Melbourne in 1 Day for Couples - Golden-hour at the Twelve Apostles
In Collaboration with AR TOURS. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A private, luxury full-day drive along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne designed for couples. This reverse itinerary gives you relaxed time at rainforest walks, coastal towns, and the iconic Twelve Apostles at beautiful light. Includes hotel pickup in Melbourne, private air-conditioned vehicle and national-park access.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with AR TOURS, inspired by the tour Great Ocean Road 12 apostles PRIVATE Luxury Tour 5 PAX all incl.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Golden-hour at the Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Port Campbell coastline viewpoints
- Mait's Rest rainforest walk — short, atmospheric trail
- Coastal lunch in Apollo Bay and artisanal Chocolaterie stop
Itinerary
Day 1
Private luxury full-day reverse Great Ocean Road tour — tailored for couples. Start with hotel pickup in Melbourne and enjoy curated stops in rainforest, coastal towns, and iconic limestone stacks. Bring layers for coastal wind and a camera for sunset.
Meet & Pickup — Federation Square (Melbourne CBD)
Meet your private driver-guide and board your air-conditioned vehicle. Quick briefing on the day's route, safety, and pickup/drop-off arrangements.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your driver for a chilled water bottle and a light blanket for the coast — it gets windy in spring evenings.
- If you prefer a different central pickup point (hotel entrance), request it when you confirm — guides can usually adjust.
- Keep passports/ID in a safe place and hand phone numbers to the guide for easy communication during hotel pickups.
Scenic Drive to Colac (brief morning tea stop)
Comfortable drive inland toward the Otways with a short stop in the country town of Colac for coffee or light breakfast (own expense).
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a quiet cafe table outside if you want a private moment — many local cafes open early and have great country views.
- Use this stop to change into lighter layers before heading into the rainforest and coast.
- If you prefer a sit-down breakfast, ask the guide to recommend a quieter café in Colac to avoid tourist queues.
Breakfast & Morning Coffee — Colac
Short breakfast and stretch break in Colac (own expense). Recommended for couples who prefer a slow, relaxed morning start.
Tips from local experts:
- Order something light and local — a fresh pastry or avocado toast pairs well with Victorian coffee.
- Sit by a window or patio to enjoy pastoral views — great quiet moment for photos together.
- If you need special dietary options, most Colac cafés are allergy-aware; ask staff for gluten-free or vegan alternatives.
Drive into the Great Otway National Park (toward Maits Rest)
Scenic inland drive toward the rainforest section of the Great Otway National Park. Comfortable stops for photos and short walks included.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the ocean-side of the vehicle when the route hugs the coastline — best views for couples sharing the window seat.
- Ask the driver to point out likely koala spots — they’re often seen in eucalyptus trees along this stretch.
- Keep a lightweight, water-resistant jacket handy — rainforest microclimates can be cool and damp even in spring.
Mait's Rest Rainforest Walk — short romantic rainforest stroll
A short, well-formed boardwalk through ancient myrtle-beech and towering mountain ash. Perfect for a quiet, intimate 20–30 minute walk together.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — the boardwalk is easy but may be damp; hold hands on the scenic lookouts for romantic photos.
- This walk is relatively short and stroller-friendly; there are benches for rest and quiet moments.
- Look up for ferns and moss-covered trunks — morning light through the canopy makes for beautiful couple portraits.
Hopetoun Falls (or Triplet Falls) — waterfall viewing
Short drive to a classic Otways waterfall lookout. A tranquil spot for a quick walk, photos and to enjoy nature together.
Tips from local experts:
- The falls area can be slippery — choose enclosed footwear and lean on railings for safe photos together.
- Bring a light windbreaker — spray from the falls cools the air and can make for moody, romantic photos.
- If you want privacy for a moment together, ask the guide about quieter vantage points just off the main lookout.
Drive to Apollo Bay — coastal approach
A scenic coastal drive into Apollo Bay. Enjoy sea views and the winding Great Ocean Road as you approach the seaside town.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve beach-front seating at lunch venues if you want a table with a view — ask your guide to call ahead where possible.
- Sit on the seaside of the vehicle for great photo opportunities as the road curves along cliffs.
- Use this drive time to relax; many couples enjoy quiet playlists or simply watching the coastline together.
