Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

The Great Ocean Road rewards a long day. This $38 tour packs London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, wildlife stops, and the Memorial Arch into one 13-hour outing from Melbourne. I especially like the reverse route, which aims to reach the famous rock formations when crowds and harsh backlight are less of a problem, and the added London Bridge stop gives you a coastal view many standard day trips skip.

I also like the strong wildlife potential at Kennett River and along the route. Koalas, kangaroos, parrots, and even stingrays have been spotted on recent outings. The main drawback is the sheer length of the day: you have a long first ride, and the schedule can feel tight, especially around lunch, which may fall as late as 3 PM.

Key points to know before booking

• London Bridge adds something different: This short photo stop gives the route an extra coastal viewpoint beyond the usual Twelve Apostles circuit.
• The reverse itinerary is the smart feature: It is designed to reduce crowd pressure and improve the light at major stops.
• Wildlife sightings are a real possibility: Kennett River is used for koalas, kangaroos, and parrots, though wild animals never follow a timetable.
• Apollo Bay is your main meal stop: Lunch is not included, and the late timing makes breakfast and food planning important.
• Three vehicle choices are available: You can choose a classic coach, a mid-size coach for up to 35 people, or a Mercedes Benz van for no more than 15.
• The value is unusually strong: At $38 per person, you cover a huge amount of coastline, though comfort and free time are limited by the full-day schedule.

Why the reverse route matters at the Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road is one of those places where timing changes the whole experience. The Twelve Apostles are famous for their offshore limestone pillars, but a midday stop can mean strong glare, packed viewing areas, and less flattering photographs.

This tour runs the coastal highlights in reverse. The aim is to reach London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles at more useful times of day, while many standard tours are still working their way toward them. That does not guarantee empty viewpoints or perfect weather, but it is a sensible way to handle one of Victoria’s busiest day-trip routes.

You will still spend a lot of time on the road. The trip takes about 13 hours, and one recent account described the first stretch as a chunky three-hour ride before the regular stops begin. Bring a neck pillow if you find coach seats uncomfortable, especially since one review noted limited head support.

The payoff is a full sweep of the coast rather than a quick visit to one lookout. You get major rock formations, a gorge, forest, wildlife, a coastal town, and one of the road’s best-known memorial photo stops in a single day.

London Bridge gives the coast a quieter opening

London Bridge is the first major sightseeing stop on the listed route, with about 15 minutes for photographs and coastal views. The name can confuse first-time visitors because this is not a city bridge. It is a natural rock formation near the coast, shaped by erosion and surrounded by open sea scenery.

The short stop works well as an introduction to the day. You can step off, stretch your legs, and take photographs without spending a long period at a single viewpoint. The extra visit is particularly useful if you have already seen the Twelve Apostles in photographs and want another kind of coastal formation.

The limitation is time. Fifteen minutes is enough for a look and a few pictures, not a long walk or a detailed exploration. Stay aware of the guide’s instructions and return time, since delays here can affect every later stop.

Loch Ard Gorge adds drama and a human story

Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most rewarding stops because it combines cliffs, sea views, and a strong connection to Australia’s maritime past. The tour allows time for a visit, a break, sightseeing, and photographs rather than treating it as a roadside photo pullout.

This is where the guide’s commentary can add real value. Guides such as William, Phillip, Philip, and Allan were repeatedly praised for explaining Australian culture, local stories, and the meaning behind the places along the route. Allan was also singled out for adapting the day to help find wild koalas and kangaroos, which says something useful about the human side of the trip: a good guide can make a fixed itinerary feel more responsive.

Wear shoes you can walk in and bring a layer. The coast can feel very different from central Melbourne, and the weather may shift during the day. You should also expect open viewpoints and uneven walking areas, so this is not a suitable activity for wheelchair users.

The Twelve Apostles are the headline stop

The Twelve Apostles are the moment most people picture when they book a Great Ocean Road trip. The tall limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean, and the viewing area gives you the classic photographs associated with this stretch of Victoria.

You get free time here rather than only a quick view from the vehicle. That matters because the scene changes as clouds move across the water and sun reaches the cliffs. Take your main photos early, then spend a few minutes simply looking out. The scale is easy to miss if you only frame one rock through your phone.

