Great Ocean Road Classic

You will be met at the Melbourne Airport by the driver and transferred to your Melbourne accommodation.

Welcome to Melbourne, a city that thrives on creativity, diversity, and an undeniable energy. Stroll through its laneways, where vibrant street art and tucked-away cafes create a buzzing atmosphere, or step into historic arcades like the Block Arcade, offering boutique shopping with a touch of old-world charm. The city’s dining scene is legendary, from multicultural precincts like Lygon Street to the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where fresh produce and artisan treats tempt every palate. Outdoors, Melbourne provides riverside walks along the Yarra, the tranquillity of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the beachside vibe of St Kilda. 

Join a local tour guide for a delightful stroll through Melbourne’s famous arcades and secret laneways as you discover the beautiful chocolatiers and pâtissiers tucked away down the back streets of Melbourne sampling chocolates and sweet treats along the way!
Visit five of the most secret chocolatiers and dessert bars in Melbourne. They are all exclusively Australian, and many are unique to Melbourne, all with their unique tastings and experiences. While the specific spots you visit will vary from tour to tour, amazing food and incredible experiences are guaranteed on every tour.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. Speak to the team to learn more!

Begin your journey by heading south to the charming town of Torquay, renowned as Australia’s surfing capital and home to the iconic Bells Beach. From there, follow the coastal road to Anglesea and Lorne, where a short detour to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. You can park near the 30-meter cascading waterfall or enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.

The stretch of road from Lorne to Apollo Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with stunning ocean views and dramatic scenery at every turn. Apollo Bay, your destination, is the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day hikes, including the Great Ocean Walk and the enchanting Otways rainforest. While in Apollo Bay, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean, stroll along the scenic coastline, or explore the rainforests, waterfalls, ferns, and sparkling streams that make this region so captivating.

Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams. Sit and watch the whales travel along the coast in migration season or gaze at the glow worms at Melba Gully. Apollo Bay has a reputation for the freshest seafood which you can enjoy in a range of restaurants, or check out the local distillery and brewery for a refreshment.

The first part of your drive today will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and stopping here is a must. You can park at the carpark and follow the paved path to the lookout, or to take some time and stretch your legs take the path down Gibson's steps to the beach. Descending these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, and reaching the beach you are treated to a closeup view of these incredible rock formations. 3 minutes further along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast, you will find the stop-off point for Loch Ard Gorge, a glistening inlet of striking blue water surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Beyond the town of Port Campbell, stop at the London Bridge and The Grotto for more stunning sights and photo opportunities.
Explore the coastal city of Warrnambool where you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales calve off Logan Beach if you are travelling between May and October. From here, it's a 30-minute drive to your destination of Port Fairy

The last destination on Victoria's famed Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy is home to wide streets lined with nineteenth-century cottages, old stone churches, and great Norfolk pines. Here, you can have the opportunity to see native animals in the wild - from southern right whales, seals and dolphins to wallabies, kangaroos and emus. Tower Hill, Victoria's first-ever National Park, is the ideal place to get up close and personal with some of these native animals. Enjoy a relaxing swim at the local beaches or catch a wave at The Passage point break, before relaxing over dinner and a drink at any of the numerous bars and restaurants in town.

An energetic, 15-minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.

Join a thrilling guided walk through the stunning landscapes of the Otways, where lush tree fern gullies, towering eucalypt woodlands, and breathtaking ocean views await. Led by an expert conservationist guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating secrets of the plants and animals that thrive in this incredible region. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including almost guaranteed sightings of koalas. With a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and other amazing Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection to the wonders of the natural world.

This route to Melbourne is the most direct at around 280km (174 miles) and takes around 3 hours. A little over an hour into your journey, you can take a short detour to Camperdown, to stretch your legs on a walk up Mt Sugarloaf or grab a coffee. From here, you will continue through rural farmlands before reaching the city of Geelong. Take a stroll on the waterfront to see the Bollard Trail, with over 100 painted pollards, each depicting a different person from the past who added to the making of Geelong. From Geelong, it is just an hour's drive to the Melbourne CBD, your destination for the day.

Within moments of Melbourne’s cultural Arts precinct, you are cruising through Melbourne’s picturesque gardens, parkland and some of the city's famous sporting arenas.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!