Being a solo traveller I got the single seat on the left hand side of the bus which was perfect for seeing the coast the whole way – though as we made so many stops, no one missed out.Stuart was friendly and knowledgeable without talking too much, giving everyone a chance to wake up first thing and have a snooze on the way back.
We saw kangaroos, koalas, cockatoos, and a variety of parrots and colourful birds. I even spotted a wallaby sitting by the side of the road.
The included lunch was a choice of Aussie pie or burger and chips or salad. It was good value and plenty of chips to go round!
We had plenty of time at the 12 Apostles to wander around and take photos.
I would thoroughly recommend this tour, especially as a maximum of 8 makes it more personal. Stuart remembered all our names and spoke to each of us.
The early departure gets you back to the city around 4pm, great for an evening dinner when it’s been an early start. Jane Canada November 2019
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Reviews
These genuine Trip Advisor Reviews can be found on our Trip Advisor reviews page.
We feel so lucky we made the decision to book this tour. It’s only recently that my partner and I had the time to slow down and enjoy life and with COVID restrictions now freeing up, we were desperate to get out an explore the countryside. We chose a mini adventure with Ocean Road Tours to chill out and take in some areas of our state we hadn’t been to before. Being early risers, we were delighted when our guide Stewart picked us up early, and on time! With a complimentary snack box and a coffee to start the day, it was just what we needed to start off on our journey. The spectacle and grandeur of the country side was quite amazing, bought to life by Stewart’s knowledge of the countryside and its history. He’s certainly knows his stuff and paced his narration giving us time to just take it all in as we went. We pulled up here and there to stretch our legs and take in a breeze; it was all so relaxing! We had lunch at a quaint little mountain café with the surrounding trees inhabited with many native birds and wildlife. We saw Kangaroos and Koalas in the bush as we drove on in our comfortable bus but the climax of the tour for us was seeing the 12 Apostles and Lach Ard Gorge, particularly with Stewart filling us in on the history of these great landmarks. His stories, knowledge and friendly service combined to make this a most memorable experience. We feel so lucky we made the decision to book this tour. Kevin Aus April 2021
Fantastic tour. Highly Recommend We have been to the Great Ocean Road before, but decided to learn a little more and support a local tour business at the same time. The tour is excellent. We had a beautiful day and it was a lot of fun. We were looked after very well and could not have asked for anything else in this kind of tour. The guide was very enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. With fantastic views and many photo opportunities, this is a trip well worth doing with this local tour company. Thank you. Craig Aus March 2021
Fantastic, from start to finish we have had such a great day. The early start is great if you want to avoid the traffic, catch the sunrise, and see some amazing views in the morning sun.
The breakfast packs provided were a really nice touch, and the lunchtime food was also pretty good. Stuart knows all the good spots to see the morning wildlife that you will not see on a regular timed trip. ( they will all be hiding from the sun by then).
Saving to Apostles until last is also the better way to do it, if your looking at the reverse itinerary I recommend you do not.
Throughout the day we were feed so much knowledge and information. Thanks once again – Paul & Natalie March 2020
An all round great day trip. The small group and early start meant we missed the crowds and saw animals that would probably be under cover later in the day. Our driver guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and a mine of interesting information. There were many stops along the way, some just for a photo of the scenery (we got to see the early morning sun light up the sandstone cliffs) and others where we had time to explore a little, especially at the ‘big’ attractions such as the Twelve Apostles. Again, our guide gave us tips as to how best to use the time we had. Besides the seascapes, the drive takes you through the lush Otway forest in complete contrast to what you might expect. We were picked up and dropped back off very close to our Melbourne city centre hotel and given a snack pack to keep us going until the lunch stop (I can recommend the Aussie burger for lunch but don’t order it with Aussie fries – the helping was massive!!) or to peck at throughout the day. A plentiful supply of bottled water was also available on the bus. It is a long day but well worth it as the Great Ocean Road is stunning. Anthony S March 2020
Our guide Stuart invited us into his love of his wonderful country sharing wide knowledge of this vast country. We stop randomly to glimpse wild life in its natural habitat. Time was the secret .. early start we managed to capture so much. He watered and fed us. Our journey got better by the moment., the 12 apostles truly magnificent sun brilliantly shone .. a journey well worth taking. Safety from our guide was always at forefront. Thank you Stuart a great ambassador for your country, Offwefly, USA Jan 2020
My 21yr old son & I thoroughly enjoyed this day trip filled with surprises along the way. Our driver and host Stuart, made every effort to ensure we took advantage of all the sights as we drove along the Great Ocean road, including detours to see kangaroos, koalas and even feed the beautiful native birds. The 12 Apostles were breathtaking, as expected. The ride was very comfortable, personalized and much shorter than other tours. The treats and lunch were also perfect. Our day began early but well worth avoiding the crowds. Thanks Stuart for making this a highlight of our holidays. USA September 2019
I did this tour with my mom. Was not enthused by a tour that starts at 6 am, because I am not a morning person.
