Melbourne Tours
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour
5

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour

By Hit the Road Tours
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Large crowds can make sightseeing a stressful experience, so avoid the rush, and opt for a stress-free alternative—a Great Ocean Road reverse itinerary tour that starts early to beat the crowds. The trip goes to a variety of coastal towns, and scenic landmarks, such as the 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, London Bridge, Port Campbell National Park, Lorne Beach, and more.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 7-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Save time and tick off multiple Great Ocean Road highlights in a day
  • Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy commentary along the way
  • A small-group tour means a more personalized experience
  • Make the most of your time—the tour is guaranteed to skip the long lines
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024

  • National Park fees
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Bottled water
  • Entry/Admission - Twelve Apostles
  • Entry/Admission - Gibsons Steps
  • Entry/Admission - The Razorback
  • Entry/Admission - Loch Ard Gorge
  • Entry/Admission - Mait's Rest
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included
  • Food and drinks


Start:
  • State Theatre, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia
    Your pickup will be at 6:50 am from State Theatre, St Kilda Road (a four-minute walk from Flinders Street Railway Station). Please arrive at least 5 minutes earlier for the check-in. The minibuses will stop in the taxi rank sheltered area, between Hammer Hall and State Theatre.
End:
  • State Theatre, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia
    Expected return to Melbourne: around 7 PM.

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 72740P2

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • We are not able to accommodate children under 7 years of age on this tour, as according to VicRoads regulations they must travel on child restraints, which are not available in our minibuses. Passengers who show up with under 7 years old kids will be refused boarding without refund.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • This is a small groups tour and the vehicles are 12 seaters minibuses Toyota Hiace or similar. In case extra room is required, send us a message so we can arrange large coaches option.
  • Most travellers can participate
  • If you are traveling with people, not in the same booking, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. We operate with multiple buses and can't guarantee sitting together without being informed.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 72740P2

