Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour Review: Melbourne Backwards!

So, you’re pondering that hop down to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? It’s almost certain you have, and you might be seeing those images of striking cliffs and beautiful ocean vistas. But is that particular “From Melbourne Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour in Reverse” really the ticket? We took it for a spin, you see, and here’s what’s what.

What’s the Big Deal With a “Reverse” Tour?

That’s what I wondered too, actually. Yet, the usual Great Ocean Road tour grinds east to west. So, this boutique adventure flips the script. The main brag is, is that you sidestep many of the crowds. You’re visiting those famous spots like the Twelve Apostles a bit later in the afternoon. It might be that the light can be pretty sensational, yet a little different to that mid-morning glare. As I was saying, the tour tries to keep you away from peak times, which is pretty attractive, if you are like your average photo-snapping tourist.

Hitting the Road: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Alright, picture this: a comfy van, actually, that isn’t too packed, setting off from Melbourne. First thing is first, so we’re zipping past the surf coast beaches toward that day’s big jump-off point, Apollo Bay. In some respects, it’s nearly a four-hour haul, giving you plenty of time to like your check emails, nap or simply gawk at those farmlands. That part can be a drag, naturally, but it is also the chance to prepare, you know, for those scenic wonders to come.

Apollo Bay: A Breather Before the Beauty

So, Apollo Bay is more or less that launchpad, you see. We stretched our legs, grabbed that quick bite, and breathed that coastal air. It might be just a small spot, still it feels very refreshing before diving headfirst back into that scenic overdrive. This quick pause is cool, you know, for collecting yourself before hitting those legendary lookout points. So, take your time.

Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge: Sunset Spectacle

Alright, here’s the kicker. Anyway, hitting those Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge as that day goes on makes a difference. Apparently, it’s less wrestling through gaggles of people to glimpse those limestone stacks. Yet, that golden light, anyway, cast some long shadows and bathed those rocks in warm shades. So, those views might be dramatic, very, especially if you’re aiming to get some top-notch pictures.

The Guide Makes a Difference

Honestly, guides can be a mixed bag, but ours, I have to say, was pretty great. In that case, very entertaining, that fella clearly knew their stuff about that geology, that local flora and fauna, and peppering stories all the way through. So, having someone who isn’t only a driver but a storyteller adds a whole other layer to that experience. Very useful too it’s almost certain you have a ton of questions.

Glimpses of the Wildlife: Koalas and More!

Okay, no promises of any cuddly koalas, of course, but the tour, alright, has got a few spots where they usually hang out. So, our little group spotted a few snoozing in some trees, which is as good, basically, as anyone might want. You might be thinking there are birds, and a heap of other little critters kicking about, yet that depends on your luck and that particular time of year. Still, alright, nature’s always putting on a bit of a show.

Is It Worth Your Money?

First thing is first, tours like these do, arguably, lean toward that higher end of that price spectrum, but hear me out. So, consider what you are getting, right: dodging the crowds, that guidance from someone in the know, and transport that is quite comfy all along. On the other hand, so, if that idea of cruising in relative calm and experiencing some scenery without fighting for space sings to you, so, it might just be the thing.

Potential Downsides

Even though the reverse bit helps with any crowd dodging, still it’s almost impossible to have that place completely to yourself, that is a promise. Then, also, because the tour saves that iconic stuff ‘til later, there could be a bit more drive time earlier in that day. Apparently, those distances involved are pretty substantial. Make sure, very, to prepare for that longer travel day.

Final Thoughts

Alright, that “From Melbourne Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour in Reverse” seems, alright, like a neat way of hitting that Great Ocean Road differently. I want to say that the crowd thing, and a guide who really has an insight really helps that experience shine. So, it might be slightly pricier than that cattle-truck type tour, yet, what is that value you are placing on not sharing that sunrise with that rest of Australia? That’s a serious question.

• Crowd Avoidance: The reverse direction really pays dividends when it comes to dodging hordes of tourists.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The added value of the guide makes all the difference between a scenic drive and learning a lot.
• Sunset Views: Witnessing the Twelve Apostles in the late afternoon sun can be pretty something.
• Comfort Matters: Travelling in smaller groups, with extra comfortable transport matters when travelling such a long distance.