A long drive, good timing, and wildlife in the wild. This reverse Great Ocean Road day trip adds a stop at London Bridge and then works its way toward the famous viewpoints with better light and fewer tour crowds. I especially like that the schedule is built for photos first, then wandering time, rather than the usual rush-then-wait rhythm.

Two things I like a lot: the chance to spot kangaroos, koalas, and parrots in prime habitat, and the way the guides keep the day organized and easy to follow. One possible consideration is that it’s a long day (about 12–13 hours) with fixed stop windows, so you’ll want to plan bathroom breaks and snack timing before you get hungry.

Key points to know fast

• Reverse route means you’re working against crowds and often getting better viewing light
• London Bridge stop is a short detour that many Great Ocean Road tours don’t include
• Wildlife viewing is part of the plan, not just a hope-and-pray add-on
• Loch Ard Gorge + Twelve Apostles get timed photo moments plus time to walk
• Apollo Bay lunch timing can be late, so bring snacks
• Guide setup can include wireless headsets, making the history and jokes easy to catch

Reverse Great Ocean Road: Why this route feels easier than the usual

Most Great Ocean Road days start with the biggest names first and the crowds follow right behind you. This reverse-style approach flips the flow, so you spend more time where the road is less packed and where the lighting can help your photos. Translation: you’re more likely to get clean viewpoints without people constantly blocking your frame.

I also like that reverse routing makes the day feel more varied. You’ll bounce from cliff lookouts to short walking stops to a coastal town break, instead of doing one big highlight after another with nowhere to reset your brain.

If you’re the kind of person who cares about photos—especially at dawn-to-late morning light—this route philosophy is a big deal. Timing is everything on this coast, and starting your day with the right angles helps.

London Bridge stop: the extra viewpoint most tours don’t build in

The tour’s added London Bridge photo stop is brief—about 15 minutes—but it’s exactly the kind of stop that changes your entire day. You get a quick stretch for photos, plus a chance to enjoy the coastline without immediately jumping into the busiest photo spots of the day.

Why it matters: London Bridge often gets treated like a side note on standard itineraries. Here, it’s a scheduled moment, with sightseeing time on the way in and a little breathing room to take photos from the right spots.

Practical tip: treat this as a warm-up. Use it to get your camera settings ready and to decide which side you prefer for the next drives. A few people mention asking the driver which side gives the best coast views—do that. It can genuinely improve your photo results.

Loch Ard Gorge walks and the Twelve Apostles viewpoints (timed for photos)

After London Bridge, you move to Loch Ard Gorge, where the highlight is the combination of dramatic cliffs and a short walk. This is where you trade the bus window for actual steps on the ground, and that small change makes the scenery feel more real. Bring comfortable shoes—you’ll be on foot, not just standing for selfies.

From there, you roll into the Twelve Apostles area with a mix of photo time, a visit window, and free time to wander. This is the money stop on the Great Ocean Road. Even if you’ve seen pictures before, the scale works differently in person—the cliffs look almost too tall to be real.

The real value here is timing. The reverse itinerary is designed so you can see these icons under more favorable conditions, rather than arriving when everyone else is shoulder-to-shoulder. You’ll still see other people; this is Australia’s most famous coast drive. But you’re set up to get better moments.

One more practical note: the Twelve Apostles free time can be what you make of it. If you want beach-level walking, you’ll likely need to prioritize that at this stop, because later time windows are less flexible.

Great Otway National Park passing moments and the secret wildlife stop

You’ll pass through Great Otway National Park, which is less about getting out for long hikes and more about road-time appreciation. Think of it like the scenic buffer between the big coastal photo chapters—same vibe, less pressure.

Then comes the interesting part: a secret stop with a photo opportunity, a walk, and wildlife viewing. This is where the day shifts from scenery-only to the “maybe I’ll actually see animals” zone.

You’re specifically looking out for Australian icons—kangaroos, koalas, and native parrots—and the itinerary is built around habitat, not just random roadside stops. That matters because animals don’t show up on command; you need the right terrain and the right patience.

Practical tip: stay alert but don’t rush. Wildlife viewing often happens when everyone quiets down and watches the edges of the path and nearby bush. If you’re constantly repositioning, you’ll miss the subtle stuff—like movement in the branches or a roo pausing to look back.

Apollo Bay break, late lunch rhythm, then Memorial Arch at Eastern View

After the main cliff stops, the tour takes a break in Apollo Bay. This is where you reset. You get a break time and lunch options right in the coastal town area, so you’re not stuck eating the same meal as everyone else.

One detail I’d plan around: lunch can land around 3 PM, so you’ll want snacks ready. The easiest way to keep the day enjoyable is to prevent the late-day hunger spiral—grab something small before you run out of momentum.

