PREMIUM Great Ocean RD Tour REVRS-Dlux MINIBUS-Hotel PickUP

Traveling along the Great Ocean Road is often considered a must-do in Australia, famed for its dramatic coastline, iconic rock formations, and abundant wildlife. This particular tour, offered by TOURS AROUND MELBOURNE, catches attention for its reverse itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy major sights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge with fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe.

While many tours follow the conventional east-to-west route, this one drives inland first, then returns along the coast. This seemingly simple switch makes a surprisingly big difference, making it easier to capture photos, enjoy the serenity of early morning stops, and avoid the crowds.

We love the personalized feel of the small bus, the knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the region, and the chance to see wildlife in the wild. The only caveat is that the tour is a long day, roughly 12 hours, which might be tiring for some. It’s best suited for those eager to see the highlights comfortably and without the hassle of large groups or rush.

If you’re after a well-paced, intimate experience with plenty of photo opportunities and insightful commentary, this tour could be your perfect choice.

Key Points

• Reverse itinerary helps avoid crowds and improves photo opportunities
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and comfort
• Wildlife sightings include koalas, kangaroos, and parrots in their natural habitat
• Expert guides make the experience engaging with stories and local insights
• Comfortable mini-bus with modern amenities for a smooth ride
• Long but well-organized day with plenty of stops and scenic drives

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Introduction

Our review focuses on a popular full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road, operated by TOURS AROUND MELBOURNE, known for its reverse route—starting inland in the morning and heading back along the coast—rather than the typical coast-to-inland journey. This small-group experience promises an intimate, crowd-free exploration of one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the small bus size, which makes for a more relaxed, less rushed day. The knowledgeable guides bring the scenery alive with engaging stories, local tips, and a genuine passion for this special part of the world. Sightings of native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and parrots are common and add a delightful touch to the trip.

A potential challenge is the long duration—about 12 hours—so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a quick snapshot or have limited stamina. But for travelers who love a comprehensive, well-paced adventure, this tour might be just right. It’s especially suitable for those wanting to maximize their experience while avoiding crowded spots and having plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and wildlife encounters.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Hotel Pickup and Early Drive to Colac

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Melbourne, a convenience that saves you from navigating public transport or waiting around for a meeting point. You’ll then head inland to Colac, a charming town where you can stretch, grab breakfast, and enjoy a quick coffee (cost not included). The early start means you hit the road before the crowds gather at the major sights, setting the tone for a more relaxed experience.

Tom and Eva Lookout

Your first stop is the Tom and Eva Lookout, where you get a brief but stunning overview of the coastline. The guide’s commentary here provides context about the geological formations and local stories, making it a worthwhile photo spot. It’s a manageable 20-minute stop, giving you enough time to snap photos and learn a bit about the landscape.

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The Twelve Apostles (50 Minutes)

Next, the highlight—the Twelve Apostles. Because of the reverse route, you’ll arrive early in the morning, before the larger crowds and tour buses descend. Views of these towering limestone stacks are even more breathtaking without the throngs of visitors. Many reviews rave about the stunning scenery and the ability to take better photos in the quiet morning air.

Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Stories

A visit to Loch Ard Gorge follows, with about 40 minutes to explore. This area is famous for the shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Your guide shares the story of the wreck—a gripping tale of survival—and you can wander along the beach, take photos of the cliffs, and appreciate the raw power of nature. The reviews mention how staying longer here would be nice, but the timing is balanced to fit the whole day.

Rainforest Walk in Great Otway National Park

Driving through Great Otway National Park, you’ll stop for a 20-minute rainforest walk at Melba Gully. This is a rare chance to connect with Australia’s lush rainforest scenery, contrasting sharply with the coastal views. Reviewers highlight the beauty of the rainforest and how this stops adds a refreshing variety to the trip.

Apollo Bay and Lunch Break

The tour offers a 50-minute free time in Apollo Bay, where you can choose to grab lunch at local cafes or take a quick stroll on the beach. The flexibility here is appreciated; you can eat at your own pace and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Many travelers note the beautiful setting and the chance to relax before heading back along the coastline.

Wildlife Encounters at Kennett River

On the return trip along the coast, there’s a 20-minute stop at Kennett River for wildlife viewing. Here, koalas often sleep among the eucalyptus trees, and kangaroos can be seen grazing in the fields. Multiple reviews mention how exciting it is to see wild koalas and kangaroos up close, making this a highlight for nature lovers.

