Start
Morning Pickup
Your guide collects you from your Melbourne location at 7:00am for a scenic drive along the coast. The streamlined route takes you directly to the major attractions, maximizing your time at the viewpoints.
Experience one of the world’s greatest coastal drives
Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express
Discover the highlights of Australia’s most iconic coastal drive
A perfect shorter Great Ocean Road experience
See Victoria’s most iconic coastline in one unforgettable day. This express private tour takes you to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, The Razorback, and more – without the long, winding drive of the full Great Ocean Road.
Perfect for cruise guests or travellers with limited time, you’ll travel in comfort along the Shipwreck Coast with your own vehicle, local guide, and a smooth return to Melbourne by late afternoon.
At a Glance
Price: This is a private tour. Enquire for price (varies based on group size)
Duration: ~ 9 hours
Pick up: Flexible pickup from Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne Pier, or airport at 7:00am
Drop off: Returns to the pickup point around 4:00 pm
Included: Luxury vehicle, expert local guide, bottled water, national park fees
Vehicle: Comfortable 12-seater minibus with reclining seats and USB chargers
Stand at Gibson Steps where ancient limestone cliffs tower above pristine sand beaches
Witness the Twelve Apostles in golden afternoon light without the morning tour crowds
Hear tragic shipwreck stories at Loch Ard Gorge where the coast claimed lives
Walk to The Razorback viewpoint for that postcard-perfect coastal panorama shot
Feel ocean spray on dramatic cliffs where the Southern Ocean meets Australian coastline
Learn how this coastline earned its haunting Shipwreck Coast name from your guide
- Reverse Itinerary:You'll arrive at the 12 Apostles before the large tour buses. This means you get to enjoy the view and take photos without hundreds of people in the background.
- Spacious Minibus:Our tours have a maximum of 11 passengers, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax. This creates a more intimate and personal atmosphere where you can chat with your guide and fellow travelers.
- Audio Guide in 14 Languages:Listen to a professional audio commentary that automatically triggers at key stops. This gives you stories, facts, and insights in your own language as you travel.
Discover Victoria’s Coastal Icons
Why travelles choose this Shipwreck coastal express
Award-Winning Service
Join thousands of happy travellers who rated us among Australia’s top small-group and private tour operators.
Unforgettable Landmarks
See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, and The Razorback — Victoria’s most famous coastal icons.
Relaxed, No-Rush Schedule
Enjoy the highlights without the long winding drive. Every stop is timed perfectly so you never feel rushed.
Perfect for Tight Schedules
Ideal for cruise passengers and visitors with evening flights. See it all in just nine hours and still be back by late afternoon.
Comfortable Private Vehicle
Travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter or V-Class with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and plenty of room to stretch out.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides share real local insight, coastal stories, and the best photo stops along the Great Ocean Road.
See Our 5-Star Reviews
See why guests rate their day with Hit The Road Tours five stars
Margo G.
"This tour exceeded all my expectations. Our tour guide was phenomenal. This is a must for anyone visiting Melbourne!!!.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
June W.
"We were 6 ladies from Hong Kong and it was our first time to the Twelve Apostles. We only had limited time so we selected this slightly shorter tour... Neil was super knowledgeable... He even.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Bandit13
"The four of us took a private tour with Pats... Pats worked around our schedule and redesigned the tour to our wishes... she gave us a wonderful drive by tour of Melbourne and a walking.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Travellingfamily1
"Loved every moment. Perfectly organised and all communication was wonderful. Have already recommended this tour to friends..."
Posted on Tripadvisor
S C.
"We did the private 1 day Great Ocean Road tour which was tailored to suit our needs. Our guide Peter was fantastic & looked after us very well with his positive energy, knowledge & great.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Luis G.
"I have had a great day with my tourguide Ann. We have seen many beautiful places and learned a lot about the nature and history all around the great ocean road and the 12 apostles..."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Details
Twelve apostles express Private Tour
Did you know the Shipwreck Coast is thought to have around 700 shipwrecked vessels submerged in its waters? Steeped in history with fascinating stories of exploration dating back 150+ years, this Express Tour is a great alternative for sightseers tight for time. The tour includes visits to the Twelve Apostles and all major attractions of the Shipwreck Coast.
- Private Tour for your group (max 11 people)
- Friendly expert guide with deep knowledge of shipwreck history and geology
- Comfortable, luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle with reclining seats
- Bottled water
- All Port Campbell National Park entry fees
- Flexible pickup from Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne Pier, or airport
- Premium sound system for commentary during the scenic drive
An 9-Hour Roundtrip Bulging With Magnificent Sights! For those wanting to explore the most spectacular sights of Victoria’s coastline in a compact day, this tour is perfect.
The itinerary showcases the best this stretch of coastline has to offer, including the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and The Razorback.
You’ll still get back to Melbourne in decent time (by around 4pm) affording you time to do something with the rest of your afternoon. Got a Flight to Catch, Or Cruise to Jump on?
Many of our adventurers appreciate the flexibility and convenience of this Express Tour, especially if there’s an evening flight or cruise ship to catch. This ensures the opportunity to see the Apostles while in Melbourne is not missed.
Struggling With Long Car Journeys? A Smoother Ride… For those prone to car sickness, this is an excellent choice as the tour avoids the winding sections of the Great Ocean Road.
It’s All About the Group… Travel in a comfortable and spacious luxury minibus, exclusively for your group. An amazing, memorable, and relaxed experience is guaranteed!
In Case It’s Considered Not to See this Inspiring Stretch of Coastline… The Shipwreck Coast is not to be missed!
Your express tour begins with convenient pickup from your Melbourne accommodation, Port Melbourne Pier for cruise passengers, or even the airport at 7:00am (time can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule).
Our experienced guide will ensure a smooth, efficient journey. Return to Melbourne is approximately 4:00pm, giving you time for evening plans or onward travel.
Extend your experience with a stop at Apollo Bay for a beachfront lunch (own expense), add a rainforest walk through Great Otway National Park, or customise your return route through charming coastal towns. Speak with our team when booking to tailor your express tour.
Plan your tour
*varies depending on number of people
Over 5000+ five star reviews
A Day Along the Shipwreck Coast
Here’s how your private adventure might unfold
It’s an efficient, rewarding day designed to bring you the best of the Shipwreck Coast without spending 12 hours on the road. We’ve streamlined the route so you experience all the major icons with time to appreciate each stop.
Stop 1
Colac - Coffee Stop
A brief comfort stop in Colac gives you a chance to stretch your legs and grab a coffee (own expense) before continuing to the coastal highlights.
Activities
Quick refreshment break with local cafe options
Prepare for the spectacular coastal scenery ahead
Stop 2
The Twelve Apostles
Witness the most iconic limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. These ancient formations are the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road.
Activities
Walk the viewing platforms for multiple angles of these magnificent formations
Capture breathtaking photos without the morning crowds
Learn how wind and waves sculpted these towers over millions of years
Stop 3
Gibson Steps
Descend the historic Gibson Steps, carved into the cliff in the 1880s, to stand on the beach at the base of towering limestone cliffs.
Activities
Walk onto the sand and feel dwarfed by the sheer cliff walls
Get up close to the isolated rock stacks from beach level
Stop 4
Loch Ard Gorge
Visit the site of the famous Loch Ard shipwreck where only two young survivors made it ashore in 1878. The dramatic gorge tells a haunting tale.
Activities
Hear the tragic yet heroic survival story from your guide
Hear the tragic yet heroic survival story from your guide
See where survivors Eva and Tom were washed ashore
Stop 5
The Razorback
Marvel at this dramatic razor-thin rock formation jutting into the ocean, offering one of the coast’s most striking panoramic views.
Activities
Capture postcard-perfect photos from elevated viewing platforms
Witness the raw power of the Southern Ocean meeting the coastline
Stop 6
Optional Stops Along the Return
Depending on time and group preference, we can include brief stops at scenic lookouts or the charming town of Lorne on the return journey.
Activities
Enjoy the coastal scenery from a different perspective on the return
Enjoy the coastal scenery from a different perspective on the return
Travellers loved this tour
What our private tour guests say
Hear from guests who joined our Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Coast tours.
Braelyn H.
"This is a MUST DO in Melbourne!! Matty was a great tour guide! The views were absolutely breathtaking, driving along the coast was awesome, and we stopped at just the right amount of places to.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Maryann D
"What a fantastic bucket list trip today with Jimmy our driver and guide. We saw it all the amazing Twelve Apostles and rugged coastline nature, the rainforest walk, koalas in trees on the roadside and.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
k K.
"Doing the reverse trip is the only way to go so there are less crowds and you can really enjoy the sights you are there to see. The tour gives enough time to take in.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Khadija I.
"The reverse itinerary was a great choice, as we dodged crowds at almost all locations. Mandy was a great tour instructor and went out of his way to show us wild life in most hidden.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Venture61568171504
"Peter was one of the best tour guides and driver we’ve ever met. He was extremely friendly, kind, patient, professional, knowledgeable, and considerate. My wife and I strongly recommend him and his tour company..."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Outi P.
"I did the Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Premium Tour a few weeks ago, and I have to say I cannot recommend it enough!! Sandra at the office was lovely and helped me with my.."
Posted on Tripadvisor
Easy, stress-free planning
How To plan Your private Tour
From first enquiry to final drop-off, we keep it simple. Whether it’s a coastal drive, wine region, or wildlife day trip, booking your private tour is quick, personal, and completely hassle-free.
Choose your tour
Tell us your preferred date, group size, and any special requests - it only takes a minute.
Tell us the details
We’ll reply within 24 hours with your quote and all the details you need.
Lock it in
Once you’re happy with the details, we’ll lock in you date and send you confirmation.
See you on tour
We’ll handle the rest, from hotel pickup to drop-off, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
Beat the crowds on our reverse itinerary to the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Razorback and more. Includes wild koalas, rainforest stops, and cliffside views.
Phillip Island Wildlife & Penguin Parade Tour
Meet kangaroos, koalas and emus in a wildlife park, and wallabies and penguins in the wild. Includes stops at Brighton Beach and the Nobbies.
Mount Buller Snow Day Boutique Tour
Play in the snow, go tobogganing, and take in alpine views on our signature Mt Buller day trip. Chairlift optional. Private tours available.
Ready to plan your private Great Ocean Road experience?
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Tell us your travel dates and group size and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
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