Our Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour allows you to enjoy the National Heritage listed Great Ocean Road without the crowds. By doing the day tour in reverse we avoid the masses at the 12 Apostles and give you the chance to get that perfect shot without the crowds at the viewpoints. Don’t worry this reverse tour covers all the major stops and highlights of our Great Ocean Road Experience tour so you won’t miss a thing.
Join our Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour and experience something different. Explore the coastal towns along the world-famous coastline, each with its own amazing rainforest scenery and photo opportunities. Our friendly and informative tour guides will give you an up close and memorable experience with comfort stops at quaint towns and villages that are suitable for all ages, so it’s perfect for everyone.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the magnificent 12 Apostles shipwreck coast away from the usual crowds
- Experience the unspoiled beauty of Loch Ard Gorge’s pristine beach under the vibrant mid-morning sun
- Uncover the magnificent views from Mutton Bird Island & Razorback Lookout
- Seek out Australian wildlife in its natural habitat
- Embark on a guided stroll through an ancient rainforest at Great Otway National Park
- Cruise along the renowned Great Ocean Road, a National Heritage-Listed landmark
- Environmentally conscious sustainable touring experience.
Tour Details
- Tour code: GORR-S
- Operating Schedule: Daily
- Timeframe: 12 hours
- Departure Time: 7:35 in the morning
- Return Time: 8:30 in the evening
- Inclusive of National Park entrance fees
- Provided with a light picnic-style lunch
- Chance to see Australian wildlife
- Guided by an experienced driver guide
- Detailed local tour commentary
- Designated pick-up and drop-off locations within Melbourne’s inner city.
What you can actually see
Full Itinerary
Get out of the city and head inland to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Experience the Great Ocean Road in reverse, avoid the crowds, and enjoy the beauty of this famous coastline without the masses. The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour lets you get those perfect photos at the 12 Apostles without the chaos. This itinerary covers all the highlights of the standard tour so that you won’t miss a thing.
Get out of the city and head inland to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Go on a unique adventure and explore the Great Ocean Road in reverse, off the beaten track. This way, you can avoid the crowds and really take in the beauty of this famous and beautiful coastline. Our first stop will be the 12 Apostles and the stunning rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell. Then, there is Mutton Bird Island and Razorback Lookout, both with magnificent views. After that, you can go on a guided walk at either Maits Rest or Melba Gully, ancient rainforests where you can see some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park.
We continue along the stunning Great Ocean Road, a UNESCO listed coastal road that winds through hillsides, beaches, coastal views and rainforests. Famous around the world for its beauty, this ocean road is an amazing experience away from the crowds. Our guides will try to spot the Australian koalas that live in the Eucalyptus forest groves along this coastline.
Our next regular stop is the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots on this rugged coastline. This monument is to the World War One soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road, a 243km long road that was completed in 1932. It’s the perfect spot for a group photo under the arch to share with your friends on social media.
Sit back, unwind, and savour the journey back to Melbourne’s vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Distance to Drive: 530 kilometres.
Journey Back to Melbourne
As the evening falls, keep an eye out for other Australian wildlife. A dinner stop is planned before the final leg of an hour’s drive back to Melbourne, aiming to arrive around 8:30.
Our Reverse Tour doesn’t lack any of the offerings of the traditional Great Ocean Road Tour. It simply offers a more secluded experience. If you love adventures that veer off the beaten path, this tour is definitely for you.
We also offer Yarra Valley Wine Tours, perfect for those wanting to explore Australia’s oldest wine-making region. Enjoy tastings at prestigious wineries and a meal at a top-rated Yarra Valley restaurant. Both our Yarra and Hunter Valley Wine Tours promise a memorable excursion into Australia’s wine culture. Book your Yarra Valley Wine Tour with the Great Ocean Road Tour today!
Additional information
Inclusions
- Admission charges for National Parks
- Casual picnic lunch
- Encountering Australian wildlife
- Escorted hikes (approx. 2-3km)
- WiFi accessible on board
- Led by a seasoned driver guide
- Travel in a contemporary air-conditioned bus
- Detailed local tour narration
- Chosen pick-up/drop-off location within Melbourne’s inner city.
Pickup Times And locations
Our central meeting point for this tour 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 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
- 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
- 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
- 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St, Melbourne
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
- 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
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.
Pricing Options
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour includes lunch – $ 145 for Adults (13+), $ 105 for Children (0 to 12)
Optional Extras:
Helicopter flight over the 12 apostles – $ 155 (subject to availability – payable directly 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.
Need To Bring
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
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.
