you know that old saying ‘if you want something done properly then do it yourself’? well this is how Amazing Ocean Road Tours was born, we specialise in only touring the Great Ocean Road - because it is amazing & deserves our full attention to showcase it & because
it’s close to our hearts
we are world travellers, animal & nature lovers, wonderlusters, we are passionate in what we do
come join us
who are we?
Victorian Bus Operator AO115545
WHY CHO0SE US?
simply because we care about YOU & your once-in-a-lifetime EXPERIENCE in this amazing part of the world!
our thoughtful extra details along the way add-up to a big difference to all the others
we only tour here, we ARE the Great Ocean Road
book with confidence - if your plans change, so can we with free flexible date changes
we care about our environmental footprint by minimising impact in all areas of tours & business, support wildlife causes & source from community not-for-profit suppliers
Our environmental committment
we leave light footprints;
we don’t encourage drink bottles that go to land-fill, we sell re-usable tumblers from the bus & ask that you bring a re-fillable water bottle with you for fountains, we carry a bin to remove our rubbish from all National Parks, we rarely print on paper in a digital office, we don’t power supply or light a warehouse, we clean our bus by cloth or at high-pressure washbays with responsible chemicals & their engines are serviced meticulously to carry the passengers equivalent to 6 car emissions otherwise travelling,
we donate & support local wildlife & environmental foundations to protect the region we cherish
as animal lovers, we also donate to world-wide welfare foundations - if you are also interested in this worthy cause use this link to Four Paws
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we tour, the Gadubanud & Gulidjan First Peoples who have been living on the Australian continent for thousands of years before European settlement occured. We pay our respects to Elders past, present & emerging as we celebrate the culture & traditions of Aboriginal Elders of all communities
FAQ’s - general
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well we are specialists in this region & we know how to put together a top-notch tour!
we keep things simple for everyone to enjoy it in their own way, lets face it, none of us are the same!
for simplicity;
we have a long day-trip to reach the 12 Apostles National Park sites - called the ‘ULTIMATE’ tour, because it really is! During peak times we also offer an ‘EXPRESS’ version in the other direction to go to the 12 Apostles first in the morning
we have a shorter distance day-trip to Lorne - called the ‘TASTE’ tour, it doesn’t travel as far as the 12 Apostles & instead gives you more time to experience 2 gem coastal towns
all have scenic views travelling along the incredible Great Ocean Road
we can also customise a tour to suit just your group of people (max 24) in a ‘PRIVATE TOUR’
book it in & sit back knowing we’ll take care of the rest for you to have the most amazing day… we can’t wait to show you around!
see all our tours here
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a professional licenced Guide providing fun, live commentary (in English) of the attractions visited & answering your questions as well as giving the local tips for the best possible day
bus transportation, air-conditioned/ heated, with the highest state safety standards
selected hotel/ meeting point pick-ups & return in Melbourne city CBD, Southbank & St Kilda or Geelong on the way through
National Park entrance fees & licences
morning juice & Anzac biscuits, or an alternative for Vegan & Gluten-Free
web translated virtual tour in languages
other inclusions are specific to the tour that you select
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your meals & drinks (other than the biscuits we give) so you can have what you want to suit tastes, dietaries & travel budgets from the options at the locations we visit. See notes in the tour details page if you want more info.
Yes, you can bring your own food or snacks in your day-pack if you wish (non-smelly ones of course!)
souvenirs - entirely up to you!
tipping (gratuities) of services is not compulsory in Australia, which makes your Guide even more grateful for your kind gesture should you feel they excelled in making sure you had a brilliant day
on the ‘taste’ tour your optional activities at Torquay & Lorne towns
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Tipping (gratuities) for services is not compulsory in Australia, which makes your Guide even more grateful for your kind gesture should you feel they excelled in making sure you had a brilliant day, entirely your choice to give.
We understand some travellers are on tight budgets, with that in mind if you’d love to show your gratitude to your amazing guide then posting a 5 star review online with what you liked most about their service also humbles them & gives a warm fuzzy feeling they made your once-in-a-lifetime experience the best it could be!
