Great Ocean Road Tour – Go West Tours
About the Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours
I had looked forward to my tour of the Great Ocean Road with Go West Tours since I arrived in Melbourne and woke up excited and anxious for it to begin. Purchased at a cost of A$137, this tour would follow the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles. If everything remained on schedule, I would leave around 8:00 am and arrive back at 9:30 pm. A 6:45 am wakeup provided plenty of time to be ready for a 7:50 am pickup.
The bus arrived five minutes early at 7:45 am, and I learned that I was the last pickup. Being the last pickup meant that there was only one seat available toward the back of the bus. Thankfully, my seatmate was not a large man, and there was plenty of room.
Our tour guide introduced himself as Scott and told us to call him ScoMo, which amused some of the passengers as that is the nickname of the Australian Prime Minister. ScoMo was one of the best guides I’ve ever had and went out of his way to give me a specialized individual helicopter tour of the 12 Apostles. To achieve this, ScoMo dropped me off at a different site, shuttled all the passengers to the next stop, and then came back and waited for me to return from my helicopter ride. Scott definitely went above and beyond what was expected of a tour guide, and I sincerely thank him.
Great Ocean Road Tour - Table of Contents
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The Great Ocean Road Tour - Surfing Coast - Lorne Beach
Our first stop was at the historic beach area known as Lorne Beach. It is here that the surfing brand Billabong began and still has its headquarters today. After getting off the bus, there was a slight uphill walk to see a beautiful panoramic view of the entire beach. While it was not a windy day, the waves were still spectacular, and I took a few pictures looking in each direction.
During this stop, ScoMo set up hot drinks and cakes at a picnic area, providing a chance to have a light breakfast. I grabbed a delicious slice of blueberry cake and used the extra time to walk to another viewing area. Here, there was a small creek that was flowing into the ocean. It was fascinating to watch the creek fight against the surf to join the sea.
In total, we spent around 45 minutes at this stop before we boarded the bus and set off to our next destination.
The Great Ocean Road's Memorial Arch
Our next stop was a brief stop at the Memorial Arch to the Great Ocean Road. ScoMo explained that following World War I, many soldiers returned to Australia needing work. The government wanted them to create something they could be proud of and commissioned the soldiers to build the Great Ocean Road. Most of the road was built by hand with no tools other than shovels and picks.
Our time at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch was short, as it took only ten minutes to take a picture in front of the arch. I took a few pictures and then got back on the bus excited to learn about the next destination ScoMo had asked if anyone was afraid of birds as we would soon be heading to someplace where birds would often land on people.
Great Ocean Road Tour - Kennet River Koala Walk
Just outside the town of Apollo Bay, our next stop was at a small forested area full of parrots, cockatoos, and koalas known as the Kennet River Koala Walk. This stop would provide a chance to see koalas and birds in their natural habitat.
The Kennet River Koala Walk was one of my favorites as my 3-year-old niece, not because of the koalas but because she loves birds. I was able to get a video of a bird on my head and multiple pictures of birds crawling all over me. Also, it was here that I was my first wild koala. Throughout the 30 minutes spent at this location, I saw four wild koalas and well over 100 parrots and cockatoos.
I should note that it is technically illegal to feed the birds. It is disappointing that despite being illegal and unhealthy, the food stand sells bird food. While I had birds land on me, I did not purchase any food, nor did I feed them. My lack of food probably explains the “dirty looks” the birds gave me just before they flew away.
The Great Ocean Road - Apollo Bay - Lunch
Apollo Bay was our next stop, and we were given just over 30 minutes for lunch. Although there were no fast-food restaurants, there were a variety of cafe-style eateries ranging from Chinese Noodles to burgers and fries. I tried my first Australian Meat Pie from the local bakery.
Meat pie is similar to a chicken pot pie but with beef instead of chicken. I feel like it is best described as beef stew inside a flaky crust. A sausage roll accompanied my meat pie, and both were delicious.
By the time I had finished eating, it was time to find the bus. Finding the bus was difficult as four Go West Busses were touring the Great Ocean Road, and all of them had stopped for lunch at the same time. Eventually, everyone found ScoMo, and we continued to our next stop.
Great Ocean Road Tour - Great Otway National Park’s Temperate Rainforest
After lunch, it was time to burn off some calories, and a guided walk of Great Otway National Park’s Temperate Rainforest was a perfect way to do so. Unfortunately, the usual walk known as Mait’s Rest was closed because of storm damage. It was slightly disappointing as Mait’s Rest is home to the Myrtle Beech Tree, which is the Redwood of Australia. Since Mait’s Rest was inaccessible, we went on a different hike slightly further down the road.
During our hike, we saw giant ferns and smaller Myrtle Beech Trees. I was also on the lookout for one of Australia’s deadliest predators, the Otway Black Snail. Before we disembarked from the bus, ScoMo told us a story about this deadly creature that wanted to eat us. It turns out; it was a carnivorous snail, and it would take weeks for it to actually eat the arm of a person. To ease our fears, ScoMo reminded us that if we encountered one of these snails, we could simply outrun it. Following the rainforest walk, we got back on the bus to head to the 12 Apostles.
Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles Helicopter Tour
The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. Despite their name, there are only seven apostles after one recently collapsed. On our way to the first viewing point, ScoMo had asked if anyone wanted to take a helicopter tour. He highly recommended it as the best possible purchase anyone could make. I decided to see the apostles by helicopter at an added cost of A$145.
After ScoMo dropped everyone else off at a viewing point, he shuttled me to the helicopter pad. There was quite a wait, and we were told it would take at least an hour before I could get on a helicopter. ScoMo gave me his cell number and told me to call him when I was done. While I waited, he drove the group to the next viewpoint and then turned around to come back and get me. It was an excellent individualized service, as he really wanted me to see the apostles from the air.
The helicopter ride took fifteen minutes, and there were four passengers in a ‘copter. I rode with a family that included both parents and their son. Since I was solo, I got to sit in the front while the family sat in the back. The pilot gave each of us headphones, so we could hear her narrate the ride.
As the helicopter turned around, a giant rainbow was visible right over the water. I had lucked out and just missed the rain. Fifteen minutes went by so quickly, but the ride provided a stunning view of the Twelve Apostles.
When we landed, and I disembarked, ScoMo was waiting for me. He wanted to make sure that I could as much time as possible at Loch Ard Gorge, the final stop of the tour.
The Great Ocean Road - Loch Ard Gorge
The final stop was Loch Ard Gorge. The gorge is named after the British Clipper Loch Ard, which was wrecked just off the shore in 1878. There were only two survivors of the wreck, two 19-year-olds named Tom and Eva. Today, the remnants of an arch where they swam ashore stand with two pillars named Eva and Tom.
I arrived at Loch Ard Gorge well after the rest of my tour group because of my helicopter ride. My late arrival allowed only about fifteen minutes total, which was just enough time to walk down to the shoreline of the gorge and take a few pictures.
Our final stop was at a viewpoint just passed Loch Ard Gorge. At this viewpoint, there was a flock of birds that would rise up and down as an entire group using the wind. I wish I had taken a video as it was extraordinary to watch.
Colac - Dinner
The drive back to Melbourne was three hours. Thankfully, one hour into the three-hour drive, we stopped for dinner in the town of Colac. ScoMo told us that Colac had some of Australia’s finest dining options, which included Subway, McDonald’s, a Noodle Shop, and Red Rooster.
I had never had the opportunity to eat at Red Rooster, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered a sampler box which consisted of a chicken sandwich, fries, chicken nuggets, and deep-fried pineapple.
Following dinner, it was two hours to get back to Melbourne. Since I was the last one picked up, it meant I was the first one dropped off. I arrived at my hotel just before 9:30, exhausted but appreciative of the fun day.
Conclusions - Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours
The Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours is a fantastic way to see the sights of the Great Ocean Road. The itinerary allowed the perfect amount of time at each of the stops, and ScoMo was easily one of the best guides I’d ever toured with. Not only did he provide individualized service, ensuring I could take the helicopter tour, but also gave excellent commentary along the way. His commentary included, “look, there’s a koala in that tree.” It was amazing that ScoMo was able to remember the precise location of every koala on the Great Ocean Road. I give this tour my highest recommendation and thank Go West and ScoMo for the wonderful tour of the Great Ocean Road.
Great Ocean Road Tour Packages
There are many great tour packages for touring the Great Ocean Road. Below are some of the packages that caught my eye. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
If you prefer to book the Great Ocean Road Tour directly with Go West Tours you can do so by clicking HERE. I do not receive any commission for packages booked directly with Go West Tours.
 Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne - $102.30 Experience the spectacular Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Travel by comfortable minicoach on this majestic stretch of Victoria’s coastline, taking in Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park, Gibson's Steps, the Twelve Apostles and more. Enjoy frequent stops for views of stunning white-sand beaches and towering cliffs, plus leisurely walks to see koalas and other native wildlife. Small-group tour ensures a customized experience with your expert guide. |
 Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour - $111.56 Enjoy the sights of one of the worlds most scenic drives in the comfort and convenience of this genuine small group tour with a maximum of only 11 guests on board. Our smaller bus can also get to a few spots the bigger busses can't. Meet at our convenient central Melbourne pick up point before you head to the Great Ocean Road. Please, help yourself to our complimentary hand sanitiser. The day starts with a morning tea of freshly brewed coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits and cake by the beach then our experienced guides will tell the tales that bring this amazing stretch of coast alive. Stops include Teddys Lookout, Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay, guided rain forest walk, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. Keep your eyes open for Kangaroos and Koalas too! We finish with a hearty dinner at a traditional Aussie pub before you are dropped back at your accommodation in Melbourne. |
 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne - $220.88 Discover the best of Victoria’s southern coast and highlands on this two-day tour of the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park from Melbourne. From natural wonders and native flora and fauna, this tour has it all, combining the history of the region with the great outdoors. |
 Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road - $54.30 Learn to surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The sheltered safe beaches of this charming small coastal town make for a great place to learn to surf. The conditions at Lorne are ideal for beginners and you'll learn to surf in waist deep water with fully qualified surf instructors who are also surf life savers. Soft beginner surf board and wetsuit are included. |
 Private One Day Great Ocean Road Tour - $396.94 Join us on an exclusively private 1 day Tour to explore the beautiful Great Ocean Road and all that it has to offer, in your own comfy air conditioned private vehicle together with an experienced guide. Visit all the main hot spots such as the world famous 12 Apostles, plus other must-see attractions inside Great Otway National Park. Visit the beautiful coastal township of Apollo Bay before embarking on a stunning introduction to Port Campbell National Park. If you have any questions regarding any of our tours, please don't hesitate to Call/text/WhatsApp Great Ocean Road Tours DIRECTLY on +61 4 55 44 11 10 |
 Great Ocean Road Trike Tour for Two from Melbourne - $609.84 This private sightseeing trike tour is one of the great road tours from Melbourne! This Great Ocean Road sightseeing tour allows you to get up close and experience sparkling surf beaches, cliff top views and winding roads. |
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