Taking a trip along Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road is often a highlight for visitors craving breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and iconic landmarks. This 13-hour tour from Melbourne promises not just the sights but a carefully curated journey that emphasizes comfort, expert guidance, and authentic coastal experiences. We’re here to break down what you can expect, from the scenic stops to the little surprises along the way.

What really stands out for this tour are the carefully planned reverse itinerary, the small group size (max 14 guests), and the thoughtful service aboard a plush Mercedes minibus. Although the long ride might be a stretch for some, the quality of stops and expert guides make it well worth considering. If you love nature, photography, and discovering local wildlife, this could be your perfect day trip. But if you prefer a more leisurely pace with lots of time at each stop, some reviews suggest it might feel a tad rushed.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

Reverse itinerary avoids crowds, perfect for photos and quieter experiences
Small group size ensures personalized attention and comfort
Expert guides with extensive knowledge make history and wildlife come alive
Breathtaking sights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and wildlife encounters
Value for money with all-inclusive stops, guidance, and transport
Long travel time means bringing snacks and patience for the road

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the Melbourne Great Ocean Road Premium Reverse Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day exploring Australia’s rugged coastline. The reverse route means you visit some of the most popular sites at times that are less crowded, giving you a more intimate experience and better photo opportunities. From the moment you are picked up from your hotel, the journey is designed to be smooth, comfortable, and packed with highlights.

For wildlife lovers, the chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and parrots close-up in Kennett River adds a layer of genuine connection to Australian nature. The tour balances scenic views with cultural stops—like the historic Split Point Lighthouse and the iconic Memorial Arch—adding depth to your experience beyond just sightseeing.

This experience suits those who appreciate quality guidance. Many reviews highlight guides like William and Philip, who go above and beyond with their enthusiasm, local stories, and personal touches. This is a tour that values storytelling and personal interaction as much as the sights.

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

Possible Downsides to Consider

While the tour offers excellent value, the 13-hour duration can be taxing, especially if you’re not used to long bus trips. Some reviewers recommend bringing a neck pillow or snacks, as the initial part of the journey involves a roughly three-hour ride. Also, the tight schedule means some stops are brief, which might feel rushed for those wanting more time to explore each site.

What’s Included and How It Works

Guests are picked up from convenient Melbourne locations like CBD, Southbank, and Docklands, making it easy to join without a long commute. The small group size (max 14 people) promotes a more personalized experience, allowing guides to provide better explanations and answer questions.

The luxury Mercedes minibus is climate-controlled and designed for comfort, with cozy seating that makes the long ride more bearable. Throughout the day, you’ll visit key sites such as Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and Kennett River, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The late lunch around 3 PM gives you a chance to relax and sample fresh local seafood in Apollo Bay.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Loch Ard Gorge: The first stop offers spectacular cliffs and a poignant history; plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to walk along the scenic paths. Reviewers mention this as an iconic, must-see spot.
The Twelve Apostles: Visiting at the right time means better light for photographs, and smaller crowds. You get some free time here to stroll and soak in the views.
Great Otway National Park: The tour passes through, with a focus on wildlife spotting in Kennett River. Guests often report seeing koalas in their natural habitat, resting in eucalyptus trees, and parrots fluttering around.
Apollo Bay: A relaxed seaside town perfect for a lunch break. Many guests rave about the local seafood and regional specialties.
Memorial Arch & Split Point Lighthouse: These historic landmarks add cultural and historic context to your journey, with plenty of photo stops.
Kennett River: The wildlife highlight, where you might see koalas, kangaroos, and native birds up close, making it a favorite for many reviewers.

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What Makes This Tour Special?

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The Reverse Itinerary

Most tours follow the traditional route, but this tour flips the script. Visiting popular sites earlier or later in the day helps avoid large crowds and busy photo spots. Guests have commented that this approach allows for better photos and a more relaxed experience at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Smaller Group, More Personal

With a maximum of 14 guests, you’ll get more personalized attention from your guide. Reviewers like William and Philippe are praised for their friendly demeanor, extensive knowledge, and ability to make the tour both informative and fun. It’s these interactions that elevate the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a memorable adventure.

Wildlife & Scenic Beauty

From koalas snoozing in trees to parrots in flight, the wildlife stops allow for genuine encounters. The scenery, with its towering cliffs, lush forests, and iconic rock formations, is stunning at every turn. Guests often mention how they appreciated the timing of the stops, which allowed views in the best light for photos.

