Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day Tour from Melbourne
Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day Tour to discover the 12 Apostles and more with lunch included
Briefing
Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne in a different way with this reverse-direction tour, designed to make the most of your day and visit the most iconic sites before most tour groups arrive. You’ll first head to the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, and continue exploring cliffs, wild beaches, and panoramic viewpoints along the Victoria coast.
During the Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day Tour from Melbourne, you’ll visit must-see sites such as Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, Razorback Lookout, the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, and Great Otway National Park, where you’ll walk among ferns and giant trees in an ancient temperate rainforest. In addition, along the route, the guide will try to spot koalas in the wild and other Australian animals in their natural habitat.
Why choose this tour?
- You’ll see the 12 Apostles.
- You’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge in the morning light.
- You’ll enjoy the viewpoints at Mutton Bird Island and Razorback.
- You’ll look for Australian wildlife in the wild.
- You’ll hike through the rainforest of Great Otway National Park.
- You’ll travel along the famous Great Ocean Road.
- A morning snack and a light picnic lunch are included.
- You’ll be able to use a multilingual translation app to better follow the guide’s explanations.
- This tour takes the opposite route from the usual one to avoid peak traffic times, ensuring a more peaceful and exclusive experience.
Would you prefer to take this tour in the usual direction? Check out the Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne.
Tour details
Included
- Round-trip transportation from downtown Melbourne
- Expert Driver's Guide
- Entrance to Great Oatway National Park
- Morning tea or snack
- Morning snack
- Light picnic-style lunch
- Onboard Wi-Fi (subject to availability)
- Multilingual Translation App
Not included
- Dinner and drinks
- Personal headphones for the multilingual translation app
Important information
- RESTRICTIONS: Tour suitable for all ages. The rainforest walk is easy, but we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
- ITINERARY: The itinerary may vary depending on weather, traffic, or road conditions.
- CANCELLATIONS: The tour will operate in the rain unless extreme weather conditions make travel unsafe.
- WILDLIFE: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, although along the route you may have the chance to see native birds, koalas, kangaroos, or other animals in their natural habitat.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. After that time, or if you don’t show up, no refunds will be issued.
Tour itinerary
Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day Tour from Melbourne
Duration: Approximately 13 hours.
Departure from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road
The tour begins in Melbourne, where you’ll be picked up at one of the designated pickup points in the city center. From there, you’ll travel inland through Victoria, passing through the Colac area, until you reach the famous Shipwreck Coast, where you’ll visit the breathtaking 12 Apostles. By taking the route in the opposite direction, you’ll arrive at the most popular attractions before other groups and avoid some of the usual crowds.
Loch Ard Gorge and Port Campbell
Next, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, near Port Campbell. You’ll walk among cliffs, rock formations, and a beach sheltered by stone walls. You’ll also learn about the history of this coastline, famous for the many shipwrecks that have occurred in its waters.
Mutton Bird Island and Razorback Lookout
The route will continue to Mutton Bird Island and the Razorback Lookout. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the cliffs, the ocean, and the rock formations shaped by the force of the wind and waves.
Hike through Great Otway National Park
Later, you’ll head into Great Otway National Park for a guided hike through an ancient temperate rainforest. Depending on the conditions that day, you’ll explore areas such as Maits Rest or Melba Gully, surrounded by ferns, tall trees, and lush vegetation.
Scenic Drive Along the Great Ocean Road
After the hike, you’ll travel along one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Ocean Road, a coastal highway designated as an Australian National Heritage site. You’ll pass by beaches, forests, green hills, and ocean views as you continue exploring Victoria’s coastline.
Koala Sightings in the Wild
During the tour, the guide will try to spot koalas in the wild in the eucalyptus forests near the coast. You’ll also have the chance to see other Australian animals in their natural habitat, although sightings aren’t guaranteed since these are wild animals.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
Before heading back, you’ll stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots along the route. This arch commemorates the World War I soldiers who helped build the road.
Return to Melbourne
Finally, you’ll return to Melbourne after a full day on the reverse Great Ocean Road Tour, including lunch, departing from Melbourne. Arrival is scheduled for around 8:30 p.m.
What to bring to Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day from Melbourne tour
The weather along the Victoria coast can change quite a bit throughout the day. In summer, temperatures are usually mild or warm, while in winter they can be cool, especially in the morning, at sunset, and in areas near the ocean. Additionally, wind and rain can occur at any time of year, so we recommend the following list of what to pack for a trip along the Great Ocean Road in Australia:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat
- Insect repellent
- Snacks for the trip
- Camera or cell phone with a charged battery
- Personal headphones for the translation app
And if you’d rather take this tour in the opposite direction, check out the Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with Lunch from Melbourne.
Where does the tour Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day from Melbourne start
This tour departs from the meeting point in Melbourne, which you'll reach via the shuttle service from select locations in downtown Melbourne.
Questions & Answers
What are the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles are a group of limestone formations located off the coast of Port Campbell National Park, along the Great Ocean Road. Although there were originally more formations, only eight remain today. They are one of the most photographed sites in Australia because of their beauty, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What's the best way to see the 12 Apostles?
The best way to see the 12 Apostles is from the viewing platforms along the Great Ocean Road. From there, you'll enjoy one of the most famous views of Australia's southern coast.
Is there an admission fee to visit the 12 Apostles?
No. Admission to the 12 Apostles will be free and open to the public year-round.
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
You could spend several days leisurely exploring the Great Ocean Road and discovering all the beauty of the coast and the Otway Forest. However, this one-day tour from Melbourne is designed to take you to the route’s must-see spots in a single day.
What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 28 people.
Will I be able to see koalas and kangaroos during the Great Ocean Road Reverse Premium Day Tour from Melbourne?
During the tour, you’ll have the chance to see koalas and kangaroos in the scrubland and forest areas near the Great Ocean Road. However, sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals living in the wild.
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