Tours
AAT Kings. This operator has a six-day tour from Melbourne to Adelaide that travels the length of the Great Ocean Road and also includes visits to Mt. Gambier and Kangaroo Island. Melbourne Day Tours, Federation Sq., Flinders and Russell Sts., City Center, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. 1300/228546; www.aatkings.com.au. From A$2195.
Adventure Tours Australia. Find adventure on one-day tours to both the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park (A$125 each), or you can take longer tours going on to Adelaide. The two-day option (A$295) visits the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians before arriving in Adelaide, and the four-day tour (A$780) includes an overnight stay on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Some meals are included. Young backpackers are the target market, but anyone can join the tours, and there's a choice between dorm accommodation and singles or doubles. Victoria. 03/8102–7800; 1300/654604; www.adventuretours.com.au. From A$125.
Auswalk. This tour company runs guided (seven-day) and self-guided (five- or eight-day) Great Ocean Walk tours. The short self-guided walk takes you from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles over five days, taking in Wreck Beach and Loch Ard Gorge. The longer self-guided trip covers more beaches, Rainbow Falls and koala habitats. Walkers carry a day pack only; a support vehicle carries the luggage by car from hotel (or B&B) to hotel. Some tours include a night in the 19th-century Cape Otway Lighthouse cottages, and most meals are provided. Both guided and self-guided tours can be arranged year-round and generally require a minimum of two people. The seven-day group guided tour starts from A$2,595 per person (double) depending on the season, with a A$375 singles supplement. Each day's walking can range from five to seven hours, although the support vehicle can drive those who feel they have had enough walking for one day. Victoria. 03/9530–8800; www.auswalk.com.au. From $A2245.
Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours. GORATS, as this operator's called, runs mountain-bike tours across the region. Many tours run to the town of Forrest, considered a mountain-bike mecca, and numerous trails in the area showcase the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges. GORATS specializes in school groups but can tailor-make trips for a minimum of two people. Fees cover a two-hour trip, including bike, helmet, map, transport, and guide; pickups from local accommodations can be arranged. Flat-water canoe tours on the Barwon, Anglesea, and Aire rivers are also available. Victoria. 0417/576–973; www.gorats.com.au. From A$85.
Melbourne's Best Day Tours. This operator's 4WD tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne starts at 7:30 am and includes breakfast and lunch, a lighthouse tour, rain-forest walks, the Otway Fly treetop walk, and sightseeing in Port Campbell National Park. The 12-hour tour takes a minimum of four people. Federation Square, Flinders and Russell Sts., City Center, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. 1300/130550; www.melbournetours.com.au. From A$326.
Mulloka Cruises. Explore Port Fairy Bay on half-hour cruises—a quick way to get your sea legs and see Port Fairy from a different angle and learn more about it from the boat's owner. It's best to book in advance. Martins Point, end of wharf, Port Fairy, Victoria, 3284. 0408/514–382. From A$10.
Port Campbell Boat Charters. Dive to see famous wrecks (from A$60 per person), or relax above water on scenic cruises (from A$50 per person) and fishing trips (from A$70 per person), all for a minimum of five people. 32 Lord St., Port Campbell, Victoria, 3269. 0428/986–366; www.portcampbellboatcharters.com.au. From A$40.
Southern Exposure Adventure Sports. Southern Exposure Adventure Sports runs mountain-bike tours along the coast and in the nearby Great Otway National Park, kayaking tours, and surfing lessons. Surfing lessons are A$85 for two hours, and combined bike and kayaking tours can be arranged. Bookings are essential. 31 Baines Crescent, Victoria, 3228. 03/5261–9170; 0425/784–643; www.southernexposure.com.au. From A$85.
Split Point Lighthouse tours. Explore the majestic, and still operational, Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, also known as the White Queen. You can see her for miles as you approach this section of the Great Ocean Road west of Anglesea—just look for the huge white tower with the red cap—and the views from the top are amazing. The 45-minute tours operate year-round, but bookings are required on weekdays. Split Point lighthouse, Federal St., Aireys Inlet, Victoria, 3231. 1800/174045; www.splitpointlighthouse.com.au. From A$14.
Spring Creek Horse Rides. Ride through beautiful Otway National Park on horseback for a leisurely hour or two. 245 Portreath Rd., Bellbrae, Victoria, 3228. 03/5266–1541; 0403/167–590; www.springcreekhorserides.com.au. From A$45.
12 Apostles Helicopters. One exciting way to appreciate the awesome force of the Southern Ocean and this amazing natural sculpture park is by helicopter. Fifteen-minute flights take in the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge; longer flights travel farther up the coast to the west and inland. Twelve Apostles Information Centre, Great Ocean Rd., at Booringa Rd., Port Campbell, Victoria. 03/5598–8283; www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au. From A$145.
