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Guided Tours

1-Day Guided Reverse Eco Tour of Great Ocean Road from Melbourne

The 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road Ecotour
Tourists posing at the 12 Apostles
Tourists at Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road Ecotour
Lady looking out at Shipwreck Coast, Great Ocean Road Ecotour

Escape the crowds and delve into Australia's natural heritage with a full-day reverse tour of the stunning Great Ocean Road, inclusive of a picnic-style lunch.

Highlights

  • On this full-day tour, explore the iconic Great Ocean Road in reverse, avoiding tourist crowds and delighting in serene views of the 12 Apostles.

  • Immerse yourself in sights like Loch Ard Gorge, Mutton Bird Island, and Razorback Lookout, each offering unique landscapes and fascinating historical tales.

  • Included in your journey is a guided rainforest walk, a chance to spot native Australian wildlife, and visits to key Great Ocean Road landmarks.

  • Savour a picnic-style lunch amidst the ancient rainforests of the Great Otway National Park, and enjoy the knowledge shared by our experienced guides.

  • Fun Fact: The Great Ocean Road is the world's largest war memorial, built by returned World War One servicemen, adding a historical charm to your journey.

Inclusions

  • 1-day tour of Great Ocean Road

  • Expert guides

  • Round-trip hotel transfers

  • National Park entry fees

  • Picnic-style lunch

  • Audio & text translation app (10 languages)

Exclusions

  • 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights

  • Personal travel insurance

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Rediscover Serenity: The Great Ocean Road Reverse EcoTour

Embark on a captivating journey from Melbourne, where you sidestep the bustle and enjoy the iconic coastal landscapes in their natural tranquillity. Departing from the dynamic heart of Melbourne, your day begins with a scenic drive to the Shipwreck Coast, where you'll marvel at the breathtaking 12 Apostles sans the usual crowd. This awe-inspiring formation, with limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, was in fact once connected to the mainland but eroded over time.

As you enjoy your complimentary morning tea, your experienced guide will reveal tales of the region's past, enriching your understanding of these natural wonders. Expect to be further dazzled by the pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge and the striking rock formations of Mutton Bird Island and Razorback Lookout, which offer sweeping views of the coastline. Famous for its tragic shipwreck story, Loch Ard Gorge is named after a ship, the Loch Ard, that ran aground nearby in the late 1800s.

From Ancient Rainforest to Iconic Memorial

Journeying onwards, you'll immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest of Maits Rest or Melba Gully in the Great Otway National Park. As you wander through some of the world's tallest trees, keep your eyes peeled for koalas nestled in the Eucalyptus, a sight that is quintessentially Australian. Your journey continues along the Great Ocean Road, constructed by returning World War I soldiers. The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, a tribute to these soldiers, is a testament to this region's rich history. As the day concludes, relish a delicious picnic-style lunch while you reflect on the glorious sites visited. With its blend of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and unique wildlife, this reverse tour is an unforgettable way to experience Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road.

Itinerary

  • 7:35am: Depart from Melbourne

  • Colac for refreshments and toilets

  • 12 Apostles Visitor Centre

  • Beach walk at Loch Ard Gorge

  • Melb Gully or Maits Rest rainforest

  • Township of Apollo Bay

  • Eastern View Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

  • 8:30pm: Return to Melbourne

Important Information

  • The audio and text translation app is available in Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

  • Guide dogs are allowed on this tour.

  • Bring along your sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, all-weather clothing, a warm jumper or windproof jacket for the evening, a small day pack of 5-7kg, money for snacks and meals, and a camera.

  • As this tour itinerary provides a light lunch please notify if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies prior to departure, that way we can make any necessary arrangements.

  • Bring small day packs and hand luggage only there is limited storage onboard the vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding the vehicles.

Restrictions

  • Infants aged 0 to 4 cannot travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat.
  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

  • This experience offers transfers from the selected hotels, in case your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you can reach the meeting point mentioned below.

Hotel Transfers

  • This ticket includes hotel pickups and drop-offs from selected hotels in Melbourne inner-city.

  • In the next step of booking, please specify your hotel name and pickup time from the dropdown.

  • On the day of your tour, please report at your hotel lobby 10-15 min prior to your scheduled departure.

  • If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of the hotel.

Meeting Point (If not opted for Hotel transfers)

  • Meet your guide at Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria).

  • Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.

  • Landmark: The bus will be parked on the Market St side of the museum.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

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