Tour Great Ocean Road on a Budget from Melbourne, Australia

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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. This stretch of southern Australian shore, where thundering waves meet dramatic cliffs, is stunningly beautiful – and we wanted to see it with our own eyes. 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 visitors rent a car to drive the Great Ocean Road, 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 – so we decided to skip it.

When we made plans to return 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 see the Great Ocean Road self-drive style.

However, we quickly nixed the idea for two reasons. First, neither of us wanted the responsibility of being behind the wheel on a 12 Apostles road trip. 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 top 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 have taken a few day trips from Melbourne by public transport – and 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 to tour Great Ocean Road in one day by using public transportation. 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

For travelers with fewer restrictions and more time to plan, it is possible to take buses and trains to the Great Ocean Road.

The public transport Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne 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!

Great Ocean Road Tours: Cheap Day Trip to 12 Apostles

The flyer we had found offered a Great Ocean Road tour with Extra Green Holidays that ticked all of our boxes. It was inexpensive (around $50 AUD), made limited stops in Great Ocean Road towns from Melbourne to Twelve Apostles and lasted about 11 hours.

There was, however, one caveat for this Great Ocean Road one-day tour: It was in Chinese. While we had hesitations about taking a 12 Apostles day tour that was in a language we couldn’t understand, we couldn’t pass up the low price and a Great Ocean Road Itinerary that suited us.

NOTE: The price of this tour has nearly tripled. Extra Green Holidays no longer offers budget trips to 12 Apostles.

Budget Bus Tours to Great Ocean Road

After Extra Green Holidays raised their prices, we thought budget travelers might be out of luck on finding a cheap 12 Apostles trip. But, alas, we have found another cheap tour to Great Ocean Road!

These big-bus budget tours are well-priced and include the must-see sights: Memorial Arch, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Get current prices and trip details!

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 tour 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 is a must see sight on a Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne. The arch marks the beginning of the 150 mile long Great Ocean Road. The wooden arch 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

A popular stop on the coastal road route is 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 instead bring a packed lunch on the trip. Eat at the park on the beach – and then spend the extra time 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, which is cut directly into the natural rock, leads to a stretch of 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 along the pathways that provide a history of Loch Ard Gorge. However, what is most intriguing is the mesmerizing beauty of the scenic landscapes.

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 Great Ocean Road 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 Melbourne

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, lucky visitors are treated to a spectacular sunset over Lake Colac.

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. The day of our tour to Great Ocean Road was clear and sunny – which are ideal conditions for a Twelve Apostles tour. The scenery (even from a bus window) was simply stunning.

The 1-day Great Ocean Road tour simultaneously satisfied our curiosity and stoked our desire to see more of it. We are already dreaming of a future Great Ocean Road adventure – one that lasts an entire week, rather than trying to see it in just one day.

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 Great Ocean Road 1-Day Tour delivered what it promised, however, we did feel quite rushed at the two 12 Apostles stops where there were multiple vantage points and limited time to see them all.

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 – and there are many Great Ocean Road bus tours from Melbourne to choose from.

Those searching for the perfect tour can find Great Ocean Road Package Deals. Whether you are looking for a one-day Great Ocean Road Tour or a multi-day trip, you can search for your ideal 12 Apostles tour from Melbourne on Viator.

Viator Great Ocean Road Tours: Melbourne One-Day Tour 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 highly-rated Great Ocean Road tours.

Small-Group Eco Day Trip: Great Ocean Road Melbourne

This one-day trip to Great Ocean Road gets rave reviews from fellow travelers – and it’s fairly well-priced for what it offers! The small group tour is by minivan and includes a bushwalk in Great Otway National Park where koalas, kangaroos and wallabies live. Get the details!

Luxury Great Ocean Road Bus Tours Melbourne

A classic 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Melbourne tour, participants travel in a luxury coach. In addition to the top attractions, this tour makes additional stops for wildlife spotting and exceptional viewpoints. Find out more!

Private One-Day Tour Great Ocean Road

A Great Ocean Road private tour can be a cost effective travel 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. Find out more!

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. Get the details!

3-Day Ocean Road Tour Melbourne

Why limit yourself to a 1-Day Great Ocean Road Tour 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. Book it now!

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 (but verifying times was essential – as we didn’t want to get left behind!).

We also opted to bring a packed a lunch with us on the Great Ocean Road Day Tour. Instead of spending time inside, we quickly 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 to give you information, enhance your Great Ocean Road sightseeing experience by doing a little pre-trip research. Purchase a guidebook or check free online resources and self-guide a Great Ocean Road one-day trip. This made the language barrier on our trip a total non-issue.

Where to Sit on Your GOR Bus Tour

On your Great Ocean Road by bus tour, try to sit on the ocean-view side where you will have the best look at the coastline and beaches. 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.

Great Ocean Road: Things To Do and See

Organized GOR tours limit you to seeing only what can fit into the schedule. However, there are several Great Ocean Road tourist attractions – from lighthouses to walking trails to surfing.

To see what you want to see on a 12 Apostles tour from Melbourne, it might be best to self-drive the Great Ocean Road. In order to not feel overwhelmed by being behind the wheel, we recommend planning a Self-Drive 2-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary. Don’t forget to book your hotel in advance – it’s one of the top ways to Save Money on Places to Stay!

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 – especially if you want to dash out to the viewpoints. My Trainers were perfect for the tour; Kris wore his 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 weather can change quickly on the southern coast of Australia, we also suggest bringing a packable raincoat and travel umbrella.

Travel Camera

If you are anything like us, you will be snapping tons of photos during your Great Ocean Road Day Tour. While phone cameras are okay for some travel pics, we recommend using an actual camera with a zoom lens. On our 12 Apostles Australia Tour, we shot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. Not only does this camera 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; suck 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’ve covered how to take a Great Ocean Road Day Tour, but we know you didn’t fly all the way to Australia to only see the 12 Apostles! We have a spent months traveling in Australia and have heaps of free guides to help you plan your Melbourne Itinerary.

More Melbourne Day Trips

In addition to the Day Tour of Great Ocean Road, there are many other Melbourne one day trip options. These are two of the most popular.

Yarra Valley Wine Tasting – Book it now!
Phillip Island Penguins – Reserve your spot!

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 more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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