The reverse timing is the tour’s strongest practical advantage at this stop. One recent account specifically praised seeing the Twelve Apostles with fewer crowds, while another said the stops offered enough time without feeling rushed. Still, the schedule is not leisurely. You are sharing a long route with several other major stops, so do not expect an hour of quiet wandering.

An optional helicopter flight may be available here or during the coastal portion of the day, at an additional cost. It is not part of the $38 price, so treat it as an extra decision rather than a hidden inclusion.

Kennett River is your best wildlife window

Kennett River brings a welcome change from cliffs and viewpoints. You can get out for a walk, take photographs, and look for native animals in their natural setting. Koalas in the trees, kangaroos in the bush, and parrots are all possible sightings.

The word possible matters. This is wildlife viewing, not a zoo visit, and no guide can promise a koala on a particular branch. The recent experiences connected with this tour included koalas, a baby koala with its mother, kangaroos, parrots, and even giant stingrays. Those sightings are excellent bonuses, but you should book the tour for the coast first and regard the animals as an added reward.

This is also a stop where patience helps. Look up into the branches, listen for bird calls, and follow the guide’s directions rather than rushing from one photo point to another. Keep a respectful distance from animals and avoid loud behavior.

The wildlife portion is one reason I would choose this trip over a bare-bones coach transfer to the Twelve Apostles. You are not simply checking off a famous rock formation. You get a chance to see how the coastal forest supports local wildlife.

Apollo Bay turns sightseeing into a real break

Apollo Bay is the main town stop and the planned lunch location. It has a relaxed coastal setting, waterfront restaurants, fresh seafood, and specialty dishes. You also get free time to look around rather than eating beside a highway service station.

There is a timing catch. The overview warns that lunch may be around 3 PM, even though the route describes Apollo Bay as a midday stop. Plan for the later possibility. Eat a proper breakfast, and ask the operator how food and drinks should be handled because the guidance says food and drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle.

That rule matters on a 13-hour outing. You can eat at the permitted stops, but you should not assume you can snack freely while driving. The supplied information also advises bringing snacks, so clarify the current policy before departure and keep anything you bring for use outside the vehicle if required.

Apollo Bay is not just a meal break. It gives you a chance to slow down after the major coastal viewpoints and see a small town along the road. The tradeoff is that lunch may leave little time for the beach or a longer stroll. One person found the schedule well managed but wished for more time in Apollo Bay, especially to walk by the water.

The Otway section adds forest scenery

The route passes through Great Otway National Park, including lush fern forest and fresh forest air. The listed schedule says the coach passes by rather than providing a dedicated extended forest walk.

That distinction is important. You will see the Otways as part of the drive, but you should not book this trip expecting a rainforest hike or a long national park stop. The forest section works as a scenic change between the open coast and the wildlife area.

Because the road includes long stretches of driving, this is a good time to listen to the guide’s stories or watch the scenery through the windows. Several people found the commentary helpful during the long ride, particularly when guides explained the history of the Great Ocean Road and the places along it.

Memorial Arch is a useful final photograph

The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is the final sightseeing stop before the return to Melbourne. It is an easy place to photograph the famous timber arch and mark the road itself, rather than only the cliffs and beaches.

The arch commemorates the returned servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road after the First World War. The stop is brief, but it gives the day a useful sense of place and purpose. Your guide can connect the physical road with the people who constructed it, adding cultural context to the scenery.

This stop also breaks up the return journey. After a full day of viewpoints and walking, you will appreciate one last chance to step off the coach and take photographs before the city ride.

Choosing between three vehicle options

The Classic Coach Tour is the basic transport choice. It uses a spacious, air-conditioned coach and usually leaves from a central Melbourne meeting point between 7:00 and 7:30 AM.

The Mid-Size Coach Tour carries no more than 35 people. I see this as the sensible middle option if you want a smaller group without paying for the most premium setup. It includes the reverse route, London Bridge, the main coastal stops, and wildlife opportunities.

The Premium Small-Group Tour uses a late-model Mercedes Benz van with no more than 15 people. It includes complimentary pickup in Melbourne’s central business district and usually departs around 8:00 AM, giving you about an extra hour in the morning.