From
C$129.87
per adult
Select date and travellers

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia
    Your pickup will be at 6:50 am from State Theatre, St Kilda Road (a four-minute walk from Flinders Street Railway Station). Please arrive at least 5 minutes earlier for the check-in. The minibuses will stop in the taxi rank sheltered area, between Hammer Hall and State Theatre.
  • 1
  • 2
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  • 4
  • 5
    Pass by
    Port Campbell National Park
  • 6
    Pass by
    Great Otway National Park
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  • 8
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  • 10
  • 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia
    Expected return to Melbourne: around 7 PM.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Hit the Road Tours
    3,150
    Australia
    Joined in June 2018
  • 11jeannieb
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Reverse Great Ocean road Tour
    The experience of the Great Ocean Road was amazing Sam our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable a must see tour highly recommended
    Written September 18, 2024
  • lisaJ661YC
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Trip
    Our guide, Neil went above and beyond to ensure this was a great trip for all, despite the weather. It was a windy, rainy day and there were road closures as well. Thanks to the reverse itinerary we made it to the twelve apostles which, for us, was really the main attraction. Neil was very knowledgeable, taking us to places that he enjoyed, so we got to see places that we didn’t expect to see! Thanks very much, Neil and Hit the Road Tours. I would definitely book a tour with you again.
    Written September 14, 2024
  • annetav402
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to celebrate wedding anniversary
    We chose this tour to celebrate our wedding anniversary. It was great tour and we loved every bit of it. We were conveniently picked up from our hotel and returned there after the trip. Our very experienced driver and guide Jimmy provided excellent service. It was a very windy and rainy day but sun would appear at the right time so we were able to see all and make good photos including wild koalas and kangaroos and wallabies. Lots of beaitiful rainbows on our way back was a big bonus. Thank you very much for a memorable day
    Written September 1, 2024
  • Skipper01
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A FULL BEAUTIFUL DAY!
    The tour included not only the complete Ocean Road with spectacular lookouts and the famous 12 Apostles, but also a stop to see many kangaroos and another to spot different Koalas. Everything was well organized and the guide was always friendly and available for any question. Only weak point is that to reach the road it takes 2,5 hours, quite a long time and the many curves and ups ad downs of the Ocean Road can create some car sickness.
    Written September 1, 2024
  • rosalindl304
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    5 🌟 travel experience
    Our tour guide was Jimmy Chen. He was very polite and patient, we were very happy with his professional services. Although we had very limited time at each stop, but overall the entire trip was a smooth and pleasant one.
    Written August 28, 2024
  • Guide49705219305
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must Do Trip
    Fantastic day with Wayne what an absolute gem of a quide tour . Highly recommend this trip and doing it in reverse is a bonus 🤗 Happy Travelers Lance and J9 NZ
    Written August 26, 2024
  • 69extrae
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    10/10 day trip idea to see scenery, koalas and kangaroos
    The reverse itinerary tour was a very good idea. There was almost no crowd when we went to the different sightseeing spots. Our guide, Jimmy Chan was very experienced and engaging. He took care of us and intentionally got to know us. Smooth and safe navigation with accompanying speech-guided tour. He also put in the effort to provide umbrellas and help us see koalas and kangaroos. Would highly recommend paying for this, definitely worth your bucks 👍 Tip: Good to bring windbreaker (for winter), binoculars and good camera for high quality photos of scenery and koalas/kangaroos)
    Written August 25, 2024
  • markrZ1262DX
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day out
    Having limited time in Melbourne this was a great trip to get out of the city and explore the beautiful coasts and forests.
    Written August 25, 2024
  • zhizhih2024
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Journey with Jimmy in the Great Ocean Road
    The weather today is so good, we are so lucky to see all sightseeing in a sunny day. The guide Jimmy who is really nice, patient, and professional. It’s really nice to have a great trip with such lovely people.
    Written August 25, 2024
  • rehnumac2024
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great tour
    Tour was great. The stops along the way were as per the itinerary.Our driver/tour guide was lovely really friendly and very informative. Only downside would be at some locations such as the chocolate store not enough time. Other than that great tour.
    Written August 24, 2024
  • soundaryav2023
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good day
    Had a great day was an amazing trip I have ever been to. Would recommend for everyone who is coming to Melbourne. Best day 😃
    Written August 23, 2024
  • ingoz676
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful trip!
    We have a wonderful trip! our guide Jimmy is very professional. He introduced every sight impressively and interesting, with many historical stories and knowledge. The view is wonderful. Also we had lots of cute animals. We found five Koalas!
    Written August 22, 2024
  • Explore20953442350
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable
    We went with our tour guide Jimmy Chen. He had stayed in Melbourne for a long time so he is very informative. Was a very enjoyable trip! Thank you Jimmy!
    Written August 19, 2024
  • Jif324
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great scenery made even better with a great guide!
    Excellent experience with Chris as our tour guide. Chris is passionate and knowledgeable about all of the areas we visited. Chris was more than a driver that would just drop you off at an area and let you explore on your own, in fact, he would walk with us and explain to us what we are seeing and the history of the area. Chris made a big difference on our trip and if you book this, I hope you get Chris as a guide.
    Written August 19, 2024
  • J9765RPagnesl
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning breath-take trip
    Our guide, Chris was just incredible. He made the trip even better for us, very knowledgeable, taking us to a places that is his favorite as well, he put his soul in everything. The reverse itinerary is just fantastic idea, we could enjoyed with more exclusivity. And now I just not went to all those places, but I also know the whole history about the great ocean road. Many thanks Chris! Congrats guys.
    Written August 8, 2024
See all 3,150 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles2,236 reviews
Excellent
2,098
Very good
101
Average
22
Poor
6
Terrible
9

2014wtraveller
Sydney, Australia71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
From start to finish, this company Hit the Road Tours, has left a good impression. One day before the tour, I received an email confirming the pick up time, place and I was given the tour guide's name and number. Very handy, just in case I needed to contact him in the morning. The company is very prompt to reply to emails. I always get motion sickness on long journeys and was worried that I might get sick on the bus. I emailed the company about this and on the day of the tour, the guide, immediately knew my situation and arranged for me to sit up the front. Great communication among the staff.

Our tour guide was Jack and he was very well experienced and communicated well. He told us how long each leg would take and gave us plenty of toilet breaks which is very helpful on long trips. Jack was friendly, efficient and did just the right amount of talking. He even made some jokes!

Lunch was at Port Campbell and the company had already arranged special tour bus prices with a local cafe. The whole tour was very well organised. We made frequent stops which is excellent and good for people who get motion sickness.
I loved the bonus stop at the Chocolate factory. A good way to end the trip and should be added to the regular itinerary.

