Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles London Bridge Koala Kangaroo

The trick to this Great Ocean Road day trip is its reverse itinerary: it aims to reach the famous cliffs and rock formations at quieter times, with better light for photographs. You’ll see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch, then travel back along the coast with stops for lunch, scenery and wildlife.

I like two things about this plan. First, it combines the coast’s headline sights with a chance to spot koalas, parrots and kangaroos. Second, guides such as Philip, Daniel, David and William are often praised for clear directions, humour and careful timekeeping, useful qualities on a very long day.

The trade-off is the distance. Expect about 13 hours on the road, and don’t count on a leisurely visit at every stop. Lunch is not included and may be late, so pack snacks for breaks, but remember that food and drinks are not allowed on the coach.

• The route goes west first: Reach Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles and London Arch before heading back toward Melbourne.
• Wildlife is a welcome extra: A forest stop and a separate wildlife-viewing stop offer chances to see koalas, parrots and kangaroos, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• The day is long but organized: Guides keep the group moving and share practical instructions along the way.
• Apollo Bay is the lunch break: You’ll have about an hour to choose a place to eat, with lunch at roughly 3 PM noted as a possibility.
• The price is unusually low: At $41 per person, the tour offers a lot of ground covered for the cost, but expect a full coach day rather than a slow-paced coastal escape.

Why the reverse route changes the day

The Great Ocean Road is a long outing from Melbourne, and the order of stops can shape the experience. This trip heads first toward the western end of the route, visiting the major limestone formations before working back toward the city. The aim is to dodge some of the heaviest crowds and avoid poor backlighting at the most photographed stops.

That approach matters most at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. These are open, dramatic places where light and crowd levels affect how easily you can enjoy the views and frame a photo. A reverse route can help, but it cannot promise empty lookouts or perfect weather. Traffic, roadworks, storms, bushfires and other disruptions may change the order or timing.

You’ll spend a substantial part of the day riding between stops. The coach makes the distance manageable, and guides provide commentary, directions and reminders about where to meet. Several guides, including Philip, Daniel, David Hsu and William, have been praised for keeping the day organized and making the drive entertaining. The guide on your departure may differ, of course.

Colac, then the cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge

The outward journey includes a 15-minute break in Colac. It’s a short chance to stretch and use the facilities before the coastal stops, not a destination in itself. Keep an eye on the time: a brief stop is easy to lose if you wander off.

At Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll have time to visit, walk and take photographs. The steep cliffs, gorge and Southern Ocean give this stop a different feel from the broad viewing platforms at the Twelve Apostles. The place also has historical associations, making it a useful pause between the long road sections and the next big coastal sight.

The listed itinerary allows free time here, but this is still a group day with several stops to fit in. I’d use the time to take in the view and walk a little, rather than expect a long independent hike. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in and follow local safety signs near the cliffs.

The Twelve Apostles: the headline view

The Twelve Apostles are the best-known stop on the route, and the tour allows about 45 minutes here. That gives you time to walk to the viewpoints, take photos and see the cliffs from more than one angle, though it is not a half-day visit. The formations rise from the sea, shaped by the forces of wind and waves along this exposed coast.

The reverse timing is designed to improve your chances of avoiding the busiest periods and harsh backlight. It’s a sensible advantage on a popular route, but conditions remain outside the operator’s control. Cloud, wind and the season can all change the look of the coast; even on a clear day, allow time for other people to share the viewing areas.

A helicopter flight is available as an optional extra, at an additional cost. It offers a different perspective on the coast, but it is not part of the $41 fare. If you’re considering it, treat it as a separate purchase rather than a standard inclusion.

London Arch and the story behind its name

London Arch, formerly called London Bridge, is another striking coastal formation. Its arch was once connected to the mainland, but that link collapsed in 1990. You can view the remaining formation from the designated area and hear about the change that gave this place a memorable chapter in its recent story.

The stop is more than a quick tick on a list of famous rocks. The Southern Ocean continues to work on the limestone, and the arch’s shape makes the force of that process easy to picture. Still, the time here is for viewing and photos, not a long walk or a detailed geology lesson.

Koalas, parrots and the chance of kangaroos

The journey passes through Great Otway National Park and includes a stop around the eucalyptus forest at Kennett River. Koalas may be resting in the branches, while native birds such as parrots can be heard or seen among the trees. The forest and ferns offer a welcome change from the open coast and coach seats.

There is also a secret stop for wildlife viewing, where kangaroos may be spotted. Guides have sometimes added stops or adjusted the route to help the group see wildlife, but animals are wild and sightings are never certain. A delayed day or road conditions may also mean a final stop has to be missed.

Bring your camera, but give yourself time to look up from it. Koalas can be easy to overlook among the branches, and a quiet pause may be more useful than scanning every tree in a hurry. Wildlife is a bonus, not a promise that should be the main reason to book.

Apollo Bay: a needed lunch break

Apollo Bay is the main meal stop, with about an hour for lunch and free time. The town is known for its beaches and relaxed coastal setting, and you can choose from local eateries, including places serving seafood. Lunch is not included, so budget separately for your meal.

The timing deserves attention. The tour information warns that lunch may be as late as 3 PM, while the exact schedule can vary with the day’s progress. Eat breakfast, and bring snacks for the journey. You can have them during stops, but food and drinks are not allowed on the coach.

This is a practical break, not a long stay in town. An hour gives you room to find a meal and stretch your legs, but it may not leave much time for a slow wander along the beach. If a relaxed lunch is a priority, keep an eye on the clock and choose a place without a long wait.

Memorial Arch and the ride back

On the return leg, the coach stops at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View for photos. It marks the Great Ocean Road and gives you a chance to pause after a day dominated by cliffs, beaches and forest. The stop is brief, so have your camera ready and listen for the guide’s meeting instructions.

The tour then continues toward Melbourne, with three drop-off points listed: 52 Spencer Street, Southern Cross Train Station and 52 Spencer Street. Confirm your exact pickup and drop-off details for the option you book, since meeting points can vary. Pickup is optional, and St Kilda Road is not included in the complimentary pickup service.

What the $41 fare does and does not buy

At $41 per person, this is a low-cost way to see a broad stretch of the coast without renting a car or handling the driving yourself. The fare includes air-conditioned coach transport and an English-speaking guide. For a 13-hour trip that links several major sights with wildlife stops, the value is strong.

The low price also makes it sensible to set expectations. You’re buying a full-day coach tour, not a private excursion with hours to linger at each place. Stop times are limited, and the day depends on road conditions and group timing. One account described a coach that felt older than expected, while other accounts praised comfortable seats and plenty of room. The vehicle may not feel like a luxury coach on every departure.

Lunch and the optional helicopter flight cost extra. The tour is listed as available in a small-group format, but check the specific option before booking if group size matters to you. Strollers and large bags are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Who will get the most from this day

I’d choose this trip if I had one day in Melbourne to see the Great Ocean Road’s best-known coastal sights and wanted someone else to manage the driving. It suits solo visitors, couples and families with older children who can handle long stretches on a coach and short visits at several stops. The guides’ clear instructions and steady pacing can be especially reassuring if you’re travelling alone.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a slow coastal holiday, extensive walks or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. If you have more time, spreading the route over more than one day would give you room to pause. If you have only one day and want the headline sights, this itinerary makes a strong case for itself.

Should you book this Great Ocean Road tour?

Book it if you want the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch in one day, value a reverse route and are comfortable with a long coach ride. The chance to see koalas and kangaroos adds real appeal, while the $41 price keeps the outing accessible.

Skip it if you dislike tight schedules, need a leisurely lunch or want wildlife sightings guaranteed. Bring snacks for the stops, prepare for a late meal and treat the coast as the main event. With those expectations, this is a practical, good-value way to meet the Great Ocean Road.

FAQ

How long is the Great Ocean Road tour?

The tour lasts about 13 hours, including the coach journey and stops.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $41 per person. Lunch and an optional helicopter flight are not included.

Which major sights are included?

The route includes Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, London Arch and the Memorial Arch at Eastern View. It also includes a stop in Apollo Bay and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Is lunch included?

No. You pay for lunch yourself in Apollo Bay, where the tour allows about an hour. Lunch may be late, so bring snacks for breaks.

Can I see koalas and kangaroos?

The tour includes opportunities to look for koalas, parrots and kangaroos, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the helicopter flight included in the price?

No. A helicopter tour is optional and costs extra.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point depends on the option booked. Pickup is optional, and St Kilda Road is not included in the complimentary pickup service.

Can I bring a stroller or large bag?

No. Baby strollers and luggage or large bags are not allowed on the tour.