Great Ocean Road: 12 Apostles Reverse Tour & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Reverse route to the 12 Apostles, small group comfort and local stories

You’ll join a small group for a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne with hotel pickup included, starting early to reach the 12 Apostles before crowds arrive. Walk through eucalyptus forests, hear shipwreck tales at Loch Ard Gorge, spot koalas near Apollo Bay, and enjoy plenty of time at each stop along this iconic coastline.

What’s the experience like?

“We’re really doing this, huh?” That’s what I said to my partner as our guide, Mark, pulled up right outside our Melbourne hotel — no early-morning scramble across the city, just a sleepy smile and a wave. The bus was actually comfortable (I’m tall so I notice these things), not one of those cramped ones where you end up hugging your knees. We rolled out of the city before sunrise, windows foggy with breath and anticipation. Somewhere past Colac, Mark stopped for breakfast — the bakery smelled like butter and coffee and rain-soaked earth. I tried a meat pie that was apparently “the thing” around here. Can’t say I nailed the pronunciation of ‘Loch Ard’ later on but Mark didn’t judge.

The reverse itinerary meant we hit the 12 Apostles first — wild wind in my face, gulls screaming overhead. No crowds yet; just us and that impossible coastline. It’s older than you can wrap your head around (Mark said twenty million years — he’s full of these facts). The limestone stacks looked almost shy in the morning mist. There’s an option for a helicopter ride if you’re feeling flush; we skipped it but watched one take off with this weird thrum that made my chest buzz. At Loch Ard Gorge, Mark told us about the shipwreck — two teenagers washed ashore here in 1878, everyone hoping they’d fall in love but life isn’t always tidy like that.

I liked how we had time to wander without someone herding us back on board every ten minutes. The air tasted salty and sharp near Razorback; eucalyptus trees further inland gave everything a green hush that stuck to my clothes. Lunch in Apollo Bay — fish so fresh it almost flinched when I squeezed lemon over it (okay not really, but you get me). Koalas were dozing high up in gum trees somewhere between sips of flat white and stories about surfing culture along this stretch.

We finished up at Memorial Arch for that classic “GREAT OCEAN ROAD” photo — everyone did their awkward tourist poses while Mark waited patiently, grinning behind his thermos. Anglesea was sleepy by evening; I could smell woodsmoke drifting from somewhere as we climbed back onto the bus for Melbourne. I still think about those cliffs sometimes when city noise gets too much. Not everything fit into neat boxes or Instagram squares but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road Coastal Highlights

• Hotel pick up in Melbourne
• Stop in Colac for breakfast
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck site
• See the 12 Apostles limestone formations
• View Razorback rock formation
• Explore Loch Ard George shipwreck coast
• Drive through Port Campbell National Park
• Walk in rainforest with ancient trees
• Stop at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Lunch in Apollo Bay
• See koalas and kangaroos
• Finish day in Anglesea town

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Melbourne CBD and Southbank hotels.

How long is the Great Ocean Road day trip?

The tour lasts about 12 hours including travel time.

Do we visit the 12 Apostles first on this tour?

Yes, this reverse itinerary takes you to the 12 Apostles before other stops.

Are meals included in the tour price?

No, meals are not included; breakfast and lunch are at your own expense.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

A luxury air-conditioned mini premium coach is used for comfort.

Is there an option for a helicopter ride at the 12 Apostles?

Yes, you can choose a helicopter ride at extra cost during the stop at the 12 Apostles.

Will we see Australian wildlife on this tour?

You may see koalas and kangaroos along parts of the route.

Does this Great Ocean Road tour include entry fees?

Yes, all national park entry fees are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Melbourne or Southbank hotels, bottled water throughout the journey, all national park entry fees taken care of by your guide-driver (who knows every story worth hearing), plus plenty of time at each stop thanks to running the route in reverse — so you’ll beat most crowds without rushing lunch or photos along Australia’s famous coastal drive.