Join our 2 day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour and see penguins, the Twelve Apostles, kangaroos and rainforests. This tour combines Melbourne’s two top-day trips into one! Spend a full day exploring the Great Ocean Road, and then spend the night in the beautiful seaside town of Torquay with your new friends. On the second day, we take the Searoad Ferry across the bay to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade.
See the Great Ocean Road in a whole new light on this 2 day Great Ocean Road tour that combines the region’s stunning scenery with its natural environment. Travel through ancient rainforests and along coastal roads to the Bay of Islands, where you can see beaches and native wildlife in their natural habitat. With a friendly guide, you’ll have a day trip like no other, with unique stops at famous beaches so you can capture the essence of this iconic coastline. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to soak up the beauty of one of the world’s most famous coastal roads, this 2-day tour will be an experience like no other and will show you the best of Great Ocean Road.
Highlights
- The Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast
- Otway Rainforest walk
- Koala and amazing wildlife spotting
- Surf Coast beaches, coastal towns and beautiful views
- Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Overnight in Torquay
- Ferry to Sorrento
- Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes
- Australian Wildlife Park
- Cape Woolamai Surf Beach
- The Nobbies National Park
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
What you can actually see
Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Great Ocean Road
- Westgate Bridge: We leave Melbourne.
- Colac Park: Morning tea.
- The Twelve Apostles: See the Twelve Apostles.
- Loch Ard Gorge: Towering limestone cliffs.
- Gibson Steps: Walk along the pristine beach, tiny next to the Twelve Apostles.
- Rainforest: Guided bushwalk through the Otways Rainforest.
- Apollo Bay: Stop in this charming coastal town for a break.
Wildlife Spotting: Koalas, - Kookaburras, Parrots.
- Torquay: Surf capital of Australia, surf shops and factory outlets.
- Dinner: Dinner in Torquay.
Day 2 - Phillip Island
- Savoury Morning Meal: Breakfast time!
- Famous Surf Beach: Watch surfers and take a stroll along the beach.
- Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove: Explore the coastal towns.
- Ferry Journey: Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento.
- Sorrento Beach: Walk along the beach, find rock pools or take photos of the bathing boxes.
- Australian Wildlife Park: See koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats, Tasmanian devils and birds; a photographer’s paradise!
- Cape Woolamai: Unobstructed views of the surf beach.
- Swan Lake: Take a walk and see wetland birds and wallabies from the hidden viewing platforms (time permitting).
- Nobbies, Seal Rocks and The Blowhole: Enjoy the headland and watch seals sunbathing.
- Summerlands: Watch the surf crash against the cliffs.
- No more photos, please. This is to protect the sensitive eyes of the Little Penguins and to stop them from getting scared. Wildlife Tours fully supports this request. We think you’ll enjoy this natural wonder without trying to get the perfect shot – just be present in the moment!
- Please note the tour will return to Melbourne CBD in summer around 11:30 pm.
*The itinerary is subject to change. Activities indicated are weather-dependent. It may be omitted if time permits
Additional information
Inclusions
- 1 x night Accommodation
- 1 x Breakfast
- 1 x Dinner
- Park entry fees include the Penguin Parade.
- All Transport Inc. offers ferry tickets.
- The driver/guide is friendly and provides informative tour commentary.
- Hotel pick up and drop off within the city centre.
- The smartphone app offers audio translation in 10 different languages.
- The App is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
Pickup Times And locations
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly and on time. Here are the pickup times and locations:
- 6:55 : Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 : Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 : Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A'Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 : Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:15 : Windsor Hotel, 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Exclusive to Hotel Guests)
- 7:25 : The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 : Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne
If you are still looking for your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a comprehensive list of sites.
It is highly advisable to arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please remain calm and patient if your bus runs a few minutes behind schedule. If your bus has not arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time, kindly contact our office at 03 9393 1300.
Discover the private tour groups! Reach out to our incredible charters team at [email protected] to unlock unforgettable adventures.
Pricing options
Tour With Hostel Dorm accommodation: $ 495 per person
Age Restrictions: 18 +
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
12 Apostles helicopter flight: $ 165
Organise your own private group to explore these famous sights of Victoria. Contact our charters team at [email protected] to create your own customised tour or follow our itinerary.
Private room upgrades?
Private Double, Twin or Single ensuite room upgrades can be purchased through our lead business partner Autopia Tours. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
What To Pack
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
- Binoculars for bird watching
Important Notes
- This 12 Apostles tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for kids and families?
Yes, it is! This tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. There are activities and attractions for everyone, including Aussie wildlife spotting and the Penguin Parade.
What are the main sights on the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road has the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Bells Beach and the Otway Rainforest. These are natural wonders that include rock formations, rainforests, and surf breaks.
What’s the key attraction of Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is famous for its amazing wildlife, particularly the nightly Penguin Parade, where tiny penguins come ashore at sunset. Other attractions include the Koala Conservation Reserve, Seal Rocks and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. It’s a nature lover’s and wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
Can I do the Great Ocean Road and the Penguin Parade in one day?
First, you’ll do the Great Ocean Road, and the next day, you’ll do the Penguin Parade.
Here’s one tip: do the Road first, then the Parade, not the other way around.
When is the best time to see penguins on Phillip Island?
The Penguin Parade is a cherished attraction on Phillip Island. At sunset, you can watch little penguins waddle up the beach into their burrows, which is a real treat. The recommended time to visit the Penguin Parade is summertime, December to February.
Are there walking trails on the Great Ocean Road?
There are many walking trails along the Great Ocean Road, including short walks with ocean views and longer walks in national parks like the Great Otway National Park. One of them is the Great Ocean Walk, which is a multi-day trek along the coast.