I did this tour with my mom. Was not enthused by a tour that starts at 6 am, because I am not a morning person. It was so worth it. One of the best tours I have every been on. Highlight of our trip to Australia. Breakfast was sufficient. Lunch was delicious and was in a nice, intimate setting. We made stops to see koalas and other animals and took the most beautiful pics of the 12 Apostles. Stuart was a fountain of information. He sure knows his hometown and history. Our tour group was fun and friendly. I really appreciated having a smaller, more intimate group. All in all, we are glad we took this tour. We weren’t sure if we could do the Great Ocean Road justice in such a short timeframe, but we were pleasantly surprised at how much we managed to cover. Sasha USA August 2019
The Highlight of our holiday
Could not have expected a better experience. The early departure is worth every minute of lost sleep. We returned to Melbourne at 16:00 and were still able to make the best of a Melbourne afternoon. We missed the crowds and traffic too.
The itinerary was perfect and Stuart was an amazing guide; friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I challenge you to challenge his knowledge 🙂 Highly recommended. Roni, USA July 2019
Highly recommended
This is amazing. Tour was perfectly organized, from A to Z. Everything was perfect, starting from pick up, through small bus, drinks and stops. Stuart, the guide, was the best part of the trip, together with the views. Always happy to help, providing lots of information. Snack box, unlimited water and delicious lunch is what is included. Highly recommended! Agata, Poland April 2019
5+ Stars for this Day Tour
TripAdvisor review: Great Ocean Road Small Group (8) Day Tour With Early Departure and Early Return
We had a great day with Stewart on the Great Ocean Road day tour. At a very early pickup of 5:45 Stewart assured us it would be worth it to beat the crowds – and he was right. We were given a healthy snack bag to enjoy through the day. Came upon a mob of kangaroos in an open field, then drove down a gravel road to see a few up close. The drive down the Surf Coast was spectacular with stops at lookout points along the way to ourselves. Stopped for lunch at a little cafe and had an Aussie pie and salad that was delicious. Next was a stop on the roadside to see a koala up in a tree, then on to the Twelve Apostles. Even though the rain was moving in the view was amazing. Last stop was Loch Ard Gorge where we had a nice walk and another spectacular view. Back to Melbourne after a day l’ll remember for a lifetime. Thanks Stewart! BE656 Feb 2019
A most enjoyable day out with a company that more than delivers what is promised . The early start gets you ahead of the crowd , this enabled us to see Kangaroos and a Koala in their natural habitat . The scenery was sensational and the 12 apostles and various viewing points where excellent . Lunch was very enjoyable the pie was excellent and also the burgers and lighter options looked very good . Stuart gave lots of interesting information but also allowed times of quiet just to soak up the scenery .
It may cost a little more than other tours, but the small number of people ( max 8) means a more enjoyable experience.
Would strongly recommended Ocean Road Tours . Simon Feb 2019
The small group and early start was an ideal way to experience this exceptional tour. Stuart knowledge a personality made the trip special. My wife and I are so glad we visited the Ocean Road and choose this tour. Jim USA Jan 2019
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Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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