Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour - Max 12 Guests
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Pickup from hotel.
Why follow the crowd when you can flip the script? Our award-winning reverse itinerary tour from Melbourne takes you on a wild and wonderful adventure along the Great Ocean Road – backwards! That means more sights, fewer people, and a whole lot more fun.
We kick things off by heading inland straight to the Twelve Apostles –jaw-dropping views and fresh morning light perfect for photos. From there, we explore the stunning Shipwreck Coast, hitting up Loch Ard Gorge, The Razorback, Gibson Steps, and of course, the iconic Apostles.
Then, we switch gears and head into nature with a peaceful rainforest walk through ancient, towering trees.
On the way back, we cruise the coast through charming towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne. And yes – we guarantee wild koala sightings, plus a good chance of spotting kangaroos bouncing through the bush.
So if you're after a laid-back, wildlife-packed, photo-worthy adventure that skips the stress and doubles the fun–this is the tour for you.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We are not able to accommodate children under 7 years of age on this tour, as according to VicRoads regulations they must travel on child restraints, which are not available in our minibuses. Passengers who show up with under 7 years old kids will be refused boarding without refund.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Expected to be back to Melbourne around 7 PM.
This is a small groups tour and the vehicles are 12 seaters minibuses Toyota Hiace or similar. In case extra room is required, send us a message so we can arrange large coaches option.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Winchelsea
A morning tea stop, as we travel inland in the morning and go straight from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, this is just a break to buy some coffee/breakfast (own expenses)
The Twelve Apostles
Travel inland in the morning and go straight to the 12 Apostles. Get there early, beat the crowds of the afternoon and enjoy these magnificent limestone formations when it’s still quiet and peaceful.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Professional guide
National Park fees
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
759 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Alessandro S,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved our experience, even though it was a long ride, but we didn’t feel it, because of the nice places we stopped by. Our driver/guide was lovely and gave us many informations on our way to all attractions. We didn’t understand everything he said, because we’re not fluent in English, but he repeated the information when needed. We loved our tour!
Great experience for small tour
Ananya D,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very professional tour Mark he very good tour guide good driver first time am solo tour by myself enjoy every spot he show for photo
Great guide (Marty), great tour, and great value
Dale T,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marty was a most excellent guide. He arrived a few minutes early and gave us the option of sitting in the front seats with him. This turned out to be an exceptional benefit. The other 10 people on the tour sitting farther back did not seem overly interested in the commentary, but I found it captivating. When the commentary finished and Marty switched off the microphone, we had the most interesting discussions ranging from the rules of cricket to the significance of today's travel day - ANZAC Day and to other places in which to travel. The tour stops were broken down quite nicely and Marty was quite efficient. Often, we were the first bus of the day arriving at each stop. The breakfast stop was a nice stop on the way out to the end of the line. Marty explained that the reverse itinerary allowed us to see the 12 Apostles in the best light. Marty delivered! The day prior, we had gone on another excursion to a Koala reserve to ensure that we saw these animals before leaving Australia. While riding along the Great Ocean Road, Marty stated that we would go in search of Koalas. To see them in the wild would be even better than a Reserve, but I doubted the chances. I asked Marty what our chances were and he said 100 percent. And true to his word, Marty delivered again. We saw 4 Koalas in the wild. Some were quite high in the trees, but we still "checked the box." Marty teased us at the beginning with a bonus stop at the end of the day if we got back to the bus on time at each stop. The bonus stop (which I will leave as a secret) was a great addition to the journey. Marty was a great guide. This company employs several guides. If the other guides are even half as good as Marty, you will have a great time. Highly recommended.
Exploring this picturesque coastal area with HTR Tours is a big plus
AdventureDiva,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the reverse premium tour to avoid the afternoon crowds and was happy to explore this beautiful area with Hit The Road Tours. This iconic road has a spectacular drive on the coast and gets you up close to the sights and the Southern Ocean. Our private guide Pete was proud to show what Victoria's coast had to offer. It was a great balanced mix of educating the passengers, sprinkled with personal stories about the area and quiet time to see out the window. His tireless dedication in showing off this area made a difference.
It was a fabulous tour....
Barbara J,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fabulous tour. We got to see the sights and learn about the history from our guide. I highly recommend this intimate tour.
Spectacular Scenery and Expert Guidance on the Great Ocean Road
574davel,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. The aesthetic grandeur of the 12 Apostles and the surrounding coastal formations was matched only by the compelling historical narrative of the Great Ocean Road. The biological diversity encountered during the trip was a significant highlight; we successfully observed: Kangaroos and wallabies in their natural habitat. Koalas and various avian species, including cockatoos. While the itinerary constitutes a demanding schedule, the value delivered in terms of experience and cost is exceptional. Furthermore, our guide and driver, Wayne, demonstrated a superior level of technical knowledge and professional care. His commitment to the safety and engagement of the entire group was outstanding. Highly recommended.
Spectacular Scenery and Expert Guidance on the Great Ocean Road"
David L,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. The aesthetic grandeur of the 12 Apostles and the surrounding coastal formations was matched only by the compelling historical narrative of the Great Ocean Road. The biological diversity encountered during the trip was a significant highlight; we successfully observed: Kangaroos and wallabies in their natural habitat. Koalas and various avian species, including cockatoos. While the itinerary constitutes a demanding schedule, the value delivered in terms of experience and cost is exceptional. Furthermore, our guide and driver, Wayne, demonstrated a superior level of technical knowledge and professional care. His commitment to the safety and engagement of the entire group was outstanding. Highly recommended.
Great ocean views and animal sightings
dandX1273UG,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It makes for a long day from 6:30am to after 7 pm but was a great tour featuring fantastic scenery and educational opportunities to learn about Australia. Our tour guide, Wayne, was knowledgeable, engaging and attentive to the tour group. The tour was well planned with stops to eat and provide bathroom breaks. The ocean scenes with beaches and eroded structures were quite amazing. I hadn’t known the story of the Grest Ocean Road prior to the tour. Very much enjoyed the opportunity to see koalas, kangaroos, wallaby’s and cockatoos in their native environment. One of the ladies in our group became the koala “whisperer” spotting the elusive little critters up in the trees before anyone else. Definitely liked the smaller group format.
Great tour and guide
Nicole M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the best tours that we did well in Australia. Our tour guide, Peter was amazing and took us to secret spots to avoid all the bus loads of tourist. He had great stories and it was a very memorable trip.
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Small Group Tour
Denise H,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on our small group tour with Wayne as our guide. It was an informative and fun day!
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Operated by HIT THE ROAD TOURS