Autopia Tours: Great Ocean Road Without the Crowds (Reverse)

TOUR CODE: GORR-S

OPERATES: Daily

DEPARTS: 7:35am

RETURNS: 8:30pm

TOUR DURATION: 12 Hours

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Immigration Museum - 400 Flinders St Cnr Market St Melbourne @ 7:35am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience the spectacular 12 Apostles shipwreck coast without the crowds
• Visit the pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge in the glory of a mid-morning sun
• Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback lookout's amazing views
• Search for Australian wildlife in its natural habitat 
• Enjoy a guided walk through an ancient rainforest Great Otway National Park
• Drive along the world-famous National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road
• Eco-conscious sustainable touring experience

ITINERARY:

The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour direction enables our passengers to experience the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road in all its glory in the reverse direction. By operating this tour in reverse, we avoid all the normal tourist masses that visit the 12 Apostles, giving our passengers a better opportunity to capture that picture-perfect photograph without the crowds. This Great Ocean Road reverse tour itinerary will visit all the same key destinations and highlights as our standard great ocean road tour, so rest assured you won’t miss a thing. 

Escape the city by traveling inland direct to the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Take a journey and experience the Great Ocean Road reverse tour in the opposite direction to the masses, enabling you to escape the crowds and enjoy this famous & picturesque coastline in all its glory. Our first major stop will be the breathtaking 12 Apostles and the extraordinary rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell. Discover Mutton Bird Island & Razorback lookout, both offering amazing views. Then, enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully, an ancient rainforest admiring some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park. 

We continue our journey along this spectacular National Heritage listed road winding between hillsides, pristine beaches, stunning ocean views, and dense rainforest. The Great Ocean Road is famously known as one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes which you will get to enjoy without all the crowds. Our local guides will try to seek out the iconic Australian koala, as this coastal region is heavily populated with these furry creatures hidden within the pockets of Eucalyptus forests. 

Stopping next at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, one of the most photographed spots along this rugged coastline. This monument is a tribute to the World War One servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road stretching 243 kilometers and was finally completed in 1932. A great location to grab a group photo under the archway and share with friends on social media. From here, we sit back, relax and enjoy the drive back into the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Meals: Lunch Driving Distance: 570km. Walking distance: 2-3km. 

INCLUSIONS:

• National Park entry fees
• Light picnic-style lunch
• Onboard wifi & charging ports
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• Guided walks (~2-3km, subject to fitness levels) 
• Hosted by an experienced driver guide
  
• Modern air-conditioned midicoach travel
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
  
• Select inner-city pickup and drop off points
• Audio & text translation app available in 10 different languages (Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish)
  

EXCLUSIONS:

• 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flights - payable onboard direct to the operator on arrival
• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary - at the guest’s own expense. We provide plenty of opportunities for guests to support locals and buy snacks along the way.
  
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  
• Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
  
• Personal expenses
  

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, all-weather clothing, windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, small day bag 5-7kg, money for dinner, and camera to capture every moment!

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant protective seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.

WEATHER:

Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details are required at the time of booking: phone number.
• We will try to cater to most dietary needs and/or food allergies - passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking.
• Child fare prices apply to children aged between 0 to 12 years old.
• Infants aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to travel on adult laps and must be safely restrained within a child protective seat. Infant seats are free of charge and must be requested at the time of booking.
• This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers. Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person.
• Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures.
• Please re-confirm your tour details within 7 days prior to departure on 03 9393 1333.
• Private touring is available on request.