Duration:
TOUR CODE: GORR-S
OPERATES: Daily
DEPARTS: 7:35am
RETURNS: 8:30pm
TOUR DURATION: 13 Hours
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St Cnr Market St Melbourne @ 7:35am.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Experience the spectacular 12 Apostles shipwreck coast without the crowds.
- Visit the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and take in its dramatic beauty, with breathtaking views of the cliffs and hidden beach in the morning 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 world-famous National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road.
- Eco-conscious sustainable touring experience.
ITINERARY:
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.
INCLUSIONS:
- 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)
EXCLUSIONS:
- 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
- Personal expenses
WHAT TO BRING:
1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, all-weather clothing, windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, small day bag 5-7kg, money for dinner, and camera to capture every moment!
CHILD POLICY:
Child fare prices apply to infants and children aged from 0 to 12 years old. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times.
WEATHER:
Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, and a contact phone number. Fitness Level: An easy to moderate level of fitness is required to complete beach walks.
- Age Restrictions: Child fare prices apply to infants and children aged from 0 to 12 years old. Children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times.
- Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
- Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person. We are not able to accommodate travellers’ suitcases on day trips, please store at your hotel whilst on tour.
- Itinerary Variations: Itineraries and touring routes may change to adapt to seasonal conditions, park closures and changes in road conditions. Safety is our top priority, and we plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
- Reconfirmation of Details: All travellers are asked to reconfirm their tour details within 7 days prior to departure by calling 03 9393 1333.
- Private charters services are available on request at charters@gltg.com.au.
- Medical Conditions: The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a physically demanding tour requiring a moderate to advanced level of fitness and mobility.
