From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Kamal Negi
AU

Kamal

Australia
Jan 2026
A fantastic cruise ride at Phillip Island! Beautiful ocean views, professional staff, and a very enjoyable experience overall. Definitely worth it and something I would do again.
D M Uranthalawe Gedara J Dissanayake
AU

D

Australia
Nov 2025
The cruise was great. Although the inclusions mentioned cake with tea or coffee, we only received cake. Some staff members were not very friendly. Other than that, the scenery and the one-hour ride were enjoyable. The Penguin Parade was a bit of a disappointment. If you really want to see the penguins clearly, I’d recommend purchasing premium tickets, the view from there is much better I believe . The general viewing area wasn’t good at all; we could barely see anything, only shadows.
Brenda Mattingly
AU

Brenda

Australia
Jan 2026
We had the best time on this tour. Our guide Sherif was so good with all his information and places he stopped at. One of the best guides I have had on a tour
Muhamad Haziq Bin Mohamed Tahir
SG

Muhamad

Singapore
Dec 2025
Everything well planned. Guide was experience enough to get us around, finding spots for short layover and dinner during the trips. Commentary throughout the trip is great and educational.
Samantha

Samantha

Jan 2026
Nice tour, friendly guide. Bill answered all our questions and kept us entertained. Only downside was the long drive, but the stops made it better.
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.
David Wright
AU

David

Australia
Aug 2025
This is not the first time Pam and I have taken a cruise to see the seals. The newer, larger boat has more comfortable seating indoors that allows one to see the passing scenery out of the wind. there is plenty of outdoors deck space to view and photograph the myriad of seals when the colony is reached.
Anto Arokia Nithyaa Joseph
AU

Anto

Australia
Aug 2025
I loved the tour. The guide is very helpful and his knowledge on things made the tour very much enjoyable as well as informative! Had a very good time. Overall amazing experience.

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.