Join our Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour and see the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road in all its glory, without the crowds. By reversing the route, we avoid the 12 Apostles crowds and give our guests the chance to take stunning photos at quiet lookouts. This reverse itinerary includes all the same destinations and highlights as our Great Ocean Road Experience tour, so you won’t miss out.
Join us on a Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour and visit stunning coastal towns, perfect for all ages, including families with young children. Our guides will keep you safe while giving you the best chance to see the behaviours of wildlife in their natural environment and promote the conservation of the region’s unique Australian flora and fauna. Enjoy the amazing rainforest scenery that showcases Australia’s unique vegetation and take endless photos. Whether you’re after a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, this tour combines beautiful coastal drives with cultural insights and is a must-do for anyone visiting this region.
Highlights
- Get away from the crowds and explore the 12 Apostles shipwreck coast.
- Relax on the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge beach in the morning sun.
- Take in the magnificent views from Mutton Bird Island and Razorback Lookout.
- See Australian wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Walk through the ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park.
- Drive along the famous Great Ocean Road, a National Heritage-Listed site.
- Eco-friendly and sustainable touring.
Tour Reviews
What you can actually see
Full Itinerary
Get out of the city and head inland to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac and do the Great Ocean Road in reverse. Avoid the usual tourist traps and experience the coast without the crowds. This alternative itinerary allows you to see the famous coastline without the masses.
By doing the Great Ocean Road in reverse on our tour, you will see the National Heritage listed sites in a different way. We will avoid the crowds at the 12 Apostles and you will have the perfect opportunity to take some amazing photos in peace. Don’t worry we still include all the highlights and stops of the standard itinerary so you won’t miss out on anything.
We start the day at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell. Take in the beauty of Mutton Bird Island and Razorback. Look out for some amazing views. Then, we will do a guided walk at either Maits Rest or Melba Gully, an ancient rainforest where you will see some of the tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park.
As we drive along this National Heritage-listed road, you will be surrounded by rolling hills, beaches, ocean views and rainforest. One of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, the Great Ocean Road lets you see it all without the crowds. Our local friendly guides will also be on the lookout for Australian koalas, as this coastal region is home to them in the Eucalyptus forests.
Then, we will stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a popular and photographed spot along the coast. This monument is to the World War One servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road, 243km long and completed in 1932. A great spot to get a group photo under the arch to post on social media. Then, we will wind our way back to Melbourne’s city. Driving Distance: 530km.
Additional information
Pricing options
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour includes lunch – $ 145 Adult (13+), $ 105 Child (0 to 12)
Optional Extras:
Helicopter flight over the 12 apostles – $ 155 (subject to availability – payable direct on the day)
Not sure about a group tour? We can help you organise your own private tour of the Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour. You can create your own tailor-made trip or follow our itinerary. Contact our charters team for more information at [email protected] or visit our charters page.
Pickup Times And locations
Our central meeting point for this trip will be the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, Melbourne at 7:35 . The bus will be waiting on the Market St side of the Immigration Museum.
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly and on time. Here are the pickup times and locations:
- 6:55 : Pegasus Apartments Hotel, 206 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne
- 7:00 : Melbourne Marriott Hotel, Corner of Exhibition Street and Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
- 7:05 : Space Hotel, 380 Russell Street, Melbourne
- 7:10 : Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Pickup at Russell Street Entrance, Melbourne
- 7:20 : Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen Street, Melbourne
- 7:25 : The Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
- 7:35 : Immigration Museum, East Side, 400 Flinders Street at the Corner of Market Street, Melbourne
- 7:40 : Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street and Queens Bridge Street, Southbank, Melbourne
If you are still looking for your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a comprehensive list of sites.
It is highly advisable to arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please remain calm and patient if your bus runs a few minutes behind schedule. If your bus has not arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time, kindly contact our office at 03 9393 1300.
Discover the private tour groups! Reach out to our incredible charters team at [email protected] to unlock unforgettable adventures.
Inclusions
- How do I book the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour, and what is the cancellation policy?
- National Park entry fees apply to all visitors
- The driver/guide is friendly and provides informative tour commentary
- Hotel pick up and drop off in the inner city
- The smartphone app offers audio translation in 10 different languages
- The App is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play
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
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.
- The minimum age requirements for this tour is 6 years old. This trip is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQs
Are there petrol stations along the way?
You can book the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour through our website or contact our customer service team. Our cancellation policy varies so please read our terms and conditions or get in touch with us for more info on refunds and rebooking.
Which part of the Great Ocean Road is the most beautiful?
The Lorne to Apollo Bay section is often considered the most beautiful part of the Great Ocean Road. But the whole picturesque coastline is full of stunning spots, so be sure to bring your camera to capture these moments!
What to bring?
We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather. Bring a camera for the coastal views, a water bottle and any personal items or medications you may need. A light lunch is provided, but you may want to bring some extra snacks.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. However, due to the terrain and activities involved, it is not suitable for very young children or people with mobility issues.
What’s different about the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour?
The Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour is designed to be a more peaceful and convenient experience by travelling in the opposite direction to most tours. This way we avoid the crowds at popular spots and get a unique perspective of the Great Ocean Road.
How long does the tour take?
The tour is a full day, starting in the early morning and finishing in the evening. Although the duration may vary due to traffic and weather, it’s usually around 12-14 hours.
