Great Ocean Road Trip: Postgrad Day Trip to the Twelve Apostles

Take a well-deserved break from your studies and join the Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA) for a full-day road trip along one of the world's most iconic coastal drives. Wind past surf beaches and lush rainforests, keep your eyes peeled for wild koalas, and stand on the clifftops above the Twelve Apostles as the Southern Ocean crashes below.

🎟️ What’s Included

• Round-trip, air-conditioned coach transport from the Melbourne CBD

• All National Park entry fees

• A dedicated driver-guide with live commentary

• Breakfast and Lunch

🗺️ The Itinerary

• 6:15 AM | Registration (MANDATORY) Meet us at the Immigration Museum (400 Flinders St, corner of Market St—close to Flinders Street Station). You must arrive at 6:15 AM sharp. We need this time to check you in and get everyone organized (and handover your food) before the official, strict coach check-in at 6:40 AM.

• 7:00 AM | Wheels Up The coach departs Melbourne. Please note: the coach will not wait for latecomers.

• 9:00 AM | Bellbrae (30 min) A quick morning break before hitting the official coast road.

• 9:45 AM | Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch (10 min) Snap a group photo at the historic gateway to the Great Ocean Road, built as a memorial by returned WWI soldiers.

• 10:30 AM | Cape Patton Lookout (10 min) Take in sweeping, panoramic views down the coastline.

• 11:15 AM | Apollo Bay (40 min) Explore this relaxed beachside town and grab some food (lunch is at your own expense).

• 12:30 PM | Melba Gully (30 min) Stretch your legs and wander through a cool temperate rainforest surrounded by giant tree ferns.

• 2:00 PM | The Twelve Apostles (45 min) The main event. Marvel at the towering limestone stacks rising directly out of the Southern Ocean.

• 3:00 PM | The Razorback & Loch Ard Gorge (55 min) Explore dramatic cliffs, sculpted rock formations, and the stunning beach hidden behind the site of the famous 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck.

• 5:30 PM | Colac (15 min) A quick stretch and rest stop on the inland route home.

• 8:00 PM | Arrive back in Melbourne CBD Drop-off back near the Immigration Museum.

Please note: Times after departure are approximate and may shift with traffic and weather.

🎒 What to Bring

• Layers and a windproof jacket: The coast can be extremely cold and windy, even in the middle of summer.

• Comfortable walking shoes for the lookouts and rainforest trails.

• A refillable water bottle.

👀 Important Details

• Punctuality: Registration opens at 6:15 AM and coach check-in is at 6:45 AM strict. If you are late, you will miss the bus.

• Cancellation Policy: Tickets are strictly non-refundable if cancelled less than 7 days prior to the event.

• Endurance: This is a very long, 14-hour day trip door-to-door.

• Limited Spots: Only 30 places are available for this trip.

• Dietary Requirements: Please list any specific dietary needs when you register so we can organize your meals.

• Accessibility: Please note this specific tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility access needs, please contact us prior to booking so we can consult with the tour operator about accommodations.

• Unable to attend? Please cancel your ticket through Humanitix so someone else can take your spot.

For any questions or further information regarding the event, please contact:

Wania Anoosh (Vice President - Research) – vpresearch@vupa.org.au or +61 424 331 432