Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour | ecotour

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 normal 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 visit all the same key destinations and highlights as our standard great ocean road tour, so rest assured you won’t miss a thing. 

Escape the city by traveling inland direct to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac enjoying a complimentary morning tea along the way. 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 it’s glory. Our first major stop will be the breath-taking 12 Apostles and the extraordinary rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell. Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback lookout, both offering amazing 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 which you will get to enjoy 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 kilometers and was finally completed in 1932. A great location to grab a group photo under the archway and share with friends on social media. From here, we sit back relax and enjoy the drive back into the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. 

Driving Distance: 530km

6:20am Newport Bus Interchange, MASON ST, (OPPOSITE LEROYS CAFE) NEWPORT.

6:50am YHA Melbourne Metro, 78 HOWARD ST, NORTH MELBOURNE.

6:58am Space Hotel, 380 RUSSELL ST, MELBOURNE.

7:00am Pullman Albert Park, 65 QUEENS ROAD, ALBERT PARK.

7:00am Ibis on Therry St, 15 THERRY ST, MELBOURNE.

7:05am Pegasus Apartment Hotel, 206 A’BECKETT ST, MELBOURNE.

7:10am Base Backpackers, 17 CARLISLE ST, ST KILDA.

7:10am Immigration Museum (East-Side), CNR FLINDERS/MARKET ST, MELBOURNE.

7:15am Athenaeum Theatre, 188 COLINS ST, MELBOURNE.

7:20am Windsor Hotel, 111 SPRING ST, MELBOURNE.

7:32am Vibe Savoy, 630 LITTLE COLLINS ST, CNR SPENCER ST, MELBOURNE.

7:36am Holiday Inn, 575 FLINDERS LANE, MELBOURNE.

7:40am Crown Promenade Hotel, 8 WHITEMAN ST, SOUTHBANK.

** Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup location, so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Standard Conditions 

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below: Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours. 

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service prior to 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 coverage. GLT retains the right to alter routes, itineraries, bus type, fares, days of operation or even cancel tours if unforeseen circumstances occur. 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. We will collect certain information from you when you wish to book a trip, this information will be kept on file for 30-days for the purposes of contact tracing. The following personal information will be required: Your full name, contact details, email address, nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which 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 

Customer Responsible for Own Vaccination and Testing 

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) COVID entry restrictions and vaccination guidelines or testing requirements for entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services. Where the customer is not vaccinated and/or tested prior to departure, the customer will forfeit any and all monies paid and GLT holds the right to refuse boarding. Where the customer cancels due to travel restrictions other than vaccination or testing requirements, the operator shall have the discretion to 

(a) offer a refund or credit voucher (to be used at a later time); or 

(b) to forfeit any and all monies paid by the customer. 

For the purposes of (a), 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. 

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) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 7-days prior to departure; or 

(b) 2 to 7-days prior to departure: 

• we will hold 100% of the deposit paid by you as a credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from date of purchase 
• any credit voucher resulting from a cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or 

(c) 8-days or more prior to departure, 

• we will refund the balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or 

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 2-days/48-hrs will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or 

(e) cancellation prior to departure due to you having COVID-19/ “flu-like symptoms”, supported by a medical certificate, we will refund 100% of monies paid by you either directly or via your booking agent. 

Extended Trips

(a) Flexible Date Changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available up until 30-days prior to departure; or 

(b) 14 to 30-days prior to departure: 

• we will hold 100% of monies paid by you as a credit voucher, valid for redemption within 3-years from date of purchase 
• any credit voucher resulting from a cancellation may be applied towards any other tour operated by GLT within Australia; or 

(c) 31-days or more prior to departure, 

• we will refund the balance paid by you in connection to your booking less any unrecoverable costs; or 

(d) failure to board on tour or cancelled within 14-days will result in full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or 

(e) cancellation prior to departure due to you having COVID-19/ “flu-like symptoms”, supported by a medical certificate, we will refund 100% of monies paid by you either directly or via your booking agent. 

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 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 you to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a trip, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made or compensation for departure costs incurred. The above cancellation terms are less any unrecoverable costs by accommodation providers, travel agents, third-party affiliates and supplier fees. 

Cancellation by the Operator 

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid traveller onboard, unless minimum group size specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure resulting in the cancellation of a trip. 

We may cancel a trip at any time up to 7-days (Day Trips) and 30-days (Short-Break / Extended Tours) before departure. Alternatively, we can cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events occurs that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. 

Standard Cancellation 

If we cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of: 

(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip 

(a) 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 any unrecoverable costs. We are not 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. 

Travel Insurance 

We recommend all guests have travel insurance and should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 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, 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 emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Child Policy (Age Requirements) 

Our child and infant policy and pricing does vary depending on the trip; this is due to the diversity in our product range. All travellers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. 

Prices and surcharges 

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid 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 (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. 

Alcohol Policy 

Alcohol is not permitted onboard our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and propose a threat to other passengers, our driver or 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. 

Luggage Policy 

To maximise 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. 

Pickup up & Drop Off 

GLT may offer complimentary inner city pickup and drop off services to various 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 location 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. 

Special Requirements 

Please notify the Get Lost Travel group of any dietary requirements, food allergies and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7-days prior to tour departure. Limited food options are available on extended tours, forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but not guaranteed. 

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries 

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected]

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 Reverse Great Ocean Road 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.