Top 5 Great Ocean Road Tours: See Australia’s Coastal Beauty
So, planning a trip down the Great Ocean Road? That winding stretch of Aussie coastline is, apparently, on almost every travel bucket list. Finding the perfect tour can feel, more or less, a bit overwhelming with so many options. But don’t worry too much, that’s where this guide actually comes in! It offers, just a little, insights into five pretty great tours that will really show you what this iconic drive is, in a way, all about.
1. Full-Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour
First up, is the full-day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour. It is, by the way, your kinda standard, get-to-know-the-area option, perfect, seemingly, if it’s your first time hitting the road. You actually get to see the famous Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and even some rainforest bits in the Otway Ranges. It is, definitely, quite a lot packed into one day!
Typically, these tours begin with a pickup right from your Melbourne hotel. Then, it’s pretty much a scenic drive all the way! You’ll find yourself stopping at multiple spots along the coast, apparently giving you plenty of chances to snap pictures and actually take in those amazing ocean views. Guides, often, tell great stories, yet add interesting info on the road’s history and the natural attractions along the way. So, it really helps make it a trip to remember.
Think you’ll get seasick in the coach? Worry not so much, there are regular stops, of course, for stretching your legs and grabbing something, maybe, a quick bite. It’s still worth considering though, if spending a lot of time on a bus isn’t exactly your thing, then a smaller group tour might be somewhat more appealing. Very similarly to Goldilocks, sometimes bigger is not better for everyone.
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2. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour
Want something more, actually personal? The Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour, apparently, will offer an intimate view of the coastal beauty, and will probably get you closer to nature. These tours, mostly, focus a lot on sustainability and give opportunities to spot local wildlife. We found our tour guides were extremely careful not to disturb local flora and fauna and to actually point them out in the best possible way.
Expect, you know, more interaction with the guide and heaps, actually, of flexibility in the itinerary. Maybe you’ll stop at secluded beaches that large bus tours usually just, simply, miss, and will spend time looking for koalas in the eucalyptus trees. This approach provides more of an immersive experience, that allows you to appreciate just the small, small details. It might just spark that deeper understanding, might it not?
You, more or less, could pay a little extra for a tour that feels rather tailored and thoughtful, even if it’s the same general sights as the bigger ones. Think of, possibly, quality over quantity! This makes it an actually perfect choice for, apparently, travelers wanting a low-impact adventure.
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3. Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour and Cruise Combo
For a very different perspective, have you considered, by the way, a Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour and Cruise Combo? This option usually, completely combines scenic flights with ocean cruises and will deliver some extremely outstanding views from both the air and water.
Typically, the helicopter bit happens, arguably, over the Twelve Apostles, maybe giving you breathtaking photo opportunities you’ll not find anywhere on land. Plus, often, the cruise part lets you see the coastline from a totally unique vantage point, sometimes getting you near, probably, to marine life like seals and dolphins. Seriously, the cruise part can sometimes lead to seals.
Price-wise, these are somewhat higher-end tours, arguably, but they truly deliver pretty unforgettable experiences for those of you seeking to just really splash out on something memorable. It is just a case of perspective, I suppose.
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4. Private Great Ocean Road Tour
So, if you desire, maybe, the ultimate in, actually, customization, check out a Private Great Ocean Road Tour. This can give you the total freedom to set the pace and the itinerary based on just exactly what you’re keen to see and do. Basically, it is freedom to see the great ocean road at your pace.
These tours are sometimes driven by a local guide who actually knows the road and also, probably, provides deeper info about the region’s, possibly, history, environment and hidden gems. Private tours let, basically, you linger longer at viewpoints, take detours down side roads, and overall create, for sure, an adventure. A tour like this will have those perfect moments. I’d suggest bringing a picnic to enjoy!
Private tours generally, often, cost significantly more compared to group options, yet they come with this, in a way, luxury of full control and a pretty special, usually, personal experience. You do want this when touring around, surely! So worth it.
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5. Two-Day Great Ocean Road Trip
Are you really just trying to slow down the pace? A Two-Day Great Ocean Road Trip may actually be a pretty decent pick. It allows, certainly, a more relaxed exploration, that might, too, have time to, like, enjoy the sights properly without feeling rushed.
On these extended tours, you possibly get the chance to, well, see attractions such as the Twelve Apostles at sunrise or sunset. Apparently, the tours stop in towns like Apollo Bay, giving you, for example, opportunities to shop around, get a coffee and actually, seriously, experience the local culture. You can stop, unwind and let life come at a slower pace! That is the purpose of taking a vacation!
So, the accommodation is, usually, included in the package. It seems like it could, perhaps, give the comfort of having, arguably, every detail cared for. Now that’s just what you want. Especially while on holidays!
Read our full review: Two-Day Great Ocean Road Trip Full Review and Details
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