Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

The best reason to choose this Great Ocean Road tour is its reverse route: you reach London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles at a different time from many day tours, which can mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. You also get a stop at London Bridge, a coastal landmark not included on every tour.

I like the mix of famous sea views and a real chance to spot wildlife at Kennett River, plus the choice of three vehicle sizes. Guides such as Phillip, William and Allan have been singled out for their humor, clear explanations and knack for finding koalas and kangaroos.

The trade-off is the long day: plan on about 13 hours, with a substantial drive at the start and lunch that may come late, around 3 p.m. Bring snacks for the day, but note that food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

• London Bridge comes early: Allow 15 minutes for the photo stop and coastal views.
• The route visits the big names: Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles are the central coastal stops.
• Wildlife is a possibility, not a promise: Kennett River is the place for a walk and a look for koalas, kangaroos and parrots.
• Three vehicle options: Choose a classic coach, a mid-size coach for up to 35 people, or a Mercedes-Benz van limited to 15.
• Lunch is on your own: Apollo Bay has waterfront restaurants, but the meal break can arrive late.
• Expect a full day: The tour lasts about 13 hours and leaves Melbourne in the morning.

The reverse route changes the day

The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s signature coastal drives, but the order of stops can shape the experience. This tour heads first to London Bridge, then takes in Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles before turning toward the Otway region, Kennett River, Apollo Bay and Memorial Arch.

That reverse order is intended to avoid some of the crowds and arrive at major viewpoints in better light. It cannot guarantee an empty lookout or perfect skies, of course, but it gives the day a useful plan beyond simply ticking off the famous names. The added London Bridge stop is another advantage, especially if you have already seen the standard list of Great Ocean Road attractions.

The drive itself is part of the outing, not just a transfer between stops. One account of the day describes a first stretch of about three hours, followed by stops roughly every 45 minutes to an hour. That pattern makes the journey more manageable, though you should still be ready for a lot of sitting before the coastal visits begin.

London Bridge and the great coastal stops

London Bridge is the first listed sightseeing stop, with about 15 minutes set aside for photos and views. This is a short visit, so have your camera ready and follow the guide’s directions about where to go. It is a worthwhile addition, but not a long wander.

Next comes Loch Ard Gorge, where you have time to visit, take photos and look around. The stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take in the coast at closer range. Keep an eye on the clock, since the day includes several major sites and the group needs to stay together.

The Twelve Apostles are the marquee stop, and the reverse timing is meant to improve the visit by avoiding some of the busiest periods. You’ll have free time to see the views and take pictures. The amount of time at each place can depend on the day’s conditions and schedule. Some people find the pace tight, particularly if they want a long walk or plenty of time at every viewpoint, so use your time well.

The optional helicopter flight is an extra-cost choice, not part of the tour price. It offers a different perspective on the coast, but the ground-level stops already cover the main sights. If you are considering the flight, check the available time and cost before you book rather than assuming it is included.

Kennett River and the chance of wildlife

After the coastal landmarks, the route passes through Great Otway National Park and stops at Kennett River for a walk and wildlife viewing. This is where you may spot koalas in the trees, along with kangaroos or native parrots. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the guides have been praised for making an effort to find animals in the wild.

That can be one of the day’s most memorable parts. A koala or a mob of kangaroos gives the scenery a living, local dimension that a lookout alone cannot provide. Some tours have also been lucky enough to see stingrays, but treat that as a bonus rather than a planned stop.

The guide matters here. Phillip, William and Allan are among the guides named for their friendly manner, useful explanations and attention to the group. One guide even adjusted the day to help find koalas and kangaroos. Wildlife remains unpredictable, but a guide who knows where to look can improve your chances.

Apollo Bay and the late lunch question

Apollo Bay is the lunch stop, with waterfront restaurants and time to explore the town. It is a welcome pause after a morning of driving and sightseeing, and a chance to choose your own meal, including local seafood or other dishes.

The catch is timing. Lunch may be around 3 p.m., so eat breakfast and bring snacks for the day. You cannot eat or drink on the vehicle, so keep those snacks for breaks rather than the ride. The schedule may leave enough time to eat but not much time for a proper beach walk or a leisurely look around town.

If you want to make the most of the break, decide what matters before you arrive. A sit-down meal is pleasant, but if the time is limited, order promptly and save the stroll for another visit. This is a day tour with many stops, not an extended stay in Apollo Bay.

Memorial Arch on the return

The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is the final listed photo stop before the return to Melbourne. It is a familiar Great Ocean Road landmark and a fitting place to mark the route before heading back inland. Expect a brief visit for a photo and a look around rather than a long stop.

