See the 12 Apostles in all their morning glory on our eco-conscious Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour with lunch. Explore this world-famous coastal road and its hidden gems with us on this day tour today!
- 1 Day
- 7:35 - 20:30
- $165 Adults (13y+ and over)
- $149 Children & Infants (0 – 12yo)
Tour Reviews
Introducing your Reverse Great ocean Road Trip
The Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour enables our guests to experience the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road in all its glory without the crowds. By operating this tour in reverse, we avoid all the normal tourist masses that visit the 12 Apostles, giving our guests a better opportunity to capture that picture-perfect photograph without crowded lookouts. This Great Ocean Road reverse tour itinerary will visit all the same key destinations and highlights as our Great Ocean Road Experience tour, so rest assured you won’t miss a thing.
Tour Details
- Tour code: GORR-S
- Operates: Daily
- Duration: 12 hours
- Departs: 7:35am
- Returns: 8:30pm
- National Park entry fees
- Morning tea and snacks
- Light picnic-style lunch
- Australian wildlife sightings
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Onboard WiFi and USB charging ports available
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
- Audio translation services available in 10 languages
Tour highlights
- Experience the spectacular 12 Apostles shipwreck coast without the crowds
- Visit the pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge in the glory of a mid-morning sun
- Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback lookout’s amazing views
- Search for Australian wildlife in its natural habitat
- Enjoy a guided walk through an ancient rainforest at Great Otway National Park
- Drive along the world-famous National Heritage-Listed Great Ocean Road
- Eco-conscious sustainable touring experience
Full Itinerary
Escape the city by travelling inland directly to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Take a journey and experience the Great Ocean Road reverse tour in the opposite direction to the masses, enabling you to escape the crowds and enjoy this famous & picturesque coastline in all its glory.
The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour direction enables our passengers to experience the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road in all its glory in the reverse direction. By operating this tour in reverse, we avoid all the usual tourist masses that visit the 12 Apostles, giving our passengers a better opportunity to capture that picture-perfect photograph without the crowds. This Great Ocean Road reverse tour itinerary will see all the same vital destinations and highlights as our standard Great Ocean Road tour, so rest assured you won’t miss a thing.
Escape the city by travelling inland directly to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Take a journey and experience the Great Ocean Road reverse tour in the opposite direction to the masses, enabling you to escape the crowds and enjoy this famous & picturesque coastline in all its glory. Our first major stop will be the breathtaking 12 Apostles and the extraordinary rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell. Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback Lookout, both offering excellent views. Then, enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully, an ancient rainforest, admiring some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park.
We continue our journey along this spectacular National Heritage-listed road winding between hillsides, pristine beaches, stunning ocean views and dense rainforest. The Great Ocean Road is famously known as one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, and you will get to enjoy it without all the crowds. Our local guides will try to seek out the iconic Australian koala, as this coastal region is heavily populated with these furry creatures hidden within the pockets of Eucalyptus forests.
Stopping next at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots along this rugged coastline. This monument is a tribute to the World War One serviceman who built the Great Ocean Road, stretching 243 kilometres and was finally completed in 1932. A great location to grab a group photo under the archway and share it with friends on social media. From here, we sit back, relax and enjoy the drive back into Melbourne’s dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Driving Distance: 530km.
Inclusions
- National Park entry fees
- Morning tea and snacks
- Light picnic-style lunch
- Australian wildlife sightings
- Guided walks (~2-3km)
- Hosted by an experienced driver guide
- Comprehensive local and entertaining tour commentary
- Onboard WiFi and USB charging ports are available in our vehicles
- Modern air-conditioned comfortable coach travel, reclining seats and spacious legroom
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points available, for additional locations call our reservations team
- Audio translation app service, available in 10 languages (Cantonese, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish) / Headphones not included.
Exclusions
- 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights – payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary – breakfast/dinner.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Personal expenses
What to bring
1L refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes that are non-slip and good for walking, all-weather clothing and warm jumper or windproof jacket for the evening, small day pack 5-7kg, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment!
Where to meet
Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.
- 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
Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
Booking terms
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
Validity
Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.
Standard Conditions
Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.
We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.
Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.
GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.
Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.
Traveller Information
For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.
For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Customers Responsible Travel
The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.
In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.
It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.
In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.
Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
Cancellation by the Traveller
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.
If you wish to change or cancel a trip:
Day Trips
(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Short Break / Extended Tours
(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.
Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
Cancellation by the Operator
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.
We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.
Standard Cancellation
If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years
Force Majeure Cancellation
If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.
Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions
In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.
A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.
Acceptance of Risk
Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.
Travel Insurance
We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.
We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.
Child Policy (Age Requirements)
Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.
Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).
Prices and surcharges
Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.
Luggage Policy
To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.
Pick-up & Drop-offs
GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.
Weather Policy
The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.
We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Special Requirements
Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.
Booking Confirmations & Enquiries
All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].
Updated June 2024.
Our commitment
At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Melbourne Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.
Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.
Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Traditional Owners
Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.
Wildlife Encounters
The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.
Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.
Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.
Protecting our National Parks
People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.
No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.
Waste Management
All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.
First Aid
All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.
Know before you book
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 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed. We are not obligated by regulations to provide child safety seats. 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 or larger vehicle on rare occasions, based on demand.
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.
Safe Travel Statement
For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. For more information click here.
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FAQ
Which part of the Great Ocean Road is the most beautiful?
The section of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay is widely regarded as the most picturesque. However, this picturesque coast offers many beautiful spots, so make sure to bring a camera to capture the memories!
Is it allowed to bring outside food and drinks on the tour?
Participants are permitted to bring food and snacks on tour. There will also be plenty of opportunites along the way where we stop and can support the local businesses by purchasing beverages or meals there. We do recommend brining a refillable water bottle on tour.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?
There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. However, it is essential to consider that the tour may not be suitable for young children or individuals with mobility restrictions due to the terrain and activities involved.
What sets the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour apart from the regular tour?
The Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour is planned to offer a quieter and more convenient experience by following the route in the opposite direction compared to most tours. This approach means that we will avoid the crowds at the popular stops. It also offers a unique perspective on the beautiful landscapes of the Great Ocean Road.
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts a full day, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening. The duration can vary depending on traffic and weather, but it usually spans about 12-14 hours.