After Apollo Bay, you finish with Memorial Arch at Eastern View, mainly a photo stop. This is a good final “wrap it up” moment—less walking, more framing the coast and capturing a last set of angles before you head back to Melbourne.

If you want photos across the day, treat Memorial Arch like your closing checklist: camera battery check, quick location photos, then time to enjoy the view without rushing for one more stop.

Getting there and back: coach comfort, group size, and guide tech

Your comfort depends on which tour option you choose, and the differences are practical.

• Classic Coach Tour: air-conditioned coach, central Melbourne meeting around 7:00–7:30 AM.
• Mid-Size Coach Tour: also departs around 7:00–7:30 AM, limited to no more than 35 guests, aiming for a better balance of price and attention.
• Premium Small-Group Tour: Mercedes-Benz van, limited to 15 guests, with complimentary pickup within Melbourne CBD area and a later departure around 8:00 AM.

Later departure can sound minor, but in a long-day trip, that extra hour can mean a smoother start and less grogginess when you’re ready to photograph and walk.

The guide experience seems to be a major reason people rate this tour highly. Many guides keep things lively with history and humor, and some use wireless headsets so you can hear instructions clearly without blasting your neighbor’s eardrums. For example, David Hsu is specifically mentioned for using headsets with volume control and for keeping the day flowing smoothly with safety and entertainment.

You may also appreciate practical touches from guides—like cold water and other small helps—mentioned by some group members. Not every guide will do exactly the same things, but the theme is consistent: a guide who keeps communication clear and the group comfortable.

One seating tip that comes up: if you care about the coastline views from the bus, ask which side to sit on. Getting the right side can improve what you can shoot through the windows on drive segments.

Price and value: is about $46 worth it for 12–13 hours?

At $46 per person, this tour is good value if you want a full Great Ocean Road hit without renting a car for a whole day. You’re paying for transportation, a live English guide, and timed photo-and-walk stops that cover the famous cliffs plus a couple of extra angles like London Bridge and wildlife-focused moments.

Does that low price mean you’ll feel totally relaxed? Not always. This is a long day, and the schedule includes short windows at key spots. The value comes from doing more in one trip (big icons, smaller stops, and a wildlife angle) rather than from having endless time at every lookout.

If you want the best comfort-to-crowd ratio, consider the mid-size or premium small-group option. The premium van option especially helps if you dislike large coach noise, want quicker organization, and like the idea of a later start and smaller group dynamics.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to add one unforgettable optional thrill, you’ll have an opportunity for a helicopter tour (optional, additional cost). It’s not part of the core price, but it’s there if you want a different perspective.

Who should book this reverse Great Ocean Road tour

Book this if:

• You want the classic Great Ocean Road icons—Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles—plus extra stops
• You care about photo timing and want a route that aims to reduce crowd pressure
• Wildlife spotting is part of your travel goals (you’ll specifically be looking for kangaroos, koalas, and parrots)
• You prefer a guided day where someone handles the route and timing

Consider a different approach if:

• You hate long days and tight stop windows. This is not the “wander at your own pace for hours” style.
• You need wheelchair accessibility. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can still work, but the tour doesn’t allow baby strollers. Plan accordingly.

Should you book Wild OZ Adventures for the reverse Great Ocean Road day?

I’d book it if your priority is a high-return day: iconic coast scenery, real walks at key points, a scheduled detour to London Bridge, and wildlife viewing built into the plan. The reverse route idea is smart for anyone who wants better photo odds, and the guide setup (including headsets on some trips) helps you enjoy the drive instead of only tolerating it.

If you’re the type who needs lots of free time to roam without time pressure, you might prefer a self-drive or a different tour style. But if you want one well-organized day that covers the important parts of the coast and keeps moving in a way that still feels thoughtful, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Great Ocean Road reverse tour?

The tour runs about 12–13 hours, depending on the selected starting time and day conditions.

What is included in the price?

You get air-conditioned transport and a live English guide. There is also an optional helicopter tour available for an additional cost. Lunch is not included.

Where do I meet the tour in Melbourne?

Pickup depends on the tour option. There’s a central Melbourne meeting point for the coach tours around 7:00–7:30 AM. Premium includes complimentary pickup from the Melbourne CBD area, while some areas may not be covered.

Is lunch included, and what time should I expect it?

Lunch is not included in the price. You’ll have time in Apollo Bay for lunch, and the day’s timing can make lunch land around 3 PM, so bringing snacks can help.

What wildlife can I realistically expect to see?

The tour focuses on wildlife habitats and looks out for kangaroos, koalas, and native parrots, plus other native wildlife during the day.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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