Reverse tours are beginning to pop up all around. Operators are flipping the script of their popular tours and heading to their usual afternoon spots early morning.
One of the great places to do a reverse tour is the Great Ocean Road. While many tours end at the 12 Apostles, we headed out there in the early morning to catch them in the crisp AM air.
Formed over 20 million years ago the 12 Apostles are breathtaking. A real example of the power of nature the 12 Apostles have been eroded from the sea cliffs by crashing waves and heavy winds. The ferocious ocean constantly hits the limestone stacks and continues to erode them day after day. Today there are 7 Apostles standing, though there was never actually 12! The collection of stacks was initially named ‘The Apostles’ and local connotation to the biblical reference saw the name evolve.
In 2005 and 2009 though two stacks did collapse. The constant battering of the waves weakened the stacks, eventually facilitating their fall. Still, large crowds are keen to visit the beautiful site and each day people struggle to get that perfect afternoon photo. By making them your first stop of the day you’ll beat these crowds and easily get that stunning Instagram photo you’ve been dreaming of.
Once you’ve soaked in the views, move on to London Bridge. Just a short walk away is the remnants of the limestone bridge. Prior to 1990, the offshore stack was joined to the mainland and visitors could walk across a natural bridge to the island. Years of weathering saw the bridge collapse, one second it was there and the next it was gone! Despite the missing bridge, the area is still beautiful and well worth the visit.
From here, head down some stairs to Loch Ard Gorge. The history of this area is fascinating. Many ships have crashed along this coastline, the most famous being Loch Ard. Only two people would survive the wreckage, a young man and woman. Tom, who was able to swim himself to shore, and Ava who had been washed to sea. Tom heard her calls for help and rescued her – how amazing! There’s no fairy tale ending here though, the pair did not fall in love and live happily ever after. They each lived their own life, grateful for the luck that saw them live.
You could stay here all day. Loch Ard Gorge is a secluded and contained beach. The soft sand beneath your feet is one of the best feelings in the world, it’ll reset your mind and calm you, ready to move on to the next attraction!
After exploring some more incredible natural formations (so many Instagramable moments!) enjoy a meal at a seaside village. Okay, every town along the Great Ocean Road is a seaside village, but they’re all so beautiful in their own unique ways! These little towns are filled with quaint cafes, old school bakeries and welcoming locals.
It’d be amiss to go down this beautiful stretch of country without looking for some wildlife! Koala and kangaroo populations in the region are large, and if you’re lucky you might be able to see some. Keep your eyes peeled in the Kennett River area for wildlife warming themselves in the warm seaside sun.
Heading through the Great Ocean Road backwards is a really clever way to enjoy the area without the mass crowds. There are a number of tours that operate this way, but I recommend the Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour through Last Minute Day Tours. It’s a ripper price and you’ll see nothing but the best places with the least crowds!
Visit Great Ocean Road Tours page for more information!
This blog was originally posted on: https://lastminutedaytoursaustralia.wordpress.com/2019/12/13/going-backwards-down-the-great-ocean-road/
