Our review covers a popular premium tour of the Great Ocean Road, offered by TOURS AROUND MELBOURNE. While we haven’t done it ourselves, many travelers have shared their experiences, and the tour’s unique reverse route is making waves for good reason. It’s an excellent option for those wanting to see iconic sights like the Twelve Apostles without fighting the crowds, all while riding comfortably in a deluxe mini bus.
What we love about this tour is its thoughtful approach to managing busy spots and providing a more relaxed atmosphere—especially thanks to the reverse itinerary. Plus, the guides’ enthusiasm and ability to share engaging stories elevate the experience. One potential consideration is that the tour is quite long—about 12 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers prepared for a full day on the road.
This tour appeals most to those who want value, authentic wildlife encounters, and a chance to see the coastline’s highlights with expert commentary. If you’re looking for a well-organized, intimate group experience that avoids the crowds, this might be your perfect day trip.
Key Points
- Reverse route helps avoid crowds at key sights like the Twelve Apostles.
- Small group size (up to 13 passengers) ensures a comfortable and personalized experience.
- Expert guides with a passion for the region enrich the trip with stories and wildlife spotting tips.
- Wildlife encounters include koalas, kangaroos, and colorful parrots—perfect for nature lovers.
- Flexible stops at scenic viewpoints, rainforest walks, and charming towns offer great photo opportunities.
- Value for money is high, especially considering the includes and personalized service.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Discovering the Route and Highlights
- The Transport and Group Size
- Guides and Personal Touch
- Itinerary Breakdown and Timing
- Wildlife and Nature Encounters
- Value and Overall Experience
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Tours in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
Discovering the Route and Highlights
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Melbourne, which is a real convenience, removing the hassle of finding a meeting point early in the day. The first stop is at Colac, where you can grab breakfast (not included) and stretch your legs. This early start pays off, as it helps you beat the crowds at the main attractions.
From there, the journey quickly shifts into a different rhythm. The first major highlight is the Twelve Apostles, where you’ll get to see these towering limestone stacks with relatively fewer travelers around—thanks to the reverse route. Multiple reviews echo how special it is to witness these formations without throngs of visitors, with one traveler noting: “The Twelve Apostles was stunning.”
Next, you’ll visit Loch Ard Gorge, a site with a compelling shipwreck story and incredible natural beauty. Here, you’ll stroll along the beach and take in the dramatic cliffs, often with fewer people than on conventional tours. Travelers have appreciated the extra time for photos and the chance to explore in peace, with one remarking: “The views were breathtaking. Never felt rushed.”
The rainforest walk at Great Otway National Park adds a touch of lush greenery to the day. The 20-minute guided walk allows you to connect with Australia’s vibrant plant life and spot some wildlife. It’s one of the tour’s real gems, especially praised by those who love nature.
Lunchtime is flexible, with stops in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay, giving travelers a choice of local eateries or a quick break for a picnic. The reviews highlight how important good food and a relaxed atmosphere are after several hours on the bus.
The return route takes you through Apollo Bay and along the iconic coastline, with animal sightings like koalas and kangaroos often occurring en route, especially in Kennett River. With guides sharing stories and tips, travelers felt well-informed and entertained. One review said: “We saw many koalas sleeping and lots of kangaroos—what a treat!”
The scenic drive back through Otway National Park offers more stunning views, and the Memorial Arch provides a great photo opportunity, marking the start of the return journey.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
The Transport and Group Size
Traveling in a luxury mini bus makes a noticeable difference. The smaller size means more windows for sightseeing, less time spent waiting for everyone to board, and a more intimate atmosphere. This setup also allows the guide to tailor the experience better and avoid the large crowds typical of bigger coach tours.
With a maximum of 13 passengers, the group stays manageable, ensuring everyone gets enough time at each stop. Passenger reviews repeatedly mention how this small-group setup enhances the overall experience, making it more personable and flexible.
The comfort of the vehicle—clean, modern, and well-maintained—receives consistent praise. Travelers appreciate the spacious seats and climate control, making the long day easier to endure.
Guides and Personal Touch
Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Guides like Steve, Bill, Jay, and John are praised for their storytelling, passion, and ability to spot wildlife. They often go beyond just pointing out sights—they share stories, local history, and insider tips, which makes the experience richer.
