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Are You Looking For The Best 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours?
Then you’re in the right place! By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed choice between two day tours of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.
Booking a tour is the easiest and often most enjoyable way to see all the top Great Ocean Road attractions with zero stress.
As locals, we know how tiring driving the Great Ocean Road can be, and we often recommend family and friends book a tour rather than drive themselves.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour – with a perfect 5-star rating! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This glorious part of the world is unmissable for any visitor to Victoria.
Call us biased if you like, but we know we’re far from alone in thinking that this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.
It’s got the lot – breathtaking beaches, cute coastal towns, tropical rainforest, delicious food and wine, and of course iconic rock formations.
We’ve got private tours, small group trips, and tours tailored to the LGBTQ+ market, as well as great value group options.
Ready to find the best 2 day Great Ocean Road tour for you? Let’s get to it!
Our Top 3 Picks: 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
✔️ Limited to 8 Guests
✔️ Meals Included
✔️ Villa with Ocean Views
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
13 Best 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours
From the famous 12 Apostles and world-class surf beaches to penguin-inhabited Phillip Island and the mighty Grampians, here are 13 of the best Great Ocean Road bus tours to take.
Which one will you book?
1) 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Breakfast and 2-course dinner
Accommodation Included: One night stay at a 4 star property
A stay at the four star Chris’s Beacon Point or Beacon Point Ocean View Villas is included with this 2 days Great Ocean Road tour.
What else?
Well, you get to tuck into a delicious two-course feast at the neighbouring restaurant too, which offers unparalleled ocean views.
Highlights of this small group tour include the rainforest of Great Otway National Park, the Shipwreck Coast, the pretty fishing village of Port Campbell, and more.
Small group tours like this are ideal for those seeking a more personal experience, as there is more of your guide to go round.
It’s also easier to get to know your fellow guests, making for an even more memorable trip.
What Past Guests Have Said:
The whole 2 day experience was wonderful! There was a small group of 6 in our case.
The overnight accommodation at Beacon Point Ocean View Villas was unique with amazing views.
The dinner at Chris’s was superb! Breakfast (also included) was a good variety and plentiful servings in a very pleasant little cafe.
Magic and moments rather than names and numbers! – Get Your Guide Traveller
Learn More Here!
Summary:
This tour includes some of the area’s most incredible places to stay and eat, making for an unforgettable experience.
➡️ BOOK Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour!
2) Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Bottled water only
Accommodation Included: No
Start your Great Ocean Road bus tour without worrying about where you need to get to, as this one includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
This is a private Great Ocean Road highlights tour, meaning you have far more flexibility regarding where to go and what to see.
Suggested unmissable spots include the famous 12 Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, and Cape Otway, but really the exact itinerary is down to you!
You can choose and book your own accommodation, too, giving you more say about where to stay overnight.
It’s the ideal combination, with the privacy and flexibility of a self-guided trip, but without having to drive or find your own way.
You also have your guide’s undivided attention throughout.
All entry fees and applicable taxes are covered by the tour cost, and bottled water is also supplied.
What Past Guests Have Said:
We had an amazing time. The driver James was super lovely, well informed, and made our tour a better experience all round.
All the sights we stopped at were amazing and had plenty of time to enjoy each place without feeling rushed. It also helped that we arrived at most stops and had them to ourselves – Jake.
Learn More Here.
Summary:
A top-quality private tour where you can tailor your own itinerary and decide where to stop, eat, and stay.
➡️BOOK Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour!
3) Ride Tours 2 Day Great Ocean Road Trip For 18 -35 Year Olds
Food and Drinks Included: Breakfast and dinner plus tea and coffee
Accommodation Included: One night stay in a mixed dorm room
If you’d love to meet like-minded travellers from the 18 to 35 age group, how about booking this backpacker tour? It’s a great way to see the Great Ocean Road in 2 days.
With all meals except lunch included, it’s also the ideal way to budget for your trip in advance.
A stay in a mixed dorm room at the Sow and Piglets hostel, with an on-site craft brewery, is also covered by the cost of the tour.
