From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour in Reverse

Explore the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road on a captivating minibus tour that takes you on the reverse route. Departing from the heart of Melbourne, this guided adventure promises an immersive experience, allowing you to discover the region’s iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge while avoiding the crowds. With a focus on personalized attention and eco-friendly practices, the tour offers a unique chance to connect with the stunning natural beauty of the area, from the ancient rainforests of the Great Otway National Park to the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay. But the true allure of this journey lies in the unexpected delights that await around every bend.

Key Points

• This 12-hour minibus tour departs from Melbourne and follows a reverse itinerary along the Great Ocean Road, avoiding crowds at popular attractions.
• Key sights include the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and Razorback Lookout, with 40 minutes allocated for exploring the Twelve Apostles.
• The tour includes a guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park and opportunities to spot native Australian wildlife like koalas and parrots.
• Participants have ample time to explore the charming coastal towns of Port Campbell and Lorne and sample local cuisine during the lunch stop in Apollo Bay.
• The tour is suitable for adults, older children (7+), and mobility-abled participants who can comfortably navigate the minibus, but is not ideal for families with very young children or those with limited mobility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour offers a comprehensive 12-hour experience starting from £66.25 per person.

The small group tour, limited to 12 participants, is led by a live English-speaking guide and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance along with a reserve now & pay later option.

Travelers will embark on a scenic journey to the region’s iconic attractions, including the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Great Otway National Park.

The tour is uniquely designed to avoid crowds by following an itinerary in reverse and visiting the key sights earlier in the day.

With included transportation, bottled water, and the opportunity for wildlife viewing, this minibus tour offers a well-rounded Great Ocean Road experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour takes travelers on a captivating journey, starting from the State Theatre in Melbourne.

Key attractions along the way include the iconic Twelve Apostles, where visitors can spend 40 minutes marveling at the towering limestone formations carved by the Southern Ocean.

Next, the tour explores the Gibson Steps and the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, each offering stunning coastal vistas.

Travelers then ascend the Razorback Lookout for panoramic views before seeing the lush greenery of the Great Otway National Park and the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk.

The tour also includes a stop in the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay, where visitors can enjoy lunch and spot local wildlife along the Kennett River.

Unique Features

One distinctive aspect of the Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour is that it’s conducted in reverse order to circumvent crowds at the key attractions. By driving inland first in the early morning, the tour enables participants to explore the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge before the peak visitation times.

This unique approach also allows for a guided rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park, where guests may spot koalas and parrots in their natural habitat.

Plus, the tour blends coastal and rural experiences, visiting charming towns like Port Campbell and Lorne, providing a well-rounded exploration of the stunning Great Ocean Road region.

Included Amenities

Complementing the well-curated itinerary, the Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour provides an array of included amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers can look forward to comfortable transportation by minibus, ensuring a smooth journey along the iconic coastal route. Refreshing bottled water is available throughout the day, keeping participants hydrated.

While breakfast and lunch aren’t included in the tour price, the generous amount of time allocated for each stop allows ample opportunity to explore the charming coastal towns and sample local cuisine.

With hotel pickup and drop-off service, the logistics are seamlessly handled, allowing guests to fully enjoy the stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife encounters.

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Important Information

Prompt pickup at 6:50 am from the State Theatre on St Kilda Road is essential, as participants must arrive at least 5 minutes early for check-in.

Minibuses stop in the taxi rank area between Hammer Hall and the State Theatre, providing a convenient boarding location.

This Great Ocean Road minibus tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years of age, as the small group size and compact vehicles may present challenges.

Guests should be mindful of the early departure time and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

Following these simple guidelines will help ensure a seamless and enjoyable Great Ocean Road experience for all.

Customer Reviews Summary

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this Great Ocean Road minibus tour, awarding it an exceptional 4.8/5 rating based on 427 reviews.

The highlights often cited by past participants include the exceptional tour guides, the well-timed itinerary that allows for ample exploration time at key stops, the stunning coastal vistas, and the opportunities to spot native Australian wildlife.

While some reviewers noted that the small minibus size can make entry and exit a bit challenging, the overall experience is described as highly enjoyable.

With the tour’s reverse itinerary to avoid crowds, the early morning inland drive, and the guided rainforest walk, this tour seems to provide an immersive and well-rounded exploration of the dramatic Great Ocean Road region.

Departure and Check-in Details

The tour begins with a prompt 6:50 am pickup from the State Theatre on St Kilda Road in Melbourne. Guests are advised to arrive at least 5 minutes early for check-in, as the minibuses stop in the taxi rank area between Hammer Hall and the State Theatre. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years of age.

The departure and check-in process is designed to be efficient:

1. Guests should arrive at the designated pickup location at least 5 minutes prior to the 6:50 am departure time.

2. Check-in takes place in the taxi rank area between Hammer Hall and the State Theatre, where the minibuses will be waiting.

3. Once checked in, guests will board the air-conditioned minibuses and begin their journey along the stunning Great Ocean Road.

Suitable Participants

This Great Ocean Road minibus tour is not suitable for all travelers. Children under 7 years old are not permitted on the tour, as the small minibus size and active nature of the itinerary may prove challenging for younger participants. The tour is best suited for:

Travelers	Benefits
Adults	Able to navigate the minibus and keep up with the pace
Older children (7+)	Can participate in the activities and appreciate the sights
Mobility-abled	Can easily get in and out of the minibus and handle the walking
Nature enthusiasts	Enjoy the coastal scenery, wildlife, and rainforest experiences

While the tour offers a comprehensive Great Ocean Road experience, it may not be the ideal choice for families with very young children or those with limited mobility.

Recap

The ‘From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Minibus Tour in Reverse’ offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning Great Ocean Road in a personalized, small-group setting.

Covering iconic sites like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, while also exploring the serene rainforests of Great Otway National Park, this 12-hour guided adventure promises an unforgettable journey along one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal routes.

You can check if your dates are available here: