From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Premium Tour in Reverse

Planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road? This reverse route tour from Melbourne offers a fresh way to experience one of Australia’s most famous coastlines. Instead of battling crowds at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll explore these highlights early in the day, when they’re quieter and more photogenic. With a small group of no more than 11 people, the experience promises intimacy, flexibility, and plenty of opportunities for authentic encounters with nature and wildlife.

What we love about this tour is how it shifts the typical itinerary, giving you a more relaxed, less hectic way to take in the sights. The guide’s local knowledge makes all the difference, especially when spotting koalas and parrots or explaining the stories behind the rugged formations. Plus, the rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park offers a cool contrast to the coastal scenery. However, a potential consideration is that breakfast and lunch are not included, so packing snacks or planning meals ahead can make the day even smoother.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to beat the crowds, appreciate small-group vibes, and enjoy a mix of coastal beauty and lush rainforest. If you’re after a well-paced, insightful adventure with plenty of memorable moments, this tour ticks all those boxes.

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Key Points

Reverse Route Advantage: Get to major sights before crowds arrive
Small Group Experience: Limited to 11 participants for personalized attention
Wildlife Encounters: Spot koalas, kangaroos, and colorful birds in the wild
Diverse Scenery: From rugged limestone formations to lush rainforests
Flexible Stopovers: Options for exploring beaches and enjoying local cafes
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance storytelling and safety

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Looking for more options in Melbourne? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Early Start with a Rural Breakfast

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Melbourne CBD, Southbank, or Docklands, usually early in the morning. The drive begins inland, heading through scenic countryside before arriving at a quaint rural town. Here, you can enjoy breakfast (not included in the tour price) and get a quick stretch before the day’s adventure. This initial stop sets a relaxed tone, allowing you to shake off city fatigue and prepare for a full day of exploration.

First Stop: The Twelve Apostles — Quiet and Photogenic

By taking the route in reverse, you’ll reach the Twelve Apostles early, often before the big crowds. This limestone marvel, with its dramatic stacks rising from the ocean, is the star of any Great Ocean Road trip. The advantage? Fewer visitors, which means plenty of space for photos and a more contemplative experience. Your guide will likely point out details such as the Razorback rock formation and the Gibson Steps lookout, giving you insider info that makes the scenery even more fascinating.

Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Stories

Next, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, a site packed with history and stunning views. The gorge is famous for the shipwreck of the Loch Ard, and your guide shares tales that bring the rugged landscape to life. There’s time to stroll along the beach and snap shots of the iconic cliffs. One reviewer mentions how their guide’s storytelling made the shipwreck story particularly engaging, adding a personal touch to the visual spectacle.

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Lunch in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay

Around midday, you’ll stop in a local town for a break. While lunch is not included, many guests choose to grab a bite at a local cafe or pack a picnic. We loved the idea of ordering a pie and eating it on the beach at Apollo Bay, as one reviewer suggested—simple, authentic, and perfectly fitting for the relaxed vibe of the coast.

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Rainforest Walk in Great Otway National Park

After lunch, the tour takes a refreshing turn inland to explore the Great Otway National Park. A guided rainforest walk of about 20 minutes reveals the lush, towering trees and vibrant greenery that make Australian rainforests special. This stop offers a peaceful counterpoint to the rugged coast, and many travelers appreciate the chance to connect with nature in this quiet, green sanctuary.

Coastline Drive and Wildlife Spotting

Reentering the coast, you’ll cruise along the famous Great Ocean Road through Apollo Bay, with plenty of chances to spot koalas, parrots, and other wildlife. The guide’s local expertise shines here, helping you spot animals and explaining how and where they live. One review enthusiastically mentions seeing koalas and kangaroos, which adds a memorable wildlife element to the day.

Final Stop: Lorne

Before returning to Melbourne, the tour stops in Lorne, a charming seaside town with lovely beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a quick walk or some last-minute photos. Many guests find this a fitting closing to a day full of natural beauty.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour uses modern, white Toyota Hiace minibuses, known for comfort and reliability. The small group size — limited to 11 participants — makes for a relaxed atmosphere and ample opportunity to chat with the guide, ask questions, or just enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The 12-hour duration ensures a comprehensive experience without overly long travel times, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a well-paced day with plenty of breaks.

Timing-wise, pickups are flexible within Melbourne CBD, Southbank, and Docklands, and start times vary depending on availability. Since breakfast and lunch are not included, bringing snacks or planning for meals is advisable. The tour is designed for travelers 7 years and older, so it’s suitable for families with older children or teenagers.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One reviewer, Kate from the UK, mentioned how well-paced the tour was, with lots of stops and the chance to see wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. She also recommended grabbing a pie at a bakery and eating it on Apollo Bay’s beach—a simple but memorable tip that captures the relaxed, authentic vibe of this trip.

The guide’s storytelling and local knowledge elevate the experience, turning scenic views into stories of shipwrecks, geological formations, and animal behaviors. This adds depth and context, making each stop more engaging than just a photo opportunity.

The tour’s price of $105 per person reflects good value, considering the transportation, guide, rainforest walk, and the exclusive early access to major sights. It’s a budget-friendly way to see the key landmarks without the hassle of planning your own route, especially when you factor in the benefit of avoiding crowds and having a local guide to enhance your understanding.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and want time to truly enjoy the sights without the crowds. It suits those interested in wildlife, nature, and stories behind the landscapes, rather than just ticking off photo spots. Families with children over 7 will find it manageable, and anyone who wants to experience the Great Ocean Road with a knowledgeable guide will love this reverse route approach.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized day that balances scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural stories, this tour hits the mark. It’s excellent for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, especially those who value avoiding the typical rush of the crowds.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
Your guide, transportation in a comfortable minibus, a rainforest walk, and bottled water are all included. Breakfast and lunch are not covered, so plan to bring snacks or buy meals during the stops.

How long is the tour?
The tour runs for approximately 12 hours, making it a full-day experience that covers all the major sights at a relaxed pace.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 11 participants, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience compared to larger coach tours.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, chances are high to spot koalas, kangaroos, and colorful parrots along the route, especially with your guide’s help.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 7 years old are welcome, but younger kids may find the long day and walking stretches a bit tiring.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, and consider packing snacks or a packed lunch if you prefer not to buy during the stops. Weather-appropriate clothing is also recommended.