Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Twelve Apostles limestone formations
- Loch Ard Gorge's shipwreck history
- Otway National Park's lush rainforests
- Apollo Bay's coastal beauty
- Great Ocean Road's scenic coastal drive
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- National Park entry fees
- Lunch at a local café
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
A morning tea stop, as we travel inland in the morning and go straight from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, this is just a break to buy some coffee/breakfast (own expenses)
Travel inland in the morning and go straight to the 12 Apostles. Get there early, beat the crowds of the afternoon and enjoy these magnificent limestone formations when it’s still quiet and peaceful.
Go down and walk on this amazing beach. Be dwarfed by the 70-meter high vertical cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the nicknames given to the giant limestone stacks rising up out of the sea.
This is the most impressive limestone formation of the region, the views are breathtaking!
Be amazed by these two breathtaking attractions on this stop: - The Loch Ard Gorge - tragic and incredibly beautiful story of one of the most famous shipwrecks in Australia. Walk on the beach and feel dwarfed by the magnificent limestone and sandstone cliffs - The Razorback - the most impressive formation of this rugged shipwreck coast
Pass by: Drive through this amazing National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in Australia
Travel along the coastline on this most amazing coastal drive in Australia!
Pass by: Drive through the national park and watch these ancient threes passing by
A 20 minutes rainforest walk, to witness some of Australia's most amazing rainforest scenery at Great Otway National Park where you will feel really connected to nature.
Stop for lunch at this vibrant and cool coastal town at Victoria's Surf Coast. The tour guide will recommend some restaurant options, enjoy some fresh food before starting the second part of the day.
Try to spot the cute marsupials koalas and also take pictures of the orange-bellied parrots that hang around this place
Finish the day by taking some pictures of this amazing Lookout at the top of the cliff in Lorne
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates with a maximum of 11 guests for an intimate experience.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from select Melbourne locations.
- Lunch at a local café is provided; dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Consider bringing a light jacket, as coastal weather can be unpredictable.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- We are not able to accommodate children under 7 years of age on this tour, as according to VicRoads regulations they must travel on child restraints, which are not available in our minibuses. Passengers who show up with under 7 years old kids will be refused boarding without refund.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This is a small groups tour and the vehicles are 12 seaters minibuses Toyota Hiace or similar. In case extra room is required, send us a message so we can arrange large coaches option.
- If you are traveling with people, not in the same booking, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. We operate with multiple buses and can't guarantee sitting together without being informed.
Traveler reviews
Lovely Boutique Tour With Lots of Sights and Hidden Gems
I was a solo traveller and went for two tours with two different companies when I was in Melbourne: Hit The Road Tours was better. I went on a Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 Guests with Jimmy who has twenty years experience on 28 June 2026 and enjoyed myself. I liked that Jimmy gave tips for the lovely food at Apollo Bay, George’s Restaurant. He also was able to point out wildlife to us along the road—we stopped to see Koalas and Kangaroos from a respectful distance. The pace was quite fast, with each stop averaging less than an hour which is to be expected because you will be travelling close to 500km in a day! We could have done without the final stop at the chocolate factory to give us more time to appreciate the rest of the itinerary. Considering the earlier stops I mentioned and the fact that I visited Lorne Beach, the Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson’s Steps at Maits Rest at the Great Otway National Park, this tour is a gem. I recommend this tour for solo/couple travellers and not for families with children because of the pace. I love the small cosy minibus which in my opinion is not conducive for families with children, especially if a pram and other accessories are needed. Lastly, if you are truly eco-conscious and considerate to wildlife, this is the tour for you. There is no feeding/petting/carrying Koalas etc on this tour and you will leave feeling like you have had great memories without disrespecting the beautiful land or its wildlife. Hit The Road will be the first tour operator I consider when I return to Australia.
12 hours well-spent
A grand day out. Marty delivered on all his goals for us and even added a bonus stop at Muttin Island. The ice cream was the chef’s kiss on the trip. The reverse itinerary is definitely the way to go. Only downside: pictures of the surf from Lorne eastward are across oncoming traffic.
Fun and worth every dollar!
Peter the driver was amazing. He was passionate and had very good knowledge of not only Melbourne but Australia in general. He brought us kangaroo and koala spotting which was really fun.
Book this trip and ask for Marty! Incredible experience!
Absolutely the best way to see so many sites if you have limited time. Our tour guide and driver Marty was FANTASTIC and managed our group so well - keeping us on time to maximize the day. His stories, humor, and informed recommendations made the tour so personalized. I'll likely do this tour again and again with visitors thanks to this breathtaking experience. Thank you!!!!
The Best Road Trip from a Best Guide
Our Guide Mr. MARK was all you can ask for a SUPERB and RELAXING TRIP. He is a like a Father on a Road Trip with Children. SALUTE TO YOU SIR.