Discover the Magic of the Great Ocean Road With Go West Tours
About the Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours
The Countdown Begins
Anticipation had been building since my arrival in Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road tour with Go West Tours was an adventure I had been eagerly awaiting. At a cost of A$137, this full-day adventure promised to be the highlight of my trip. As the alarm jolted me awake at 6:45 am, a mix of excitement and anxiousness filled my senses. The tour was set to depart at 8:00 am, with a 9:30 pm return. With ample time to prepare, I was ready to embark on this epic journey.
A Perfect Start to a Perfect Day
Punctuality was clearly a priority for Go West Tours, as the bus arrived five minutes ahead of schedule at 7:45 am. As the final passenger to be picked up, my seating options were limited. Fortunately, the kind gentleman beside me ensured a comfortable journey.
Beyond Expectations: A Tour Guide's Dedication
Our guide introduced himself as Scott, but quickly became known to us as ScoMo, a playful nod to the Australian Prime Minister. From the outset, it was evident that ScoMo was an exceptional tour guide. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his knowledge of the region was impressive. But what truly set him apart was his extraordinary act of kindness.
To provide me with an unforgettable experience, ScoMo arranged for a private helicopter tour of the Twelve Apostles. He seamlessly coordinated the logistics, ensuring that the rest of the group continued their itinerary while I embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Such dedication and thoughtfulness are rare qualities in a tour guide, and I am eternally grateful for ScoMo’s generosity.
Great Ocean Road Tour - Table of Contents
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Lorne Beach - A Surfer's Paradise
Our journey commenced with a stop at the iconic Lorne Beach, the birthplace of the renowned surfing brand, Billabong. A short uphill climb rewarded us with a breathtaking panorama of the coastline. Though the wind was gentle, the ocean’s power was undeniable, and I captured the scene’s magnificence in several photographs.
A Perfect Beach Break
ScoMo thoughtfully provided a delightful morning tea, complete with warm beverages and delectable cakes. While savoring a slice of blueberry bliss, I ventured to another vantage point. There, I witnessed the captivating spectacle of a small creek’s valiant struggle against the relentless surf.
After forty-five minutes of coastal enchantment, we boarded the bus, eager to reach the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
Our first official stop was a brief visit to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. ScoMo explained that after World War I, many returning Australian soldiers needed employment. To provide them with a meaningful project, the government commissioned them to build the Great Ocean Road. Remarkably, most of the road was constructed by hand, using only shovels and picks.
A Glimpse and a Question
We only had about ten minutes to take photos at the Memorial Arch. I snapped a few pictures before rejoining the group, eager to discover our next destination. ScoMo casually mentioned that we’d be going somewhere where birds often landed on people and asked if anyone was afraid of them.
The Kennet River Koala Walk
A Feathered Frenzy
Just outside the charming town of Apollo Bay, we made a delightful stop at the Kennet River Koala Walk. This enchanting forested area was a haven for parrots, cockatoos, and, of course, koalas. We were excited to spot these iconic Australian creatures in their natural habitat.
Bird Bonanza
The Kennet River Koala Walk was an absolute hit, especially as I took photos to send to my bird-obsessed three-year-old niece. I knew she would love the pictures of the colorful parrots and cockatoos.
To my amusement, I became a human perch for several adventurous birds, managing to capture the moment on video. I also had the incredible luck of spotting my first wild koala. In just 30 minutes, we encountered four koalas and a seemingly endless flock of vibrant birds.
A Feathered Dilemma
It’s important to note that feeding the birds is strictly prohibited. Despite this, there was a food stand selling birdseed,which was disheartening to see. While I was surrounded by feathered friends, I resisted the temptation to offer them any food. Perhaps this explains the unimpressed looks I received from a few of the birds before they took flight.
Apollo Bay: A Quick Bite and Bus Chaos
Apollo Bay was our next pit stop, and with a mere 30 minutes for lunch, we were off on a culinary dash. While fast food was nowhere to be found, the town offered a delightful array of cafes serving everything from Chinese noodles to classic burgers and fries. Intrigued by local fare, I decided to try an Australian meat pie, a dish I’d heard so much about.
Imagine a beef stew wrapped in a flaky pastry shell. That’s essentially what a meat pie is. It was hearty and satisfying, and I paired it with a sausage roll, which was equally delicious. Unfortunately, my lunch break was cut short by the urgent need to locate our bus.
Finding our ride proved to be quite a challenge. With four Go West buses touring the Great Ocean Road, it seemed every tourist in the region had converged on Apollo Bay for lunch at the same time. After what felt like an eternity of searching, we finally spotted ScoMo and piled back on, eager to continue our adventure.
Great Otway National Park: A Rainforest Encounter
After our hearty lunch, it was time to burn off some calories. A guided walk through the Great Otway National Park’s temperate rainforest seemed like the perfect solution.