I've been on many tours, and this is one of the best. I really like that it is a small group of only 10 people on the minibus. If you are wanting to go to the 12 Apostles and Great Ocean Road. Choose 'Hit the Road Tours.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manas0taman
Masterton, New Zealand39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is a 12 hour day trip to view all the beautiful coastal sights to the west of Melbourne. In the ideal world it would probably be better done over two days or more, but if you are constrained by cash or time Hit the Road do the trip really well without breaking the bank.
Jack, our experienced driver/ guide was safe, helpful, accommodating and knowledgable. He also brought his own individual witty style to the mike, which was a big bonus as some of the driving sectors are quite lengthy, although the road is mostly good, straight and well surfaced.
Bear in mind that you will probably be sharing the bus with eleven others, on the way home we would have liked one less stop to aalow a pause for tea somewhere en route, however it's not possible to do this with several parties involved. We could have rented a car and completed the trip for a similar budget, but would not have had the benefit of Jack's local knowledge and the company of some nice people. If you decide to do this trip , I would highly recommend these people..
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Osman
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Very satisfied and happy that I booked this reverse itinerary tour. As the description promised, we were able to avoid large crowds at every stop we made, allowing ample time to enjoy the beautiful limestone cliffs and beaches, as well as look out for koalas on the go. The morning route on the way to the Twelve Apostles was inland and took us through large swatches of farmlands and hills - a nice addition to the stunning Great Ocean Road that led us back to Melbourne later in the day.

Our guide was Jack, who is incredibly friendly and easy going, and provided us with lots of insights as soon the tour started in Melbourne itself. It was a long day but he ensured we made all our stops on time and even added a bonus final stop at the Angelsea chocolate factory, which was a nice treat. Throughout, he kept us engaged with his humour and good nature. We stopped for a nice lunch in Port Campbell, but I'd suggest carrying a bit of extra cash just in case the card machines aren't working (as was the case with our tour).

Overall, a really memorable trip! Thank you for making it happen, Jack!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for the wonderful review ozmium! So happy to hear that you had a great time on our tour :)
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

