Small group Great Ocean Road Reverse & Wildlife spotting

Exploring the Great Ocean Road in Reverse with Wildlife Spotting: A Detailed Review

If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and eager to experience one of Australia’s most iconic coastal routes, this small group Great Ocean Road Reverse & Wildlife Spotting tour is worth considering. Priced at $84.17 per person, it offers an immersive 12-hour journey that takes you early to the most photogenic spots, before the crowds arrive, and includes some truly special wildlife encounters. Led by knowledgeable guides and limited to just 12 travelers, this tour is designed for those wanting a more intimate, flexible experience that emphasizes comfort, authentic scenery, and exclusive access.

What we love about this tour is its reverse itinerary, which means you reach the famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge before most visitors—allowing for serene, crowd-free moments perfect for photos and reflection. Plus, the focus on wildlife spotting—particularly around Anglesea where kangaroos are most active in the late afternoon—adds a memorable touch that many other tours overlook. The inclusion of a beef sausage sizzle breakfast and coffee and tea makes the early start more enjoyable, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

One potential consideration is the early departure time—starting at 7:00 am from Melbourne—so this trip might feel a bit long for those who prefer a more leisurely pace or have limited energy for early mornings. Also, since the tour involves a fair amount of driving, travelers should be comfortable with long hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

This tour suits travelers who value small group intimacy, early access to major sights, and a chance to see native Australian wildlife in their natural environment. If you want to avoid the big crowds and see the best of the coast in a single day with a friendly guide, this is a strong option.

Key Points

• Exclusive early access to popular sights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
• Wildlife encounters, especially kangaroos at Anglesea, in the late afternoon.
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transport suitable for a full day of touring.
• Small group size (max 12 people) for a more personalized experience.
• Inclusions include breakfast, coffee, and tea—making an early start more manageable.
• Reverse itinerary helps beat the crowds and provides a different perspective on the route.

A Thorough Look at the Itinerary

Lake Colac: A peaceful start with breakfast amidst nature

Your day begins early—7:00 am from Melbourne’s St Paul’s Cathedral—so expect a brisk start. The first stop, Lake Colac, arrives around 8:00 am. Here, you’ll enjoy a barbecue breakfast featuring beef sausages, prepared as you take in the tranquil scenery of the lake. Many reviews highlight how this quiet, scenic moment sets the tone for the entire day—there’s something special about starting your adventure with a relaxed outdoor breakfast before hitting the main sights.

Loch Ard Gorge: Awe-inspiring history and natural beauty

By around 9:45 am, you’ll arrive at Loch Ard Gorge, one of the most iconic spots along the coast. This site isn’t just about stunning cliffs; it’s steeped in maritime history. The gorge is where the only two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck emerged—Tom and Eva—adding a layer of poignant story to the scenery. Expect about 30 minutes here, enough time to walk around and absorb the peaceful atmosphere, as one reviewer noted, “Every moment was a marvel,” thanks to the guide’s knowledgeable commentary.

The Twelve Apostles: Famous limestone formations, uncrowded in the morning

Next, around 10:20 am, you’ll reach the Twelve Apostles—the majestic limestone stacks that make this stretch of coast world-famous. Visiting early means avoiding the mobs of travelers, allowing for better photos and more intimate views. Many visitors comment on how spectacular the formations are—“Behold one of the most famous limestone rock formations in the world,” as one reviewer put it. The 40-minute stop provides ample time for sightseeing and capturing memorable shots.

Apollo Bay: Lunch with a view

By noon, you’ll arrive at Apollo Bay for about an hour. Here, you can enjoy a local meal at a charming restaurant along the coast, with the option to stroll on the beach just a short walk away. Travelers often mention how nice it is to have a proper break in a lovely setting, especially after the busy morning sightseeing.

Mait’s Rest: A peaceful rainforest walk

In the early afternoon, around 1:40 pm, you’ll visit Mait’s Rest in Otway National Park. This short 25-minute walk through lush rainforest offers a different perspective on the landscape—more tranquil, with sounds of nature and lush greenery. It’s a calming contrast to the rugged coast, and many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling about the rainforest’s flora and fauna.

Kennett River: Wildlife spotting, especially koalas and parrots

About 2:55 pm, you’ll stop at Kennett River, renowned for its koalas lounging in the trees and vibrant parrots. This quick 15-minute visit is perfect for snapping photos and enjoying the local fauna. One reviewer loved how easy it was to spot these animals, noting, “Have a cuppa at the local coffee shop too!” adding a relaxed, social element to the experience.

Anglesea: Kangaroo colonies in late afternoon

Arriving around 4:15 pm, a visit to Anglesea Golf Club offers the chance to see kangaroos roaming freely on the golf course. This is a highlight for many, especially as the animals are most active during late afternoon, making for fantastic wildlife viewing without the crowds. The 15-minute stop is enough to enjoy this unique Australian spectacle.

Point Addis Marine National Park: Surf and rugged cliffs

Next, at around 4:45 pm, the tour takes you to Point Addis Marine National Park, where surf enthusiasts test their skills against the powerful waves. The dramatic cliffs and wild beach scenery make this a photographer’s dream. Many travelers commented on the beauty and raw power of this coastline.

End of the day at St Paul’s Cathedral

Finally, at 7:00 pm, the tour concludes back at St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a full, satisfying day with plenty of memorable moments, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

The reviews highlight several consistent themes—knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the value of the small group format. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was friendly and went above and beyond,” which helps explain why so many feel the experience is personal and enriching.

Another reviewer appreciated the early access to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, noting how it allowed them to enjoy the sights without the crowds. The wildlife sightings—especially the kangaroos at Anglesea—are also frequently praised, with many describing these moments as “truly Australian”.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Timing, and Value

Traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle is a key part of this tour’s appeal. The long drive is broken up with interesting stops, ensuring you’re not just sitting in transit. The small group size enhances the experience—more interaction, less jostling, and a chance to ask questions.

The price of $84.17 per person is quite reasonable considering the full-day itinerary, early access, breakfast, and the intimate group setting. When you consider how much ground you cover and the priority given to experiencing the coast’s natural beauty at its quietest, this tour offers excellent value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers eager to beat the crowds and get a more authentic sense of the coast. If you love wildlife, especially koalas and kangaroos, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate small group tours and want to enjoy the scenery with personalized attention.

If you’re looking for an early start that allows you to see the sights before most visitors arrive—and don’t mind a long day—this is a strong choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value comfortable transport, authentic experiences, and stunning views.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start?
  The tour begins at 7:00 am from St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts approximately 12 hours, ending back at 7:00 pm.

• What is included in the price?
  The tour includes breakfast (beef sausage sizzle), coffee, tea, and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

• How many people are in the group?
  The maximum group size is 12 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

• Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
  Most travelers can participate, but those uncomfortable with early mornings or long drives might find it challenging.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It starts at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne and ends back at the same location.

• What are the main highlights?
  Early visits to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, wildlife spotting at Anglesea, rainforest walk at Mait’s Rest, and scenic stops along the coast.

• Is there a guide?
  Yes, guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often praised for going above and beyond.

Overall, this small group, reverse itinerary tour combines the best of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural stories, all delivered in a comfortable and intimate setting. Perfect for travelers who want to see the iconic coast without the crowds and with the added bonus of wildlife sightings and personal attention. If these qualities appeal to you, it’s well worth considering for your Melbourne adventures.