Great Ocean Road: Reverse Tour to 12 Apostles & Koalas

Summary

Early Twelve Apostles views, rainforest walks and wild koalas on a different Great Ocean Road day

You’ll start your day beating the crowds at the Twelve Apostles with soft morning light and space to breathe. Walk through ancient rainforest at Great Otway, hear local stories at Loch Ard Gorge, spot wild koalas up close, and enjoy lunch by the sea before winding back along Victoria’s legendary coastline.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I booked the Great Ocean Road reverse itinerary tour mostly because I hate crowds and early mornings. But there’s something about rolling out of Melbourne before sunrise, coffee still warm in my hand, that felt quietly exciting. Our guide, Matt, had this way of making everyone feel like we were in on a secret. We headed straight inland instead of hugging the coast first — which meant we reached the Twelve Apostles before the usual tourist wave. The cliffs looked almost shy in the morning light, all soft golds and blues. It was so quiet you could actually hear the ocean below. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing up there, but it kind of gets you.

After that, we wandered down to Loch Ard Gorge. Matt told us about the shipwreck — tragic story, but he kept it light somehow (he joked about his own luck with boats). The sand was cool underfoot and there was this salty tang in the air that stuck around even after we left. The Razorback looked like something out of an old pirate movie. By then I’d already lost track of time — in a good way.

The rainforest walk in Great Otway was honestly a surprise highlight for me. The trees are massive — like cathedral pillars — and everything smells damp and green. We didn’t rush; Matt let us just listen to the birds for a bit (someone tried to spot a lyrebird but no luck). Lunch in Apollo Bay was relaxed; he recommended this little place with fresh fish and chips, nothing fancy but just right after all that wind and walking.

On the drive back along the coast, we pulled over for wild koalas lounging up in gum trees — someone spotted three! There were cockatoos screeching overhead and even a couple kangaroos bouncing off in the distance (Matt slowed down so we could try to get photos but mine are all blurry). By late afternoon, Lorne’s lookout gave us one last sweep of blue ocean before heading home. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on a tram back in Melbourne.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Ocean Road reverse tour highlights

• Pickup from hotel in Melbourne
• Morning tea stop for coffee and breakfast
• Travel inland to Twelve Apostles
• Visit Twelve Apostles lookout
• Walk on beach near limestone cliffs
• View Gog and Magog limestone stacks
• See impressive limestone formations
• Explore Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback
• Drive through Great Ocean Road National Park
• Enjoy coastal drive along Great Ocean Road
• Drive through Great Otway National Park
• Take 20-minute rainforest walk
• Stop for lunch in coastal town
• Spot koalas and orange-bellied parrots
• Take photos at Lorne cliff lookout

Top questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road reverse itinerary tour?

The tour runs for a full day, departing early from Melbourne and returning around 7 PM.

Is hotel pickup included on this Great Ocean Road tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

Do you really see wild koalas on this trip?

Yes, wild koala sightings are guaranteed during the coastal drive section of the tour.

What’s different about the reverse itinerary?

You visit major sights like the Twelve Apostles first thing in the morning before most crowds arrive.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but your guide will recommend restaurants at Apollo Bay where you can buy your own meal.

Are entry fees included?

Yes, all National Park fees are covered as part of your booking.

Can children join this tour?

No, children under 7 years old cannot join due to minibus regulations requiring child restraints not available on board.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is small—maximum 11 guests per vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Melbourne or nearby meeting points, bottled water throughout the journey, all National Park entry fees covered, live commentary from your professional guide (with plenty of stories), travel by air-conditioned minibus with space for just 11 guests—plus guaranteed wild koala sightings along Victoria’s famous coastal road before returning by evening.