The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour direction enables our passengers to experience the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road in all its morning glory with lunch included. Giving our passengers a better opportunity at the 12 Apostles without the crowds.
Eco-Friendly Great Ocean Road with lunch from Melbourne
Summary Description
Highlights
- Experience the spectacular 12 Apostles shipwreck coast without crowds
- Visit the pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge in the mid-morning sun
- Enjoy a guided walk through Great Otway National Park rainforests
- Drive along the world-famous National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road
- Eco-conscious sustainable touring experience in premium coach vehicles
Description
The Great Ocean Road is travelled by more than 3.5million visitors each year. The crowds at each iconic destination are becoming increasingly busy making this magical region harder to enjoy. We have designed this Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour to avoid the crowds at peak times and to also allow our guests to see the awe inspiring 12 Apostles in the morning sun light which brightly illuminates this incredible rock formation. Journey along the entire Great Ocean Road stopping to walk through an ancient rainforest, explore quaint seaside villages, encounter wild Koalas and see the many incredible cliff top lookouts along the way.
What sets us apart from other tour companies? Your comfort. We travel in premium coaches with extra legroom, reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports, ensuring that you enjoy every moment of this spectacular journey in style and relaxation.
Why follow the crowds when you can take the road less travelled? On our Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour, you'll skip the usual tourist rush, discover hidden gems, and enjoy iconic coastal views in a more relaxed, crowd-free atmosphere. Same breathtaking sights, just with smarter timing and the luxury of space.
We begin by heading inland via Colac, avoiding the typical tourist traffic, to bring you straight to the heart of the action—the stunning Shipwreck Coast. Our first stop: the world-renowned Twelve Apostles. With the crowds still a distance away, you’ll have plenty of time to fully absorb the panoramic views and capture that perfect, crowd-free photo without the interruption of selfie sticks. Next, we’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, where dramatic rock formations create a sense of stepping into another world.
But the journey doesn't stop there. We’ll also explore Mutton Bird Island and the Razorback Lookout, offering sweeping vistas that are sure to take your breath away. Following the coast, we’ll retreat to the tranquillity of Melba Gully in the Great Otway National Park, where ancient rainforests and towering trees create a serene escape from the outside world. It’s a truly immersive experience in one of the world’s most unique natural environments.
From there, we’ll follow the famous National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road, we’ll drive through charming townships like Lorne, Apollo Bay, Anglesea, and Kennet River, each with its own unique character and coastal charm. The scenic drive offers an ever changing landscape from rolling hills to pristine beaches, and dense rainforests spill into sparkling ocean views. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas—this stretch of road is a prime spot for spotting these adorable eucalyptus-loving creatures in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon we stop at the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, where you'll have the opportunity to snap a photo under the arch and mark your journey along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes—backwards, with a sense of adventure and a touch of exclusivity.
As the day comes to a close, we’ll make our way back to Melbourne, where you can reflect on an unforgettable experience—one that has allowed you to enjoy Australia’s most famous road trip in a more relaxed and thoughtful way.
Meals: Lunch. Driving distance: 570km. Walking distance: 2-3km.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures.
Included / Excluded
- National Park entry fees and Australian flora and fauna sightings
- Light picnic-style lunch and rainforest walk
- Hosted by an experienced driver guide with local tour commentary
- Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages
- Modern air-conditioned midi-coach travel, with onboard WiFi and USB charging ports
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
- Spending money for snacks and beverages
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Start Location Notes: Pickup time is at 7:05am.
End Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia
Accessibility
- Service animals allowed
- Travellers easily arrive and depart on public transport
Commentary
Audio : French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese Cantonese, Chinese Mandarin, Spanish, English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: contact phone number and dietary requirements
- Child fares apply to ages 0–12. All children 0–17 must be with an adult or legal guardian at all times.
- An easy to moderate level of fitness is required to complete beach walks.
