Our Most Popular Tour

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour

Boutique: Pickup from selected locations.
Premium: Door-to-door pickup in Melbourne.

    Discover Australia's most famous coastal drive

    The Best Way to See the Great Ocean Road

    Our unique reverse itinerary takes you away from the crowds and delivers a day of stunning views. Stand in front of the 12 Apostles without the rush. Walk along pristine beaches in quiet moments. Connect with the natural beauty of Victoria’s wild coastline. This is how you want to see the Great Ocean Road.

    At a Glance

    • Price:  Adult: A$138 / Children under 14: A$128

    • Duration: Approximately 12 hours

    • Pick up: Starting at 6:30am from Melbourne CBD

    • Drop off: Between 6:30/7pm in Melbourne CBD

    • Included: All park entry fees, bottled water, friendly guide

    • Max 12 Guests: Small groups only for a personal feel

    • Vehicle: Comfortable minibus with reclining seats and USB chargers

    A peaceful stroll through ancient rainforest — home to some of the world’s oldest and tallest trees
    Such an iconic stop! Perfect spot for that classic Great Ocean Road photo with new friends.
    Want to see the Twelve Apostles from above? You can add this breathtaking helicopter flight to your experience!
    We couldn’t believe how many koalas we saw! Our guide knew exactly where to look.
    What a moment — wild kangaroos in their natural habitat! Truly an Aussie experience.
    Absolutely stunning! Seeing the Twelve Apostles up close was the highlight of our trip.
    • Reverse Itinerary:
      You'll arrive at the 12 Apostles before the large tour buses. This means you get to enjoy the view and take photos without hundreds of people in the background.
    • Spacious Minibus:
      Our tours have a maximum of 11 passengers, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax. This creates a more intimate and personal atmosphere where you can chat with your guide and fellow travelers.
    • Audio Guide in 14 Languages:
      Listen to a professional audio commentary that automatically triggers at key stops. This gives you stories, facts, and insights in your own language as you travel.

    The Unhurried Way to the 12 Apostles

    What Makes Our Tour Different?

    Reverse Itinerary

    We drive inland first to reach the attractions before the masses, ensuring a peaceful experience at the 12 Apostles.

    Award-Winning Service

    5,000+ 5-star reviews and recognised as TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best. Guests love our quality, service, and unforgettable experiences.

    Audio Guide Bonus

    Enjoy automatic audio commentary at key stops in 14 languages— with stories, facts, and insights as you travel.

    Wildlife encounters

    Experience a Koala Walk along the Otways, where you are guaranteed to spot koalas in the wild alongside an array of colorful native parrots.

    Plenty of Stops for Photos

    No rushing - we spend a decent amount of time enjoying the attractions and stops for amazing pictures

    Spacious Minibus

    Travel in a group of max 12 guests — more space, more comfort, and a relaxed, personal experience.

    See Our 5-Star Reviews

    Why travellers love this coastal drive

    Venture61568171504

    "Peter was one of the best tour guides and driver we’ve ever met. He was extremely friendly, kind, patient, professional, knowledgeable, and considerate. My wife and I strongly recommend him and his tour company..."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Khadija I.

    "The reverse itinerary was a great choice, as we dodged crowds at almost all locations. Mandy was a great tour instructor and went out of his way to show us wild life in most hidden.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Kevin (United States)

    "Covered a lot of highlights, stops were balanced, and I didn’t feel like we were ever waiting around. It was a long day but well worth it—if you want to see the Great Ocean Road,.."
    GetYourGuidePosted on GetYourGuide

    S C.

    "We did the private 1 day Great Ocean Road tour which was tailored to suit our needs. Our guide Peter was fantastic & looked after us very well with his positive energy, knowledge & great.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Stefania M.

    "My daughter and I had enjoy a lot this amazing experience. The tour guide was so nice and explained everything we have seen. The tour was well organised with several stops and interesting place to.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Margo G.

    "This tour exceeded all my expectations. Our tour guide was phenomenal. This is a must for anyone visiting Melbourne!!!.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Details

    Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour

    Here is everything you need to know about preparing for your unforgettable day trip, including what’s covered in the price and pickup details for your experience.