cpertuti
New York City, NY68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We hit the road with Jack, our driver/guide, to take in the sights from the Great Ocean Road. Hit The Road (HTR) a relatively new small family run local Melburnian tour company with a great core group of driver/guides is one of the few companies offering the GOR tour in reverse. Why do this in reverse? We thought it was better to see the 12 Apostles before the site gets crowded with other visitors. After checking out the itinerary offered by the other tour companies, we picked HTR for its great reviews. The tour company did not disappoint. Our intimate grouping of 11 was shepherded by Jack who picked us up in front of St Paul’s Cathedral at 6.55am. We drove for about 2 hours to Colac, stopped for gas station coffee & bathroom break. The latte was unexpectedly good. Then we’re passing miles and miles of farmlands with grazing cows and sheep, and bales of hay dotting the landscape. We finally arrived at 12 Apostles (Jack shared that there’s only 8 left) after another 2 hours, took in the breathtaking scenery that rivaled the southernmost tip of Europe (in the Algarve), spent about 45mins before taking the short drive to Loch Ard Gorge. The impossibly narrow opening where an English sailor was washed ashore. In the 1800s. We were encouraged to walk down to the beach (the climb is about 80 steps). There were impressive views of the Razorback. Then its off to see the fallen arch of London Bridge. On the way back along the winding hairpin Great Ocean Road hugging the cliffs, we stopped in Otway Rainforest to look for wild koalas. We found them snoozing up in the eucalyptus trees. After a bathroom break at Apollo Bay, we went looking for more koalas and birds at Kennett River. The only wild kangaroos we saw were on a golf course in Anglesea.
This tour is a must do if you want to see the 12 Apostles and not have to deal with driving the dangerous curves yourself.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rebecca
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Our tour was fantastic! Our tour was led by Brendo we got to see Koalas, some amazing lookout points off the beaten path as well as the big landmarks like the 12 apostles. Can’t imagine any other way to do the Ocean Road! We were from Canada, the small group was fantastic. Got to know our bus mates and learned a lot from Brendo on the road. I unfortunately left my phone in a bathroom 2 hours outside Melbourne and when I realized the team with this company went above and beyond to help me. Brendo gave me some contact numbers, leading me to Rio who was extremely helpful over email in connecting me with the right people and very kind. Jack, who was leading the tour the next day, went out of his way to pick up my phone in the small town, kept me updated on its location and got it to me less than 24 hours after I lost it! I was sure it was gone for good but this company really cares about its guests and got me out of a real tough spot. 1000% recommend this tour, there is nothing better and certainly not at a better price!!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thanks Radruken for such a wonderful review! Great to hear that your phone was found! We always want our customers feel appreciated on the tour, and I'm glad to hear we achieved this :)
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Medha A
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Friends
The tour started right on time even though it was raining in the morning. Jack, our lovely tour guide, not only provided us with detailed information about the city and spots we stopped at, but also entertained us with riddles and his quick witted “dad” jokes. The tour itself is beautiful, more than enough time given to each and every stoppage. Would recommend taking up this tour over getting your own car as it covers so much in such little time.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Caryn G
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Thanks Jack for a great day! I don’t think my partner and I could have attempted all that driving and gotten to all the stops in under 12 hours. Loved the reverse tour. It was nice to avoid the crowds especially at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The tour was well paced with lots of stops for snacks/toilet breaks. We even got in three bonus stops including the chocolate factory which my kids loved. We were lucky enough to see a koala in the wild as well. We had lunch in Port Campbell. The Alcove Cafe has special prices for HTR customers, and they were great about checking ingredients and making something for my daughter with a nut allergy. The only thing I would note is that if your budget allows, the premium bus does seem worthwhile if you need comfier more spacious seats. It’s like the difference between a Corolla and a Lexus. The Corolla was fine for our needs though! Thanks for a wonderful day!
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Essi K
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Solo
The tour was well planned and the execute was even better. I arrived very early to the meeting place and the guide (Jack) was allready there and he let me wait others in the car. And I got the best seat in the car. On our way to first stop Jack was understanding enought to let us sleep little (it was very early morning) and didn't start to tell us all kind of facts about Melbourne or great ocean road wich I personally appreciate a lot. After cofee he told us lot of intresting stories about places, towns.. etc we passed on the way. We were able to see a lot and thanks the grear planning we were able to see most if the place without crows. Even if the day was super long and after lunch everyone get sleepy Jack stoped on the way so we could get fresh air and he had all kind of car plays to keep us entertained. He was even able to give us 2 extra stop :) He also took very good care of us (made sure everyone drank enought water...etc) and really did his best and more to ensure that we had fun. He took his time to talk and get to know all of us; me like many others had came on to the tour alone so he made me feel like that I'm part of the group. So all in all great tour, yoy get to see all the best and popular places, fun and relax atmosphere and you definetly get value for your money.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KalonaR
Fort Lauderdale, FL21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
While it is a very long day, especially for our tour guide, it was more than worth it. Peter, our guide, gave us a condensed history of Australia, the Ocean Road & on to the local history & points of interest in each area we stopped. The reverse trip is a great idea as we dodged the big bus loads by starting from the furthest point moving closer to MEL.
The entire southern coast is unique & beautiful! Mother Nature’s Art changes by the years making the paint strokes varied & authentic.
The Ocean Road back is turn very winding. Be prepared if you’re not keen with motion. It was fun though! And every turn brought a new coastline whether beaches, surfers, small towns, wild cockatoos also!!
Back on the road Peter spotted a koala in a eucalyptus tree & made a quick stop so we could take a closer look. Just adorable! Little fur balls asleep on a branch. One with a baby hanging on! We also saw a few kangaroos on a golf course. I suggested their usefulness is to stamp the divots. LOL.
It was definitely a great day. I would certainly recommend it & go again.
Thank you!
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much KalonaR! We're so happy to have been your tour guide in Victoria :)
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dvdand
leicester93 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Do not look anywhere else for your Great Ocean Road tour !!
I spent a good deal of time reviewing all the available options because I wanted this to be a special day for my wife who was visiting the Apostle's for the first time. The option of the reverse route and early start to beat the larger buses makes good sense.
Our guide was Orlando , who I believe is the owner of the company, he had 2 other mini-buses doing the same thing at the same time. There were only 7 of us on the bus, ( Max 11). and this made for efficient and timely disembarking and embarking at each stop. Consequently, not only did we have plenty of time at each stop but Orlando took us to extra sites that none of the other companies mention in their itineraries. This made the day very , very special. The tour delivered everything it was meant to and more besides !! Orlando was very knowledgable, very friendly and amusing. He was always around to answer questions and guide where necessary but at the same time gave us the time and space to look around and explore on our own.
We had a near perfect warm sunny day which also helped to make it special.
On top of this we saw wild Koalas by the side of the road which we stopped for. For me personally it was the first time in many visits to Australia.
We made the mistake of not following Orlando s advice for our lunch restaurant in Port Campbell and ended up with very slow service, so I suggest you don't do the same !!
One of, if not the best, day trip of this kind that I ve experienced anywhere in the world.
Amazing good value considering what it cost. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much for the amazing words dvdand!! We're so happy to hear you had a wonderful time and also that we offered the best day trip you've experienced anywhere in the world! Very thankful for this great review! :)
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour provided by Hit the Road Tours

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