A Disappointing Detour
Unfortunately, the renowned Mait’s Rest trail, famous for its towering Myrtle Beech Tree, was closed due to storm damage. This was a real bummer as the Myrtle Beech is often compared to the Redwood of Australia.
A Guided Rainforest Walk
Not wanting to miss out on the rainforest experience, we embarked on a different hike a little further down the road. The walk was still enchanting, with giant ferns and smaller Myrtle Beech trees gracing our path.
The Otway Black Snail Scare
As we ventured deeper into the lush greenery, ScoMo, our ever-entertaining guide, warned us about a particularly terrifying local predator – the Otway Black Snail.
With dramatic flair, he painted a vivid picture of this deadly creature’s appetite for human flesh. It turned out to be a playful exaggeration, of course. While the snail is indeed carnivorous, it poses no threat to humans. In fact, it would take weeks for one to consume a single human arm! ScoMo’s playful scare was a good icebreaker, and we all shared a laugh at the absurdity of it all.
With our nerves calmed, we continued our hike, soaking in the beauty of the rainforest. After our walk, we boarded the bus once again, eager to see the iconic Twelve Apostles.
The Twelve Apostles
The Highlight of the Tour
The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly the Twelve Apostles. Despite their name, there are actually only seven remaining after one recently collapsed into the ocean. As we made our way to the first viewing point, ScoMo asked if anyone was interested in a helicopter tour. He enthusiastically promoted it as the ultimate experience. Intrigued by the prospect, I decided to splurge on the A$145 helicopter ride.
A Solo Adventure
After dropping the rest of the group at a viewing point, ScoMo took me to the helicopter pad. Unfortunately, there was a significant wait, and I was told it would be at least an hour before I could board. To ensure I wouldn’t miss out on the group, ScoMo gave me his number and promised to return once I was finished. This personalized service was truly exceptional.
A Bird's Eye View of the Twelve Apostles
The helicopter ride was an unforgettable experience. As one of four passengers, I had the privilege of sitting in the front, enjoying a prime view of the stunning coastline. Equipped with headphones, we listened as the pilot narrated the sights below.
Just as the helicopter turned around, a breathtaking rainbow arched over the ocean. It was as if nature had conspired to make my flight even more spectacular.
The fifteen minutes flew by, but the memories will last a lifetime.
When I landed, ScoMo was there to greet me, eager to ensure I had ample time to explore Loch Ard Gorge, the final stop on our tour.
Loch Ard Gorge
A Tragic History
Our final stop on the Great Ocean Road was Loch Ard Gorge. This dramatic gorge is named after the ill-fated Loch Ard clipper, which tragically wrecked on nearby Mutton Bird Island in 1878. Incredibly, two 19-year-olds, Tom and Eva, survived the disaster. Today, two pillars standing in the gorge are named after them, marking the spot where they swam to safety.
A Rushed Visit
Due to my helicopter detour, I arrived at Loch Ard Gorge significantly later than the rest of the group. With only about fifteen minutes to spare, I rushed down to the gorge’s shoreline to capture a few quick photos. The sheer beauty of the place was breathtaking, but I longed to explore more.
A Final Spectacle
Our journey concluded at a viewpoint just beyond Loch Ard Gorge. There, I witnessed an extraordinary spectacle: a massive flock of birds performing synchronized ascents and descents, seemingly carried by the wind. It was a truly mesmerizing sight that I regret not capturing on video.
Dinner in Colac
The three-hour drive back to Melbourne seemed to stretch on forever. Thankfully, we stopped for dinner in the charming town of Colac after about an hour. ScoMo, with a touch of humor, boasted about Colac’s world-class dining options, which turned out to be a colorful mix of Subway, McDonald’s, a noodle shop, and Red Rooster.
Intrigued by the prospect of trying something new, I opted for Red Rooster. Their sampler box, a tantalizing combination of a chicken sandwich, fries, chicken nuggets, and deep-fried pineapple, proved to be a surprisingly satisfying meal.
With full bellies, we embarked on the final two-hour leg of the journey. As the last passenger picked up, I was also the first to be dropped off. Arriving at my hotel just before 9:30 PM, I was exhausted but exhilarated by the day’s adventures.
A Review of the Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours
The Great Ocean Road Tour with Go West Tours was an unforgettable journey. ScoMo, our exceptional guide, transformed the experience from merely sightseeing into an immersive exploration. His encyclopedic knowledge of the region, coupled with his ability to share fascinating stories and point out hidden gems, made every moment captivating. From the breathtaking beauty of the Twelve Apostles to the thrill of spotting a koala high in the eucalyptus, the tour was perfectly paced, allowing ample time to soak in the magic of each location. I wholeheartedly recommend Go West Tours and extend my sincere gratitude to ScoMo for creating an unforgettable experience.
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.