Great Ocean Road Reverse Drive from Melbourne – A Day Trip to the 12 Apostles, Wildlife & Chocolate!
đ Early Morning Pickup for the Great Ocean Road Reverse Drive
At exactly 6:30 AM, our ride from Team FreshONN Airbnb rolled up outside our apartment on 15 Sutherland Street, Melbourne. Sleepy but buzzing with excitement, we piled into the van with snacks, sunglasses, and endless energy.
We were heading out for the Great Ocean Road reverse drive from Melbourne, a travel bucket-list item we were finally crossing off.
(If you’re planning your own Australia travel itinerary, donât miss our arrival day in Melbourne or our Philip Island Adventure, coming up)
â A Pricey Breakfast
Our first stop on the Great Ocean Road drive was a roadside cafĂ©. Toast, eggs, and coffee cost us a bomb-and didnât even taste like much. Thankfully, we had a secret weapon: home-packed Theplas and spicy pickle!
The Twelve Apostles & Scenic Greenery Along the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road reverse drive took us through rolling green hills, eucalyptus forests, and wide coastal cliffs. The journey itself was a highlightâevery curve offered sweeping views of the ocean framed by natureâs best greens.
Then suddenly, there they were: the Twelve Apostles, standing tall in the ocean, sculpted by wind and waves. Their sheer size, the crashing waves, the power of timeâit all left us a little speechless. We read the signboard that said âGoing⊠Going⊠Gone!â and knew we were witnessing something that might not be there forever.
We took photos from every angle, trying our best to bottle up the moment.
đš Koalas, Kangaroos & Natural Wonders on the Drive
On the way back along the Great Ocean Road, we got the real Australian welcomeâwild kangaroos hopping through fields and koalas napping in eucalyptus trees. These werenât zoo moments. These were the real deal, and spotting them felt magical.
We slowed down, took quiet photos, and just watched.
đŽ Lunch Break in Apollo Bay â More Scenic Stops
We stopped at Apollo Bay, a picturesque town nestled by the sea. With the ocean in front of us and a giant shady tree overhead, it was the perfect picnic scene.
We set up our makeshift lunch on an open table in the morning breeze, and nothing had ever tasted so good. Homemade food always hits different, especially when itâs eaten with a view.
By midday, our Theplas had vanished, and our stomachs were rumbling again. Out came the snacks and the jokes. This stop wasnât just a mealâit was a full-on chill session.
đ Megâs First Thepla!
Curious about our delicious-smelling lunch, a fellow tourist named Meg asked to try one. She was instantly hooked, asked for a second, and even hunted down a Melbourne store that sold Theplas and pickle. A desi food convert, right there on the roadside!
(If youâre planning a Great Ocean Road self-drive, pack your own foodâit saves money and adds flavour to your memories.)
đïž A Moment at the Memorial Arch â Great Ocean Road Tribute
Before our sweet surprise stop, we paused at the Memorial Arch, one of the most iconic landmarks on the Great Ocean Road. Itâs more than just a photo-opâthis timber arch honors the soldiers who built the road after World War I.
Standing there under the arch, flanked by statues of the workers, we felt a quiet respect for the effort that went into carving this route along cliffs and coastlines. Of course, we also struck our best posesâitâs practically a rite of passage!
Sweet Surprise: Chocolaterie on the Great Ocean Road
Our driver then grinned and said, âIâve got a surprise for you.â We squealed like kids when we saw it; the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
Walking in was like stepping into Willy Wonkaâs world. There were chocolate sculptures, colorful packaging, and treats in every shape and size. We picked up dark chocolate shaped like a koala and kangaroo (yes, adorable and yes, we ate them).
Then came the ice cream; honestly, the creamiest, dreamiest scoop weâve ever had. We devoured it shamelessly and smiled for every photo.
Just before we left, we each received a tiny koala souvenir-a small but sweet end to a big day.
đŁïž Wrapping Up Our Great Ocean Road Day Trip
From our Great Ocean Road reverse drive and the dramatic Twelve Apostles, to lush green hills, wildlife sightings, and chocolate-induced joy, Day One in Melbourne was unforgettable. The road gave us everything: adventure, scenery, surprises, and friendship.
