The best Great Ocean Road tours to add to your list

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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Whether you’re into an epic 3-day guided hike or an action-packed day trip to remember, there’s a Great Ocean Road tour for you.

Victoria’s aesthetically blessed southern coastline is one of Australia’s most photographed spots. A region best visited with a fully charged phone (and with your best camera lens’ in tow) you won’t be able to stop yourself from snapping the Great Ocean Road’s embarrassing wealth of natural beauty. From multi-day guided hiking trips to fun bus trips with like-minded travellers, these Great Ocean Road tours enable you to see this famous stretch of coastline in a new light.

Intrepid Travel’s Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure

two people standing on top of the Hanging Rock
You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views at the top of Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Outdoorsy travellers who are curious about First Nations culture

If you want to spend some solid time in the region, go all-in on this 6-day road trip with Intrepid Travel.

Starting in Melbourne and finishing in Adelaide, you’ll get to spend a couple of days playing on the Great Ocean Road as well as getting some quality mountain time in the Grampians too.

Forget spending all your days cooped up in a bus, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of time doing things like hiking in nature, eating bush tucker foods at an outdoor cafe, and learning about First Nations culture from a local Indigenous guide.

This tour offers a great balance between seeing the blockbuster sites (like the Twelve Apostles) and experiencing some of the lesser-known places and activities day trippers often miss out on.

Otway Eco Tours

a waterfall along the Great Ocean Road, Otway Eco Tours
See one of Victoria’s most spectacular cascading waterfalls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Nature lovers who like to travel at a relaxed pace in small groups

If paddling a canoe across a lake home to platypus in the Great Otway National Park, watching the magical aura of glow worms at dusk or spending a day exploring a section of the Great Ocean Road on foot sounds like your thing, then make a booking with Otway Eco Tours.

This ecotourism-certified and accredited organisation offers small groups the chance to experience slow journeys in nature in and around the Great Ocean Road.

Led by an experienced guide, you’ll come away with plenty of knowledge about the area’s native flora and fauna and a newfound appreciation of the wonderous beauty found in this very special corner of Australia.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Life’s An Adventure’s Great Ocean Walk

a helicopter flying above the Twelve Apostles
Marvel at the Twelve Apostles on a scenic helicopter ride. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Active travellers keen to enjoy a pack-free walk with a soft landing

When it comes to getting a genuine feel for a place, there’s nothing quite like a multi-day hike. A 3-day journey along the Great Ocean Walk with Life’s An Adventure is a top option if you love walking, but also prefer not to camp or carry a heavy pack.

Carrying just a light day pack, each night you’ll be able to refuel with delicious food and wine and bed down in boutique accommodation near the trail.

Perhaps the best part of this tour is the inclusion of a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles to marvel at the mammoth rock formations from above. If you want to experience a truly remarkable trip to remember, this is it.

Wildlife Tours Australia Great Ocean Road tour

Loch Ard Gorge at sunrise
Discover the dramatic beauty of Loch Ard Gorge. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Wildlife lovers and anyone short on time

If you’re visiting Melbourne and have a spare day up your sleeve this day tour is an excellent, affordable way to see all the well-known landmarks along the Great Ocean Road in a short amount of time. After getting picked up from one of the locations in central Melbourne, you’ll hit the road for the Surf Coast to enjoy the scenic drive of a lifetime.

Snap a photo at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, keep watch for koalas while walking through the rainforest in the Great Otway National Park and take in the monumental majesty of the Twelve Apostles that have stood for millennia.

After an action-packed day, you’ll be returned to Melbourne with a pocket full of magic memories stored in your phone.

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Walk 91

hikers on a coastal hike, Great Ocean Road
Tackle the wild side of the coastal hike with a guide. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Fit travellers who prefer self-guided walks

Many people take on the Great Ocean Walk with a guide, but if you prefer your freedom you can book Walk 91 to take care of all the finicky logistics for you.

Choose from packages that range from 3-day to 10-day hikes to enjoy spending your days walking the coastline knowing that your transport, bag transfers and accommodation are taken care of.

You’ll even be supplied with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), informative notes and walking poles if needed. This is an easy, breezy way to enjoy an epic walk, minus the logistical hassles.

Ride Tours Great Ocean Road tours

a surfer at the Kennett River
Hit the waves at the Kennett River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: 18 to 35-year-olds keen to check out the highlights of the Great Ocean Road

If you’re between 18 and 35 years old, Ride Tours offers one and two-day trips to see the highlights of the Great Ocean Road with other travellers from your generation.

After a minibus picks you up from Melbourne CBD or St Kilda, you’ll be whisked away to see the sites of the Great Ocean Road in just a day or two.

The one-day itinerary is jam-packed with stops at Fairhaven, Lorne, Kennett River, Apollo Bay and, of course, the star of the show, the Twelve Apostles. Returning you to the city by about 7.30pm, this economical tour is a fun way to see the best of the Great Ocean Road in just one day.

Discover the best camping sites along the Great Ocean Road.

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Your guide to feeling rested and reconnected after your holiday

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

    Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

    Destinations like The Grampians: surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

    Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

    1. Practice mindfulness

    Hamilton Gallery, the grampians
    Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

    Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

    If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

    2. Indulge in self-care

    two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains
    Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

    Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

    Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

    For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

    3. Embrace nature

    Boroka Lookout, the grampians
    Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

    Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

    To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

    Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

    4. Prioritise Rest

    outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill
    Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

    Try Wanderlust Glamping, where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

    For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

    For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

    5. Engage Your Senses

    Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down
    Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

    For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

    If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

    6. Connect and reconnect

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

    Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

    Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

    For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium. Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

    Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.