Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour – Max 11 Guests

Travelers eager to experience one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal drives without the hassle of crowds will find this Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour a compelling choice. Offered by HIT THE ROAD TOURS, this 13-hour adventure combines stunning scenery, expert guiding, and a small-group vibe that ensures comfort and personalized attention.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the reverse route, which means you’ll see the famous sights early in the morning when they’re quieter. Second, the small group size—with a maximum of 11 guests—creates a more intimate experience. Third, the value for money is hard to beat at just over $100 per person, especially considering the inclusions like park fees, bottled water, and a professional guide.

One possible consideration is that it’s a long day with extensive travel, so travelers should be comfortable with a full schedule and a minibús ride. It’s best suited for those who want a comprehensive, well-paced overview of the coast without sacrificing quality or personal attention. If you love scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and iconic geological marvels, this tour could be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures more space and personalized attention.
• Reverse itinerary helps avoid crowds at popular stops.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary and local insights.
• Inclusions like park fees, bottled water, and hotel pickup add value.
• Well-paced stops cater to all fitness levels and ensure quality sightseeing.
• Long but rewarding day with scenic drives, wildlife, and iconic landmarks.

The Value of a Small-Group Tour

Traveling in a 12-seater minibus, often a Toyota Hiace or similar, means you’re not stuck in a giant coach with hundreds of other travelers. Instead, you get more legroom, easier access to stops, and closer interactions with your guide. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—name drops like Mark, Jimmy, and Chris are mentioned as standout hosts who go beyond just pointing out sights to sharing stories and local secrets.

The price point of around $107.80 per person offers solid value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature (park fees, water, and pickup/drop-off). Plus, the early start at 6:30 AM and around 7 PM return time might seem long but allows you to optimize your sightseeing, enjoying the major highlights with fewer crowds.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Winchelsea — Morning Coffee and Breakfast

Your day kicks off with a quick break at Winchelsea, a 15-minute stop to grab coffee or breakfast (own expense). It’s a perfect way to fuel up before heading straight to the coast. Reviewers appreciated this early pause, noting it’s a relaxed way to start the day before the sightseeing begins.

Stop 2: The Twelve Apostles — Early in the Morning

Arriving early at the Twelve Apostles means beating the large afternoon crowds. The limestone stacks are a sight to behold, especially when the morning light hits them softly. The 50-minute stop allows plenty of time for photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Travelers emphasize how peaceful and less crowded it feels in the morning, making for memorable photos and a more personal experience.

Stop 3: Gibson Steps — Walking on the Beach

Next, you descend to Gibson Steps for a 20-minute walk on the beach. Standing dwarfed by 70-meter-high cliffs and gazing up at formations nicknamed Gog and Magog, visitors often comment on how stunning this stretch of coast is. Reviewers highlight the thrill of getting close to nature and the opportunity for spectacular photos.

Stop 4: The Razorback — Breathtaking Limestone Formation

The Razorback — a jagged limestone ridge — offers the most impressive views of the region’s rugged coastline. At 25 minutes, this stop is perfect for snapping photos and taking in the sweeping vistas. Guests have described the views as “breathtaking,” and some reviewers mention how this stop feels like a hidden gem, often less crowded due to the reverse route.

Stop 5: Loch Ard Gorge — Shipwreck and Stunning Beach

One of the tour’s emotional highlights, Loch Ard Gorge, combines natural beauty with a tragic story of shipwreck history. The gorge, accessible via a scenic walk, features a beach that feels utterly dwarfed by towering cliffs. Visitors often mention feeling connected to the landscape, with some quoting the story of the shipwreck making the visit more meaningful. The one-hour stop gives enough time for exploration and photos.

Drive through Great Otway National Park

Traveling through the Great Otway National Park, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The park is home to some of Australia’s tallest trees, and the drive alone offers excellent photo opportunities. Reviewers appreciate the scenic nature drive, emphasizing the calming effect of the ancient forests.

Stop at Mait’s Rest — Rainforest Walk

This 20-minute rainforest walk is a favorite, with plenty of reviewers mentioning how it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The lush scenery and the chance to see wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, or wallabies make this stop a real highlight. Some reviewers enjoyed the opportunity to connect with nature and appreciated the well-maintained walking trail.

Lunch in Apollo Bay

The vibrant town of Apollo Bay offers a much-needed break for lunch. The guide recommends local restaurants, and visitors often enjoy fresh seafood or casual bites. The 45-minute stop provides a relaxed setting to recharge before the afternoon’s wildlife spotting and scenic stops.

Kennett River for Wildlife

This stop is renowned for koala spotting and birdwatching, with many visitors thrilled by seeing wild koalas hanging in the trees and colorful parrots like the orange-bellied parrots. Reviewers praise the opportunity to see Australia’s iconic animals in their natural habitat, describing it as memorable and authentic.

Teddy’s Lookout — Final Scenic View

Concluding the tour at Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne, this 10-minute stop offers panoramic views over the coast. It’s the perfect spot for a last photo and a moment to reflect on the day. Reviewers love the spectacular vistas and how it caps off a busy but fulfilling day.

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a small, air-conditioned minibus, the tour ensures a more comfortable and flexible experience compared to larger coaches. The smaller group size allows for easier stops, less waiting, and more personal interaction. Reviewers highlight that while the seats aren’t overly spacious, they’re far more comfortable than larger tour buses, and the overall comfort makes the long day enjoyable.

Timing & Pacing

Starting at 6:30 am and returning around 7 pm, this schedule maximizes sightseeing while leaving plenty of time at each stop. The early start means you avoid the worst crowds at major sites like the Twelve Apostles. Guests consistently note that the long day is worth it, especially because the itinerary is well-paced with enough time for photos, walks, and leisure.

What’s Included & What to Bring

Park fees and bottled water are included, alleviating some logistical concerns. Food and drinks, however, are not included, so bringing snacks or purchasing meals in towns like Apollo Bay is recommended. Weather can vary, so dressing in layers and bringing rain gear is advised, especially since the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Guides & Authentic Experiences

Guides receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling. Reviewers often mention guides like Mark, Jimmy, Chris, and Ann, who go beyond just pointing out sights—they share stories, answer questions, and make visitors feel at home. Their local insights, combined with a genuine passion for the area, elevate the experience beyond a simple sightseeing trip.

Many travelers appreciated the personalized attention afforded by the small group size, allowing for more interaction and flexibility. It seems that the guides’ ability to adjust the pace, provide local tips, and share stories is what makes this tour stand out.

The Sum Up

This Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to experience the highlights of Australia’s iconic coast. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a more intimate, crowd-free experience with knowledgeable guides and authentic wildlife encounters. The long but rewarding day is packed with stunning scenery, fascinating stories, and plenty of photo opportunities.

If you value comfort, expert guiding, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary that avoids the busiest times at major sights, this tour is a superb choice. It balances value and quality beautifully, making it a memorable journey along one of the world’s most scenic routes.

FAQ

What is the start time for this tour?
The tour begins at 6:30 am, giving you an early start to beat the crowds and make the most of the day’s sightseeing.

How long is the total duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 13 hours, with a return to Melbourne around 7 pm.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll have time to purchase lunch or snacks in Apollo Bay or bring your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years old cannot be accommodated due to regulations requiring child restraints, which aren’t available in the minibuses.

What should I wear or bring?
Dressing in layers is recommended as weather conditions can vary. Bring a hat, waterproofs, and comfortable walking shoes for stops like Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

If you’re after a small-group adventure that combines stunning coastal scenery, wildlife sightings, and engaging storytelling, this tour hits the mark. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it offers a comfortable, authentic way to explore the mighty Great Ocean Road.