The Classic Great Ocean Road Tour

Our Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour is perfect for those wishing to take the route less travelled and skipping crowds!

We drive for a bit longer in the morning, inland through country roads to come out on the Shipwreck Coast at about 11am. Here we then explore Port Campbell national park, including the 12 Apostles, with far fewer other buses around.

Due to the more remote location at this end of the road we have a fresh sandwich lunch which can be enjoyed at one of the stops along the way.

We then come back to Melbourne in an easterly direction taking in all of the rainforest and surf coast stops that is the Great Ocean Road.

Your day will include the following highlights;

• The world-famous Twelve Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast
• Bush walk through the Otway’s Rainforest
• Koala and wildlife spotting
• Surf Coast beaches, seaside towns and stunning coastal views
• Historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Departs/Returns:

• Melbourne every day
• Departure times: from 7:00am approx. 

NOTE: Does not operate on Christmas Day (25th December) or New Years Day (1st January).

What is Included:

• Morning Tea and Coffee
• Sandwich Lunch
• Park Entry Fees
• A friendly driver/guide
• Informative tour commentary
• Inner city hotel pick up and drop off
• Audio translation Smartphone app in 10 languages

Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour Itinerary:

Once we have left Melbourne, it is a longer drive than normal as we head directly for Port Campbell National Park including the famous 12 Apostles. 

We take time to admire the amazing Limestone stack formations with minimal other tourists around, also if you are keen to take to the skies and add a helicopter ride over the Apostles on to your experience then this is the tour for you!

Also in the National Park is Loch Ard Gorge. Take a walk down on to the beach or out over the top of the Gorge and admire the Island Archway and Razorback rock formations.

A fresh sandwich lunch is included on this tour, as the Shipwreck Coast is a more remote part of the road we bring sandwiches made by our baker in the morning with us, so we can enjoy lunch on the go while we get out into the action.

We then depart just as other tour buses start to arrive, we head Eastward along the Great Ocean Road, coming inland we drive through towering Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a patch of Cool Temperate Rainforest. You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and, marvel at the ‘ancient relics’ – the Myrtle Beach trees that provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent.

After an ice cream stop in Apollo Bay your journey continues along the Great Ocean Road, however, it’s only now you begin to now see why this road is world-famous. Travel high into the clifftops of the Southern Victoria’s coastline, winding along high above the ocean. This section of the journey we will talk about the history of the Great Ocean Road while you enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Along this section of the Great Ocean Road, we will be making stops to look for Koalas hanging out in the wild. We cannot guarantee where they will show up, but our knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to search for them.

A monument to mark the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road. After some photos at the iconic Memorial Arch and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades. In fact, the Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest War Memorial. From here we will continue winding past more stunning views.

Time for some more wildlife spotting as dusk settles in and our marsupials become more active. You will have the chance to purchase dinner at a convenient stop on the way back to Melbourne, however as we have already done the long drive in the morning it is an easy hour back home to your hotel, arriving approx. 8.30pm.

We are often asked if you miss anything by taking the Reverse tour, the answer is no!

Note: Itineraries may change due to weather or other circumstances

Important Information

• Itineraries may be subject to change dependant on weather and other circumstances
• Prices are in Australian Dollars (AU$)
• Food can be purchased on stops during the tour or bring your own
• Child rates apply to children between 0 and 12 years
• To maximise the comfort of your journey, no luggage storage facilities are provided and it is recommended you bring a small daypack no bigger than 5kg

Wildlife Tours Australia is part of the Get Lost Travel Group and take sustainability seriously.

Reducing their Carbon Footprint:

• Renewable Energy: The Get Lost Travel Group depot in Melbourne is powered by 100% solar energy.
• Offsetting Carbon Emissions: 100% of all transport emissions are offset with their partnership with not-for-profit Greenfleet (see below).
• LED Lighting: The majority of lighting used by Get Lost Travel Group’s offices and depots is LED. This has reduced consumption by 65%.
• Carbon Neutral Printing: All Get Lost Travel Group printed brochures use 100% recycled paper and natural inks. The local Melbourne printing company, Mystique, offset 100% of their carbon footprint.

Commitment to Wildlife:

• Koala Clancy Foundation: The Get Lost Travel Group are proud sponsors of the Koala Clancy Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation passionate about the health and well-being of wild koalas.
• Wipe for Wildlife: Get Lost Travel Group, we have chosen to Wipe for Wildlife at the workplace, using only recycled toilet paper and tissues supplied by Who Gives A Crap.

Greenfleet Accreditated

Greenfleet is a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation on a mission to protect our climate by restoring our forests. 

They plant native biodiverse forests to offset carbon emissions on behalf of individuals and businesses and help fight the impacts of climate change. Since 1997, Greenfleet have planted more than 9.4 million native trees across over 500 biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand. 

Note: Wildlife Tours Australia does not currently hold Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia.