From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Premium Tour in Reverse

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the iconic Twelve Apostles and exploring Australia’s rugged coastline, this reverse guided tour from Melbourne offers an intriguing twist. Instead of following the typical route, this experience takes you inland first, then winds back along the coast, promising a more intimate and less crowded adventure.

What we particularly like about this tour is the small group size—limited to just 11 travelers—which means more personalized attention from your guide and fewer fellow travelers elbowing for the best photo spot. Plus, exploring Australia’s natural wonders in reverse allows you to beat the crowds at the main attractions, giving you a more relaxed experience.

A possible downside? Because the itinerary starts inland early in the day, you might miss some of the lively coastal buzz if you’re craving more time at the beaches or the Twelve Apostles. Still, this route suits travelers eager for quieter moments, wildlife encounters, and a deeper connection with nature—all in a full 12-hour day trip from Melbourne.

This tour is perfect for outdoor lovers, first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without the hustle, and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a touch of local wildlife, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Small group advantage: Limited to 11 travelers, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.
• Crowd-avoidance: Traveling in reverse means fewer travelers at major sights, especially the Twelve Apostles.
• Wildlife spotting: Opportunities to see koalas, kangaroos, and native birds in their natural habitat.
• Rich natural scenery: From limestone formations and beaches to lush rainforests, this tour offers diverse landscapes.
• Guided rainforest walk: Experience Australia’s flora and fauna firsthand in Great Otway National Park.
• Balanced itinerary: Includes scenic drives, wildlife viewing, cultural stories, and free time for photos and small walks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: An Alternative Take on the Great Ocean Road

This reverse tour of the Great Ocean Road is an appealing option for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, intimate experience. Instead of starting along the coast and battling the tourist rush, this tour drives inland first, arriving early at the key sights—before the crowds arrive. It’s a smart choice if you value quiet moments and want your photos to be less crowded.

Two things we love about this tour are the small group size and the flexibility of the guide. These elements translate into a more personalized experience, where your guide can share stories, answer questions, and adjust to weather or unexpected changes. We also appreciate the commitment to wildlife and natural scenery, making this more than just a sightseeing run—it’s a chance to see Australia’s native animals and lush landscapes up close.

A consideration is that since the tour departs early and involves a lot of driving, it might feel a bit long for the faint of heart or those with limited energy for a full-day outing. However, if you’re eager to see the highlights without the crowds and don’t mind a full day on the road, this trip is well worth it.

This experience suits active, curious travelers who love nature, photography, and learning about local wildlife. It’s especially great for those who want to avoid the busy tourist spots and enjoy a more authentic encounter with Australia’s coast and rainforest.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Pickup and Early Morning Start

The tour begins with a pickup from Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank, or Docklands, in a modern, white Toyota Hiace minibus. The small group size guarantees everyone gets a window seat and personal attention. After a brief introduction from your guide, your adventure begins with a scenic drive inland.

Winchelsea for Breakfast

The first stop is in a rural town for breakfast (cost not included). Here, you can stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and soak in some local rural charm before heading to the coast. Many reviews mention this as a pleasant, low-pressure start to the day, with the chance to chat with fellow travelers and get excited for what’s ahead.

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Gibson Steps and the Limestone Cliffs

Next, your guide takes you to Gibson Steps for a quick sightseeing stop. This vantage point offers impressive views of towering limestone cliffs, and you might get a chance to see the beach below. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with fewer people around.

The Twelve Apostles — Without the Crowds

The highlight of the trip is the Twelve Apostles, but thanks to the reverse route, you arrive early—before the usual crush of travelers. You’ll have about 45 minutes to walk along the boardwalks, take photos, and marvel at these iconic limestone stacks. Many reviewers, like Carmen from Germany, say “we had a wonderful trip,” and appreciated the early access to this world-famous site.

The Razorback and Loch Ard Gorge

From there, you’ll visit the Razorback, a dramatic rock formation that looks like a natural fortress. Then, a visit to Loch Ard Gorge, famous for its shipwreck history, offers a blend of stunning scenery and stories of survival. You’ll spend about 25 minutes exploring the gorge and beach below, with plenty of photo opportunities. Several travelers mention how the storytelling about the shipwreck adds a layer of fascination.

Rainforest Walk in Great Otway National Park

After nearly a full morning of coast-focused sights, you’ll drive through Great Otway National Park for a 20-minute guided rainforest walk. It’s a refreshing change from the coastal cliffs—a chance to see lush greenery, native plants, and local wildlife up close. One reviewer praised the “wildlife viewing” in this part, noting the chance to see kangaroos and birds in their natural environment.

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Around midday, you’ll stop in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell for a 50-minute break—time to grab a meal (cost not included), enjoy the beach, or stretch your legs. Many find this the perfect moment to relax and take in the coastal ambiance. Some recommend grabbing a pie from the bakery and eating it on the beach for a truly local experience.

Scenic Drive along the Coast

The afternoon is spent traveling back along the coast, with scenic stops like Teddy’s Lookout. This spot offers sweeping views of the ocean and cliffs, perfect for panoramic photos. The drive itself is narrated with stories and facts, enriching the visual experience.

Wildlife Encounters and Lorne

As you head back, keep your camera ready for koalas, parrots, and other wildlife. The final stop is in Lorne, a charming seaside town, for a quick walk and more photos of the beach and townscape. Many reviews mention the stunning coastline views from here—an ideal way to conclude the day.

Return to Melbourne

Your driver drops you off back at your starting point in Melbourne, ending a full day of natural beauty, wildlife, and scenic drives.

What Makes this Tour Stand Out?

The key difference with this tour lies in its reverse route, which offers several advantages. Arriving early at the Twelve Apostles means you avoid the crowds that can make photos frustrating and diminish the experience. Several reviewers, like Kate from the UK, loved the “well-paced” schedule and appreciated the “lots of stops,” which kept the day lively and varied.

The small group setting not only fosters a more relaxed environment but also allows your guide to share insights and stories that larger bus tours can’t match. Many guests mention how the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to the experience.

The diverse scenery—from limestone stacks and beaches to rainforests and mountain overlooks—means you’ll come away with a broad snapshot of Victoria’s natural beauty. The wildlife sightings are an added bonus, especially sightings of koalas and kangaroos, which many travelers cherish.

A notable feature is the flexibility: the tour can be adjusted slightly based on weather, and the guide’s ability to adapt was praised, especially when rain affected the national park walk. This focus on local weather and conditions reflects a genuine effort to make the most of the day.

The Practicalities and Value

At 12 hours, this is a long day, but many travelers find the experience well worth the effort. The cost, when compared to the value of the included sights, wildlife encounters, and the personal guide, is reasonable for such an all-encompassing, stress-free trip.

Transportation in a modern minibus with limited group size enhances comfort and flexibility. The early pickup and late return are designed to maximize your time at each stop, ensuring you get the most out of each location.

The tour is not suitable for children under 7, which makes sense given the length and walking involved. For those over 7, it’s a chance to introduce young travelers to Australia’s stunning landscapes without the chaos of larger tours.

Final Thoughts

This reverse Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne offers a compelling alternative to the standard route. It’s especially suited for those who seek a quieter, more personal experience, with ample wildlife viewing and varied scenery. The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and early access to key sights make it a memorable day trip.

If you’re a traveler who values authentic natural encounters and prefers avoiding crowds, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone eager for a relaxed pace and plenty of photo opportunities.

While it’s a long day, the combination of scenic drives, wildlife, and natural beauty justifies every minute spent on the road. With flexible planning, friendly guides, and stunning vistas, this experience is one of the best ways to take in Victoria’s coast from Melbourne.

FAQ

How early does the tour pick me up?
Pickups are available from Melbourne CBD, Southbank, and Docklands, generally starting early in the morning to maximize the sightseeing time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there will be walking at various stops, especially during the rainforest walk and exploring the beaches.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old. For older kids, the full-day adventure offers plenty of engaging scenery and wildlife.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, covering scenic drives, sightseeing, and walks in a small group setting.

What’s included in the price?
Transport in a modern minibus, a guided commentary, and a personalized experience. Meals and snacks are on your own during breakfast and lunch stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning.

Is there wildlife viewing?
Absolutely, wildlife sightings of koalas, kangaroos, and parrots are common, especially during the rainforest walk and scenic drive.

To sum it up, this reverse Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne offers a fresh take on a classic experience. It’s a well-balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and culture, with the added benefit of avoiding crowds and traveling in a small, friendly group. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another look, it’s a trip that combines comfort, adventure, and authentic natural beauty—a true Australian highlight.

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