Comfort and Convenience

Travelers appreciate the luxurious Mercedes minibus, which offers a smooth ride and climate control, making the long day more comfortable. Pickup from central Melbourne locations adds to the ease, especially for those staying in the city.

Value for Money

Considering the comprehensive itinerary, wildlife encounters, expert guides, and transportation, many reviews consider the tour excellent value. The inclusion of lunch and multiple stops means you won’t need to worry about additional costs during the day.

The Detailed Itinerary and Highlights

Loch Ard Gorge

This site is a powerful mix of natural beauty and history. The gorge’s name derives from a shipwreck, and the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters make for stunning photos. Reviewers describe it as an “iconic” stop, with plenty of opportunities for scenic shots. You might also hear tales of shipwrecks and the stories behind the names, adding a historical dimension.

The Twelve Apostles

Arguably the most famous part of the tour, the Twelve Apostles are a series of limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Visiting in the late morning or early afternoon often means better lighting for photos while avoiding the crowds that flock here later in the day. Guests like Marta and Jessica mention how the timing allowed them to “see the beautiful views and take plenty of pictures.”

Great Otway National Park & Kennett River

The lush eucalyptus forests are a highlight, especially for wildlife lovers. Guests frequently mention spotting koalas in their natural habitat, resting quietly in the trees, and parrots fluttering by. The opportunity to see native birds and kangaroos in the wild makes this a truly authentic experience, according to reviews from guests like Raphaelle and William.

Apollo Bay & Lunch

After a scenic drive, you arrive in the peaceful town of Apollo Bay. Many travelers enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood. As one reviewer notes, the late lunch at 3 PM works well, giving time to relax and enjoy regional specialties. The town also offers some free time to explore or stroll along the beach.

Historic Landmarks: Memorial Arch & Split Point Lighthouse

These stops add a sense of connection to Australia’s maritime history. The iconic Memorial Arch is a popular photo spot, and the lighthouse is a beautiful historic site with panoramic views. Reviewers often comment on how these landmarks deepen their understanding of the area’s heritage.

Wildlife in Kennett River

This stop scores high on the list of most travelers. Many have been delighted to see koalas, with some lucky enough to observe them in the wild. The chance to see kangaroos and parrots adds to the adventure. Several reviews emphasize the expert guide’s knowledge in helping guests find and understand the wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Great Ocean Road experience offers a well-rounded day of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, all while keeping comfort and small group intimacy in focus. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a more personalized experience, avoid crowds, and enjoy professional guiding that enriches the journey.

If you’re someone who values timing for photography, loves seeing Australian wildlife, and appreciates comfort on long bus rides, this tour ticks all those boxes. The value for money is evident when you consider the included stops, guide expertise, and quality transportation.

However, be prepared for a long day—a few reviewers mention that the initial 3-hour ride can be tiring, and some stops are brief. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with extended time at each site, it might be worth considering how that fits into your travel style.

All in all, this tour is a fantastic way to experience the best of the Great Ocean Road, especially if you want to beat the crowds and enjoy a personalized, guided adventure in one of Australia’s most stunning regions.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
Starting times vary, so it’s best to check availability. The tour includes hotel pick-up at central Melbourne locations like CBD, Southbank, and Docklands for convenience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers all transportation, guided commentary, visits to key landmarks, wildlife sightings, and a late lunch around 3 PM. Snacks are recommended for the bus ride.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wildlife and scenic stops makes it family-friendly. However, the long duration might be tiring for very young children.

Can I see koalas and kangaroos in the wild?
Yes, Kennett River is known for wildlife sightings, including koalas resting in eucalyptus trees and kangaroos in their natural habitat.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, a camera, comfortable clothing, and layers to adapt to weather changes. A neck pillow is recommended for the bus ride, especially during the initial long stretch.

Are there any restrictions?
Alcohol, drugs, and food or drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 13 hours, making it a full-day outing.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, the Melbourne Great Ocean Road Premium Reverse Tour is a smart choice for travelers seeking a balanced, engaging day exploring Australia’s stunning coastline with an expert guide by their side. The focus on avoiding crowds, wildlife encounters, and comfort makes it stand out among similar tours. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or history buff, this experience offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the region.