Reputable local operator Ride Tours will take you to see native wildlife at Tower Hill Reserve, for a walk along the Bay of Martyrs beach, through the rainforest at Mait’s Rest, and to Lorne Pier and Bell’s Beach.
As well as seeing key sights like the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge, of course.
What Past Guests Have Said:
This tour was so amazing and absolutely worth it! Cam made sure we got to see every part of the Great Ocean Road, constantly pulling over to show us beautiful views and koala sightings!
He was such a friendly and chilled out tour guide and we had a lot of fun with him! Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking to see this part of Australia, it’s worth every penny! – Alice D
Learn More Here.
Summary:
This tour offers an awesome and affordable way to socialise with other travellers while seeing the Great Ocean Road.
➡️ BOOK Great Ocean Road Trip For 18-35 Year Olds
4) Private 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Bottled water only
Accommodation Included: No
This 2 day Great Ocean Road tour is one of the most flexible and enjoyable ways to explore this incomparable area.
It’s up to you where to visit, eat, and stay, making for a much more personal experience than the average Great Ocean Road 2 day trip.
You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your Melbourne hotel. As well as wherever you choose to stay overnight while on tour.
The ethos behind this tour is to show guests all the big-hitting sights while introducing you to some of the region’s real hidden gems.
Spots you might like to visit include Split Point Lighthouse, Erskine Falls, Point Addis Marine National Park, Lorne Beach, and Teddy’s Lookout.
You can also take the Kennet River Koala Walk and a kangaroo tour at Anglesea Golf Club.
What Past Guests Have Said:
Never a dull moment. Scenery out of this world. We found stacks of wildlife.
Meals were not included but he recommended some absolute gems along the way…more hidden away ones like a local seafood cafe hidden away down by the harbour…We would never have found it ourselves. – Tripadvisor Reviewer
Learn More Here
Summary:
The perfect private, personalised tour combining hidden gems with all the main sights of the Great Ocean Road.
➡️ BOOK Private 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
5) From Melbourne – Ultimate 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Morning tea and fresh fruit (both days) plus chilled water
Accommodation Included: One night stay in a hostel dorm room
Coastal villages, breathtaking beaches, Australian animals, cascading waterfalls and spectacular lookouts can all be yours when booking this one.
It’s among the best Great Ocean Road tours for those on a budget, too, as backpacker accommodation and some food is included.
See some of the world’s top surfing spots, take a dip at lovely Lorne Beach, and spot parrots as well as koalas at Kennett River.
A stop at a renowned Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery en route is even included, as are visits to Sheoak Falls, Mariner’s Lookout, Lavers Hill, and the Shipwreck Coast.
What Past Guests Have Said:
Walter gave us a beautiful trip full of awe inspiring moments, the YHA was first class and the Great Ocean Road delivered – thanks heaps! – Beth
Learn More Here!
Summary:
A top pick among cheap Great Ocean Road tours, with surf and swimming beaches, wildlife, rainforest, and gourmet food.
➡️ BOOK Ultimate 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
6) Great Ocean Road and Otway Discovery 2 Day Tour From Melbourne
Food and Drinks Included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation Included: One night stay in a hostel
This is another of those Great Ocean Drive tours that’s ideal for young travellers. It includes a stay in a hostel in Port Campbell, plus breakfast and dinner.
There are plenty of opportunities to encounter native wildlife – and to discover places that the standard tours tend to miss.
One-off experiences to expect on this trip include two of the world’s tallest tree species in one place, spotting echidnas or emus, and exploring the interior of a volcano (thankfully now extinct)!
Also thrown in is an indigenous culture experience, complete with boomerang throwing and bush tucker. Guided bush walks also mean you can delve deeper into the local landscapes.
Summary:
This 2 day tour covers all bases, including native wildlife encounters, local landscapes, and indigenous culture.