The four listed drop-off areas are Docklands, Southbank, postcode 3000 and 52 Spencer Street. The precise pickup and drop-off arrangements depend on the option you choose. For the premium tour, complimentary pickup is available within the Melbourne CBD area, but St Kilda Road is excluded even where its address falls within postcode 3000.

Choosing a coach that suits you

The Classic Coach Tour is the standard choice, with air-conditioned coach transport and a Melbourne departure around 7 to 7:30 a.m. It suits you if keeping the price down is the main priority and you are comfortable sharing the ride with a larger group.

The Mid-Size Coach Tour is capped at 35 people and follows the reverse route, including London Bridge. It offers a middle ground: less company than a full-size coach, while still keeping to a group-tour price. The smaller headcount can make it easier to hear instructions and gather at stops, though it is not a private tour.

The Premium Small-Group Tour uses a late-model Mercedes-Benz van for no more than 15 people. It departs around 8 a.m., an hour later than the other options, and includes complimentary pickup in the CBD area. Choose it if a smaller group and later start are worth paying extra for. The supplied price of $38 per person is a starting price for the experience, so check the selected option and date before booking.

All three options include a guide and air-conditioned transport. Guides provide information about the stops and Australian culture, and the strongest praise is for their upbeat, helpful approach. The ride is a major part of the day, so for comfort, consider bringing a neck pillow. One person found the coach headrests uncomfortable on the long first stretch.

Is the $38 fare good value?

At $38 per person, the tour offers a lot of ground for a modest starting price: transport from Melbourne, a guide, the major coastal sights, London Bridge and a wildlife stop. The day’s length also matters. You are not paying for a short transfer, but for a full circuit with several stops and a guide managing the route.

Value depends on what you expect. If you want a low-cost way to see the Twelve Apostles and other coastal landmarks without driving yourself, this is a strong fit. If you prefer slow meals, long walks and plenty of time at each viewpoint, the compressed schedule may feel like a compromise. Lunch and the optional helicopter flight cost extra.

The tour’s reported score is 4.4 out of 5 from 77 ratings, and the most consistent praise focuses on the guides, scenery and wildlife encounters. That matches the practical strengths of the day: a well-organized route, striking views, and guides who can make a long drive feel less like dead time.

What to bring and keep in mind

Dress in layers. Conditions along the coast can change, and a light jacket is useful even when Melbourne starts out warm. Bring water and snacks for breaks, but remember that food and drinks are not permitted in the vehicle. Since lunch can be late, a good breakfast is a sensible start.

Expect a long day and some time on the road. The route or timing can change because of severe weather, traffic controls, mechanical problems or road closures. If you have a flight or another fixed plan later that day, leave a generous buffer. The operator accepts liability for direct tour losses such as paid fees, not extra personal costs caused by delays.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if you want to keep plans flexible. Check the exact pickup details for your chosen coach, especially if you are staying around St Kilda Road.

Who should book this Great Ocean Road tour?

Book it if you want to see the coast’s major landmarks in one day, value a lower starting price, and are happy with a brisk schedule. The reverse route, London Bridge stop and chance of seeing native wildlife make it more interesting than a drive that simply hits the Apostles and turns around.

The mid-size option is a sensible balance for many people. Choose the premium van if a small group and later departure matter more than the lowest price. If you need long breaks, a flexible pace or accessible transport, look for another way to explore the coast. For everyone else, bring layers, prepare for a late lunch, and let the guide handle the long road between the views.

FAQ

How long is the Great Ocean Road tour?

It lasts about 13 hours. The day starts in the morning and returns to Melbourne in the evening, though traffic or other disruptions can affect timing.

What is the price?

The supplied price is $38 per person. The final price can depend on which vehicle option and date you select.

Which sights are included?

The route includes London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, a pass through Great Otway National Park, Kennett River, Apollo Bay and Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

Can I see koalas and kangaroos?

You have an opportunity to look for wildlife at Kennett River. Koalas, kangaroos and parrots may be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense in Apollo Bay. The meal break may be around 3 p.m., so bring snacks for breaks during the day.

Can I eat on the bus?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Bring snacks to eat during stops instead.

What vehicle options are available?

You can choose a classic air-conditioned coach, a mid-size coach limited to 35 people, or a Mercedes-Benz van limited to 15 people. The premium small-group option departs around 8 a.m.; the coach options leave around 7 to 7:30 a.m.

Is a helicopter flight included?

No. A helicopter tour is optional and costs extra.

Is pickup available in Melbourne?

Pickup depends on the option selected. The premium tour includes complimentary pickup in the Melbourne CBD area, but St Kilda Road is excluded from the complimentary pickup service.

Can I cancel, and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.