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Melbourne · Victoria · Australia

Great Ocean Road Reverse with Lunch

Starting From From $130.21 per person Current Project Expedition rate
13 Hours 4.29 / 5 1 reviews Easy activity level Single Day Group Tour Operated by Autopia Tours (Victoria/New South Wales/Queensland)
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The Experience

What your day looks like

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.

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • Experience the spectacular 12 Apostles shipwreck coast without the crowds.
  • Visit the pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge in the glory of the midmorning sun.
  • Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback lookout’s amazing views.
  • Search for Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Enjoy a guided walk through an ancient rainforest at the Great Otway National Park.
  • Drive along the worldfamous National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road.
  • Ecoconscious sustainable touring experience.
Detailed Itinerary

The journey, in full

Departs from Melbourne Colac for morning tea Twelve Apostles Loch Ard Gorge Great Otway National Park Apollo Bay Kennett River or Wye River Memorial Arch at Eastern View Aireys Inlet or Anglesea Return to Melbourne

Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Melbourne

Eco Tour at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.

Continued

Melbourne

Sightseeing at Great Otway National Park.

Continued

Melbourne

Eco Tour at Great Otway National Park.

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Included

National Park entry fees Light picnic-style lunch provided Morning tea with wildlife included Australian flora and fauna sightings Guided walks (~2-3km, subject to fitness levels) Hosted by an experienced driver guide Modern air-conditioned midi- coach travel Onboard WiFi & USB charging ports available Comprehensive local tour commentary Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)

Not Included

12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights - payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy snacks along the way. Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point. Personal travel insurance is highly recommended Spending money for personal items

What to Bring

Refillable water bottle Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen All-weather clothing Windbreaker Comfortable walking shoes Small day bag 5-7kg Travel insurance is recommended Money for dinner Camera to capture every moment

Restrictions

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.

Meeting & Pickup

COMPREHENSIVE PICKUP LIST: 6:50 - Pullman Albert Park - 65 Queens Road Albert Park 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel - 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne 6:58 - Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane - 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - corner Exhibition St & Lonsdale St Melbourne 7:00 - Nomads St Kilda Beach - 17 Carlisle St St Kilda 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St Melbourne 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance Melbourne 7:15 - Windsor Hotel - 111 Spring St Melbourne 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St Melbourne 7:20 - Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay Southbank 7:25 - The Savoy Hotel - 630 Little Collins St Melbourne 7:25 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank 7:30 - Pan Pacific Melbourne - 2 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf 7:30 - The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne - 44 Spencer St Melbourne 7:35 - Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St corner Market St Melbourne

Languages Offered

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Before Booking

Do you have any dietary requirements or food allergies?

Planning Notes

Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic

Traveler Impressions

What travelers are saying

2026-03-26 5.00 / 5

Sam made this excursion magical! His sense of humor, kindness, and knowledge made this excursion unforgettable!

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