- Notify us of medical conditions when booking. Tour requires moderate to high fitness and mobility.
- Tour not suitable for mobility-impaired guests, including wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
- Most dietary needs can be accommodated; however, passengers must inform tour operator in advance.
- Travellers must reconfirm tour details by calling 03 9393 1333 within 7 days before departure.
- Routes may change due to weather, park closures, or road conditions. Guest safety is our top priority.
- Limited to 1 small (5–7kg) day bag per person. No suitcases—please store them at your hotel.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund. Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund.
Options and Pricing
| Eco-Friendly Great Ocean Road with lunch (2025-26 season) | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 - 90 years) | $165.00 |
| Child (0 - 12 years) | $149.00 |
| Eco-Friendly Great Ocean Road with lunch (2026-27 season) | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 - 90 years) | $180.00 |
| Child (0 - 12 years) | $162.00 |
Points of interest
- Apollo Bay Beach, Apollo Bay VIC, Australia
- Memorial Square, Murray Street, Colac VIC, Australia
- Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell VIC, Australia
- Twelve Apostles, Princetown VIC, Australia
- Great Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View, Great Ocean Road, Eastern View VIC, Australia
Terms and Conditions
Click here to view full version: https://autopiatours.com.au/booking-terms-and-conditions/
Additional Information
<div>Please be aware that weather conditions can vary throughout the year in Victoria. While we endeavour to operate our tours as planned, there may be occasions when rain or inclement weather affects our itinerary. Rest assured, your experience will still proceed unless you are directly contacted by the tour provider. To ensure you're prepared for the weather, please check the average temperatures for your travel dates and pack accordingly.<br><br></div>
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
FAQ
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
As this tour itinerary provides a light lunch please notify us if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.
What is a suitable age for this tour?
Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking. Please note our vehicles do not have the storage to accommodate prams or strollers, these must be left at your hotel or accommodation.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.
How many people are on this tour?
We operate this tour with an average of 28 passengers, our standard vehicles are 28-seater Yutong midi-coaches. These vehicles are designed for safe & comfortable on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a smaller 24-seater such as a Mitsubishi Rosa bus.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.
What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel along the Great Ocean Road.
About operator:
With over 35 years of experience, Autopia Tours is a pioneer in delivering Australia’s most diverse range of premium small-group guided travel experiences. We go beyond the ordinary—avoiding the crowds, uncovering unexpected destinations, and embracing sustainable travel to preserve our environment for future generations.
At Autopia, we believe travel should be less about ticking boxes and more about creating authentic, meaningful experiences. Our tours are designed for the curious explorer—those who want to immerse themselves in nature, connect with local cultures, and share real adventures with like-minded travellers.
From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Red Centre and the rugged beauty of the Top End, to the coastal gems of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the tropical vibes of the East Coast, Autopia Tours covers it all. Whether you're cruising through Katherine Gorge, discovering hidden beaches along the Great Ocean Road, relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs, or exploring the ancient rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, every journey is crafted to leave a lasting impression.
Driven by passion, guided by purpose, and committed to responsible tourism—Autopia Tours invites you to explore differently, travel consciously, and experience Australia in its most raw and remarkable form.
At Autopia, we believe travel should be less about ticking boxes and more about creating authentic, meaningful experiences. Our tours are designed for the curious explorer—those who want to immerse themselves in nature, connect with local cultures, and share real adventures with like-minded travellers.
From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Red Centre and the rugged beauty of the Top End, to the coastal gems of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the tropical vibes of the East Coast, Autopia Tours covers it all. Whether you're cruising through Katherine Gorge, discovering hidden beaches along the Great Ocean Road, relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs, or exploring the ancient rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, every journey is crafted to leave a lasting impression.
Driven by passion, guided by purpose, and committed to responsible tourism—Autopia Tours invites you to explore differently, travel consciously, and experience Australia in its most raw and remarkable form.
Basic Information
- Duration: 13 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 28
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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