Private Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne
A private, full-day drive along 243 km of the world's most famous coastal road, in a Mercedes-Benz, with a Melbourne-born guide who speaks English and Mandarin. Your day, at your pace.
An inspiring, must-do, world-famous memorial road that's all about the unforgettable journey along stunning, winding coastline.
Itinerary
The journey starts at your hotel for a full-day adventure that showcases breathtaking vistas, seaside towns, surfers, wildlife, ancient rainforest and spectacularly rugged clifftops and famous limestone stacks.
We first arrive at the famous Bells Beach to spot the surfers and, nearby, potentially some wild roos grazing. The ocean meets the road from here and we move on to a famous lighthouse with panoramic scenery straight from a postcard. After a morning tea that hits the spot, we wind along through Memorial Arch and learn why the road was built in the first place, how long it took and by whom.
The Otway National Park is right beside us; on the other side lies the Southern Ocean. As we try to spot wildlife hugging the many towering eucalypts, we’re likely to find a lazy marsupial up there sleeping the day away. Not far is the fishing village of Apollo Bay with the freshest catch of the day waiting for you to enjoy a luncheon – maybe a stroll for some award-winning ice-cream afterwards.
After this we climb in altitude to about 550 metres through hectares and hectares of superb, dense, lush green National Park where we shall witness 90 metre high flowering plants, the tallest in the world, and get some of this ‘Otway’ air into our lungs. Then, a tiny town at the top of the Great Ocean Road called Lavers Hill, we may stop but theres still quite a ways to go. With more winding, beautiful scenery everywhere, we arrive at Port Campbell National Park and the iconic 12 Apostles. We walk the boardwalk and, whatever the weather, get within metres of dramatic, tall limestone stacks.
Finally, just up the road we stop at Loch Ard Gorge – so worthy of a stroll to witness its sheer natural beauty. You’ll learn true stories of survival and how the Shipwreck Coast helped shape Victoria and the lives of so many.
This is an incredibly full and brilliant day covering so many different areas of Aussie flora and fauna, prepare for four seasons on the day and as it is a private tour, the length of certain stops can be longer or shorter to suit your needs. There will be no rushing but there has to be understanding of time keeping due to the ease of falling too far behind and missing getting back into Melbourne to meet your dinner arrangements. A two day Great Ocean Road experience is also recommended.
Great Ocean Road Journey - Private tour details
Duration: Full day, 11 to 12 hours
Start: 7:30 AM, back in Melbourne around 7:00 PM
Pickup: Door to door, from your Melbourne hotel or address
Group: Private, your party only, up to 7 guests
Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz
Languages: English and Mandarin
Price: From $1,275.00 AUD per group
Inclusions
Luxury Mercedes with bottled water
Expert local guide
Morning/Afternoon tea
Add-ons
Helicopter Ride over the 12 Apostles
(highly recommended)
Lunch
Souvenirs
"Andy shared so many facts, knew all the best spots for photos, and was a great travel companion."
John R
Great Ocean Road, July 2025
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"Andy is a very nice guy and highly recommended to be with. He is also good at Chinese."
Tina P
Great Ocean Road, May 2025
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"We were traveling with an infant and a senior parent, and Andrew was able to work out a good itinerary that was able to make our trip very comfortable."
Tessa O
Melbourne, April 2024
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What guests say about the tour
Our specialties
Why you should go on tour with Southeast Touring?
Mandarin-speaking
Local Guide
Bridging cultures and making every guest feel at home
Personalised Guidance
We tailor each tour to your interests and provide curated local recommendations, try booking a combination tour, multi-day tour or mix and match what you are most desiring out of your visit to Melbourne and Victoria.
Door-to-door Service
From airport pickup to drop-off, travel in complete ease and comfort.
Extra Care and Support
We handle the heavy lifting, from itinerary assistance to ensuring your trip runs smoothly.
Luxury Experience
Enjoy premium vehicles, spacious seating, bottled water, snacks, and thoughtful amenities throughout the journey.
Short-stay Friendly
Most travellers visit Melbourne for 3-4 days, so we go the extra mile to make every moment count with helpful insights and local tips for an unforgettable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Great Ocean Road tour?
About 11 to 12 hours door to door. We collect you around 7:30 AM and have you back in Melbourne by roughly 7:00 PM. It is a full day, and we do not rush it.
Where do you pick up from?
Your hotel, apartment or address anywhere in Melbourne, and we drop you back at the same place at the end. There is no meeting point to find and no early taxi to arrange.
What time do we leave?
Around 7:30 AM. Leaving early lets us run the route in reverse and reach the Twelve Apostles before the coach tours arrive, so you get the lookouts almost to yourselves.
Can we do it over two days instead?
Yes. For a first visit we often suggest it, so you can slow down through the Otways and stay overnight on the coast instead of driving back tired. Ask us for a two-day price.
What is the best time of year to go?
Any of them, honestly. Winter is dramatic and almost empty. Summer gives you long, warm days. Spring and autumn sit in between. Weather on this coast changes fast in any season, so we carry umbrellas and ponchos.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Just your group, up to 7 guests. No strangers, no coach, no fixed departure list. The day runs at your pace.
What is included in the price?
The Mercedes-Benz and fuel, your guide for the whole day, bottled water, and morning and afternoon tea. Lunch and souvenirs are extra, and a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles can be added.
Can we change the itinerary on the day?
Yes, within reason. If you want longer somewhere, or would rather skip a stop, say so and we will adjust. The only real limit is getting you back to Melbourne for the evening. Tell us what matters most when you book.
Where do we stop for lunch?
At a coastal town along the route, picked on the day for what is freshest and how we are travelling for time. Tell us about any dietary requirements in advance and we will choose accordingly.
What will we actually see?
Bells Beach, the Otway National Park and its 90-metre trees, seaside towns along the coast, Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles, with scenic lookouts and wildlife stops along the way.
Will we see wildlife?
Often. Koalas in the Otways and kangaroos grazing near Bells Beach are the usual ones. They are wild animals, so nothing is guaranteed, but knowing where to look makes a real difference.
Can we see the Twelve Apostles from a helicopter?
Yes. We can arrange a flight while we are there, and it is the clearest way to understand the scale of the coastline. Let us know in advance so we can book it for you.
Is it suitable for children or older guests?
Yes. The walks are short and optional, and we set the pace. Guests have travelled with us with an infant and a grandparent in the same car. Tell us who is coming and we plan the day around them.
Do you have a Mandarin-speaking guide?
Yes. Andrew was born in Melbourne and speaks fluent Mandarin, so you get a local's knowledge of the coast without a language barrier. Tell us which language you would prefer on the day.
How do I book?
Send us your dates through the contact form, call us, or message us on WhatsApp. Let us know your dates, how many are coming and where you are staying, and we will confirm availability and price.