Walking Tours Port Campbell

Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles – Small-Group Adventure

Discover the Great Ocean Road differently! Visit the iconic 12 Apostles before the busiest crowds, explore hidden rainforest waterfalls, walk among towering Redwoods and spot wild koalas and kangaroos — all with a maximum of just 10 guests.

Our Great Ocean Road adventure is designed for travellers who want more than a typical sightseeing tour. Think incredible coastal scenery, beautiful rainforest walks, wildlife encounters, delicious local food and a relaxed road-trip atmosphere with like-minded adventurers.

Unlike most large coach tours, we travel the Great Ocean Road in reverse, heading inland first to reach the 12 Apostles earlier in the day. This means fewer crowds, more flexibility and more time exploring the places that make Victoria so special.

YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD ADVENTURE

Country Coffee Stop

We'll kick off the morning with a relaxed coffee stop in country Victoria before continuing towards the spectacular Shipwreck Coast.

12 Apostles – Beat the Crowds

Experience one of Australia's most iconic natural wonders before the busiest afternoon tour crowds arrive. Wander along the coastal boardwalks, admire the towering limestone formations and soak up breathtaking views of the wild Southern Ocean.

Gibson Steps – Walk Beneath the Cliffs

Descend the historic Gibson Steps to the beach below, where enormous limestone cliffs rise dramatically above the sand. It's an unforgettable perspective of the coastline and a fantastic opportunity for photos.

Beach access is subject to weather, tides and local conditions.

Lunch at The Perch – Lavers Hill

After exploring the coast, we'll stop for a delicious lunch at The Perch in Lavers Hill, one of our favourite local spots nestled in the beautiful Otways.

Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring local flavours, great coffee and the option of Victorian beer or wine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

You might even spot colourful native parrots visiting the surrounding area while we eat!

Lunch and drinks are purchased separately.

Hopetoun Falls – Great Otway National Park

Next, we venture into the lush Great Otway National Park for a short guided rainforest walk to spectacular Hopetoun Falls.

Follow the forest trail through towering trees and giant ferns before reaching one of the Otways' most beautiful waterfalls. It's a magical part of Victoria that many larger coach tours don't visit.

Californian Redwoods – Walk Among Giants

Discover a peaceful forest of towering Californian Redwoods hidden in the heart of the Otways.

Wander beneath these enormous trees, take stunning photos and experience the incredible tranquillity of this unique forest.

Wild Koala Spotting

Keep your eyes in the eucalyptus trees as we search for wild koalas in their natural habitat.

Our local guides know some fantastic wildlife spots, and we take the time to look for koalas, colourful native birds and other Australian animals along the way.

Apollo Bay – Coastal Village Charm

Enjoy some free time in the picturesque seaside town of Apollo Bay. Wander along the beach, grab a coffee or treat yourself to a locally made ice cream.

The Great Ocean Road – Scenic Coastal Drive

Now it's time to cruise along the famous Great Ocean Road itself!

Experience winding coastal roads, dramatic ocean views, beautiful beaches and lush green hills, with stops at some of our favourite scenic lookouts along the way.

Lorne – Beautiful Beaches & Coastal Views

Stretch your legs in the charming coastal town of Lorne. Enjoy the beachfront, browse the local shops or simply soak up the relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Wild Kangaroo Spotting

Before heading back to Melbourne, we'll look for wild kangaroos grazing around the Surf Coast.

It's a wonderful way to finish a day filled with iconic scenery, rainforest adventures and Australian wildlife.

Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed.

WHY CHOOSE HIKE & SEEK?

• Maximum 10 guests: Small, personal and relaxed adventures — no big coach crowds.

• Reverse-route itinerary: Visit the 12 Apostles before much of the afternoon tourist traffic.

• More time outdoors: Explore beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife habitats on foot.

• Hidden gems: Discover beautiful natural locations that many large tour buses skip.

• Lunch at The Perch: Enjoy a proper local lunch in the heart of the Otways.

• Passionate local guides: Friendly, First Aid-qualified guides who love sharing Victoria's natural wonders.

• Wildlife encounters: Opportunities to see wild koalas, kangaroos and native birds.

• Tour photos included: Your guide captures moments throughout the adventure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• 12 Apostles and the spectacular Shipwreck Coast

• Gibson Steps beach walk (conditions permitting)

• Lunch stop at The Perch, Lavers Hill

• Hopetoun Falls rainforest walk

• Towering Californian Redwoods

• Wild koala spotting

• Apollo Bay and Lorne

• Scenic lookouts along the Great Ocean Road

• Opportunities to spot wild kangaroos

• Maximum 10 guests

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Friendly, knowledgeable local guide

• Comfortable small-group transport from Melbourne

• National park entry

• Guided walks and nature experiences

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Photos taken by your guide

• Rain ponchos when needed

• First-aid equipment

• An unforgettable day exploring Victoria!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Lunch at The Perch (purchased separately)

• Coffee, snacks and personal purchases

• Hotel pickup

WALKING & FITNESS LEVEL

This is an active sightseeing adventure featuring several short walks throughout the day, including coastal boardwalks, forest trails, steps and beach access.

The walk to Hopetoun Falls includes approximately 200 steps, while Gibson Steps involves a steep staircase to reach the beach.

You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs.

Our guides can adjust certain activities where possible, depending on the group's abilities and local conditions.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers

• Reusable water bottle (at least 1 litre)

• Warm layers and a waterproof jacket

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

• Camera or phone

• Card or cash for lunch and snacks

• Small day bag

PICKUP & RETURN

Departure: 7:30am

Meeting point: 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne — near the big thumb sculpture outside the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early.

Return: Approximately 7:00–7:30pm at the same location, depending on traffic and conditions.

Tour duration: Approximately 12 hours.

READY TO EXPLORE?

Whether you're travelling solo, with friends or as a couple, our Great Ocean Road adventure is all about discovering incredible places, meeting great people and making unforgettable memories.

Fewer people. Fewer crowds. More Great Ocean Road.

Come explore with Hike & Seek!