Lunch — Apollo Bay Hotel (coastal dining)
Lunch in Apollo Bay with seafood and local produce options (own expense). A relaxed 45-minute meal to recharge.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a window or outdoor table for sea views — perfect for a relaxed, romantic meal.
- Try a local seafood share plate to sample regional flavors and create a date-style experience.
- Request quieter seating if you want a more intimate setting — the hotel staff can usually accommodate.
Apollo Bay stroll & wildlife watching
Short coastal walk and optional wildlife spotting along the foreshore; keep an eye out for seabirds and native fauna.
Tips from local experts:
- Hold hands on quieter paths and seek out a bench for a private moment overlooking the ocean.
- If you’d like professional photos, ask your guide about a quick couple shot at a favored lookout.
- Look for seals and seabirds from the headland — sunset lighting here can be very pretty in spring.
Scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road toward Lorne (Memorial Arch)
Continue the coastal drive; stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Lorne, a quiet and meaningful historic landmark.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause at the Arch for a short photo and a moment of reflection — it’s the world’s largest war memorial and evocative at golden hour.
- If you want a private photo, ask your guide to park off-peak or step onto the shoulder of the lane safely for a quick portrait.
- There’s typically a small grassy bank nearby — bring a small picnic rug if you want a spontaneous moment together.
Short stop — Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch (Lorne)
Stretch legs, read the memorial plaques, and take photos with the iconic arch framing the coastline.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand under the arch and take a framed photo of the two of you — early afternoon light is soft in spring.
- There is limited shade; if it’s sunny, use sunglasses and a hat for a comfortable picture.
- Listen to your guide’s short history — it adds meaning to the moment and makes for a thoughtful, romantic memory.
Treat stop — Aireys Inlet Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
A short indulgent stop for handmade chocolates and gelato — a sweet, light moment together en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Share a single scoop of artisan ice cream — great for a casual couple photo and tasting local flavors.
- Buy a small box of chocolates as a keep-sake gift to enjoy later in the day or on the drive.
- If you’re celebrating something special, the staff can often suggest a small boxed selection for a romantic surprise.
Drive west toward Port Campbell & the coastline viewpoints
Long scenic drive across the coastal cliffs to the Port Campbell area where the limestone stacks and dramatic gorges await.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a great stretch to refresh and enjoy coastal views from the comfort of your private vehicle — ask for the quieter side to sit together.
- Keep your camera ready; there are many pull-over points where your guide can briefly stop for photos.
- If you prefer a quieter visit to the Twelve Apostles, use this drive to relax and skip an extra coffee stop to save time for golden hour.
Port Campbell National Park — coastal viewpoint & short photo stop
Quick stop to take in the rugged cliffs and ocean views before visiting the key gorges and stacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand a little back from railings for more private photos; the light on the cliffs in spring is often golden late afternoon.
- There are toilets at main car parks — a convenient spot to freshen up before the final romantic stops.
- If you feel the wind pick up, lean into it together for a fun, cinematic couple shot.
Loch Ard Gorge — shipwreck history & intimate beach viewpoint
Explore the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, named after an 1878 shipwreck — a quieter, superbly photogenic coastal cove.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the lower steps for a more private viewpoint on the beach; it’s a lovely spot for a moment of quiet together.
- Watch your step on sandy areas as they can be uneven — hold hands on stairs for safety and romance.
- Ask your guide for the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck — a touching tale that makes this spot more memorable.
Twelve Apostles — golden-hour viewpoint (Special Moment)
Arrive at the Twelve Apostles for a romantic golden-hour viewing of the limestone stacks. Time is chosen for softer light and fewer crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- This is your 'special moment'—bring a light wrap for the breeze and savor the sunset together at one of the viewing platforms.
- For a private photo, step slightly back from the crowded viewpoint and use a zoom lens or ask your guide for a short, posed couple shot.
- Respect park guidelines — stay behind barriers and avoid drones; the cliffs are fragile and safety is important for an intimate experience.
Tour conclusion — end of guided portion (approx. hotel drop-offs arranged)
Guided portion of the tour ends. Your driver will arrange hotel drop-offs in Melbourne (approximation depends on traffic).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for an approximate arrival time back in Melbourne and any restaurant recommendations for an evening celebration.
- Keep any purchases (chocolates, souvenirs) cushioned in bags — the drive back can be long and bumpy.
- If you enjoyed the guide, a small gratuity is appreciated; they can also recommend a romantic dinner spot back in Melbourne.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Shopping |
