If you’re solo travelling Australia and only have one week in Melbourne, fitting in the Great Ocean Road can feel overwhelming. Renting a car, planning routes, and committing multiple days isn’t always realistic — especially if you’re travelling alone. That’s exactly why I chose to book a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne, and honestly? It was one of the best decisions I made on my trip.

This post is a full review of the exact Great Ocean Road tour I did, why it’s ideal for solo travellers, and whether a guided day trip is better than self-driving. There’s a TikTok video version at the end of this post!

👉 You can book the same Great Ocean Road tour I did here:

Great Ocean Road Extended – Top Stops & London Bridge Tour (GetYourGuide)

Use EMILYVICTORIATRAVELS5 for a discount!

(affiliate link)

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Is the Great Ocean Road Worth Visiting If You’re Short on Time?

Absolutely — and you don’t need multiple days to experience it.

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives, famous for:

• Dramatic cliffside views
• Seaside towns
• Rainforest landscapes
• Limestone formations like the Twelve Apostles

If you only have one week in Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip lets you see all the highlights without sacrificing half your itinerary.

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Is a One-Day Great Ocean Road Tour Enough?

In an ideal world, I’d always recommend experiencing the Great Ocean Road over a couple of days. Taking your time means you can linger at the viewpoints, wait for better weather and lighting, and really soak up the coastal scenery without watching the clock. If you have the flexibility, a multi-day Great Ocean Road itinerary is absolutely the dream.

That said, if you’re doing a whistle-stop East Coast backpacking trip and extending it to Melbourne for just a few days or a week, a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne is still 100% worthwhile. This tour allowed me to see all the iconic highlights — including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge — in a single, well-organised day, without needing to hire a car or plan logistics. For solo travellers short on time, it’s the perfect way to experience one of Australia’s most famous road trips without missing out.

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Why I Chose a Great Ocean Road Day Tour (Instead of Self-Driving)

As a solo traveller, these were my main priorities:

• Seeing as much as possible in one day
• Not driving long distances alone
• Meeting other travellers
• Having everything organised for me

This tour ticked every box.

Benefits of a Guided Great Ocean Road Tour

✔️ No car rental or navigation stress

✔️ Expert local guide

✔️ Carefully planned route & timing

✔️ Social group atmosphere

✔️ Transport from Melbourne CBD

For solo travellers especially, this makes the Great Ocean Road far more accessible.

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Great Ocean Road Extended Tour: What’s Included?

This Great Ocean Road Extended – Top Stops & London Bridge tour is a full-day experience departing from Melbourne CBD and returning in the evening.

What You Get:

• Comfortable air-conditioned transport
• Friendly, knowledgeable guide
• Strategic photo stops
• Time to explore key locations
• Group travel (great for solo travellers)

Everything is planned — you just show up and enjoy the views.

👉 View tour details & availability here:  Great Ocean Road Extended Day Tour from Melbourne – GetYourGuide

(affiliate link)

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Full Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary (Stops Included)

This tour covers all the must-see spots, plus a few extras many tours skip.

1. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

A relaxed first stop for coffee, snacks, and toilets — slightly odd when it’s so early in the morning but you roll with it.

2. Memorial Arch at Eastern View

The official start of the Great Ocean Road and a quick history stop with photo opportunities.

3. Lorne

One of the prettiest coastal towns along the route, with stunning ocean views and a relaxed vibe.

4. Cumberland River Lookout

A short stop for panoramic coastal views — one of the most scenic parts of the drive.

5. Apollo Bay (Lunch Stop)

You’ll have time here to grab lunch, walk along the beach, or explore the town. It breaks up the day perfectly.

6. Barham River Road (Koala Spotting)

One of my favourite moments — we spotted wild koalas resting in the trees!!!! Something I was not expecting at all from the Great Ocean Road.

7. The Twelve Apostles

The highlight for most people. Seeing the limestone stacks rise out of the Southern Ocean in real life is unreal.

8. Loch Ard Gorge

A sheltered bay with dramatic cliffs and shipwreck history — easily one of the most beautiful stops.

9. London Bridge

This stop makes the tour feel extra special. It’s less crowded and often missed by shorter itineraries.

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Why This Great Ocean Road Tour Is Perfect for Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo, this tour is ideal because:

✔️ You’re not alone all day

✔️ Easy to chat to other travellers

✔️ Safe and well-organised

✔️ No pressure to plan or drive

✔️ Maximum sights in minimum time

I met other solo travellers and couples, (less backpackers) — it was social without being forced.

Solo travel doesn’t mean doing everything alone — and this day trip proved that.

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How Long Is the Great Ocean Road Tour?

• Duration: Full day (approx. 12 hours)
• Departure: Melbourne CBD
• Return: Evening

It’s a long day, but incredibly well paced. You see so much without it feeling rushed.

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Best Time to Do a Great Ocean Road Day Trip

• Summer: Best weather, busiest
• Spring & Autumn: Fewer crowds, great conditions
• Winter: Moody coastal views, still worth it

This tour runs year-round and works in all seasons.

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My Honest Review: Is This Great Ocean Road Tour Worth It?

100% yes — especially if:

• You’re solo travelling
• You don’t have a car
• You only have 1 week or less in Melbourne
• You want a stress-free experience

It was one of my favourite days in Victoria and gave me a full Great Ocean Road experience without the logistics headache.

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Book the Exact Great Ocean Road Tour I Did

If you want to see the Great Ocean Road in one perfectly planned day, this is the tour I recommend.

👉 Book the Great Ocean Road Extended – Top Stops & London Bridge Tour here (GetYourGuide affiliate link)

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

@emilyvictoriatravels

One of the big experiences ticked off the Australia trip to do list; Great Ocean Road completed ☑️ also I SAW WILD KOALAS !!!!! 🐨 * Experience Gifted @GetYourGuide @getyourguidecommunity #GetYourGuide #GetYourGuideCommunity #CapCut

♬ Drake style・Life Is Good style(1547997) – Burning Man

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