Thank you for showing your appreciation to us, we tirelessly do our best to please so its nice to be recognised for this :)
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If you want to - absolutely!
Why not take a quick dip in the Southern Ocean Y.O.L.O!
Or just kick the shoes off & feel the sand between your toes as these waters can be quite chilly - but refreshing on a warm day!
Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume & towel.
‘Taste’ tour; you have time to swim at both Torquay & Lorne.
‘12 Apostles’ tours; you can take a quick dip at Apollo Bay or Loch Ard Gorge (no swimming at Gibson Steps).
Weather permitting of course & always be safe - swim between the flags if present. Warning - waters can be dangerous even for confident swimmers!
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On the 12 Apostles tour there’s a reasonable amount of walking at your own pace to see all the vantage points & lookouts at the National Park sites, but its entirely up to you if you do them or not. It’s not trekking or bushwalking we’re on general paths or decks.
There is plenty of rest time on the bus too so it all balances out, with incredible views out the window along the coastline & forest.
If you’re wanting to limit walking then your guide will point out the pros/cons of selecting the National Park sites that are right for you on your day.
There are amazing places to just sit & take it all in if you prefer :)
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Due to safety reasons & no storage compartment we’re unable to accommodate a walking frame, wheel-chair or large items, its not possible sorry.
However, a single cane walking stick could be sat with you at your seat.
The mobility issue to consider is getting on-and-off the bus as there is a decent internal step as well as down to the ground & you need to do this un-aided, only an internal small hand rail is present, bending knees would be required.
Throughout the day you will need to enter/ exit the bus at each location, and there’s quite a few of them on the 12 Apostles tour. Perhaps consider the shorter tour to Lorne?
But if you’re willing then so are we :) we ask that you please email us here before the tour day or call us to make appropriate seating arrangements for everyone’s comfort.
If you’re wanting to limit walking at the sites then your guide will point out the pros/cons of selecting the ones that are right for you on your day.
There’s incredible scenery out the bus window along the way, plus there are plenty of amazing places to just sit & take it all in if you prefer - lovely!
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There is no age maximum, it’s just a question of mobility if our tour is right for you.
The bus entry/exit door & step isn’t designed for assistance when getting on-and-off at each stop - and there are quite a few stops in the day at a good pace on the 12 Apostles tour.
There is a large step up to/down from the bus, plus a decent size internal step as well - so there is 2 big steps with only an internal general hand guide and the entrance is not wide to fit a carer too (they would need to be above in the bus or below on the ground).
Unfortunately there is no storage compartment on the bus so no equipment/ large items can be brought (we can’t have a trip hazard) other than a single walking cane.
Although there is plenty of great viewing out the bus window along the Great Ocean Road coastline & forest, also to consider is there is some walking needed to see the National Park lookout sites on a schedule, which of course you don’t have to do them all & usually there’s a nice place to just sit, but you may have more time to see the sites with a wheel-chair to get to some first.
If you need some equipment, or aid, in the regular entry & exit of the bus then our public tours may not be right for you sorry, but you will find a tour/ vehicle more suitable for your needs and have a fantastic time seeing the Great Ocean Road so please seek these alternatives.
Or, if you’ve got a big family get-together then talk to us about a PRIVATE TOUR so the whole bus is to yourselves & get the grand-kids to push you around!
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Children under 16 must be supervised by an accompanying adult.
Children must be aged:
7 years or older on the 12 Apostles public tours ‘ultimate & express’.
4 years or older on the Lorne public tour ‘taste’. Contact us regarding booster seats for ages 4 to 6 if you require.
Infants & children under the age listed will be refused boarding. We take safety very seriously.
All children must be seated on their own seat (not on a lap), purchase a fare & wear the seatbelt if provided.
Due to safety & no luggage compartment - strictly no strollers or prams are permitted.
PRIVATE TOURS have no age restrictions, contact us to discuss logistics of restraints/ booster or folding stroller.
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Of course, our tours are a fun day for the family!
children aged 7 years or older can be a passenger on 12 Apostles tours, strictly no strollers/ prams are permitted so consider there is a bit of walking around when you get to the National Park sites if you want to, returns around 7:30pm to city.
