Melbourne: Great Ocean Road ExtendedTop Stops&London Bridge

Introduction

Taking a full-day trip along the Great Ocean Road is often a highlight for travelers visiting Melbourne, and this Extended Great Ocean Road tour certainly aims to pack in the best of the coast. From iconic limestone stacks to hidden natural arches, it promises a comprehensive experience that offers more than just the usual highlights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it includes a visit to London Bridge, a lesser-visited marvel that adds a special touch. Second, the stops are well-paced, giving you enough time to soak in the scenery and snap those much-needed photos. Third, the guides—like Vance and Tony—are praised for their knowledge, making the long journey both educational and enjoyable.

One possible drawback is the 12-hour duration, which might be a tad tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to full-day coach trips. But if you’re eager to see a lot in one go without the hassle of planning or driving yourself, this tour suits those craving an all-in-one coastal experience. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups who want a seamless, informative, and fun day out.

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Good To Know

• Comprehensive sightseeing including all the main attractions plus a rare visit to London Bridge
• Expert guides known for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness
• Good value with many stops, scenic views, and wildlife spotting opportunities
• Long but well-paced with plenty of breaks and photo opportunities
• Wildlife encounters such as spotting koalas in their natural habitat
• Well-organized logistics with multiple pick-up and drop-off points in Melbourne

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pick-up and Start of the Journey

The tour begins early, with multiple convenient pick-up points in Melbourne, including major hotels and central locations. This flexibility makes it easier to join without extra travel arrangements. The guide or driver typically contacts you the day before to confirm the details, ensuring a smooth start.

Morning Refresh at Chocolaterie

Your day kicks off with a sweet touch—a visit to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. It’s an excellent chance to grab a coffee or a pastry and wake up before hitting the road. Reviewers mention that this break is ideal if you missed breakfast or just need an energy boost. Plus, the chance to indulge in local chocolates adds a tasty dimension to your morning.

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Memorial Arch at Eastern View

This iconic Memorial Arch is more than just a photo op. It honors the road builders and marks the official start of the scenic drive. Here, you’ll get a quick overview of the route ahead and enjoy a bit of sightseeing. Fans appreciate the historic significance, and it’s a great first stop to get into the spirit of the adventure.

Lorne and Cumberland River Lookout

Next, the charming seaside town of Lorne offers stunning views and a relaxed vibe. You’ll have time to take photos of the rugged coastline, explore the town briefly, and enjoy the fresh sea air. Following that, the Cumberland River Monument Lookout provides panoramic views perfect for snapping memorable shots. Reviewers highlight how these stops feel just right—enough time to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed.

Lunch with a View in Apollo Bay

The tour pauses in Apollo Bay for a leisurely lunch break. Travelers can explore local cafes or sit in seaside restaurants, soaking in the views of the ocean. The free time here is generally enough to relax, refuel, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Some reviewers mention paying extra for lunch options, but overall, this break is well appreciated for providing a relaxing midpoint.

Wildlife Spotting at Barham River Road

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the chance to see koalas in the wild at Barham River Road. Many guests have raved about their success in spotting these iconic animals, sometimes even with the guide’s assistance. It’s a special opportunity to connect with Australia’s native wildlife in its natural environment, making the experience more authentic than just viewing them in captivity.

The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

Arguably the main stars of the trip are the Twelve Apostles—spectacular limestone stacks rising from the ocean. From the viewing platforms, you’ll get breathtaking views and plenty of time to walk along the paths for different perspectives. Reviewers describe the sight as “just as awe-inspiring in person,” emphasizing the dramatic scale and rugged beauty.

Not far from there, Loch Ard Gorge offers a dramatic coastline with stories of shipwrecks and survival. The gorge’s cliffs and rock formations are equally photogenic, providing a perfect setting for reflection and photography. Guests often mention how the stories behind the gorge add an extra layer of fascination.

Hidden Gem: London Bridge

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to London Bridge, a natural arch further along the coast. Unlike the typical tour, which might skip this spot, this tour allows access to this lesser-known gem. The views are spectacular, and the chance to see a unique natural formation makes this a highlight. Travelers who love discovering off-the-beaten-path spots find this particularly rewarding.

Return and Drop-off

The journey back to Melbourne is as scenic as the way out, with some tours opting for a different inland route to keep things interesting. The tour typically concludes around 8 PM, with multiple drop-off points in Melbourne, making it convenient for travelers to head straight to their accommodation.

