Connect Aussie Tours Torquay Animal Encounter

Stop 1: Guaranteed Australian Wildlife Encounter

Your day begins with a truly unique Australian wildlife experience — one no other Great Ocean Road tour can guarantee.

Many tours advertise “wildlife spotting,” but the reality often falls short. Wild animals are unpredictable and sightings depend on a range of factors — including weather, time of day, seasonal changes, and even how many other tour buses have passed through earlier. Loud groups and well-trodden trails frequently scare wildlife away, leaving guests disappointed.

This is the only Great Ocean Road tour in Victoria offering direct, supervised contact with wildlife in a safe, ethical setting — and it’s the perfect way to start your adventure.

That’s why our tour starts differently.

At our private venue in Akuna Anglesea, guests are treated to a guaranteed, hands-on wildlife encounter — hosted by the expert team at Wildlife Xposure. You’ll meet and interact with a range of Australia’s most iconic animals, including koalas, snakes, crocodiles, and native birds.

This exclusive wildlife VIP experience is a thrilling, hands-on native animal encounter and dynamic live presentation.

You’ll meet a range of native animals including:

• Koalas (under handler supervision, you can touch and photograph them)
• Snakes and crocodiles
• Native birds such as owls
• Mammals – possums and gliders
• Reptiles such as dragons, skinks and monitor lizards

Enjoy up-close animal encounters before the venue opens to the public, with time to explore the surroundings and enjoy some delicious catering.

Akuna Anglesea’s Award Winning Restaurant will be supplying morning tea / brunch / paninis / coffee, tea, fresh juices / pastries and snacks.

 

Stop 2: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch – A Salute to History

As we continue along the coast, we stop at the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Fairhaven — a must-see landmark for every visitor.

This symbolic arch marks the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road and honours the thousands of returned World War I servicemen who built this 240-kilometre coastal route by hand. It is the world’s largest war memorial and a powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by those who constructed it.

It’s a perfect opportunity for a quick group photo and a moment to reflect on the historic significance of the road ahead.

 

Stop 3: Apollo Bay – Seaside Charm and a Relaxing Lunch Break

Nestled between the green Otway hills and the sparkling Southern Ocean, Apollo Bay is a serene coastal town full of charm. Known historically as a timber and fishing port, it offers the ideal spot for a laid-back lunch break with stunning views.

Guests will have around an hour to enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries. Whether it’s fresh seafood, classic Aussie fish and chips, a healthy salad, or just a great coffee and pastry, there’s something here for everyone. Visitors may also explore local shops or stroll the beach promenade during this restful break.

From Apollo Bay, the scenic journey continues west.

 

Stop 4: Port Campbell & The Twelve Apostles – Coastal Icons and Natural Wonders

After lunch, we continue to Port Campbell National Park, home of the spectacular Twelve Apostles. This stretch of coastline is where the Great Ocean Road truly earns its reputation for dramatic beauty.

Towering limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean, carved over millennia by relentless waves and winds. Along the way, you’ll also see rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and ancient rainforest as we pass through the Great Otway National Park.

Guests will have time here to walk the boardwalks, take unforgettable photos, and soak in the raw beauty of this natural landmark before beginning the journey back to Melbourne.

Scenic Return to Melbourne

From Port Campbell, we return inland via the Otway hinterland, taking a quieter and less-travelled route back through forest-lined roads, rolling countryside, and panoramic farmland views. This route gives guests a different perspective of regional Victoria and avoids retracing the busy coastal path.

Guests will arrive back in Melbourne at approximately 7:00 PM, having experienced an incredible day of close-up wildlife encounters, coastal adventure, historic landmarks, and natural wonders — all delivered at a comfortable, enjoyable pace.

 

Stop 1: Guaranteed Australian Wildlife Encounter

Your day begins with a truly unique Australian wildlife experience — one no other Great Ocean Road tour can guarantee.
Many tours advertise “wildlife spotting,” but the reality often falls short. Wild animals are unpredictable and sightings depend on a range of factors — including weather, time of day, seasonal changes, and even how many other tour buses have passed through earlier. Loud groups and well-trodden trails frequently scare wildlife away, leaving guests disappointed.
This is the only Great Ocean Road tour in Victoria offering direct, supervised contact with wildlife in a safe, ethical setting — and it’s the perfect way to start your adventure.
That’s why our tour starts differently.
At our private venue in Akuna Anglesea, guests are treated to a guaranteed, hands-on wildlife encounter — hosted by the expert team at Wildlife Xposure. You’ll meet and interact with a range of Australia’s most iconic animals, including koalas, snakes, crocodiles, and native birds.
This exclusive wildlife VIP experience is a thrilling, hands-on native animal encounter and dynamic live presentation.
You’ll meet a range of native animals including: Koalas (under handler supervision, you can touch and photograph them) Snakes and crocodiles Native birds such as owls Mammals – possums and gliders Reptiles such as dragons, skinks and monitor lizards
Enjoy up-close animal encounters before the venue opens to the public, with time to explore the surroundings and enjoy some delicious catering.
Akuna Anglesea’s Award Winning Restaurant will be supplying morning tea / brunch / paninis / coffee, tea, fresh juices / pastries and snacks.
Stop 2: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch – A Salute to History

As we continue along the coast, we stop at the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Fairhaven — a must-see landmark for every visitor.
This symbolic arch marks the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road and honours the thousands of returned World War I servicemen who built this 240-kilometre coastal route by hand. It is the world’s largest war memorial and a powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by those who constructed it.
It’s a perfect opportunity for a quick group photo and a moment to reflect on the historic significance of the road ahead.
Stop 3: Apollo Bay – Seaside Charm and a Relaxing Lunch Break

Nestled between the green Otway hills and the sparkling Southern Ocean, Apollo Bay is a serene coastal town full of charm. Known historically as a timber and fishing port, it offers the ideal spot for a laid-back lunch break with stunning views.
Guests will have around an hour to enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries. Whether it’s fresh seafood, classic Aussie fish and chips, a healthy salad, or just a great coffee and pastry, there’s something here for everyone. Visitors may also explore local shops or stroll the beach promenade during this restful break.
From Apollo Bay, the scenic journey continues west.
Stop 4: Port Campbell & The Twelve Apostles – Coastal Icons and Natural Wonders

After lunch, we continue to Port Campbell National Park, home of the spectacular Twelve Apostles. This stretch of coastline is where the Great Ocean Road truly earns its reputation for dramatic beauty.
Towering limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean, carved over millennia by relentless waves and winds. Along the way, you’ll also see rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and ancient rainforest as we pass through the Great Otway National Park.
Guests will have time here to walk the boardwalks, take unforgettable photos, and soak in the raw beauty of this natural landmark before beginning the journey back to Melbourne.
Scenic Return to Melbourne
From Port Campbell, we return inland via the Otway hinterland, taking a quieter and less-travelled route back through forest-lined roads, rolling countryside, and panoramic farmland views. This route gives guests a different perspective of regional Victoria and avoids retracing the busy coastal path.
Guests will arrive back in Melbourne at approximately 7:00 PM, having experienced an incredible day of close-up wildlife encounters, coastal adventure, historic landmarks, and natural wonders — all delivered at a comfortable, enjoyable pace.