ll get the chance to spot native koalas, king parrots & kangaroos going about their routines.
What you get
About this experience
Our small group (4-11 Guests) will depart Melbourne and head straight to the famous 12 Apostles before the masses of people arrive. Here we will take a 1km stroll along the boardwalk while appreciating the stunning views of the limestone stacks before continuing onto Gibson Steps. We walk down the 70m cliffside pathway to the beach where there is plenty of time to take some incredible photos. Next it’s time for a delicious lunch at our favourite local cafe before we’ll drive through the magical Great Otway National Park and take a short hike through ancient rainforests to one of the Otways' pristine waterfalls (where the big bus companies can’t go). Our next stop we will take a stroll amongst the giants of the forest at the Californian Redwoods before continuing along the iconic Great Ocean Road stopping at Apollo Bay for an optional ice cream. Kennett River is next where you’ll get the chance to spot native koalas, king parrots & kangaroos going about their routines.
What's included
Included
- A Grade 2 hike to one of the Otways’ pristine waterfalls
- A visit to Kennett River to see native Australian Koalas
- The towering Californian Redwoods
- The breathtaking 12 Apostles & Gibson Steps
- Entrance to Port Campbell, 12 Apostles & Great Otway National Park
- The Great Ocean Road with stops at the coastal townships of Apollo Bay & Lorne
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
The Twelve Apostles
Here we will take a 1km stroll along the boardwalk while appreciating the stunning views
60 minutes here · Admission included
Gibsons Steps
We walk down the 70m cliffside pathway to the beach where there is plenty of time to take some incredible photos.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hopetoun Falls
We take a 1km hike through ancient rainforests to the dreamy Beauchamp Falls.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Great Otway National Park
We visit the giants of the forest at the Californian Redwoods
30 minutes here
Apollo Bay
We stop at the beautiful seaside town of Apollo Bay for ice cream and a stroll along the pristine beaches.
30 minutes here
Lorne Beach
Lorne or Apollo Bay for an optional ice cream
60 minutes here
Kennett River
Kennett River is next where you’ll get the chance to spot native koalas, king parrots & kangaroos going about their routines.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, directly outside the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), near the large thumb sculpture. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuFNRU1Ktmfk3brg6. The location is approximately a 5-minute walk (400m) from Flinders Street Station, across Princes Bridge over the Yarra River.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, directly outside the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), near the large thumb sculpture. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuFNRU1Ktmfk3brg6. The location is approximately a 5-minute walk (400m) from Flinders Street Station, across Princes Bridge over the Yarra River.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hike & Seek
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Comfortable trainers or hiking boots
- Water bottle (1L)
- Cash or credit card for lunch (around $35)
- Warm layers just in case
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & a hat
- Swimsuit & a towel for a swim in the ocean (optional on summer months)
- Good vibes
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 226 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
226 verified traveler reviews for 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
BOOK THIS TOUR
really really nice experience. Kurtis, our tour guide told us some history and fun facts along the way which was good as you’ve come to understand & appreciate more of these places. group size was not too smol nor too big and all the stops had just the right duration of time spent!
via Tripadvisor
I’m definitely going to miss all of this!
Such a happy day! The itinerary was really well planned, and the restaurant turned out to be surprisingly delicious. Kurtis was very friendly and took great care of everyone throughout the day. We saw kangaroos, horses, and so many unique and beautiful views! The whole experience felt very natural, peaceful, and relaxing. The people I travelled with were also really fun, and I even made some new friends.
via Tripadvisor
Great time on the great ocean road
Aaron was an excellent guide, and the tour was wonderful! Great views, yummy food, and a koala named Greg
via Tripadvisor
One perfect day.
We had the best day and Jayda our guide was exceptional . She made sure we had a great day and was very knowledgeable about everything we saw, I would’nt hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone who is visiting the Melbourne area.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour with a great Tourguide
Great Tourguide. Brought us to nice places, spots and restaurants.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $157 to $219
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 80
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hike & Seek, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.9.
See everything Hike & Seek runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group cost?
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Prices start at $157 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.
Is 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 228 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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Around 80 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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Included: A Grade 2 hike to one of the Otways’ pristine waterfalls; A visit to Kennett River to see native Australian Koalas; The towering Californian Redwoods; The breathtaking 12 Apostles & Gibson Steps; and Entrance to Port Campbell, 12 Apostles & Great Otway National Park. Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, directly outside the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), near the large thumb sculpture. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuFNRU1Ktmfk3brg6. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - Small Group?
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Across 228 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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