Celebrating 7 Years of Adventure: The Journey of Hit The Road Tours

Based in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Hit The Road Tours began its journey in 2018 when two passionate adventurers—Orlando and Sandra—set out on a mission to redefine the way people experience travel. What started as a small boutique tour service with just one bus has blossomed into a thriving tour operation, now boasting 11 buses and a dedicated team of 23 professionals. This month, as we celebrate 7 incredible years, we invite you to join us on a journey through our past, present, and future.

Our Humble Beginnings
Back in 2018, Orlando—who not only managed operations but also served as our driver—dreamed of creating a tour experience that went beyond simply visiting a destination. He envisioned an intimate, family-style adventure where guests could connect, relax, and truly feel at home while exploring new places. This vision laid the foundation for what would become Hit The Road Tours—a company built on personalized service and a genuine love for travel.
One of our first and most beloved innovations was the Reverse Itinerary on our signature Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary tour. This unique concept allowed our guests to be among the first to hit the road, ensuring they experienced the breathtaking views and vibrant energy of the Great Ocean Road before the crowds arrived. It was a small twist that made a huge difference, setting us apart from the very start.

Growth, Recognition, and Expansion: A Journey with Straddie
From our very first tour with a single bus, we’ve grown steadily over the years. Today, our Melbourne-based office is buzzing with energy as our dedicated team works tirelessly to deliver unforgettable travel experiences. We’ve expanded our fleet to 11 buses, enabling us to offer a wide variety of tours across Victoria and Queensland.
In Victoria, our private tours have taken travelers to enchanting wineries, the scenic splendor of Phillip Island, and the nostalgic charm of Puffing Billy. In 2021, we proudly expanded our operations to Queensland with the launch of a very unique tour to North Stradbroke Island—a fantastic and exotic island just 45 minutes from Brisbane.
It had been Sandra & Orlando’s dream to reveal the serene beauty of Straddie to the world. This hidden treasure remains unknown to many, even to some residents of Brisbane, making it a unique find for those who discover it. Our boutique-style tour offers an exclusive experience, making every visit as unique as the island itself. This addition has allowed us to bring our signature personalized service to even more destinations, offering both public and private tours that cater to every type of traveler.
 
Awards & Recognition
We are proud to have received our first Travellers' Choice Award in 2020—a recognition we have continued to earn every year since. And in 2022, our Great Ocean Road Reverse tour was honored with the prestigious Best of the Best award from TripAdvisor. This accolade, which means "reviews from millions of Tripadvisor travellers place this winner in the top 1% worldwide," is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional tour experiences.

Greenfleet: A Commitment to Sustainability
At Hit The Road Tours, we believe that exploring the beauty of Australia comes with the responsibility of protecting it. We are proud to announce our partnership with Greenfleet, an organization dedicated to environmental restoration and sustainability. Through this collaboration, we’ve taken meaningful action to reduce our environmental impact by:

• Restoring 460 hectares of protected koala habitat, ensuring a safe haven for these beloved creatures and contributing to Australia's natural beauty.
• Achieving carbon-neutral operations through reforestation efforts.
• Supporting the restoration of vital habitats for endangered species like koalas.
• Contributing to the planting of nearly 11 million native trees across Australia.

This partnership reinforces our commitment to being an eco-friendly tour operator, ensuring that our adventures today leave a positive legacy for tomorrow.
 
What Makes Us Unique

Private Tours: Crafted for Joyful Moments
Our tailored tours create joyful moments and unforgettable memories for people from all around the world, turning every journey into a cherished story.
At Hit The Road Tours, it’s all about the details that turn a regular trip into an extraordinary experience. We believe that the true magic of travel lies in the personal connections we make along the way. That’s why we pride ourselves on keeping our tours intimate and exclusive. We transport only 11 guests per bus, ensuring a relaxed, family-style atmosphere where you can truly connect with your fellow travelers and our dedicated team.
Our commitment to small groups allows us to provide thoughtful touches throughout your journey—from the warm welcome you receive to the carefully curated experiences on every tour. The Reverse Itinerary is just one example of how we strive to give our guests an exclusive and relaxed experience, letting you savor every moment of your adventure without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate our 7-year milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible journeys we’ve shared with you—our loyal guests and friends—and excited anticipation for what the future holds. We’re continuously exploring new destinations and innovative ideas to enhance your travel experiences. From expanding our tour offerings to discovering unique ways to celebrate our milestones, our adventure is far from over.

Join the Celebration!

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or are considering your first adventure with Hit The Road Tours, we’re thrilled to have you on board. To mark this special anniversary, be sure to check out our website and Social Media platforms for exclusive promotions and discounts available for a limited time. It’s our way of saying thank you for your trust and support over these amazing 7 years.
Here’s to many more years of adventure, connection, and unforgettable moments on the road!
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Happy travels,
The Hit The Road Tours Team