From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Karen Draeger
AU

Karen

Australia
Feb 2026

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+2 more

We as a family had a wonderful morning on the cruise, the weather was perfect, water was quite calm .The scenery & the colours of the water were beautiful & we got to see 2 Seals .Highly recommended going on the cruise. Loved it .
Gyllander Claes Joergen Niclas
SG

Gyllander

Singapore
Mar 2026
The setup of the tour doing it in "reverse" seemed to benefit us with no or very little people at the stop sites. The apostles is absolutely fantastic and so is the razorback and the Great Ocean Road in itself with plenty of great views. Also loved the communities chosen for stop and lunch etc. Our guide Bill gave a lot of good insights and very knowledgeable and also added a lot to the experience with his genuine Aussie character.
Andre

Andre

Jan 2026
Took the tour with my girlfriend and honestly, perfect day out. Steve’s driving was super smooth and he pointed out all the best photo spots. We got lucky with clear skies too. The coach was comfy, with enough breaks. If you get carsick, bring ginger chews—the road gets twisty.
Lynn Abel
GB

Lynn

United Kingdom
Mar 2026
#Chris H was a fantastic driver/guide, he knew so many interesting facts and was a lot of fun too. He gave us tips on the best place to sit to see the penguins and it worked a treat. Overall just a fab day out, would highly recommend to anyone.
Stephanie Ng

Stephanie

Feb 2026
Jono shared lots of useful information and fun facts about his experiences. His service was very appreciated. Besides, his voice is so nice to listen to; he should do a podcast.
Laura Inman
US

Laura

United States
Feb 2026
We had a great time on this excursion. Our guide, Tom, was fantastic at pointing out and stopping so we could see wildlife during our drive. We were able to see many swamp wallabies and even an echidna in the wild. HUGE moment for me! Tom was also fantastic in giving us tips on where to sit and how to best see the penguins to have the best experience! Tip: even though it was HOT the entire day, once we got to the sites for seeing the penguins it was windy and chilly so be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm enough while waiting and viewing the penguins!

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Top things to do in Melbourne

Want to see the Twelve Apostles without the crowds? The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour flips the classic route, taking you straight to the Twelve Apostles first before exploring the coast in reverse. That means fewer tour buses and quieter lookouts on those iconic limestone stacks.

What’s different about the Reverse Route?

Twelve Apostles
  • The reverse tour flips the traditional Great Ocean Road itinerary, starting with the Twelve Apostles instead of ending there. 
  • This simple change means you arrive before the big crowds, enjoy better lighting for photos, and experience the rest of the coast at a more relaxed pace.
  • It’s all the same iconic highlights — just in a smarter, less rushed order.
  • Lunch stops are often quieter and more relaxed, as you’re not arriving at the same time as dozens of other groups. This can also mean better food availability and faster service.

Major stops along the way

The Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge
Razorback & Island Archway
Spot Koalas and Roos along the way
Walk through Rainforests in the Otways
Coastal towns
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The Twelve Apostles

The Apostles are busiest around noon when most tours arrive. With the reverse itinerary, you get there earlier, when the lookout is quieter and the light is softer for photography. It’s one of the best perks of this route and sets the tone for a less crowded, more enjoyable day.

Loch Ard Gorge

Site of the infamous 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck, which killed 52 of the 54 passengers and crew. Located just a few minutes from the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most historically significant and visually striking sites along the Great Ocean Road. Today, visitors can walk down to the sandy beach, explore interpretive signage about the shipwreck, and view the gorge’s sheer limestone walls carved by centuries of wave action. This stop offers a blend of natural beauty and compelling maritime history.

Razorback & Island Archway

Accessible via a short path from the Loch Ard Gorge car park, these iconic formations are prime examples of the Shipwreck Coast’s dynamic geology. The Razorback is a long, narrow limestone ridge that stands alone in the surf, with its shape sculpted by wind and saltwater over thousands of years.

Spot Koalas and Roos along the way

Koala spotting in eucalyptus trees around Kennett River is still part of the plan. With the crowds trailing behind you, you’ll often have better chances to see native wildlife in a more peaceful setting. Some tours also make a stop for kangaroo sightings on the return leg.

Walk through Rainforests in the Otways

Take a breather in Great Otway National Park, where fern-filled gullies and towering trees create a cool, green break from the coast. Most reverse tours stop here for a short rainforest walk, often with more flexibility in timing, as the schedule is less tight.

Coastal towns

Since you’re not racing toward the Apostles, you can enjoy longer, more relaxed stops at towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne. Grab a bite, browse local shops, or take a quick beach stroll — without worrying about the next big stop looming ahead.

Is the Reverse Tour right for you?

You want to beat the crowds

Visiting the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge earlier in the day means fewer people and more space to explore.

You care about smoother logistics

Less waiting at photo stops, facilities, and cafés—especially in peak season.

You’re into photography

The morning light along the Shipwreck Coast often makes for clearer, softer images without the glare of harsh midday sun.

You prefer avoiding coastal night driving

By heading inland later in the day, the drive back to Melbourne feels more relaxed.

You like a fresh take on popular routes

Seeing the landscapes in reverse gives you a new perspective and often a quieter, more personal connection with the sights.

Frequently asked questions about the Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour

Most reverse tours depart Melbourne early, around 6:30am and return by 7pm to 8pm. It’s a full-day experience designed to make the most of daylight hours.