    • Small group tour (max 12 guests) in a spacious, air-conditioned minibus
    • Professional local guide with live commentary and good tunes
    • Multilingual audio guide (14 languages) plus a free Melbourne self-guided audio tour
    • Entry to all national park sites:
      • Twelve Apostles
      • Gibson Steps
      • Loch Ard Gorge
      • The Razorback
      • Mait’s Rest
    • Pickup and drop-off from Melbourne CBD
    • Skip-the-line access at key stops
    • Complimentary bottled water
    • All national park fees included

    Breakfast and lunch (own expense). Stops are made in a rural town and Port Campbell/Apollo Bay for purchase.

    First of all, bear in mind that you are going to see one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the planet!

    • Crowd Avoidance: The greatest thing about this tour is it goes in reverse to the typical tours, ensuring you arrive at the 12 Apostles before all the crowds get there.
    • Iconic Stops: You are guaranteed to visit Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge beach, The Razorback rock formation, and the 12 Apostles.
    • Wildlife Experience: Enjoy guaranteed wild Koala spotting and opportunities to see kangaroos in their natural habitat.
    • Unique Experiences: You get to drive through Great Otway National Park for a 20-minute rainforest walk.
    • Small Groups: Maximum of 12 guests for a more intimate experience.
    • Vibe: Expect an informative and friendly guide, great music, and good vibes.

    PICK UP LOCATIONS: For your convenience, our pickup locations are available within 15 minutes walking distance from any point in Melbourne CBD.

    • At 6:30 am from 196 Flinders Street – Opposite Federation Square, and near Flinders St Station
    • At 6:40 am from 313 La Trobe Street – Near Melbourne Central Station
    • At 6:50 am from 44 Spencer Street – The Great Southern Hotel, near Southern Cross Station.

    ​Your pickup time and location will be as selected during the booking process. ​Prefer a hotel pickup, drop-off, and a roomier minibus? Check out the Premium version of this tour.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation

    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call or message us on WhatsApp +61 447 351 307

    • Instant Confirmation: You’ll receive confirmation right when you book.

    • Participant Info: Most travellers are welcome to join in on the fun.

    • Age Requirements: We cannot accommodate children under 7. Per VicRoads regulations, kids this age require specific child restraints which our minibuses aren’t equipped with. Please note that passengers arriving with children under 7 will be refused boarding without a refund.

    • What to Wear: We head out in all weather conditions, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day!

    • Vehicle & Luggage Info: We use comfortable 12-seater minibuses (Toyota Hiace or similar). Because these are boutique vehicles, there is no room for luggage, strollers, or scooters on board. If your group needs extra space or a larger coach, just send us a message in advance to discuss options.

    • Traveling in a Group? If you’re traveling with friends who booked separately, let us know at least 24 hours before departure. We often run multiple buses and want to make sure we keep your crew together!

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

    Read more about our cancellation policy here.

    Book your tour
    Boutique Tour
    Switch pricing
    Premium Tour

    Adults: A$138

    Children Under 14: A$128

    • Flexible Cancellation Policy

    • Best Price When You Book Direct

    • Our Tours Run Rain or Shine

    • Guaranteed Departure - We Never Cancel a Tour

    Adults: $159

    Children Under 14: $149

    • Flexible Cancellation Policy

    • Best Price When You Book Direct

    • Our Tours Run Rain or Shine

    • Guaranteed Departure - We Never Cancel a Tour

    Still have questions?
  • We're here to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp.

  • +61 447 351 307

  • Itinerary

    How we plan the day, step-by-step

    This itinerary is designed for minimal crowds and maximum enjoyment of the coastal highlights, ensuring you see the 12 Apostles before the rush.

    • Start

      Morning Pickup

      For your convenience, our pickup locations are available within 15 minutes walking distance from any point in Melbourne CBD.

      • 1. At 6:30 am from 196 Flinders Street – Opposite Federation Square, and near Flinders St Station
      • 2. At 6:40 am from 313 La Trobe Street – Near Melbourne Central Station
      • 3. At 6:50 am from 44 Spencer Street – The Great Southern Hotel, near Southern Cross Station.