One reviewer summarized it well: “Steve was outstanding—funny, entertaining, and informative. He made us feel welcome and kept the trip engaging.” This personal touch is what transforms a standard sightseeing tour into a memorable adventure.
Wildlife spotting is a big part of the appeal. Guides are adept at finding koalas, kangaroos, and parrots, often pulling over to let everyone take photos. Many travelers remark on how close they got to these animals, making the trip special.
Itinerary Breakdown and Timing
The tour’s reverse itinerary means that you start inland, heading to Colac and then to the Twelve Apostles early in the day—before most travelers arrive. This strategy allows for more serene photos and a more contemplative experience at these iconic sites.
- Tom and Eva Lookout offers panoramic views and a chance for quick photos and a guided explanation—20 minutes.
- The Twelve Apostles gets about 50 minutes, enough time for photos and walks, as many reviews commend the ample photo opportunities.
- Loch Ard Gorge is allotted 40 minutes, giving enough time to explore and learn about the shipwreck story.
- In Great Otway National Park, the rainforest walk lasts 20 minutes, but the scenery leaves an impression.
- The lunch stop in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell lets you relax and refuel, with around 50 minutes for a meal or a quick wander.
On the return, the drive along the coast includes scenic stops, wildlife viewing, and photo ops, often with guides sharing fascinating facts, making the long drive feel engaging rather than tedious.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife and Nature Encounters
This tour’s wildlife sightings are frequently praised. Koalas are often seen sleeping in eucalyptus trees, while kangaroos hop freely in the fields. The guide’s ability to find these animals makes the trip worthwhile.
Travelers mention seeing koalas in the wild, kangaroos, and vibrant parrots, all of which add an authentic Australian touch. Wildlife viewing, combined with the lush rainforest walk, makes this a nature lover’s dream.
Value and Overall Experience
Considering the full day of sightseeing, wildlife encounters, expert guiding, and comfortable transportation, the price point is justified. The small group size and personalized service make it stand out from larger tours, offering better photo opportunities and a calmer experience.
Reviews frequently mention how much travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the less crowded views, which elevate an already stunning destination. The flexible stops and optional activities like the helicopter ride (if available) add to the value.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is ideal for those who want to avoid large crowds, appreciate wildlife, and enjoy learning from passionate guides. It suits travelers willing to dedicate a full day to explore, with an emphasis on comfort, authenticity, and quality over sheer speed.
It’s perfect for those who value small groups and personalized attention, and for visitors who want to see the iconic sights—the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge—and connect with nature in a relaxed way.
Final Thoughts
This reverse Great Ocean Road tour offers a well-structured, intimate experience that balances breathtaking scenery with wildlife encounters and engaging stories. The small-group setup and knowledgeable guides are big pluses, making the day enjoyable and memorable.
While it’s a long day, the careful planning, early start, and scenic variety help justify the effort. If you’re looking for a value-rich, authentic journey with fewer crowds and a friendly guide by your side, this tour fits the bill.
For travelers seeking a relaxed, expertly guided adventure that showcases Australia’s rugged coastline and vibrant wildlife, this tour hits the right notes.
PREMIUM Great Ocean RD Tour REVRS-Dlux MINIBUS-Hotel PickUP
“Steve is a very good driver and guide. He is cheerful and kind. He enlightened the tour.”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup in Melbourne, which is confirmed the day before the trip.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.
What stops are included?
Stops include Colac, Tom and Eva Lookout, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay, Kennett River, and others along the coast.
Can I see wildlife on the tour?
Yes, wildlife sightings are common, including koalas, kangaroos, and parrots, especially in Kennett River and the rainforest.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or babies under one year, but generally, it’s suitable for most age groups prepared for a full day.
What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and binoculars are recommended to make the most of outdoor stops and wildlife viewing.
What makes this tour different from others?
The reverse route means fewer crowds, the small group size ensures personalized attention, and the passionate guides enrich the experience with stories and wildlife tips.
Whether you’re after iconic photo spots, wildlife encounters, or simply escaping the city for a day, this premium Great Ocean Road tour offers a compelling way to experience Australia’s stunning coastline with comfort and authenticity.
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