That later start may sound minor, but it can make a difference before a 13-hour day. The small group should also make it easier to hear the guide and ask questions. On the other hand, the $38 price is most attractive if you choose the lower-cost option and do not need a premium vehicle.

Pickup details need care. Complimentary pickup does not cover St Kilda Road, even though that area uses the 3000 postal code. The available drop-off points are Docklands, Southbank, 3000, and 52 Spencer Street.

The guides are a major part of the value

A long day in a vehicle depends heavily on the guide. The strongest feedback centers on guides called Philip, Phillip, William, and Allan, with repeated praise for humor, clear explanations, safe driving, and personal attention.

Philip was often praised for keeping the group entertained while explaining each location. William was described as enthusiastic and helpful, and one person appreciated his assistance in recovering a room key card left on the bus. Allan was praised for going out of his way to help find wildlife.

These details matter because the route includes long driving periods. A guide who can explain the scenery, tell useful stories, manage the clock, and keep the mood light makes the journey much easier. You should not expect a private guide, but the people leading these departures appear to be one of the tour’s strongest assets.

The guide also controls the balance between sightseeing and schedule. Some people found there was plenty of time at the stops, while another found the day a little tight. Your experience may depend on traffic, weather, wildlife sightings, and how efficiently the group returns to the vehicle.

Is $38 good value for a 13-hour day?

Yes, if your priority is seeing as much of the Great Ocean Road as possible from Melbourne in one day. At $38 per person, transport, a guide, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Twelve Apostles, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, the Otways, and Memorial Arch represent a lot of coverage for the price.

Lunch is extra, and so is any helicopter flight. You should also budget for the comfort cost of a long day: an early start, a late return, extended time seated, and limited control over how long you stay at each stop.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors with only a short stay in Melbourne. You can see the coast, wildlife, and major landmarks without arranging a car or driving unfamiliar roads yourself. It is less suitable if you want a slow coastal holiday with long walks, generous meal breaks, or time to linger at every viewpoint.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. The operator can change the route or timing because of severe weather, traffic controls, mechanical trouble, or road closures, and you should not schedule a flight immediately after the tour.

Who should book this Great Ocean Road tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors, budget-conscious couples, solo sightseers, families who can manage a long day, and anyone keen to combine famous coastal views with a chance to see Australian wildlife.

The Mid-Size Coach is likely the best balance if you want a smaller group, while the Mercedes Benz option suits you if central pickup, a later start, and a maximum of 15 people matter more than the lowest price. The Classic Coach makes sense when cost is your main concern.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, dislike long coach rides, need a flexible lunch schedule, or want extended time at Apollo Bay. Pack layers, consider a neck pillow, eat before departure, and be ready for lunch to come late.

Book this tour if you want broad coverage, strong photo opportunities, and excellent value in one very full day. Skip it if your ideal Great Ocean Road experience means slowing down and staying overnight. For most short-term visitors, the reverse route and London Bridge addition make this a smart way to see more of the coast without paying much for it.

FAQ

How long does the Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, including transport from Melbourne, sightseeing stops, lunch time, and the return journey.

What is the tour price?

The listed price is $38 per person. Lunch and any helicopter flight are not included.

Does the tour visit London Bridge?

Yes. London Bridge is included as a scenic photo stop lasting about 15 minutes.

Which major Great Ocean Road sights are included?

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

Can I see koalas and kangaroos?

You have opportunities to see koalas, kangaroos, parrots, and other native wildlife, particularly around Kennett River. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals live in the wild.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and Apollo Bay is the main meal stop. The timing may be as late as around 3 PM.

Are food and drinks allowed on the vehicle?

The tour information says food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. It also advises bringing snacks, so confirm the current policy and plan to eat at permitted stops rather than onboard.

What vehicle options are available?

You can choose a Classic Coach, a Mid-Size Coach limited to 35 people, or a Premium Small-Group Tour in a Mercedes Benz van limited to 15 people.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup depends on the selected option. The Premium Small-Group Tour includes complimentary pickup in Melbourne’s CBD area, but St Kilda Road is excluded. Drop-off locations include Docklands, Southbank, 3000, and 52 Spencer Street.