Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

Better Great Ocean Road photos start early. This reverse tour from Melbourne drives you the other way, so the reverse itinerary helps you dodge peak crowds and catch more flattering light at the big viewpoints.

The standout is the extra London Bridge stop, paired with wildlife sightings like koalas and kangaroos in proper habitat. One possible drawback: it is a long day, and lunch is late (around 3 PM), so plan snacks for the stretch.

Key things to know before you go

• Reverse routing for easier photos: you hit major lookouts with fewer tour-bus crowds and less harsh backlight.
• London Bridge is part of the story: most one-day routes skip it, so you get more variety in the same day.
• Wildlife stops are built into the route: you get dedicated photo and viewing time for kangaroos, koalas, parrots, and other native animals.
• Guides use clear audio support: many guides are strong narrators, and headsets can help you hear without drowning out the group.
• You get multiple scenic “micro-moments”: short, timed stops keep the day moving but still allow you to walk, not just stare from the bus.

Reverse Great Ocean Road timing: why it changes everything

The Great Ocean Road is famous for a reason, but one-day tours can feel like a photo assembly line. This reverse route is designed to fight that. Instead of rolling along in the most common direction, you travel in reverse so the main cliff viewpoints are often photographed with better angles and less crowd pressure.

It also makes the day feel more breathable. When you hit popular stops at the right time, you spend your energy looking and walking instead of waiting for groups to clear. That matters at places like Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles, where even a few extra minutes can be the difference between a quick picture and a calm, well-framed one.

London Bridge in Victoria: the stop most days leave out

Most Great Ocean Road itineraries focus on the headline coastal icons and then move on. Here, you get a scheduled photo stop at London Bridge, about 15 minutes for sightseeing and photos.

Why I like it for your trip planning:

• It breaks up the day with a different coastline feature, not just another cliff lookout.
• It adds variety without adding another half-day of driving.
• It gives you an extra chance to nail a photo angle before the schedule ramps up again.

Also, because this is a reverse tour, that London Bridge timing can feel better. You are not just ticking a box. You are working your way through the coast with the sun and crowds more in your favor.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles: how to use your time

You get a photo stop and short walk at Loch Ard Gorge. The gorge is all about scale and detail: steep coastal cliffs, carved rock shapes, and the kind of views that look different depending on where the light hits. Even when the stop is not huge, walking a bit helps you spot the best angles and not waste time standing in the first spot you reach.

Then comes the Twelve Apostles. You have a structured visit plus free time and walking time, so you can do both:

• Do the main viewpoint look first, then
• Use your extra minutes to move around for better sight lines and less “everyone at once” crowding.

A quick practical note: one person I chatted with during a similar trip mindset advised choosing your seat early so you are on the right side for the coast during the driving sections. I recommend you ask the driver where the best side is before you depart, then stick to that plan. You will thank yourself when you are trying to catch views without camera gymnastics.

Otways passes by, then you get the wildlife moment

Great Ocean Road is not just rocks and cliffs. It is also wildlife country, especially when the route builds in time for habitat viewing.

After the Apostles area, you pass through Great Otway National Park and then head toward a secret stop with a photo stop, a walk, and wildlife viewing time. This is the portion that turns the day from pretty to memorable. You may spot koalas perched in branches, kangaroos moving through bush areas, and parrots that call out from nearby trees.

A few things you should expect here:

• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, even on a tour built for it.
• Your odds improve if you keep your eyes up during the walk, move quietly, and give the guide your attention when they point out where to look.
• When you find animals, it is worth slowing down. The goal is clear photos, but also a real look, not just a quick glance.

Apollo Bay break: plan around that late lunch

After the wildlife and coastal stops, the tour reaches Apollo Bay for a break and lunch. The timing is described as a late lunch around 3 PM, with options to choose from seaside restaurants.

This is where your personal planning matters. If you wait for lunch to eat, you might feel it later in the afternoon when the drive has already been long. Bring snacks for walking breaks, and sip water between photo stops so you stay comfortable.

Two important rules to keep in mind:

• Lunch is not included, so you need spending flexibility for food in town.
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, so pack snacks in a way that works for eating during stops, not during the drive.

If you are the type who likes a proper meal, Apollo Bay is a good time for it. If you are more snack-and-sip, this stop still works because you get enough break time to reset before the final viewpoints.

Eastern View Memorial Arch: the last big photo stop

Before you head back toward Melbourne, you stop at Memorial Arch at Eastern View for a photo stop. This is a classic wrap-up viewpoint: you get one more chance to capture the coastline story you have been building all day.