Scenic Drive and Photo Stops

The journey along the Great Ocean Road itself is filled with scenic views and storytelling from your guide. The 2.33-hour stretch back along the coast includes multiple stops, walks, and photo opportunities, ensuring you get a comprehensive look at the rugged coastline and famous landmarks.

Memorial Arch and Small Stops

A quick stop at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View allows a final photo opportunity before heading back to Melbourne. An additional stop in Anglesea for tea and coffee tasting offers a relaxing end to the day, rounding out a full itinerary.

Return to Melbourne

The tour concludes at the Immigration Museum, in time for you to explore more of Melbourne or head back to your accommodation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Reverse Itinerary

Many travelers love the way this tour starts inland—before the crowds arrive—and then returns along the coast, giving a more peaceful encounter with the sights. Reviewers appreciate being able to capture the Twelve Apostles with fewer people, making it easier to take stunning photos and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed atmosphere.

Small Bus Comfort and Personal Attention

With a cap of about 13 travelers, the bus is modern, comfy, and intimate. This setup allows guides to give more personalized insights and respond to individual questions. Several reviews highlight how this small group size fosters a friendly environment and makes for a more flexible schedule.

Knowledgeable Guides

Although the tour is run by TOURS AROUND MELBOURNE, reviews frequently mention the quality of the guides—their enthusiasm, storytelling, and local knowledge. Travelers often say guides like Steve, Jay, Bill, or John go above and beyond, making the day informative, entertaining, and memorable.

Wildlife and Unique Encounters

Wildlife sightings, especially koalas and kangaroos, are a recurring highlight. Many reviews mention how exciting it is to see sleeping koalas in the wild and observe kangaroos grazing freely. These authentic moments add an extra layer of value to the experience.

Value for Money

Considering the long duration, hotel pickup, and multiple stops at top sights, many travelers feel this tour offers excellent value. The inclusion of free time at key stops and the personalized guides makes it a good investment for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of the region.

Practical Considerations

Transportation and Comfort

The deluxe mini-bus is equipped for comfort, with large windows for sightseeing and modern amenities. The small group size minimizes the feeling of being on a rushed bus tour, and the quiet, smooth ride helps you relax and take in the scenery.

Timing and Duration

The 12-hour day might seem long but is well-structured. The early pickup and carefully planned stops mean you won’t feel overwhelmed. Reviewers consistently mention that the timing allows for ample photos and wildlife encounters without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

While not specified directly in the data, the overall reviews suggest that the price reflects good value, especially given the personalized experience, expert guides, and wildlife sightings. Extra optional activities like helicopter flights are available at additional cost, adding a special touch.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed, and intimate tour of the Great Ocean Road. It’s ideal if you value expert guides, wildlife encounters, and avoiding crowds. The small bus setup makes it suitable for those who prefer a more personalized feel, and the reverse itinerary appeals to photographers and early risers.

However, if you’re limited on time or dislike long days, this might feel a bit exhaustive. Likewise, wheelchair users or those with very young children might find the daily length or walking stops challenging.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to see the best of the Great Ocean Road without the chaos of crowds, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and local stories. The knowledgeable guides and small-group comfort make the journey more personal and fun, transforming what might be just a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

The reverse route is a clever twist, allowing travelers to enjoy quieter mornings and better photos at iconic spots. The value is clear when you consider the multiple stops, expert commentary, wildlife sightings, and hotel pickup included in the price. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, informative, and scenic day—and one that leaves plenty of room for authentic encounters and stunning photographs.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup, which is confirmed the day before, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about 12 hours, from early morning pickup to return in Melbourne. It’s a long day but well-paced, with plenty of interesting stops.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Absolutely. Many travelers see koalas sleeping in trees and kangaroos grazing in the fields, especially at Kennett River.

What’s special about the reverse route?
Starting inland means you arrive at the major sights before the crowds and get better photo opportunities, especially at the Twelve Apostles.

Is the bus comfortable?
Yes, it’s a modern, deluxe mini-bus with large windows and comfortable seats designed for sightseeing comfort.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll have time at Apollo Bay or Port Campbell to buy lunch or snacks.

Is this tour suitable for families or seniors?
It’s best for those comfortable with a long day on a bus. Very young children or wheelchair users might find it challenging.

What makes this tour a good value?
The personalized guide, wildlife sightings, timings that avoid crowds, and hotel pickup all contribute to the good value for a comprehensive day out.

This tour offers a thoughtful balance of scenery, wildlife, and storytelling, making it a fantastic way to experience the iconic Great Ocean Road—minus the crowds and in style.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby