Is Backward the New Forward? Uncovering the Secrets of a Unique Great Ocean Road Trip from Melbourne

Mrs. Nomadic
Feb 1
5 min read

If you're considering a day trip from Melbourne, you've likely heard of the famous Great Ocean Road. This coastal drive is celebrated for its jaw-dropping views, steep cliffs, and beautiful beaches. But have you thought about tackling it backward? In this post, we'll dive into how to experience the Great Ocean Road in reverse, avoiding the usual crowds and maximizing your enjoyment. Get ready to discover the secrets of a unique adventure!

Why a Great Ocean Road Trip?

The Great Ocean Road stretches over 240 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford, and it stands out as one of the world’s most iconic coastal routes. The area boasts incredible natural wonders, charming towns, and rich history. Highlights include the famous Twelve Apostles, lush rainforests, and unspoiled beaches where you can breathe in the salty air.

Beyond its natural beauty, this historic road served as a memorial for soldiers returning from World War I. Thus, your journey is not just a scenic drive; it is also a significant chapter in Australia's history.

Great Ocean Road sign on a highway, flanked by trees and hills under a clear blue sky. Roadside sign reads "Historical Marker."

Starting Off: The Best Time to Depart

To truly enjoy your Great Ocean Road trip, timing is everything. The best departure time is early in the morning. Starting your journey at sunrise gives you the chance to witness breathtaking pink and orange hues painting the sky. You can savor the peacefulness of the empty road while the world wakes up.

Empty road with a yellow kangaroo warning sign, "HELP FOR WILDLIFE" and a phone number. Overcast sky, coastal shrubland in background. — Watch for kangaroos

The Reverse Itinerary

Traveling the Great Ocean Road backward changes your experience entirely. Why backwards? Well our reasoning was two-fold. First, we wanted to prioritize seeing and the Grotto, London bridge, the Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps. We knew there was a chance our kids would get tired and cranky from driving all day and so if that happened, we didn't want to miss these iconic sites. Secondly, it allows you to beat the crowds that flock to popular tourist spots during the day. Here’s a suggested itinerary that emphasizes enjoyment and exploration:

The Grotto, London Bridge, and the Arch

Kick off your trip at the rock formations near Peterborough. Grab a coffee or snack at TED's then stop at gems like The Grotto, London Bridge, and the Arch. With fewer tourists around, you can explore these sights at a leisurely pace, taking in all the details without feeling rushed. For instance, we were the only people at the Grotto!

Rocky arch frames a view of the ocean with clear blue water. Green plants grow on the rocks, creating a serene, natural scene. — The Grotto

Two children, a boy in red and a girl in pink, look out at a natural stone arch over the ocean from a wooden fence. Sky is cloudy. — London Bridge

Fun Fact: You used to be able to walk from the cliff side over to the top of the bridge; however, as you can see the rocks caved in and now the bridge is an isolated formation and off limits.

Loch Ard Gorge, Twelve Apostles, and Gibson Steps

This section is known for its stunning coastline and picturesque views. Most people seek out the Twelve Apostles; however, make sure not to miss the Gibson Steps, which offers direct beach access and views of the magnificent cliff faces. As you can imagine, the Twelve Apostles was the most crowded stop on the Great Ocean Road, yet we practically had the beach at Gibson Steps to ourselves.

Coastal cliffs with green foliage, sandy beach, and turquoise water. Cloudy sky overhead, creating a serene and natural atmosphere. — Loch Ard Gorge

Unfortunately, during our visit (and at the time of this post), the walkway down to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge was closed. The views from above are breathtaking nonetheless.

Rocky coastal cliffs with arch formations over blue water. Green shrubs in foreground, cloudy sky above, creating a serene, natural scene. — The Wreck

Coastal view of tall limestone rock stacks in the ocean, sandy beach, and cliffs under a cloudy sky. Overcast and serene atmosphere. 12 apostles — Twelve Apostles

A person with two children stands on a sandy beach, facing the ocean under a cloudy sky. Footprints trail behind. Calm, muted colors. — Beach at bottom on Gibson Steps

Even with an overcast day, the views were incredible and seeing the rock formations was even more magnificent from the beach than from above.

Child running on a wet sandy beach with overcast sky and rock formations in the background, creating a serene and playful mood. — Beach at Gibson Steps

Child in blue plays on sandy beach by tall rocky cliffs with green shrubbery under an overcast sky. Steps ascend the cliffside. Gibson Steps — Gibson Steps and our son for scale

Next, head toward Apollo Bay to treat yourself to a delicious lunch. There are several options from cafes offering fresh local seafood to pizza or pasta. There is something from everyone.

Three children lean on a wooden fence, overlooking a rocky coastline with turquoise waves. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a serene scene. — Our kids taking in the scenery

Apollo Bay to Lorne

Enroute to Lorne make sure not to miss Cape Patton Lookout, a breathtaking overlook. Also be sure to stop at Kennet River Nature Walk, a walking trail where you can spot wild koalas.

While in Lorne, don’t miss the beautiful Erskine Falls. You can take a quick hike to the falls, which are even more captivating in the early afternoon when crowds thin out. This coastal town is known for its beautiful beach and vibrant local shops.

Great Ocean Walk

Do you love to hike? Consider doing the Great Ocean Walk. This is not something we would recommend with small children but would be a great experience with older kids or experienced hikers. The walk is 104 km (thats 64 miles!) in total and you can walk its entirety in about 8 days, camping along the way. There are also smaller segments you can do in short hikes or even day long hikes. The Shelley Beach Circuit – is 2.4km Return hike that takes approximately one hour.

Lorne to Torquay

You can complete your journey by heading to Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Here, you can unwind on famous surf beaches, try your hand at surfing, or simply enjoy an ice cream while basking in the sun.

Coastal view with tall grass in the foreground, sandy beach, and blue ocean waves under a clear blue sky. Serene and natural setting.

Tips for Your Great Ocean RoadTrip

Enhance your Great Ocean Road adventure with these practical tips:

Pack for Every Weather

Weather along the coast can change suddenly. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a rain jacket to stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Plan Your Stops

While a backward route means fewer tourists, it’s wise to have a flexible plan. List must-see spots and allow time for impromptu stops. Sometimes the hidden gems become the most cherished memories.

Lessons Learned

We only had one day for this road trip and while we felt we made the most of it, it would have been nice to break it up into two days to not feel rushed. If you have two days I would suggest staying in the town of Lorne as there are many hiking trails with waterfalls. You coud spend the morning hiking and exploring before either lounging at the beach or exploring more of the Great Ocean Road.

Final Thoughts

This was such a memorable trip and definitely a bucket list item. If you're heading to Melbourne, you do not want to miss this road trip.

Taking your Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne in reverse allows you to hit the popular spots before they get too crowded. Obviously not everyone is on the same timeline and you will still likely have crowds Twelve Apostles but you won't be driving the same path as everyone else.

So why not break away from tradition and explore the Great Ocean Road backward? It could lead to exciting new discoveries and experiences you will treasure. Here’s to your adventure!