What We Loved About the Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Vance, Tony, and Austin for their friendly demeanor and depth of knowledge, which adds value to the trip. They’re not just drivers but storytellers who share insights into the coast’s natural features and history.

Stunning Views and Photo Opportunities: From the Twelve Apostles to the panoramic lookouts, you’ll find plenty of spots to capture memorable photos. Reviewers mention that the stops are well timed, allowing enough exploration without feeling rushed.

Wildlife Encounters: Seeing koalas in their natural habitat is a real treat, often highlighted as a major bonus in reviews. The sighting at Barham River Road is described as “fabulous,” and many guests leave with photos and stories to share.

Great Value for Money: With a full day of sightseeing, multiple stops, and an engaging guide, the cost is seen as reasonable by travelers who appreciate the convenience of a guided tour. The long day is balanced by the quality of stops and the ease of transportation.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

Transportation & Group Size: The tour uses comfortable coaches, and reviews indicate it’s a well-organized journey. Some mention the bus having around 50 people, which is typical for a large-group tour. The comfort level and good pacing make the long day manageable.

Duration & Pace: At 12 hours, this is a full day, but reviews note that the schedule is flexible enough to allow sufficient time at each stop. Guides are praised for managing time effectively, even when unexpected road closures occur, as one reviewer mentioned during bushfire-related detours.

Food & Drinks: Food in the vehicle is not permitted, but there are plenty of stops for snacks, coffee, and lunch. The lunch stop in Apollo Bay is a highlight, offering seaside views and a chance to relax. Some reviews recommend allocating extra time for a leisurely meal, especially if you want to avoid rushing.

Wildlife & Nature: The chance to spot koalas is a key highlight. The tour’s stops at lookouts and natural formations are designed to make the most of the scenery, and the guides’ spotting skills are often praised.

Accessibility: The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, as walking is involved at several stops. The age limit is generally up to 95 years, making it accessible for most seniors in good health.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many travelers mention how guides like Vance and Tony went above and beyond. For example, Vance is noted for his storytelling, helping guests spot koalas, and even taking photos for solo travelers. One guest described him as “lovely and funny,” making the long journey feel much shorter.

Guests also appreciate the balance of scheduled stops and free time, allowing for both guided insights and personal exploration. The trip’s pacing, especially given the long hours, has been described as just right by numerous reviewers. The inclusion of less-visited sights like London Bridge turned out to be a real winner, providing a sense of discovery that many other tours miss.

Value and Who Should Book

While the tour’s price covers a full day of sightseeing, the value comes from the quality of stops, the expertise of the guides, and the memorable wildlife encounters. It’s a great choice for those who want a rundown without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who appreciate storytelling, enjoy scenic drives, and are comfortable with a long day on a coach. It’s a perfect fit for solo travelers, couples, or groups wanting a guided experience that hits all the main sights plus some hidden gems.

The Sum Up

This Extended Great Ocean Road tour offers an excellent way to see the coast’s most famous landmarks and some lesser-known treasures like London Bridge. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transport, and plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife encounters, it’s a compelling choice for anyone wanting an immersive experience in a single day.

The tour’s value lies in its balance of scenic stops, engaging commentary, and smooth logistics. While it’s a long day, many reviews highlight how well the pacing works—thanks to expert guides who make the journey both fun and informative.

If you’re after a hassle-free way to explore Australia’s spectacular coastline, this tour provides the perfect blend of adventure, education, and breathtaking views. It’s ideal for those who want to tick off the top sights without missing the small, special moments along the way.

FAQs

What time does the tour start and finish?
The tour typically begins around 7:30-8:00 AM, with pick-up options at multiple Melbourne locations, and usually ends around 8 PM.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the standard package but is available at Apollo Bay. You have free time to explore local cafes or restaurants, and some travelers choose to pay extra for a sit-down meal.

Can I see koalas during the trip?
Yes, there is a short stop at Barham River Road where guests often spot koalas in their natural environment. Many reviews mention successful sightings.

What attractions are covered on this tour?
You’ll visit the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, Lorne, Cumberland River Lookout, Apollo Bay, Barham River Road for wildlife, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It’s not recommended for people with mobility issues or wheelchairs due to walking involved at several stops. The tour is generally suitable for most able-bodied travelers up to age 95.

How long is the drive between stops?
The overall journey is long but well-paced, with frequent stops. The coach is comfortable, and the guide manages the schedule effectively, even during road closures or delays.

What makes this tour a good value?
Considering the full-day itinerary, multiple scenic stops, wildlife experiences, and expert guides, the price reflects excellent value for a seamless, memorable adventure along the coast.

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