Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 52 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne worth booking?
Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne is a 10-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $457 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 52 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (52)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $457 per person
A private, fully customisable Great Ocean Road journey from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles — ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to explore Victoria’s spectacular coastline at their own pace, without the crowds and fixed schedule of a group tour. The culmination of your trip will be a visit to Australia’s icon, the Twelve Apostles. Apart from breathtaking ocean views, you will get a chance to see koalas in the wild, as well as hand-feed parrots.
What you get
About this experience
A private, fully customisable Great Ocean Road journey from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles — ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to explore Victoria’s spectacular coastline at their own pace, without the crowds and fixed schedule of a group tour. The culmination of your trip will be a visit to Australia’s icon, the Twelve Apostles. Apart from breathtaking ocean views, you will get a chance to see koalas in the wild, as well as hand-feed parrots.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Private tour
- Admission fees
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Bells Beach
This famous beach for surfers will allow you to marvel at the fantastic panoramic view of the shoreline. Watch the beautiful Australian waves being tackled by talented surf lovers. After a stop at this iconic beach, we will then take you towards the amazing Great Ocean Road.
20 minutes here
We invite you to visit the Great Ocean Road chocolate factory, where you can try some outstanding coffee or tea with brilliant desserts and an endless selection of chocolate, made from cocoa beans from all over the world. Don’t forget to sample the local ice-cream, which is made on site.
30 minutes here
Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway
Another landmark that should not be missed is the geographic border between the great Pacific and Indian oceans. This point is located at the Split Point Lighthouse which you will pass before the stop to take some memorable pictures in front of the memorial arch.
20 minutes here
Teddy's Lookout
Your journey will then take you through the little town of Lorne, where we can stop to have a look from Teddy’s Lookout observation platform. The view of the Great Ocean Road, winding along the coastline at the foot of the hills, cloaked in thick eucalyptus forest will leave you speechless.
20 minutes here
Kennett River
Apart from the scenic views, our tour includes the chance to see Australia’s favourite animal, the Koala, only this time, in the open wilderness.
30 minutes here
You will dine on delicious fresh fish meals. Vegetarian or gluten-free meals are available for those who aren’t seafood fans.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
12 Apostles lookout
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 24 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BILBY TOURS
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A maximum of 11 people per booking
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 52 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
52 verified traveler reviews for Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don’t debate - hire a driver and enjoy an awesome day
You already know the Great Ocean Road is worth doing. The question is: drive yourself or go with group or hire private driver. The distance, the weather, etc precluded driving - and the small private tour experience made what is already a long day very very enjoyable, our driver Richard was terrific - safety conscious, knowledgeable, personable- everything you want in a guide. We all had an incredible day. Highly recommended!
via Viator
The Bucket list kind of day!
We had a fantastic day! Richard was our driver/guide. He was super knowledgeable and a great driver.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Olga! We’re delighted that your Great Ocean Road tour was a true bucket-list experience. All the best, and we hope to see you next time.
via Tripadvisor
Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne
Just wanted to pass onto you that we had a thoroughly great day yesterday on our Ocean Road Tour. Richard was fantastic. Arrived for pickup as arranged and started the journey. His driving was exemplary and he was very informative. Richard is a definite asset for your company. Cheers Graeme ,Kathryn, Maree and Robert
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day exploring the Great Ocean Road with Richard. We’ll be very happy to pass your kind words on to Richard. He is certainly a valued member of the team. Thank you again for choosing Bilby Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another tour in Victoria one day!
via Tripadvisor
Think about Melbourne, think about Bilby Tour
It was worth every penny. We traveled as a large group of 11, spanning several generations from 2 to 80 years old. Max was an understanding and fair guide; he was easy to talk to and very open-minded. He provided a wealth of information and remained professional yet friendly throughout the trip. A few highlights that really stood out: Proactive Service: He took care of all our luggage without us even having to ask. Great with Kids: He truly understands the needs of children, which made our family trip much smoother. Expert Planning: He had a clear understanding of the local weather patterns. When it started to rain, he proactively swapped our itinerary to ensure we saved the main highlights for a day with better weather, allowing us to fully enjoy the outdoor activities. We couldn't have asked for a better experience
Response from the operator: Dear Pachy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are very happy to be useful and truly glad to be at your service. Your family is great, and it was a real pleasure to travel with all of you. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Great Ocean Road tour and that the experience was smooth and memorable for everyone. We would love to see you again on a future trip.
via Tripadvisor
Fiasco!
Although we did get to see the places on the itinerary the guide Neil was unable to be understood. My brother actually had to show him how to set up the amplifier. The van itself had seats that were extremely small (we are not heavy people) and were very uncomfortable. The retractable step to exit the van did not work 95% of the time. He did not seem familiar with the vehicle. My sister actually almost fell when trying to exit when the step did not come out. None of the sites were truly explained since Neil had trouble speaking. He had at least 10 personal calls while he continued to drive. His instructions regarding the time in each place was very vague. We had been told by friends that this was a must do excursion and we all exited and looking forward to a wonderful day. . It turned out to be terrible! We were 7 in our group and each of us were totally disappointed! I have never written a bad review but I do believe you should be aware of this fiasco. I believe we deserve compensation for this abomination!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are genuinely very sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We are particularly concerned to hear about the issues you raised regarding the vehicle, the retractable step, and the clarity of communication during the tour. Guest safety, comfort, and clear commentary are fundamental to our service, and it is disappointing to learn that we did not meet those standards on this occasion. Your comments regarding the phone calls and time management at stops are also being taken seriously. Please be assured that this feedback has been shared with our operations team so that we can investigate the matters raised and prevent similar situations in the future. We understand how much anticipation goes into a special day out, especially when travelling as a group, and we truly regret that the experience did not meet your expectations.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $457 to $1,330
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by BILBY TOURS, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.4.
See everything BILBY TOURS runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne cost?
+
Prices start at $457 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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne take?
+
Plan for about 10 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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 52 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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne?
+
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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne?
+
Around 18 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?
+
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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Private tour; and Admission fees. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 215 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne offered in?
+
It is offered in Russian and 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 Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne?
+
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.
Is Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Melbourne. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne?
+
Across 52 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne.
Pick your date
