See the 12 Apostles in all their morning glory on our eco-conscious Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour. Travel the famous coastal route in reverse, helping you enjoy this iconic landmark earlier in the day with a more relaxed touring experience.
This unforgettable journey showcases the best of the Great Ocean Road, from dramatic limestone cliffs and ocean views to ancient rainforest, native wildlife, and charming seaside townships.
Perfect for travellers who want a smarter way to experience one of Australia’s most famous road trips, this tour combines breathtaking scenery, local stories, and a more sustainable approach to exploring Victoria’s spectacular coastline.
Escape the city by travelling inland directly to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Experience the Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour in the opposite direction to the crowds, giving you more time to enjoy this famous and picturesque coastline in all its glory.
By operating this tour in reverse, we avoid the usual tourist rush at the 12 Apostles, giving you a better chance to capture that picture-perfect photo without the crowds.
This reverse itinerary includes the same essential destinations and highlights as the standard coastal journey, so you won’t miss a thing.
Our first major stop is the breathtaking 12 Apostles, where towering limestone stacks rise dramatically from the Southern Ocean.
Continue to the extraordinary rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell, where you’ll discover dramatic coastal scenery and hear stories from the famous Shipwreck Coast.
Discover Mutton Bird Island and Razorback Lookout, both offering excellent views across the rugged coastline and ocean-carved cliffs.
Enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully, an ancient rainforest filled with towering trees, lush ferns, and peaceful forest scenery inside Great Otway National Park.
Continue along the National Heritage-listed coastal route, winding between hillsides, pristine beaches, ocean views, and dense rainforest.
This region is known as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and travelling in reverse helps you enjoy it with fewer crowds along the way.
Your local guide will try to spot the iconic Australian koala, often found resting in the eucalyptus forests that line this beautiful coastal region.
Stop at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed locations along the coastline.
This historic monument honours the World War One servicemen who built the 243-kilometre road, which was completed in 1932. It’s the perfect place for a group photo beneath the archway.
From here, sit back, relax, and enjoy the drive back into Melbourne’s vibrant city centre after a full day of coastal scenery, rainforest, wildlife, and iconic landmarks.
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 safety & comfort 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.
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 opportunities along the way where we stop and can support the local businesses by purchasing beverages or meals there. We do recommend bringing a refillable water bottle on tour.
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.
Are there any fees for the 12 Apostles?
Visiting the 12 Apostles is free and open to the public
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.
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.
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.
Our Contract
All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962).
By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
Your booking is considered confirmed upon receipt of your booking confirmation
and/or invoice.
These Terms & Conditions are valid from 1 August 2025 until 31 March 2027,
though dates and itineraries remain subject to change at any time.
Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.
All bookings must be confirmed within 72 hours of departure via email to
[email protected]
Please ensure you:
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prior to travel.
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Please advise us at the time of booking or no later
than 7 days before departure of any:
We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee
all requests, especially in remote regions.
We recommend bringing your own snacks for special dietary needs.
We strongly recommend all travellers obtain
comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.
Insurance should include cover for:
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Comfort Style Tours.
Proof of cover will be requested before departure.
If you do not provide adequate cover,
you may be refused travel and cancellation fees will apply.
If relying on credit card insurance,
please bring policy number,
insurer’s name and emergency contact details.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
