Traveling from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles on a Great Ocean Road Tour is one of the most popular day trips in Australia. However, finding an affordable tour that showcases the best of the famous route can be challenging.
The highlight of a Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Tour is the striking coastline. Wind, ocean and rain have sculpted seaside rocks into distinctive natural wonders.
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This stretch of southern Australian shore, where thundering waves meet dramatic cliffs, is stunningly beautiful. However, finding a way to tour Great Ocean Road on a budget wasn’t easy!
Why Tour Great Ocean Road on a Budget
The Great Ocean Road attractions are a sight to behold – and the amazing views are absolutely free. Getting to the iconic landmarks, however, can cost a bundle.
Whether you rent a car, take public transit or join a tour, there is a significant cost in seeing the coast. As budget-conscious travelers, we are always looking for ways to spend less.
On our first trip to Melbourne, we were content to seek out free tours in the city center. At the time, we looked for a cheap Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour, but couldn’t find one within our budget.
When we returned to Melbourne for a month-long housesit, we were intent on finding a Great Ocean Road Day Tour on a budget.
In our research, we discovered a 1-Day Great Ocean Road experience that cost half as much as most GOR tours from Melbourne!
How To See Great Ocean Road for Cheap
There are numerous ways to take a day trip to Great Ocean Road from Melbourne…but few are cheap options.
For our day on the Australian Coast, we were looking for a no-frills 12 Apostles tour that was inexpensive and took less than 12 hours.
However, most of the Great Ocean Road day trip options we found cost more than we were willing to pay. Plus, these tours included side trips (and meals) we weren’t interested in.
12 Apostles Tour: Bus, Self-Drive or Public Transport
Before booking a tour, we considered all of our options for how to get to Great Ocean Road. We entertained the ideas of joining a 12 Apostles bus tour, driving ourselves or attempting to see the region using public transport.
Great Ocean Road One Day Self Drive
With two or more people, driving the Great Ocean Road may be the most economical choice. As budget travelers, we did consider a car rental to self-drive.
However, we quickly nixed the idea for two reasons. First, neither of us wanted the responsibility of being behind the wheel. Second, we were averse to driving on the ‘wrong’ side of a curving, cliff-edged, coastal road!
Therefore, the idea of a One-Day Great Ocean Road Self-Drive trip was out of the question for us. Fellow travelers who are comfortable driving on the left should read our tips for scoring a Cheap Car Rental.
GOR Day Trips from Melbourne by Public Transport
Taking public transit is typically a big money-saver. We had read that it is possible to do a Great Ocean Road Trip from Melbourne via bus and train.
However, we encountered difficulty verifying the frequency of buses – or if it was even possible in one day.
While a Great Ocean Road train and bus trip sounds like a phenomenal way to see the coastline, there were far too many uncertainties for pulling it off in a single day.
How To Get to Great Ocean Road by Public Transport
The public transport route we considered was the train from Melbourne to Geelong, a V-Line Bus from Geelong to Port Campbell and the train from Port Campbell back to Melbourne.
Cheap 1-Day Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne
The final option is to seek out a low-budget Great Ocean Road Bus Tour. When we scoured the internet, we found that most 12 Apostles Melbourne tour options were upwards of $125 AUD.
We were intent on making it work, but cheap Great Ocean Road tour options were slim. We were losing hope…and then we found a flyer for a budget 12 Apostles tour!
The flyer offered an excursion with Extra Green Holidays that ticked all of our boxes. It was inexpensive (around $50 AUD), made limited stops and lasted about 11 hours.
There was, however, one caveat: It was in Chinese. While we had hesitations, we couldn’t pass up the low price and a Great Ocean Road Itinerary that suited us.
While Extra Green Holidays no longer offers budget trips to 12 Apostles, we have found another cheap tour to Great Ocean Road!
This big-bus budget tour is well-priced and include the must-see sights: Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Budget Great Ocean Road Day Tour Itinerary
The Budget Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary is basic, but sufficient for seeing the highlights at a low price. The low-cost outing does what it promises and offers a ride to the 12 Apostles from Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Stops and Sights
We are highlighting what travelers can expect to see when joining the Budget Great Ocean Road Tour Bus day trip. The exact route, order and timing for each tour may vary due to traffic and weather.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
The Memorial Arch marks the beginning of the 150 mile long Great Ocean Road. It was built in honor of the men – soldiers who had returned from World War I – who built the coastline road.
Memorial Arch is an important photo op to document your journey on the world-famous road. After snapping a picture, be sure to check out the plaques and statues, too.
Apollo Bay
Many tours use Apollo Bay as a lunch stop. The quaint village is well-known for its numerous seafood restaurants.
However, travelers on a budget may want to skip dining at the pricey restaurants and bring a packed lunch on the trip. Eat at the park on the beach – and then spend time strolling along the sandy shore!
Twelve Apostles Visitors Facility Viewpoint
The 12 Apostles rock formations are the pinnacle of the day trip. The 8 (not 12) limestone stacks sit among ocean swells in a spectacular natural setting.
Taking in the view of the 12 Apostles at Great Ocean Road in Port Campbell National Park is included on all itineraries – but it’s a fairly quick stop for budget tours.
Use the paths to make the short walk to magnificent viewpoints of the majestic rock formations and coastline.
If time allows, visit the Twelve Apostles Visitors Facility, where there is a wealth of information (and free toilets).
Gibson Steps Beach
Energetic travelers might have enough time to walk to Gibson’s Steps. The 86-step staircase leads to a beach that offers a unique vantage point of the rocky coastline. Just bear in mind the time – as you don’t want to miss the departure of your bus!
Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Coast
Loch Ard Gorge offers an additional 12 Apostles viewpoint on the budget tour – and it’s sensational!
The gorge is named for a ship that wrecked on the offshore island and there are many information plaques that explain the history of Loch Ard Gorge.
More Great Ocean Road Attractions
While nearly all Great Ocean Road Tours (budget or not) make stops at the above-mentioned destinations, there are a few more attractions along the route that some itineraries include.
Kennett River Nature Walk
A beautiful (and free) riverside path, Kennett River Walk is home to an array of local wildlife, including a plethora of bird species and wild koalas.
Bells Beach
A well-known location for surfing, Bells Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline. The nearby Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie is a popular stop for some bus tours.
Great Ocean Road Lighthouses
The gorgeous lighthouses that dot the coastline are top tourist attractions, but they are rarely included as stops on cheap tours.
The best ones to see are Split Point Lighthouse, Cape Otway Light Station and the Port Fairy Lighthouse.
Lake Colac
Tours that take the quickest route – A1 highway – back to Melbourne might make a stop at Lake Colac for a bathroom break. With the right timing, you might be treated to a spectacular sunset!
Great Ocean Road Day Tour Map
Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Great Ocean Road Map.
Our 1-Day Great Ocean Road Experience
Our Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne was nothing short of spectacular. It was clear and sunny – which are ideal conditions for a Twelve Apostles tour. The scenery (even from the bus) was simply stunning!
Great Ocean Road Tour Review
A day trip to Great Ocean Road is a fantastic way to get an introduction to the area. We are glad we found a 12 Apostles Tour on a Budget that worked for us.
Our tour delivered what it promised, however, we did feel quite rushed at the two 12 Apostles stops.
Great Ocean Road Packages
We were set on seeing the Great Ocean Road in a day at a low price. However, we understand that everyone’s travel style and budget are different.
Those searching for their perfect tour can consider these Great Ocean Road Package Deals.
Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne Options
While our 12 Apostles tour package only included the highlights, there are more things to do on the Great Ocean Road. If the Budget Tour we recommend isn’t for you, check out the following options!
Small-Group Eco Day Trip to Great Ocean Road
This One-Day Trip to Great Ocean Road gets rave reviews from fellow travelers! The tour is by minivan and includes a bushwalk in Great Otway National Park where koalas, kangaroos and wallabies live.
Luxury Great Ocean Road Bus Tours
On this 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tour, you travel by luxury coach. In addition to the top attractions, it makes additional stops for wildlife spotting and exceptional viewpoints.
Private One-Day Tour Great Ocean Road
A private tour can be a cost effective route – especially if you are traveling with a large group. Check out the specifics and rates of this Full Day Private Tour.
Sunset and Boutique Tours
One of the most popular day trips is the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour. This excursion features the same top destinations, but leaves Melbourne later to view 12 Apostles at sunset.
The Boutique Ocean Road Reverse Tour is limited to just 12 participants. The small group tour visits the Great Ocean Road sights in reserves in order to avoid the heaviest crows.
3-Day Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne
Why limit yourself to 1 day when you can spend 3 adventurous days discovering the region? This 3-day excursion includes visiting the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grampians National Park!
Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles Day Trip Tips
Ready to explore the GOR? Okay, we just have a few Great Ocean Road tips that will enhance your time on the coast!
Make the Most of Your Time on the GOR
On our day trip from Melbourne, we didn’t want to spend any time away from the coast. We were always the first to get off the bus and the last to get back on.
We also opted to bring a packed a lunch with us. Instead of spending time inside, we grilled our sandwiches at the oceanfront park and ate them while sitting on the beach at Apollo Bay!
Have a Great Ocean Road Trip Plan
Rather than relying on your guide, enhance your experience by doing a little pre-trip research. Purchase a guidebook or check free online resources. This made the language barrier on our trip a non-issue.
Where To Sit on a GOR Bus Tour
If traveling from Melbourne to Port Campbell along the coast, like most tours do, be on the left side of the bus. For the reverse tours, you’ll want to grab a seat on the right.
What You Need For Great Ocean Road Day Tours
On a 1-Day Great Ocean Road Tour you will want to make sure you are prepared! Don’t forget to bring the following items with you on your 12 Apostles Day Tour.
Comfortable Shoes
While you’ll be spending most of your time sitting, there is enough walking that you will want comfortable travel shoes. My New Balance trainers were perfect and Kris wore Merrell trail shoes.
Australian Weather Gear
Hopefully the weather on your Melbourne 12 Apostles Tour is sunny and bright! Remember to bring your sunglasses and some sunscreen.
However, as conditions can change quickly on the southern coast of Australia, we also suggest bringing a packable raincoat and travel umbrella.
Travel Camera
While phone cameras are okay for some travel pics, we recommend using an actual camera with a zoom lens.
We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. Not only does this set-up take quality photos, but it is easy to use and comes in a bundle with heaps of great accessories, making it a great budget camera option.
Australia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance might recover costs when travel plans go awry; such as lost luggage, canceled flights or even illness while away. Plans through World Nomads offer an array of coverages for your Australia adventure.
Melbourne, Australia Travel Tips
We know you didn’t fly all the way to Australia to only see the 12 Apostles! Having spent months traveling in Australia, have heaps of free guides to help you plan your Melbourne Itinerary.
- Best Things To Do in Melbourne, Australia
- Self-Guided Melbourne Walking Tour
- Top Free Tours in Melbourne
- The Best of Queen Vic Market
- Discover Melbourne Laneways
More Melbourne Day Trips
There are many other Melbourne one day trip options, these are two of the most popular.
Organize Your Trip to Australia
As you make plans and book tours for Australia, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of the details of your vacation to Melbourne!
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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