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If you are planning a trip to the iconic Twelve Apostles from Melbourne, you're in for a treat. The Twelve Apostles are located along the Great Ocean Road, approximately 275 km southwest of Melbourne.

While there's a direct inland route of about 230 km, most visitors opt for the longer but infinitely more scenic coastal route. This world-famous collection of limestone stacks along Victoria's stunning coastline is a must-see for any visitor to Australia.

The round trip from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles and back can cover over 500 km if you take the Great Ocean Road.

This scenic route typically takes around 4.5 hours one way, not accounting for stops. However, given the numerous attractions along the way, it's best to allow a full day for the journey.

While the inland route via Colac is shorter, taking the Great Ocean Road offers a much more rewarding experience. With that said, let’s go over the different ways to get from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles.

How To Get From Melbourne To The Twelve Apostles

The journey from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles is just as rewarding as the destination.

Whether you’re driving along the scenic Great Ocean Road, joining a guided tour, or enjoying a premium chauffeur service, every option offers its own unique experience.

1. Driving from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles

For those who prefer flexibility and independence, self-driving is a popular option to reach the Twelve Apostles. Here's what you need to know:

Taking the Great Ocean Road:

• The most scenic route to the Twelve Apostles is via the Great Ocean Road.
• As you leave Melbourne, you'll cross the West Gate Bridge and follow the Princes Highway towards Geelong.
• From there, head towards Torquay to begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road.

This route takes you through coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. You'll also pass by numerous lookout points with stunning ocean views.

Inland Route via Colac

If you're short on time or returning to Melbourne, you might consider the inland route via Colac. While not as scenic, this route is faster and can be a good option for the return journey.

Note: We recommend this one especially if you're trying to avoid driving on winding coastal roads after dark.

Estimated Time:

Around 4-5 hours without stops, but most people take a full day to enjoy the journey.

Estimated Cost:

$40-60 in fuel, plus potential costs for meals and attractions along the way.

2. Guided Tours

For a hassle-free experience, many visitors opt for guided tours to the Twelve Apostles. These tours offer the benefit of expert commentary, convenient transportation, and often include stops at key attractions along the way.

One-Day Tour Options:

Several companies offer one-day tours from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles. These typically include:

• Comfortable coach transportation
• Stops at key viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road
• Visit to the Twelve Apostles and other nearby attractions like Loch Ard Gorge
• Expert guide commentary
• Return to Melbourne in the evening

Though the day is long (about 12 hours), it's perfect if you're short on time but still want to see the highlights without the hassle of driving.

Multi-Day Tour Packages:

For a more leisurely experience, consider a multi-day tour. These often include:

• Overnight accommodation along the Great Ocean Road
• More time to explore coastal towns and attractions
• Additional activities like wildlife spotting or rainforest walks
• A chance to see the Twelve Apostles at different times of day

Estimated Cost:

$100-150 per person, often including some meals and attraction entries.

Booking Tip:

Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (December-February and school holidays).

3. MNMridez Chauffeur Service

MNMridez provides a premium chauffeur service that combines comfort, flexibility, and local expertise. Here's what you can expect:

• Travel in style and comfort in a high-end vehicle suited to your group size.
• Work with your driver to create a personalized route, including stops at your preferred attractions along the Great Ocean Road.
• Benefit from your chauffeur's insider tips and information about the region.
• Adjust your schedule on the go, spending more time at places that interest you most.
• Get picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in Melbourne.
• Relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or parking.

This option is perfect if you want the freedom of a self-drive trip but with the added comfort and knowledge of a guided tour.

Though it may be pricier than other options, the personalized service and convenience make it worth considering for travelers looking for a premium experience.

4. Public Transportation Options

If you'd rather not drive, public transportation to the Twelve Apostles is an option, though it requires some planning and patience.

Bus Services

V/Line operates bus services from Melbourne to Warrnambool, passing near the Twelve Apostles.

The bus ride takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne to Warrnambool. Once there, you'll need to arrange additional transport to reach the Twelve Apostles.

Train and Bus Combination

Alternatively, you can take a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Geelong, then transfer to a bus headed to Warrnambool.

This combined trip takes around 4 hours and 41 minutes. Like the bus-only option, you’ll need to plan further transportation from Warrnambool to the Twelve Apostles.

Estimated Time:

About 5-6 hours, depending on connections.

Estimated Cost:

Typically under $50 for a full fare using a Myki card.

Alternative Ways to Experience the Journey

If you want something different, there are unique ways to reach the Twelve Apostles.

Helicopter Flights

For a memorable experience, try a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles. These flights depart from the heliport behind the Visitor Centre.

You'll get stunning aerial views of the coastline and rock formations. While this doesn't cover the trip from Melbourne, it’s an incredible way to see the Twelve Apostles from above.

Great Ocean Walk

For the adventurous, consider the Great Ocean Walk. The full trail is 104 km, but you can do shorter sections. The last 7 km from Princetown to the Twelve Apostles offers amazing coastal views. It's a rewarding way to connect with the landscape and experience the journey on foot.

Key Attractions Along the Way

No matter how you travel, there are plenty of attractions to explore on your way to the Twelve Apostles.

Loch Ard Gorge

This stunning inlet, rich in shipwreck history, is just minutes from the Twelve Apostles.

The Grotto

A unique formation that combines a blowhole, cave, and archway in one breathtaking spot.

London Bridge

Once a double-span natural bridge, now a single span after part of it collapsed in 1990.

Gibson Steps

These 86 steps lead down to the beach for incredible sea-level views of the Gog and Magog rock stacks.

Torquay

Australia’s surfing capital, home to the iconic Bells Beach.

Lorne

A charming seaside town with a lovely beach, cafes, and shops.

Apollo Bay

An ideal lunch stop, known for fresh seafood and scenic views.

Final Words

And there you have it—a complete guide for traveling from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles. The best option depends on what matters most to you. If you’re on a budget, public transport could be your best bet.

If you want more freedom to explore, driving yourself is a great choice. For those who prefer luxury and comfort, a chauffeur service like MNMRidez will take care of everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's The Fastest Option For Traveling To The Twelve Apostles From Melbourne?

A helicopter tour is the fastest, but for ground transportation, MNMRidez chauffeur service offers a quick and comfortable option.

2. Can I Visit The Twelve Apostles As A Day Trip From Melbourne?

Yes, it's possible but it makes for a long day. Consider an overnight stay to fully appreciate the journey.

3. How Far Are The Twelve Apostles From Melbourne?

The distance is approximately 275 km via the Great Ocean Road.

4. Is There A Direct Bus From Melbourne To The Twelve Apostles?

There's no direct public bus, but many tour companies offer direct bus services as part of day trips.