Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & lunch - Melbourne
Overview
About
This reverse Great Ocean Road tour is a clever solution to avoid the huge crowds at peak times on this popular tourist route. Travel in the reverse direction to most tours, so you can see the beautiful 12 Apostles illuminated by the morning light before other groups arrive. Other highlights of the tour include Melba Gully National Park, quaint seaside villages, a eucalyptus forest, and Loch Ard Gorge.
At a Glance
- Ages: Ages 0-85, max of 28 per group
- Type: Mobile ticket
- Duration: 13h
- Live Guide: English
- Audio Guide: German, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
- Written Guide: German, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
Tour Highlight
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s iconic shipwreck coast on an eco-conscious journey designed to avoid the crowds while showcasing the very best of the Great Ocean Road. Marvel at the spectacular 12 Apostles, soak up the mid-morning sunshine at the pristine Loch Ard Gorge, and take in unforgettable coastal views from Mutton Bird Island & Razorback Lookout. Experience the wonders of the natural world as you search for native Australian wildlife in its habitat and enjoy a guided walk through the ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park. Travel along the world-famous, National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road for an immersive and sustainable adventure through some of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes.
What you'll do
Begin your journey with a scenic inland drive via Colac, including a complimentary morning tea stop. Experience the iconic 12 Apostles from a quieter reverse route, enjoying spectacular views of the limestone formations along the coastal boardwalk. Discover the dramatic beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, and Razorback Lookout, before exploring the ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park on a guided walk. Continue along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, taking in breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes while searching for native Australian wildlife, including koalas. Capture memorable photos at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch before relaxing on the return journey to Melbourne.
Meeting and pickup
What is included?
- Admission to Great Ocean Road National Parks
- Light lunch and morning tea provided
- Australian wildlife sightings in their natural habitat
- Professional driver guide with live commentary
- Ride in comfort and style with modern mini coaches
- USB charging ports available
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Coffee and/or Tea
- WiFi on board
What is not included?
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not indicated
Traveller Restriction
- 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.
- Fitness Level: An easy to moderate level of fitness is required to complete 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.
Prohibited Items
- 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.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements or food allergies at the time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (it can get cold)
- Child and infant fare prices apply to 0 to 12 years old. Please advise if you have anyone travelling aged from 0 to 4 years old.
- Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Our vehicles are not wheelchair, prams or child stroller accessible please refrain from bring on tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
Meet your host
Itinerary
Melbourne Adventure Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & lunch - Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. This adventure tours experience includes 7 stops over 1 day. Duration: 8 hours. Activity level: Moderate.
Here is the starting point
WWI Memorial
Escape the city by traveling inland direct to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac enjoying a complimentary morning tea along the way. Refreshments stop.
Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility
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. Explore the cliff edge boardwalk located in the Marine National Park, with spectacular unobstructed views of the limestone rock formations known as the 12 Apostles.
Loch Ard Gorge
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.
Mait's Rest
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
Great Ocean Road
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.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
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 with friends on social media.
Melbourne
From here, we sit back, relax and enjoy the drive back into the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.
This concludes the tour.
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