Organized Tours -- Even on an organized tour, when you are not doing the driving, I'd be reluctant to try this in 1 day unless absolutely pressed for time. All the tours which operate to the Great Ocean Road take around 12 hours (sometimes more), which makes for a big day out. The large coach operator AAT Kings (tel. 1300/228 546 in Australia; www.aatkings.com) runs daily trips which cost A$163 for adults, and A$82 for children. Gray Line Sightseeing Tours (tel. 1300/858 687 in Australia, or 03/9663 4455; www.grayline.com) also has day trips for a similar price and duration. A better option would be Gray Line's 2-day Great Ocean Road tour, which overnights in Lorne. It costs A$362 adults double (single rate is A$474) and A$138 for children.

Wildlife Tours Australia (tel. 1300/661 730 in Australia, or 03/9396 1938; www.wildlifetours.com.au) offers several well-priced multiday backpacker-style tours that take in the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. A 1-day tour costs A$95, and a 2-day tour which overnights at Hall's Gap and also takes in the Grampians costs A$169. Hostel-style accommodations are extra: A$23 for a dorm bed or A$70 for a twin or double room.

Autopia Tours (tel. 1800/000 507 in Australia, or 03/9391 0261; www.autopiatours.com.au) offers a 1-day tour from Melbourne that takes in all the sights and includes lunch and a bushwalk in the fabulous Otway National Park. It costs A$125. The company also does a more relaxed 3-day tour, including the Grampians. This costs upwards from A$395, with dorm accommodations both nights, but you can upgrade to double or single rooms.

Visitor Information -- Most places along the route have their own information centers. If you're coming from Melbourne, stop at the Geelong & Great Ocean Road Visitors Centre, Princes Highway, Little River, VIC 3214 (tel. 1800/620 888 in Australia, or 03/5283 1735; www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au). You can book accommodations here, which you should do in advance, especially in summer. The website gives you plenty of tour options. There's also a visitor center at the National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool St. (at Brougham St.), Geelong (tel. 1800/620 888 in Australia, or 03/5222 2900).

Along the route, the Twelve Apostles Visitor Information Centre, 26 Morris St., Port Campbell (tel. 1300/137 255 in Australia or 03/5598 6089; www.visit12apostles.com.au), is a good place to pick up brochures. It has some interesting displays and an audiovisual show, and also acts as a hotel-booking service for the area. All these information centers are open from 9am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day.

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