Melbourne in 1 Day for Families - Family-friendly stops at Torquay Surf Beach and Lorne Pier
In Collaboration with BILBY TOURS. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Full-day guided coach tour from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Designed for families: short, supervised stops to see beaches, wildlife (koalas and kangaroos), coastal views and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Relaxed pacing with regular breaks and a family-friendly lunch stop in Apollo Bay.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with BILBY TOURS, inspired by the tour Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Family-friendly stops at Torquay Surf Beach and Lorne Pier
- Photo-stop under the Memorial Arch on the Great Ocean Road
- Lunch in Apollo Bay with kids' options
- Koala-spotting on the Kennett River walk
- Kangaroos at Princetown Recreation Reserve
- Panoramic boardwalk views at the Twelve Apostles
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in central Melbourne and spend a relaxed day driving the Great Ocean Road with family-friendly stops for beach play, wildlife viewing and a seaside lunch. Return to Melbourne in the evening.
Meet & Board — Queen Victoria Market (John Batman memorial area)
Arrive at the agreed meeting point, check in with the driver-guide, load luggage onto the coach and get settled. Short safety briefing and overview of the day's plan.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early so kids can use the market restrooms and stretch legs before departure.
- Bring a small daypack with snacks, sunscreen and a light jacket—the coach stores larger bags.
- If you need a highchair or stroller space on the coach, tell the guide at check-in so they can help stow it.
Scenic Coach Drive to Torquay
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach drive along the beginning of the Great Ocean Road — enjoy coastal views from the bus and a short narrated introduction to the route.
Tips from local experts:
- Seat children near windows for the best views and to reduce motion-sickness; ask driver for a motion-sickness bag if needed.
- Use this stretch to nap time for younger children—bring a thin travel blanket and neck pillow.
- Keep a small plastic bag handy for seashells or quick trash if kids collect items during beach stops.
Torquay Surf Beach — Short Beach Walk & Photos
First stop at the beach where Australia’s surf culture began. Short supervised walk along the sand — time for family photos and breathing in the sea air.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly boardwalks are limited — use a lightweight stroller or carrier for smaller children.
- There are often lifesaving flags on patrolled days; keep young children within arm’s reach and on the sand, not in the water.
- Quick photo-op: face the ocean late-morning for softer light and fewer shadows on faces.
Drive to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
Short coach transfer along the classic coastal road toward Eastern View — driver-guide will point out local landmarks and the story behind the Memorial Arch.
Tips from local experts:
- Point out the Arch to children as a 'big doorway' built by WWI soldiers — simple stories help keep kids engaged.
- Keep cameras ready — the route has many quick photo pull-offs that are easy from the coach
- Windows can fog on cooler mornings; bring microfiber cloths for quick wipe-downs if needed.
Memorial Arch — Quick Photo Stop
Short walk and photo opportunity underneath the historic Memorial Arch — a simple, safe spot for group photos and a quick history note suitable for children.
Tips from local experts:
- The arch area is flat and easy for strollers for short distances—park on the roadside pull-off.
- Explain the site briefly as a 'road-builder memorial' for kids so they connect with the stop.
- There is limited shade; apply sunscreen and a hat for little ones even on overcast days.
Drive to Lorne — Coastal Views on the Way
Short drive to the pretty town of Lorne. Relax on the coach and enjoy commentary about local wildlife and safe viewing etiquette.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this window to let kids snack and rehydrate — pack spill-proof bottles.
- If anyone in the group needs a restroom, ask the guide to stop at the visitor centre in Lorne.
- Point out likely wildlife areas (lookouts, eucalyptus pockets) to keep kids excited for later koala and kangaroo sightings.
Lorne Pier — Stroll & Birdwatching
Gentle walk along Lorne Pier — an easy, child-friendly area to watch local seabirds and see fishermen at work.
Tips from local experts:
- The pier is mostly level with seating — ideal for short legs and older seniors in family groups.
- Bring small binoculars for kids to spot cormorants and gulls from the pier.
- There are nearby cafes with bathrooms and quick snacks if anyone needs a break after the walk.