We went to sleep that night tired but glowing. The kind of day you write blogs about.
You can go ahead and book your tour here.
Do read the first post on The Australia Saga: Joy, Friendship, Adventure
and Melbourne to Philip Island Day Trip
This blog post is part of âBlogaberry Dazzleâ hosted by Cindy DâSilva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Wow!! That made some reading!! Your ability to articulate so well is truly Godâs gift!! I relived every moment of our trip thru this blog of yours!! Keep it up !! More power to your memory and writing!
Thanks, Geeta đ I know I am very late but the pictures keep me updated. Thatâs how I remember most of the trips. It was a memorable time we spent together.
This Great Ocean Road reverse drive from Melbourne felt like a fully postcardâwith waves, cliffs, and a bit of wanderlust magic. Loved it especially the Koalas.
The Tiny Koala Souvenir is so cute. Australia is on my bucket list.The reverse Ocean drive seems worth every penny with those magnificent nature views.I wish you more such adventures so that we can live them in our imagination when we read about the,m.
Your description of spotting wild koalas and kangaroos along the route was magical; those spontaneous wildlife moments really bring the Australian coast to life. Also, your insider tip to pack Theplas for breakfast, mindblowing!
Fabulous pictures and superb write-up! The thepla has yet another fan! You look fresh and awesome in your pics, Harjeet!
Youâve captured the vibe of the trip so well, itâs not just about ticking off sights but soaking in the experience. Itâs the kind of travel story that makes you want to pack your bags and chase the road.
I am so floored by this drive. Those Apostles are breathtaking. And those koalas…I wanted to pick them up, so cure. Good idea to always carry your snacks!
Loved every bit of your travelogue. Gorgeous photo album. And ths Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, ah it must be heaven!!!
What a memorable drive. Even I pack some homemade food while travelling anywhere. That chocolates and candies are droolworthy. And the pictures of the Koala bears are so adorable.
If you’re skipping crowds but still want all the iconic stops (and an occasional wildlife encounter), your reverse drive approach really nails it. You reminded me of my own visit to these places back in 2016.
What a beautiful travelogue, Harjeet! The reverse drive sounds like such a smart idea to enjoy the Twelve Apostles with fewer crowds. Loved how you packed homemade theplas. We love homemade food on road trips. The Chocolaterie stop sounds like the perfect sweet ending to a dreamy day! Also, those koalas look so cute.
What a lovely trip this sounds with desi food in a videsi land! Lovely pictures, and the souvenir is really cute!
Such a beautiful reflection and summary of the trip. Felt like I was travelling with you. Loved all the pcitures!
Oh wow! Thank you for taking us along through the beautiful photographs you clicked.
The views, food, scenery everything looks so appealing. I loved this approach to explore major spots and relish the beauty
I gotta admit that this drive is surely a bucket list item! We started the regular way and explored Aireys Inlet, Torquay and reached 12 Apostles in the evening. We had lunch in Lorne that cost us a bomb! Definitely the best drive of our lives!
Your post reminded me of our trip there long long long back. More than two decades back. Being a vegetarian we found it difficult to get food way back then. But can never forget the 12 apostles, Philips island and the penguin parade
Those are really breathtakingly beautiful photos of coastal areas. Chocolates are always tempting, and i can’t resist that temptation ever… I have to go and eat one piece from the fridge now. Thanks for taking us with you to the coast!
This is one trip I would love to take too. The pictures show just how much fun you all must’ve had. Loved the cute Koala souvenir and the amazing chocolates!
I loved how your reverse journey offered fresh eyes to a popular route. The little surprises, cultural blends, and honest joys reminded me how travel can beautifully reset our perspective.
The little Kola steal the show!! I just loved reading the blog
Oh wow reading the experience is so enjoyable and jm sure you would have enjoyed much..thanks for sharing this with us
Such fun! I love that you had Theplas in Australia – Hahahaha! The chocolate shop looks amazing!