Eco-Friendly Great Ocean Road with lunch from Melbourne
FromA$180
13 hours
Max 28 people
Commentary: Audio · fr, de, it, nl, ja, ko, pt, zh-HK, zh, es, en
Melbourne, Australia
About this activity
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.
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
Full 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.
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
Meeting point
Start Location
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne, 189 Queen St, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne, 189 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Pickup time is at 7:20am.
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.
Know before you go
- 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 policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
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.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
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.