➡️ BOOK Great Ocean Road & Otway Discovery Tour
7) 2 Day Private Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Bottled water only
Accommodation Included: No
If you believe that visiting the region is a once-in-lifetime, investment-worthy kind of deal, then this one has to be the pick of the Great Ocean Road 2 day tours.
A deluxe, modern Mercedes minivan will whisk you around all the places you want to see – and none that you don’t.
You can enjoy more stops than any other tour, without any rushing around whatsoever.
During the two days, you can expect to see koalas and king parrots, waterfalls, lighthouses, rainforests, lookouts, and beaches as well as the limestone stacks and caves the area is famed for.
Picking your own place to stay in Lorne, as well as choosing where to eat means you can truly make this tour your own.
Summary:
A private luxury tour by Mercedes minivan where you can see the sights you want to, all at your own pace.
➡️ BOOK 2 Day Private Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour
8) Melbourne – 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour
Food and Drinks Included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation Included: 1 night stay in a dorm room
As well as sites like the Great Otway National Park, as featured on a typical Great Ocean Road 2 day tour, this one also includes the Grampians National Park.
This means you get to see more of Victoria in just a couple of days.
Another reason we like this tour is that you can learn about the Aboriginal cultural significance and history of the land.
Conveniently, a night’s accommodation in Halls Gap is included with this tour, as are selected meals. The tour cost also covers National Park entry fees.
What Past Guests Have Said:
This is a MUST do trip! Our driver/tour guide Dandy was incredible. Very knowledgeable and positive energy for 2 days, despite driving for hours on end.
He always made sure everyone was aware of what was next, how the day would run, and if we needed anything else.
The trip itself was amazing with incredible views and wildlife – Get Your Guide Traveller
Learn More Here!
Summary:
This tour takes in the Grampians National Park and a night in Halls Gap, as well as coastal places like the 12 Apostles.
➡️ BOOK 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour
9) 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour and Platypus Paddle
Food and Drinks Included: No
Accommodation Included: One night stay in Forrest
A sunrise kayaking trip on Lake Elizabeth to spot platypuses is unique to this 2 day tour of the Great Ocean Road.
You’ll also get the chance to spot other indigenous wildlife such as cute koalas and colourful parrots.
A group size of seven maximum means your guide will have plenty of time for everyone. One night’s accommodation in Forrest is also included.
Stops en route include Colac, The Arch, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, Mait’s Rest, Cape Patton lookout, Kennett River, Lorne Beach and more.
What Past Guests Have Said:
It was all great – the tour guide, Walter from Around and About, the content and the accommodation. Highly recommended – Debra D
Learn More Here!
Summary:
A tour with a difference, thanks to the inclusion of a sunrise platypus-spotting kayaking trip on Lake Elizabeth.
➡️ BOOK Great Ocean Road Tour and Platypus Paddle
10) 2 Day Exclusively Private Tour of Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road
Food and Drinks Included: No
Accommodation Included: No
Along with the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular places to visit. And unlike other Great Ocean Road private tours, this one combines them both.
If coastal scenery and native wildlife float your boat, then surely there’s no better tour you can take. A day is devoted to each location, giving you plenty of time to soak it all up.
As this is a private tour, you can call the shots, including an option to upgrade your Penguin Parade activity if you so wish.
What Past Guests Have Said:
We booked this tour on a bit of a whim as it combined the 2 places we wanted to see. We were thankful we did it this way. The element of it being private really worked for us.
It particularly worked well for this tour because both days were jam packed with things to see and do. I could not imagine trying to do this itinerary with a small group. It would have been rushed and just not as enjoyable.
Our guide James was really friendly and knowledgeable and was always checking up on us to make sure we were enjoying the tour – Tripadvisor Reviewer
Learn More Here!
Summary:
A stand-out private tour to Phillip Island plus the Great Ocean Road, led by an incredibly informative guide.
11) LGBTQ+ Friendly 2 Day Private Great Ocean Road Tour
Food and Drinks Included: No
Accommodation Included: No
If you’re seeking an LGBTQ+ friendly experience, then the fact that this tour operator has links with relevant Melbourne charities should give you peace of mind.