Drive to Apollo Bay — Scenic stretch with coastal lookout
Coach continues along the Great Ocean Road toward Apollo Bay. This stretch includes dramatic coastal scenery and short driver-selected photo pull-offs.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep motion-sickness remedies on hand for winding sections; ginger sweets or travel bands help many children.
- Explain to kids that lunch is near — use this time for restroom and seatbelt checks.
- If booked extras include a hot drink for adults, discuss meeting point and pick-up time for quick collection at Apollo Bay.
Lunch in Apollo Bay — Apollo Bay Bakery (or similar family-friendly cafe)
One-hour stop to choose lunch at family-friendly cafes. Apollo Bay Bakery offers fast service, kid-friendly options and indoor seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Apollo Bay Bakery has quick-service items and a kids' selection — perfect if you need a fast, kid-friendly meal.
- Restrooms are available inside many cafes—use this stop to change nappies or refresh kids.
- If you have allergies, most cafes in Apollo Bay are used to dietary requests; ask staff for ingredient details before ordering.
Drive to Kennett River (Otway Range) — Koala-spotting area
Short transfer inland toward the Otway Range where eucalyptus patches attract koalas. Driver-guide will advise where to walk safely.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay quiet and move slowly on the short walk to improve chances of seeing koalas; encourage whispering games for kids.
- Strollers can be tricky on the forest path; a baby carrier is often easier for the short koala walk.
- Bring a lightweight jacket — the forest can be cooler and shaded even on warm days.
Koalas in the Wild — Kennett River Koala Walk
Guided or self-led short walk to look for wild koalas in eucalyptus trees. Keep a respectful distance and let the guide point out safe viewing spots.
Tips from local experts:
- Koalas often rest high in trees — a small pair of binoculars makes sightings much easier for kids.
- Do not feed or attempt to touch koalas; explain gentle-watching rules to children beforehand.
- There are limited toilets nearby—use Apollo Bay facilities earlier if travelling with toddlers.
Drive to Princetown Recreation Reserve
Coach transfer toward the Princetown area where kangaroos often graze in open reserve grasslands. Short stop to stretch and observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask children to stay seated on the coach until guided to a safe observation area — kangaroos can be unpredictable.
- Carry hand sanitizer and wipes for a quick clean-up after outdoor stops.
- Bring a spare hat for kids — open reserves offer little shade.
Kangaroo-spotting at Princetown Recreation Reserve
Short supervised visit to watch kangaroos grazing — great photo opportunities and a chance for children to learn about native fauna and safe viewing etiquette.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a comfortable distance and let kids observe quietly — avoid sudden movements that may startle wildlife.
- Late afternoon often brings more kangaroo activity; have snacks ready to keep children content while waiting.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are useful here—apply before exiting the coach.
Drive to the Twelve Apostles lookout
Final stretch to the world-famous Twelve Apostles—short coach transfer with scenic coastal views. Guide will recommend the best boardwalk viewing area for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Seat belts must remain on—this stretch has official lookout parking so driver will stop at the designated area.
- Bring a windproof layer—coastal wind can be strong on the boardwalks, especially for small children.
- Keep cameras charged — low-angle light in late afternoon is great for family photos of the limestone stacks.
Twelve Apostles — Boardwalk & Panoramic Views
Walk the family-friendly boardwalks to take in the dramatic limestone stacks and ocean. Short, accessible paths make this stop suitable for most families.
Tips from local experts:
- Most viewing platforms are pram/stroller friendly—keep strollers folded on narrow boardwalk sections if requested.
- There are accessible toilets and sheltered viewing areas at the main visitor precinct—good for breaks with young children.
- Plan a calm 30–45 minute visit: older kids enjoy counting stacks and younger ones benefit from short scavenger tasks to keep them engaged.
Return Coach Transfer to Melbourne (drop-off near Queen Victoria Market)
Relaxing drive back to Melbourne with onboard commentary and a short comfort stop if required. Estimated arrival in Melbourne late evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack any last-minute rubbish in a small bag—coach bins are limited; keep the coach tidy for other families.
- If children may sleep on the return, bring a small blanket and quiet toys or headphones for older kids.
- Confirm your exact drop-off point with the guide before disembarking—some groups prefer to be dropped at hotels; pre-arrange if needed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 9 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal |
