Experience one of the world’s greatest coastal drives

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour

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Overview
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Itinerary

From the 12 Apostles to koala forests and surf towns—this tour ticks every box

A private tour of the Great Ocean Road

This is the best of the Great Ocean Road packed into one flexible, fun-filled day. Start early with a reverse itinerary that gets you to the 12 Apostles before the tour buses. Then take your time along the scenic drive back through rainforests, surf towns, and wildlife-rich forests.

We’ll spot wild koalas, walk down Gibson Steps, hear shipwreck stories at Loch Ard Gorge, and stop for lunch at a local café. Travel in a luxury private vehicle with your own expert guide who knows the road inside out.

At a Glance

  • Price:  This is a private tour. Enquire for price (varies based on group size)

  • Duration: ~ 11-12 hours

  • Pick up: Flexible pickup from Melbourne CBD, airport, or Port of Melbourne around 7:00am

  • Drop off: Returns to your pickup location around 7:00–7:30pm

  • Included: Luxury vehicle, expert local guide, bottled water, national park fees

  • Vehicle: Comfortable 12-seater minibus with reclining seats and USB chargers

Breathe in sea air and take in the sweeping views along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal walks.
Explore the North Gorge Walk, one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal trails.
Want to see the Twelve Apostles from above? You can add this breathtaking helicopter flight to your experience!
We couldn’t believe how many koalas we saw! Our guide knew exactly where to look.
What a moment — wild kangaroos in their natural habitat! Truly an Aussie experience.
Absolutely stunning! Seeing the Twelve Apostles up close was the highlight of our trip.
  • Reverse Itinerary:
    You'll arrive at the 12 Apostles before the large tour buses. This means you get to enjoy the view and take photos without hundreds of people in the background.
  • Spacious Minibus:
    Our tours have a maximum of 11 passengers, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax. This creates a more intimate and personal atmosphere where you can chat with your guide and fellow travelers.
  • Audio Guide in 14 Languages:
    Listen to a professional audio commentary that automatically triggers at key stops. This gives you stories, facts, and insights in your own language as you travel.

Discover Victoria’s Coastal Icons

Why travelles choose this coastal escape

Award-Winning Service

Join thousands of happy travellers who rated us among Australia’s top small-group and private tour operators.

Unforgettable Landmarks

See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, and The Razorback — Victoria’s most famous coastal icons.

Relaxed, No-Rush Schedule

Enjoy the highlights without the long winding drive. Every stop is timed perfectly so you never feel rushed.

Perfect for Tight Schedules

Ideal for cruise passengers and visitors with evening flights. See it all in just nine hours and still be back by late afternoon.

Comfortable Private Vehicle

Travel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter or V-Class with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and plenty of room to stretch out.

Expert Local Guides

Our guides share real local insight, coastal stories, and the best photo stops along the Great Ocean Road.

See Our 5-Star Reviews

See why guests rate their day with Hit The Road Tours five stars

Su Li Zhang

"The driver drove safely and smoothly, going to every attraction... Some attractions are also purposely accompanied for interpretation. Amazing tour..."
Posted on Tripadvisor

Culture07420955190

"Jimmy was very energetic and kept the vibes nice during the tour. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable on random facts of Australia and of course the tour itself. It was a pleasure to tour.."
Posted on Tripadvisor

June W.

"We were 6 ladies from Hong Kong and it was our first time to the Twelve Apostles. We only had limited time so we selected this slightly shorter tour... Neil was super knowledgeable... He even.."
Posted on Tripadvisor

S C.

"We did the private 1 day Great Ocean Road tour which was tailored to suit our needs. Our guide Peter was fantastic & looked after us very well with his positive energy, knowledge & great.."
Posted on Tripadvisor

Travellingfamily1

"Loved every moment. Perfectly organised and all communication was wonderful. Have already recommended this tour to friends..."
Posted on Tripadvisor

Private Guest

"This trip was the best part of our vacation. We saw so much in just one day and felt very well taken care of by our private guide. A must-do for anyone wanting a personal.."
Posted on Tripadvisor

Details

Great Ocean Road Private Tour

Over 240km of rugged coast, rainforest, surf towns, and cliffs—this is the Great Ocean Road at its best. On this full-day private tour, you’ll see all the famous icons like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, plus local wildlife and hidden gems you’d miss on your own. A reverse route lets you skip the crowds and enjoy the drive at your pace.

  • Private Tour for your group (max 11 people)
  • Expert local guide who knows every bend of the road
  • Luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle with reclining seats and USBs
  • National park entry fees
  • Bottled water and snacks
  • Flexible pickup and drop-off from Melbourne city, airport or cruise port

Breakfast and lunch (own expense). Stops are made in a rural town and Port Campbell/Apollo Bay for purchase.

Start with the reverse route—heading inland first to reach the 12 Apostles before most others. Then spend the day winding along the coast: beaches, rainforests, surf towns, and wildlife.

We make time for breaks, walks, and photography. Whether you want a quiet moment at a lookout or an extra coffee stop, we’ll adjust the day to suit your group.

Wildlife sightings are part of the day—expect wild koalas, kangaroos, and if you’re lucky, echidnas along the way.

Want to stop for a longer lunch or skip a stop to linger somewhere longer? Just ask your guide.

Pickups are available from Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne for cruise passengers, or the airport.

Most tours start at 7:00am, but we’ll adjust based on your preferences. The full-day tour typically returns to Melbourne between 7:00pm and 7:30pm.

Upgrade your day with optional extras like:

  • Guided rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park
  • Longer lunch stop in Apollo Bay
  • Short walk to the historic lighthouse at Aireys Inlet
  • Wildlife sanctuary visit (timing dependent)

Just let us know what interests you most and we’ll tailor the route.

Plan your tour

Price: From A$117*

*varies depending on number of people

  • Flexible Cancellation Policy

  • Best Price When You Book Direct

  • Our Tours Run Rain or Shine

  • Guaranteed Departure - We Never Cancel a Tour

Enquire now
Still have questions?

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  • +61 447 351 307

    • A Day Along the Great Ocean Road

    Here’s how your private adventure might unfold

    This itinerary is designed for minimal crowds and maximum enjoyment of the coastal highlights, ensuring you see the 12 Apostles before the rush.

    • Start

      Morning Pickup

      For your convenience, our pickup locations are available within 15 minutes walking distance from any point in Melbourne CBD.

      • 1. At 6:30 am from 196 Flinders Street – Opposite Federation Square, and near Flinders St Station
      • 2. At 6:40 am from 313 La Trobe Street – Near Melbourne Central Station
      • 3. At 6:50 am from 44 Spencer Street – The Great Southern Hotel, near Southern Cross Station.

      Your pickup time and location will be as selected during the booking process. If you need to change the location, please notify us at least 24 hours before the tour departure.

      Please arrive at the pickup location at least five minutes before departure, as these are public parking spots and the minibus cannot wait. The drop-off points in the afternoon will be along Flinders Street.

    • Stop 1

      Winchelsea

      A 15 minute morning tea stop, as we travel inland in the morning and go straight from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, this is just a break to buy some coffee/breakfast (own expenses).

    • Stop 2

      The Twelve Apostles

      Travel inland in the morning and go straight to the 12 Apostles. Get there early, beat the crowds of the afternoon and enjoy these magnificent limestone formations when it’s still quiet and peaceful.

    • Stop 3

      Gibsons Steps

      Go down and walk on this amazing beach. Be dwarfed by the 70-meter high vertical cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the nicknames given to the giant limestone stacks rising up out of the sea.

    • Stop 4

      The Razorback

      This is the most impressive limestone formation of the region, the views are breathtaking!

    • Stop 5

      Lock Ard Gorge

      Be amazed by these two breathtaking attractions on this stop: – The Loch Ard Gorge – tragic and incredibly beautiful story of one of the most famous shipwrecks in Australia. Walk on the beach and feel dwarfed by the magnificent limestone and sandstone cliffs – The Razorback – the most impressive formation of this rugged shipwreck coast

    • Stop 6

      The Great Ocean Road

      Travel along the coastline on this most amazing coastal drive in Australia!

    • Stop 7

      Mait's Rest

      A 20 minutes rainforest walk, to witness some of Australia’s most amazing rainforest scenery at Great Otway National Park where you will feel really connected to nature.

    • Stop 8

      Apollo Bay

      Stop for lunch at this vibrant and cool coastal town at Victoria’s Surf Coast. The tour guide will recommend some restaurant options, enjoy some fresh food before starting the second part of the day.

    • Stop 9

      Kennett River Nature Walk

      Try to spot the cute marsupials koalas and also take pictures of the orange-bellied parrots that hang around this place

    • Stop 10

      Teddy's Lookout

      Finish the day by taking some pictures of this amazing Lookout at the top of the cliff in Lorne. We’ll then return to the starting point.

    Travellers loved this tour

    What our private tour guests say

    Hear from guests who joined our Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Coast tours.

    Braelyn H.

    "This is a MUST DO in Melbourne!! Matty was a great tour guide! The views were absolutely breathtaking, driving along the coast was awesome, and we stopped at just the right amount of places to.."
    Posted on Tripadvisor

    Maryann D

    "What a fantastic bucket list trip today with Jimmy our driver and guide. We saw it all the amazing Twelve Apostles and rugged coastline nature, the rainforest walk, koalas in trees on the roadside and.."
    Posted on Tripadvisor

    k K.

    "Doing the reverse trip is the only way to go so there are less crowds and you can really enjoy the sights you are there to see. The tour gives enough time to take in.."
    Posted on Tripadvisor

    Khadija I.

    "The reverse itinerary was a great choice, as we dodged crowds at almost all locations. Mandy was a great tour instructor and went out of his way to show us wild life in most hidden.."
    Posted on Tripadvisor

    Venture61568171504

    "Peter was one of the best tour guides and driver we’ve ever met. He was extremely friendly, kind, patient, professional, knowledgeable, and considerate. My wife and I strongly recommend him and his tour company..."
    Posted on Tripadvisor

    Outi P.

    "I did the Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Premium Tour a few weeks ago, and I have to say I cannot recommend it enough!! Sandra at the office was lovely and helped me with my.."
    Posted on Tripadvisor
    Read More Reviews

    Easy, stress-free planning

    How To plan Your private Tour

    From first enquiry to final drop-off, we keep it simple. Whether it’s a coastal drive, wine region, or wildlife day trip, booking your private tour is quick, personal, and completely hassle-free.

    Choose your tour

    Tell us your preferred date, group size, and any special requests - it only takes a minute.

    1

    Tell us the details

    We’ll reply within 24 hours with your quote and all the details you need.

    2

    Lock it in

    Once you’re happy with the details, we’ll lock in you date and send you confirmation.

    3

    See you on tour

    We’ll handle the rest, from hotel pickup to drop-off, so you can simply enjoy the journey.

    4

    Ready to plan your private Great Ocean Road experience?

    Let us show you around

    Tell us your travel dates and group size and we’ll get back to you with a quote.

    Plan my tour