It’s also designed to avoid the crowds at the area’s most popular sites.
The tour price includes air-conditioned transport with WiFi, plus all taxes and fees. You can choose your own accommodation in Apollo Bay, and where to eat along the way.
As this is a private tour you have plenty of input regarding the itinerary.
A stop at Mait’s Rest is highly recommended by the operator (and us), and other sights to see include gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, famous rock formations, local wildlife, and foodie hotspots.
What Past Guests Have Said:
We weren’t sure which tour to choose at first, but after discussions with James via email we decided to go for 2 days. So glad we chose this one.
The 1 day tour would have been too long in the car, as there is just an incredible amount of kilometres to cover.
I fell in love with Apollo Bay (our overnight stop). Thanks James, it was a special experience for us both – Tripadvisor Reviewer
Learn More Here!
Summary:
A LGBTQ+ friendly private tour taking in local foodie hotspots, as well as all the sights you want to see.
➡️ BOOK LGBTQ+Friendly Great Ocean Road Tour
12) Melbourne To Adelaide – 2 Day Overland Explorer
Food and Drinks Included: One breakfast
Accommodation Included: One night stay in Halls Gap
If you want to travel between the Australian cities of Melbourne and Adelaide, then this Great Ocean Road 2 days tour will get you there.
Experiencing all the Great Ocean Road area has to offer en route makes this long trip so much more of a pleasure!
You won’t miss out on any of the sights, either. Stops include the memorial arch for a selfie, Kennett River for koala spotting, and Maits Rest for a rainforest walk.
You’ll also visit the limestone rock formations that characterise the area, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge.
After an overnight stay in the Grampians, you’ll discover western Victoria and eastern SA while making your way to Adelaide.
What Past Guests Have Said:
Our tour guide Chris O was phenomenal!!!
He made it so enjoyable and was extremely knowledgeable of the area and Australia in general – Rhonda
Learn More Here!
Summary:
What better way to get from A to B than by taking this Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road and Grampians tour?
➡️ BOOK Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Overland Explorer
➡️ BOOK Private Phillip Island and Great Ocean Road Tour
13) From Melbourne: 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Escape
Food and Drinks Included: One breakfast
Accommodation Included: One night stay in Halls Gap
The last of our featured Great Ocean Road tours for 2 days is this one including the Grampians. An overnight stay in the unspoiled Grampians region is also part of the deal.
Bush walks are included on the itinerary, so you can discover all that the Great Ocean Road and Grampians areas have to offer, away from the beaten path.
Wildlife encounters with the likes of currawongs, kookaburras, and kangaroos are also practically guaranteed.
Combining aboriginal culture, national parks, ocean lookouts, native wildlife, rainforest, and of course rock formations, this is a good value tour for those who want to see the best of Victoria’s coastline and mountain peaks.
What Past Guests Have Said:
I did the 2 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians trip with Autopia. It was my first solo trip and it was absolutely fantastic. Our guide Charlie, was super informative and made the whole trip extremely fun and comfortable for all of us!
We covered many beautiful places and this was the perfect itinerary. Would highly recommend everyone to book a tour through them – Get Your Guide Traveller
Learn More Here!
Summary:
A fabulous tour for those who want to see it all in one trip from the city, with wildlife, coastline, mountains, and aboriginal culture.
➡️ BOOK 2 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Escape
Final Word
We hope this guide helps you to find the best Great Ocean Road tour to suit your interests and budget.
But be warned – two days will never quite be enough in this incredibly beautiful part of the world!
Recommended:
- Great Ocean Road 2 Day Itinerary: A Local’s Guide
- Best Lorne Accommodation: 15 Top Places To Stay
- 31 Things To Do In Apollo Bay: Don’t Miss These!
- 21 Fun Things To Do In Port Campbell
- Airey’s Inlet: Great Ocean Road’s Hidden Gem
- Top 10 Best Accommodation In Anglesea
By Audrey Chalmers
Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.