4 years or older for the Taste to Lorne tour which has more time in 2 coastal towns & less travelling distance in the bus returning around 5:30pm.
There is a fair amount of time on the bus to get to the sites, please bring earplugs to use their electronic equipment for the comfort of all passengers, thanks in advance for being kind :)
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Of course we can’t guarantee what WILD animals you will see, its genuinely not controllable that’s the beauty of spotting them!
It depends on the tour you’re on & the day, but what is commonly seen by passengers from either the bus window while travelling, around the carparks or while walking the sites at locations we stop at is:
wallabies
kangaroos, we detour to drive-by a place they hang-out to see who wants a photo!
echidna (spikey ant-eaters)
very small lizards/ geckos
koala (not a bear!)
birds - Kookaburra (largest Kingfisher), Cockatoo, King Parrot, Rosella, Blue Finch, seagulls, Muttonbird, rarely but sometimes an eagle gliding
stingrays at Apollo Bay jetty or from lookouts
dolphins or seals along the Great Ocean Road shoreline
Southern Right Whale’s splashing in the distance on Antartic migration around May to October
rarely do we see Little Penguins at Port Campbell NP, they return to nests after sunset
snakes (yes venomous) keep to themselves in the bush thankfully & that is why we stay on the paths!
farm animals eg lots of sheep & cows, working dogs, some horses or hobby farm lama/ alpaca
FAQ’s - Food & health
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only the morning juice & Anzac biscuit/ cookies are provided by us (or a Vegan & Gluten-Free alternative) all other food & drinks is at your choice & cost to enjoy it your way at the locations we visit - for various tastes, dietaries & travel budgets
see full details about the ultimate tour meals, or taste tour meals
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Yes, snacks are fine on the bus so long as you clean up after yourself – your Guide is not your mother!
Be considerate of your fellow passengers & new friends - don’t bring the stinky stuff onboard!
Cleaning charges will apply for any spills, not to mention a wet seat to sit on all day :(
You’ll have opportunities to buy snacks at some locations we visit, as well as lunch.
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Yes that’s fine if you want to BYO lunch, keep in mind there’s no storage compartment on the bus so it needs to fit in your small day-pack bag & keep fresh for a while. A soft cooler bag is possible (we don’t accept eskis or luggage on the public bus tours). Please no stinky food for the trip!
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If you’re prone to getting travel/ motion sickness in cars then there are some sections along the Great Ocean Road you might find a bit challenging, but the incredible scenery will help you to feel better and looking up & out the window to them!
Its best to sit towards the front of the bus as a precaution.
Talk to your doctor about medications or treatment options before the tour if your worried about it.
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The stop at Apollo Bay on 12 Apostles tours usually has a chemist open if you need of anything unexpectedly, but please bring all medications needed with you just in case.
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No, it’s against the law to smoke inside the bus.
No vaping either.
For the comfort of all passengers please don’t smoke/vape near the bus at all & follow signage at locations.
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No there isn’t.
We make stops along the travel journey to thoughtfully break up the bus driving times & allow you to use bathrooms/ toilets at public facilities.
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The bus stops thoughtfully throughout the day to allow you to refresh & use the bathroom/toilets, as well as these being available at some locations visited.
However, there are some sites visited in National Parks that don’t have any bathroom facilities available at all which you need to prepare at the previous stop for it – specifically this is at the Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Maits Rest rainforest & some quick photo stops. Your guide will warn you at the previous stop to use facilities.
If you have any issues on the day then speak with your Guide to discuss options available.
Of course, if you’re unwell having gastro problems then its best to not board a 13 hour bus day-trip for your own comfort.
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Unfortunately you’ll need to exit the tour at your own cost (with no refund) if you’re unable to continue due to sickness or personal emergency.
Public transport in more regional areas isn’t frequent or may be costly as well as accommodation. Hopefully you have travel insurance to cover these things & we recommend it.
If you’re feeling unwell before you start the 13 hour bus tour then its best not to board, sorry.
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If you have tested positive to Covid, or have Covid symptoms, then please don’t come on a public tour.
You’ll forfeit your booking if its within the no-refund special covid cancellation period of 24hours, we can provide a letter for your travel insurance claim in this instance.
Hopefully it’s not within 24 hours of the tour & you can reschedule instead with our flexible date change policy
FAQ’s - logistics
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You select a hotel/ meeting point from our list that suits you when you make the tour booking.
We have a google map of our locations - chosen to minimise the time you spend in traffic & maximise tour exploring time.
From the time specified on your booking - you must be waiting roadside at this booked location to board the bus when it arrives (or you will forfeit your booking money & unfortunately miss your tour day!) so its best to arrive 5 minutes before the allocated time to allow for the unforseen (& allow extra if coming via traffic) as the bus can’t wait for you in its route collecting all passengers on time. It not only affects the pick-up of others, but it also affects the tour visiting time, so we don’t compromise on the quality of our tours by delaying for no-shows.
You will be dropped back to the same place in the evening when we return to Melbourne, or you’re welcome to jump off at one of the other meeting points we’re already going to if that suits you better, just let your guide know.
Group Bookings of 8 or more can have their selected city CBD hotel if its feasible.
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Seats are not pre-allocated, you get to choose where you’d like to sit when you first board the bus, then it’s yours for the day usually.
Sometimes we need to give seat direction or shuffle to suit particular circumstances that require it, such as groups sitting together (as tour operator your guide has discretion here).
We require bookings of 2 to sit together on double seats & not force others to sit with them (the bus is usually full).
We give preference to single passengers on the single seats.
It’s ‘first in best dressed’ in the morning! (or early-bird catch’s the worm perhaps!)
Due to flexible tour date changes & cancellations its not possible to pre-allocate seats when booking.
Don’t worry, all seats have great viewing as windows are all around & we are elevated
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Strictly no eskis, large bags, or suitcases of any size at all can come onto the bus.
There is no storage compartment - you can only bring a soft day-pack or purse bag that needs to fit on your lap or at your feet all day.
Therefore, don’t bring your family’s goods all in one large bag.
All large items, luggage/ suitcases of any size will be rejected entry - you’ll need to leave them (most hotels have storage options) or else you will forfeit your tour booking.
No time will be waited for you to do this once the bus arrives, you’ll need to board without it by your booking time or forfeit your fare.
This is a safety issue & trip hazard so no exceptions.
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So long as it folds up traveller style then yes you can.
Large umbrellas that stay full length with a point will be rejected entry to the bus for safety reasons.
A rain-jacket with hood is a great idea and alternative as it also gives protection from windy conditions on the coast. Lets face it, if its windy then umbrella’s are hard to handle!
We will also have cheap rain ponchos available for purchase on the bus incase you’re caught out on the day.
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Many of the areas we visit prohibit drones so its best not to bring it, but there are some quick photo stops that you may be able to.
They are strictly forbidden at the 12 Apostles site as helicopters are operating.
It’s up to you to investigate the local laws & obey the signs - we take no responsibility.
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Please don’t bring valuables that you don’t need for this tour.
Your passport/ID isn’t required (unless you’re wanting a drink at the pub at lunch & you look young!)
Of course your phone/ camera is essential & you’ll keep it with you.
When the bus stops at a location the driver will either lock the bus or leave it open to suit the circumstances - no responsibility is taken by the driver or tour operator for your possessions that are at your own risk.
A small backpack style day bag is ideal for carrying your items with you. Its usually fine & we don’t have any concerns, but better to be safe than sorry on your holidays!
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The bus usually has 2x standard USB ports available at the front dash to allow all passengers to share plugging in their equipment leads for charging - please bring your USB charging lead with you.
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Our tours have live commentary of the locations visited, along the way as well as at some locations.
Your tour Guide will speak English and a bit of Aussie slang no doubt!
We have translated virtual tours so you can follow along in any language you select here, and we’ll make sure you’re having fun!
When we stop at the Memorial Arch there is a QR code you can scan to learn more about the Great Ocean Road history in any language you choose.
Of course, we’re here to help & make your day amazing, its no problem if you don’t understand English as the beautiful scenery speaks for itself (and sometimes no words can describe just how incredible it is!)
We will take care of you to ensure you are comfortable & smiling – the universal language!
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camera (of course!) & USB charging lead
bathing suit & towel if you want to take a quick dip in the sea! (or just kick the shoes off to stroll it)
lunch money/ card & a refillable water bottle (the Apostles kiosk only accepts card)
your stuff inside a day-pack bag that fits on your lap or at your feet (no large bags, luggage, eskis, prams or large items permitted)
your enthusiasm for a big awesome day :)
We have rain poncho’s to purchase if you’re in need.
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Wear comfortable shoes as viewing National Park lookouts requires some walking around paths or decking.
Layer your clothing for varying coastal weather conditions as it can change - you may have heard the locals say ‘4 seasons in one day’?
A light rain jacket with hood is ideal to cover possibilities, or a heavy one in winter for warmth on the coast.
Sunscreen (we have also) a hat & sunglasses in sunny weather.
Bring your bathing suit & towel if you plan on a quick swim at the beach :)
FAQ’s - GROUPS
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Yes, if you want our awesome driver/ guide to take you on a private tour (so only your group of people are on the bus & no strangers) select the PRIVATE TOUR.
Max 24 passengers of any age, its a fixed price for the bus so you can be flexible with who’s coming, all passengers must have a seat (no children on laps, talk to us about boosters/ strollers).
Some customisations can be made to tailor the tour day to suit YOU, have a chat with us about your needs & how we can make the day special!
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Yes, and we offer a discount on most tours for bookings of 8 or more.
As an extra bonus you can have your choice of Melbourne city CBD hotel for the pick-up, so long as its feasible for the bus to get to, we will let you know the time.
Enter the date you want in the booking page - it will show how many seats are available, when you enter your group size to book it will apply any discounts to adult fares & show you the total price (the discount gets higher for bigger groups).
If you’d rather the whole bus to yourselves (24 seats max) then you can book a PRIVATE TOUR with some flexibility to tailor the day to suit you.
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Our group size is 24 seats maximum (a Coaster bus size not a big coach) not too large to still be treated as an individual by name & not too small to be cramped-up.
Plus the higher bus seat gives you much better viewing over the top of shrubs along the Great Ocean Road side - another great reason to come with us & not try drive it yourself hardly seeing much while you concentrate on road conditions…
leave that to us professionals, relax & admire those views all the way!
If booking numbers don’t reach the minimum required for the tour we will use a smaller bus to avoid cancelling where possible.
FAQ’s - changes
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We understand things don’t always go to plan, especially when travelling.
Changes can be made to your booking up to 48 hours before your tour start time. This means you can alter:
the pickup location meeting point,
update your contact details phone or email
even change the tour date to another day that suits you, for any reason at all, with no fee (see our Flexible Date Change Policy).
Within 48 hours plans have been made based on your booking info so they can’t be changed. You will need to make your own way to the pickup location by the time specified in your original booking.
If you’d like to make a change atleast 2 days before then emailing us is the best way. We will email you back confirmation it’s been changed.
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Yes please do let us know if you don’t plan on joining the tour booked, even on the day -
either by email us here (eg your having a huge fab night in Melbourne so there’s no chance! your flight is cancelled or you’ve become unwell suddenly)
or by phone because the bus driver will be looking for you at the booked location & this will inconvenience all passengers on the tour…
‘do to others as you’d like done to you’ and thanks for your consideration good human!
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This is a terrible situation as you’re exiting/ abandoning the tour (with no refund) as this is not a private tour - all passengers must adhere to the directions of the tour guide on a schedule for all passengers.
You’ll need to make your own way after this & public transport or accommodation can be costly or hard for you to get in regional areas.
If you mistakenly get lost, or lose track of time, or a personal emergency arises - it’s best to PHONE the office immediately on +61 481 771 485 to help contact your bus driver/ guide to notify them.
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We understand things don’t always go to plan, especially when travelling, and unfortunate events do occur - so we have a refund policy dependant on how close to the tour date it’s cancelled.
we also provide a free 48-hour Flexible Date Change Policy to help reschedule when you need to, for any reason at all.
View our full Terms & Conditions here.
view our full Terms & Conditions here
still have a question? no probs contact us here