Experience the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour and see the 12 Apostles and the picturesque coastline in a whole new way! This day trip has all the highlights of a regular day tour, but you’ll visit the Apostles and Shipwreck Coast in the peaceful morning hours, so you’ll miss the crowds. By doing this tour, you’ll get to experience the region in peace, without the chaos of tourist season.
Join our Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour for an adventure of a lifetime, where you can see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. This tour is for everyone and is led by an experienced guide who will share interesting facts about the area’s ecosystems while looking after local flora and fauna. Be surrounded by stunning rainforests and take advantage of opportunities to see native animals. You can tailor your travel to suit your dietary needs, making this tour accessible to all. Take photos along the way and create memories to treasure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see these iconic coastal views!
Tour Inclusions
- Enjoy a light picnic lunch.
- Entry fees for the national park are additional.
- The driver/guide is personable and offers insightful commentary throughout the tour.
- Pickup and drop-off services are available for hotels located in the inner city.
- The smartphone app offers audio translations in ten different languages.
- The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Highlights
- The Great Ocean Road: A premier coastal drive globally
- The Famous Twelve Apostles
- The Historical Memorial Arch along the Great Ocean Road
- Surf Coast beaches and picturesque towns
- Opportunities to see Australian flora and fauna
- Loch Ard Gorge
- A visit to the seaside town of Apollo Bay
- Rainforest walks in the Otways – The Great Otway National Park.
Introducing Your Reverse Great Ocean Road Trip
We head inland along country roads in the morning and arrive at the Shipwreck Coast around 11am. Here we visit Port Campbell National Park and the 12 Apostles with far fewer buses. Enjoy a sandwich lunch at one of the many scenic stops along the way. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and have lunch on the go this is the tour for you. We then head back to Melbourne via the Surf Coast and its famous coastline.
Full Itinerary
Arrive at the 12 Apostles before the crowds: See the limestone stacks with fewer people around. For a more personal experience, consider a helicopter ride over the Apostles. Take some great photos in the morning light.
Loch Ard Gorge, Island Archway & The Razorback: Visit the site of one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks and hear the story of Tom and Eva. Walk along the beach or hike to the top of the Gorge for magnificent views of the Island Archway and Razorback.
Lunch at a 12 Apostles lookout (weather permitting): Enjoy a sandwich lunch while taking in the magnificent views. Our baker prepares sandwiches each morning, so you have a delicious meal on the go.
Great Otway National Park Rainforest Walk: As other tour buses arrive we head east along the Great Ocean Road, winding through Eucalyptus trees to a peaceful temperate rainforest. See the ancient landscape with Myrtle Beech trees.
Apollo Bay: Take a short comfort stop in this lovely coastal town. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, visit the shops or indulge in some ice cream.
Great Ocean Road Clifftop Drive: Drive along the rugged coastline and clifftops and take in the views of Southern Victoria’s picturesque coastline.
Australian Flora and Fauna: Our friendly guide will help you spot Australian wildlife along the way. Learn about their habits and why we need to preserve their habitats.
The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch: Take a photo and learn about the soldiers who built this road.
Pickup Times
- 6:55 AM: Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 AM – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 AM: Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A'Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 AM: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:15 AM: Windsor Hotel, 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Exclusive to Hotel Guests)
- 7:25 AM: The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 AM: Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne
- 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
*It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300
Tour Style
Our Great Ocean Road tour is a new way to see the Great Ocean Road. This way you can enjoy the National Heritage listed site without the crowds.
We go the opposite way to avoid the crowds at the 12 Apostles so you can get those perfect photos without the chaos at the viewpoints. We hit all the key destinations and highlights of our Great Ocean Road Experience tour.
What To Pack
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
- Binoculars for bird watching
Tour Inclusions
- National Park entry fees
- The driver/guide is friendly and provides informative tour commentary.
- Experienced DriverTour Guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off within the city.
Gallery
What To Bring
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Camera
- Money for lunch and snacks (alternatively BYO as we will have an eski onboard for chilled items)
- Small day bag
- Hand sanitiser
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- COVID-19 – together we can stop the spread, please seek medical attention and stay at home if you are feeling unwell
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
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FAQ
How is the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour different to other tours?
The Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour is different to other tours mainly in the itinerary, we visit the 12 Apostles first thing in the morning to avoid the afternoon traffic and the crowds of tourists and get a more peaceful experience of the sights.
What’s different to other tours?
We visit the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park in the morning when they are less busy.
What to bring?
Bring your travel insurance, weather appropriate clothing, camera and any personal items you may need. No bulky luggage as space is limited.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are possible, but please review our cancellation policy. If you have any questions about coverage, please check our cancellation terms and get personal travel insurance.
Are there any towns along the way?
Apollo Bay is just one of the many stops along the way. There are many local shops to browse, a beach to take a leisurely walk on and maybe some ice cream. These stops allow you to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
What other tours are available?
In addition to Great Ocean Road Tours, we have Grampians Tours that take you to stunning landscapes and wildlife. We also do Immigration Museum, Gibson Steps, and various other attractions, as well as Yarra Valley Wine Tours for wine enthusiasts.
Will there be comfort stops during the trip?
Yes, we have regular comfort stops to allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery, stunning coastal views, and quaint towns along the coastal road.