      Your pickup time and location will be as selected during the booking process. If you need to change the location, please notify us at least 24 hours before the tour departure.

      Please arrive at the pickup location at least five minutes before departure, as these are public parking spots and the minibus cannot wait. The drop-off points in the afternoon will be along Flinders Street.

    • Stop 1

      Winchelsea

      A 15 minute 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).

    • Stop 2

      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.

    • Stop 3

      Gibsons Steps

      Go down and walk on this amazing beach. Be dwarfed by the 70-meter high vertical cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the nicknames given to the giant limestone stacks rising up out of the sea.

    • Stop 4

      The Razorback

      This is the most impressive limestone formation of the region, the views are breathtaking!

    • Stop 5

      Lock Ard Gorge

      Be amazed by these two breathtaking attractions on this stop: – The Loch Ard Gorge – tragic and incredibly beautiful story of one of the most famous shipwrecks in Australia. Walk on the beach and feel dwarfed by the magnificent limestone and sandstone cliffs – The Razorback – the most impressive formation of this rugged shipwreck coast

    • Stop 6

      The Great Ocean Road

      Travel along the coastline on this most amazing coastal drive in Australia!

    • Stop 7

      Mait's Rest

      A 20 minutes rainforest walk, to witness some of Australia’s most amazing rainforest scenery at Great Otway National Park where you will feel really connected to nature.

    • Stop 8

      Apollo Bay

      Stop for lunch at this vibrant and cool coastal town at Victoria’s Surf Coast. The tour guide will recommend some restaurant options, enjoy some fresh food before starting the second part of the day.

    • Stop 9

      Koala Walk

      Keep an eye out for cute koalas in their natural habitat at various locations across The Otways and photograph the rare orange-bellied parrots nearby.

    • Stop 10

      Teddy's Lookout

      Finish the day by taking some pictures of this amazing Lookout at the top of the cliff in Lorne. We’ll then return to the starting point.

    Testimonials

    What our guests say

    Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what our guests had to say after joining us on small-group adventures across Queensland and Victoria.

    Private Guest

    "This trip was the best part of our vacation. We saw so much in just one day and felt very well taken care of by our private guide. A must-do for anyone wanting a personal.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Gina (Canada) & Jennifer (USA)

    "We were really happy we did the reversed tour as we were leaving the Apostle’s just as all the tour buses were coming in. Our guide was exceptional and took us to select spots where.."
    GetYourGuidePosted on GetYourGuide

    Lesley (United Kingdom)

    "Highly recommend this tour from Melbourne—do it on your first day as our guide, Peter, also gave us loads of tips regarding great food, coffee & things to do in Melbourne. Peter’s friendly, amusing commentary.."
    GetYourGuidePosted on GetYourGuide

    Dan.

    "Our guide was fantastic, going out of his way to be sure we had a full & rich experience at every stop, and then some... the storytelling & customer care by Peter was superb! Overall.."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor

    Jade (Netherlands)

    "Scenery was breathtaking... but what really made the day special was our guide, James. You could tell he led the tour with his heart and soul. It didn't feel like a standard scripted tour; thanks.."
    GetYourGuidePosted on GetYourGuide

    Su Li Zhang

    "The driver drove safely and smoothly, going to every attraction... Some attractions are also purposely accompanied for interpretation. Amazing tour..."
    TripAdvisorPosted on TripAdvisor
    Read More Reviews

    Our Process

    Booking a tour with
    Hit The Road Tours is Easy.

    Whether it’s a wine tasting escape, coastal drive, or wildlife-packed adventure, here’s how to book your next experience.

    Choose your tour

    Choose from our most popular tours across Victoria, from the Great Ocean Road to the Yarra Valley and beyond.

    Tell us the details

    Select your date, choose your group size, and fill in a few quick details.

    Lock it in

    Confirm your spot with a secure payment. We will email your booking details and a few reminders before the tour.

    See you on tour

    You're all set - just show up and enjoy the ride. We'll take care of the rest.

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