Melbourne : Great Ocean Road Rev Route Avoid Crowd & Max Stops

Travelers often find themselves captivated by Australia’s Great Ocean Road, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, limestone stacks, and sweeping seaside views. This particular tour offers a unique twist — a reversed route, designed to avoid crowds and maximize your stops at the most iconic landmarks. It’s a full-day adventure that promises not just sightseeing, but a genuine connection with Victoria’s rugged coast.

From multiple reviews, it’s clear that this experience is appreciated for its amazing scenery, knowledgeable guides, and great value. However, some travelers felt the lack of interaction or detailed commentary detracted from their experience. If you’re someone who loves scenic drives with well-timed stops, this tour could be a fantastic choice. Just keep in mind that it’s a long day — good stamina and patience are recommended.

What We Love About This Tour

• Fewer crowds and better views: Starting the day early and taking the reverse route helps you beat the tourist rush, especially at the popular attractions.
• In-depth stops at key sites: More time at each location lets you truly soak in the scenery — no rushed photo ops here.
• Knowledgeable, friendly guide: Many reviews praise guides like Nam and David for their patience and stories, making the trip both educational and fun.
• Great value for money: At around $56, the price includes all major stops, a comfortable vehicle, and lively commentary, making it a worthwhile investment.

A potential drawback? The tour’s emphasis on self-guided commentary means some travelers may miss out on detailed historical insights — if you prefer a fully guided experience, this might feel a bit light on narration. Still, for those who enjoy scenic driving with some engaging stops, it’s a solid pick.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those wanting a relaxed yet rundown of Victoria’s coastal treasures. It suits travelers who value avoiding crowds and want more time at each highlight rather than just ticking boxes.

Key Points

• Avoids crowds by starting early and taking a reversed route
• Includes at least 6 major stops with ample time for photos and exploration
• Guides like Nam and David are praised for their friendliness and knowledge
• Fabulous value for the price, with all major attractions included
• Long but rewarding day—expect approximately 12 hours of scenic travel and sightseeing
• Limited interaction at some sites may not suit those craving detailed commentary

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Out: Melbourne Pickup and Early Departure

The tour kicks off bright and early — pickups around 7:10-7:30 AM from central Melbourne locations like Bourke, Lonsdale, and Spencer Streets. The early start is crucial, as it allows you to beat the crowds at the first stops. The air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable, and with a group limited to 40 travelers, you’ll feel a bit more personal compared to larger tours.

Loch Ard Gorge: A Historic and Scenic Marvel

Your first major stop is Loch Ard Gorge, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes. This site isn’t just a pretty face; it’s steeped in history, being the scene of Australia’s most famous shipwreck in 1878. As you walk along the rugged pathways, you’ll get a chance to view the wreck’s site and imagine the peril faced by sailors. Reviewers like Joan highlight how the surprise sighting of wild koalas in nearby trees added to the charm, making this stop a hit for wildlife and scenery lovers alike.

The Razorback: Limestone Masterpiece

Next, you’ll visit The Razorback, a jaw-dropping limestone formation renowned for its jagged profile. With about 25 minutes here, you’ll have time to take photos, marvel at the natural architecture, and appreciate the breathtaking views. This site is often praised for its impressive geological features and the vistas it offers — perfect for snapping memorable photos.

The Twelve Apostles: Iconic Limestone Stacks

Arguably the most famous part of the tour, the Twelve Apostles are a must-see. This stop gets 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to stroll along the viewing platforms, soak in the spectacle of these towering limestone stacks, and learn about their somewhat misleading name — there are not actually twelve. Many visitors, including one reviewer, note the awe-inspiring scenery, often feeling the “wow” factor when standing in front of these natural monuments.

Apollo Bay: A Lunch by the Sea

Midday, you’ll pause in Apollo Bay, a charming seaside town known affectionately as “Paradise by the Sea.” With an 1 hour and 15 minutes here, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch, explore local shops, or take a short stroll along the beach. The town’s history ties back to fishing and timber industries, making it an authentic coastal community. Reviewers like Joan mention the serene atmosphere and the chance to see local fishing boats still operating today.

Kennett River: Spotting Koalas in the Wild

After lunch, the tour makes a quick 30-minute stop at Kennett River, a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts. This is where many lucky visitors spot wild koalas in native trees, often in close-up. One reviewer highlights how the wild koala sightings made the day extra special, emphasizing the value of stopping in a place where animals roam freely.

Split Point Lighthouse: Maritime History and Coastal Views

The final stop before returning to Melbourne is the Split Point Lighthouse. Standing sentinel on the Shipwreck Coast, it’s a dramatic reminder of the coast’s treacherous history. While the tour does not include the lighthouse entrance, the viewpoint is stunning and offers a chance to imagine the many ships that have met their end here. Reviewers say this is a must-see for maritime history buffs and those wanting that classic lighthouse view.

Back to Melbourne: Ending the Day

The tour ends back in Melbourne around 7:00 PM, with drop-offs at the original pickup points. Although the day is long, most travelers agree it’s a worthy investment for the scenery, wildlife, and the relaxed pace.

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort on the roughly 12-hour journey. Group sizes are capped at 40, striking a good balance between a social experience and avoiding overcrowding. Many reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, especially Nam and David, who provided detailed explanations and stories about each site.

Value and Pricing

For $56.21, this tour offers excellent value, including all major sights, transportation, and an experienced guide. The price is especially attractive considering the extensive itinerary, the included stops, and the avoidance of crowds. It’s a day that balances sightseeing without feeling rushed, and you won’t have to worry about logistics.

What’s Missing?

Meals are not included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan for lunch in Apollo Bay. Some reviews mention the lack of detailed narration at some points, which might disappoint travelers expecting a fully guided experience. However, if you enjoy scenic drives with interesting commentary, guides like Nam and David add plenty of personality and insight.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers, wildlife fans, and scenic drive enthusiasts. If you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time at each landmark, this tour delivers. It’s also ideal for those wanting to avoid crowds by starting early and taking the reverse route.

People who value good value for money and friendly, knowledgeable guides will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially good for travelers who don’t mind long days and want a rundown of Victoria’s coastal highlights without feeling rushed.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is available at central Melbourne locations like Bourke, Lonsdale, and Spencer Streets, making it convenient for most travelers.

How long is the total tour?
The tour runs approximately 12 hours, offering a full day of sightseeing and travel.

Are meals included?
No, meals are on your own. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch in Apollo Bay.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s a long day, so consider the stamina of younger children.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 40 travelers, which keeps the experience feeling more personal.

What if it rains?
The tour still runs in bad weather; some reviews mention that it can make the experience even more atmospheric.

Do I get free time at the stops?
Yes, at each major site, you get ample time (from 25 to 45 minutes) for photos, exploring, and enjoying the scenery.

Is the commentary detailed?
Guides like Nam and David provide friendly, engaging explanations, but some travelers felt it could be more in-depth.

Final Thoughts

This reversed Great Ocean Road tour offers an excellent way to see Victoria’s coast with fewer crowds and more time at each attraction. It’s a well-balanced experience for those who want scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and iconic landmarks without the hassle of large tour groups or rushed schedules.

The value for money is clear, especially considering the extensive itinerary and the expertise of guides praised in reviews. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort, authenticity, and a relaxed pace. Overall, it’s a reliable, enjoyable way to experience one of the world’s most stunning coastal drives.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic adventure with knowledgeable guides and a great lineup of stops, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip to Melbourne.