Think of this as your final “tight framing” moment. If you want:

• A clean skyline and road-to-coast composition, this is your time.
• A calmer photo session than the earlier icons, this can feel easier because you are not yet sprinting across another major stop.

By the time you reach the arch, you will also have a better sense of what angles you like. You have already seen the coast in multiple forms today, so this last stop is where you can apply what you learned.

Choosing the right tour size: Classic, mid-size, or Premium Mercedes van

There are three ways to do this day, and the differences are real.

Classic Coach Tour

You get a spacious, air-conditioned coach and a central Melbourne meeting point, with departure around 7:00 to 7:30 AM. This is a good match if you like the steady rhythm of a coach day and do not mind a larger group dynamic.

Mid-Size Coach Tour

This one limits group size to no more than 35 guests. It is basically the middle path: more personal than a full-size coach, while still keeping the same core highlights and reverse routing. If you want a balance of price and comfort, this is often the sweet spot.

Premium Small-Group Tour in a Mercedes Benz van

This is the tight group option: about 15 guests and a Mercedes Benz van. It includes complimentary pickup from the Melbourne CBD area, and the departure is later, around 8:00 AM. If you want a quieter ride, easier conversation with the guide, and the feeling that you are not lost in a big bus crowd, this is the pick.

One small logistics detail: the complimentary pickup does not include St Kilda Road, even if it is inside the postal code 3000, because of the remote location. If you are staying near there, plan to meet another nearby pickup point.

Price and value at about $46 per person

At $46 per person, the math works when you consider what is included. You are paying for:

• Air-conditioned transport
• A live English guide
• Multiple photo and walk stops across the Great Ocean Road icons
• Wildlife viewing time built into the schedule
• An optional helicopter tour opportunity (extra cost)

Even without lunch included, the value holds because you are buying back time. Doing this route on your own means managing parking, tickets, and timing across several key lookouts. This tour packages the whole coast day into one organized run.

One thing to be honest about: this is still a long day. You will be in transit a lot, and the itinerary is paced to cover several major moments. If you hate long bus days, it can feel like a checklist. If you can handle a structured day and want maximum highlights without the stress of driving, the price makes sense.

Practical tips so the day runs smoother

A Great Ocean Road day is all about small choices.

Bring the basics that keep you comfortable

• Comfortable shoes (you will walk at several stops)
• A hat and sunscreen
• Camera
• Water

Pack light

Baby strollers and luggage or large bags are not allowed. Plan for a small day bag only. If you are traveling with extra gear, you may find it easier to leave it behind.

Use snack strategy

Lunch is late around 3 PM, and food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Bring snacks you can eat during stop times so you are not waiting hungry.

Pick a side

If you want the best coast views during driving sections, choose your seat strategically. If you can, ask the driver where you will get the coast on your side early in the morning.

Know you are relying on nature

Wildlife sightings are a highlight, but they are not guaranteed. The best approach is to stay attentive during the viewing walks, keep a calm pace, and take photos when the guide tells you where to look.

Let the guide set the tone

The narration can be a big part of why the day feels fun instead of tiring. Guides such as David Hsu and Yang are described as keeping the group entertained with clear explanations, plus headsets that help you hear without shouting over wind and traffic.

Should you book Wild OZ Adventures reverse Great Ocean Road with London Bridge?

I would book this if you want the Great Ocean Road highlights with better timing. The reverse itinerary and the extra London Bridge stop are the main reasons, and the wildlife viewing time is a solid bonus for the price.

I would think twice if your ideal day is slow and unscheduled. This is a long, structured day, with lunch late around 3 PM, and a few stops can feel fast if you expect endless wandering.

If you can handle a full-day drive and you care about photos and efficient sightseeing, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the reverse Great Ocean Road London Bridge wildlife tour?

The tour runs about 12 to 13 hours.

What time does the tour depart from Melbourne?

Coach and mid-size options depart around 7:00 to 7:30 AM. The Premium small-group Mercedes van departs later, around 8:00 AM.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have a break in Apollo Bay, and the tour timing includes a late lunch around 3 PM.

Do you stop at London Bridge?

Yes. There is a photo stop at London Bridge, Victoria.

Can you see wildlife like koalas and kangaroos?

The tour includes wildlife viewing time with chances to see kangaroos, koalas, parrots, and other native wildlife.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there restrictions on what you can bring?

Yes. Baby strollers are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed. Food and drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle.