Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour
With Victoria’s tourism boom, it would not be surprising if the region’s major scenic destinations would be crowded with visitors during peak seasons. Doing a Great Ocean Road reverse tour is an alternative that lets you explore this spectacular coastal drive with fewer people.
This tour is designed for you to bask in the experience of the region’s impressive ocean views, limestone formations, verdant vegetation, and native Aussie wildlife.
Featuring the highlights of a standard tour, we explore the Great Ocean Road on a reverse route visiting Port Campbell’s limestone coast and the 12 Apostles in the morning and spend the afternoon in Torquay, Australia’s surfing mecca.
Reverse Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary
The tour counters the regular flow of tourist traffic to the Great Ocean Road which allows more time enjoying the views and what the region has to offer.
We commence the tour in the morning leaving Melbourne via the Westgate with the amazing views of the city’s skyline and Port Phillip Bay. Then we proceed to Colac, a historic Victorian town considered a gateway to the Otways.
Stopping by at Colac
We have morning tea in a Colac park, well, a café with the views of a Colac park at the backdrop. Colac is also a tourist attraction with scenic spots to showcase including Lake Corangamite, Lake Colac, and Red Rock Reserve.
Port Campbell’s limestone coast
From Colac, we head straight to Port Campbell and explore the limestone coast’s impressive landscapes and ocean views.
We arrive at Port Campbell in the morning, which means we have ample time exploring the shoreline and the towering limestone pillars and cliffs. Accessing the pristine beach of the 12 Apostles via Gibson Steps, we walk amongst the giant apostles standing off the shore.
The 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles have nothing to do with the biblical characters; they are a collection of limestone stacks nature carved for thousands of years.
A highlight of a standard Great Ocean Road tour, the 12 Apostles had been drawing the visitors’ attention due to the unusual rock formations and simply spectacular views.
Loch Ard Gorge
Feel the gentle ocean breeze as we walk down the white sands of Loch Ard Gorge surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and by the limestone pillars Tom and Eva. Also, listen to the tragic tale of the historic Loch Ard shipwreck that happened near Mutton Bird Island.
Explore the Otways rainforest and wildlife
After dipping in the cool waters of Loch Ard Gorge, our next destination is the ancient rainforest of the Otways. We stroll the boardwalk at Maits Rest and wonder at the giant tree-fernsand centuries-old trees while keeping your eyes open for the native wildlife.
We take a break to have lunch and some refreshment in the nearby seaside town of Apollo Bay.
The tour continues to Kennett River, a small coastal town the perched in the Otways. Spot some wild koalas as we follow a bushwalking trail on a wildlife reserve. It is the best place in Victoria to see koalas in the wild. Plus, you get to have the chance to feed some king parrots and crimson rosellas.
Memorial Archway
The tour continues to the Memorial Archway, passing by the quaint coastal towns of Lorne and Anglesea amidst picturesque landscapes and natural scenery.
As we stop by the historic arch, you can take some photos and mementoes while learning some history of the Great Ocean Road and the Memorial Arch.
Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital
Our last stop is Torquay, Victoria’s most popular surfing town where you can stroll the beach, watch the surfers showing off their surfing skills, and shop at the town’s factory outlets.
We have pizza for dinner before we return to Melbourne where the tour concludes.
Experience the Famous Loch Ard Gorge.
Walk high above the ocean witnessing the incredible 12 Apostles.
See the 12 Apostles from the beach at Gibsons Steps.
Guided rainforest walk is a step back in prehistoric time.
See many villages along the Great Ocean Road.
Stop to see Koala’s in the wild.
One of the world’s most scenic roads.
Learn the epic history of how this Great Ocean Road was built.
