great ocean road trip planner from adelaide

The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2024)

• Last Updated: January 2, 2024

Check out our ultimate self drive itineraries for the Great Ocean Road, Australia!

One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive.

375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the country’s most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes.

You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing.

Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road on self-drive itineraries, as it really is one of Australia’s top destinations .

If that is not an option though, or you don’t like the idea of driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’, there are plenty of excellent tours like this one   that will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

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Self drive itineraries are the best option for the Great Ocean Road, Australia. With your own car, you’ll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times.

READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide!

• Distance: 195km
• Drive Time: 3 Hours
• Sightseeing Time: 5 Hours

For most people, driving the Great Ocean Road trip will  start in Melbourne  and can be done in a loop or a return journey. That’s how we’re going to structure this post for you.

Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the Great Ocean Road itinerary backwards.

If you’ve hired a car you’ll most likely collect it at the airport. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay!

How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?

To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will be  Geelong.  This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeous  Corio Bay.

Head for  Eastern Beach  first. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along the  Eastern Promenade . If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on the  SkyWheel .

For a great post-drive meal check out the  Geelong Boathouse  for a classic fish & chips by the sea. While wandering around town you’ll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for.

And to get your fill of more art you can visit the  Geelong Art Gallery  and  The Heritage Center .

There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too.

Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,  Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches.

One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia.

Taking  a surf lesson  is a sure-fire way to have you feeling confident on the board and in the water if you haven’t tried the sport before.

For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head to  Bells Beach .

Made famous for the  Rip Curl Pro  hosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture.

Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach include  San Juc, Winki Pop, Bird Rock  and  Sparrows  just to name a few.

Torquay is also home to the  Surf World Museum  with tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. You’ll also find the  Australian Surfing Hall of Fame  here as well.

If you’re a hiker more than a surfer, you’ll be in for a treat with the  Surf Coast Walk  – 44km of trails that connect Torquay to  Angelsea  and  Aireys Inlet  along the coast.

The landscape varies depending on which route you take. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. For more information on routes and trails visit the website  here .

No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop at  Memoria Arch , which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey.

Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch.

A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road.

Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come.

Lorne  is the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch at  Bottle of Milk , use the facilities and continue on towards  Kennett River .

It’s also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife.

The  Kennett River Koala Walk  is the perfect place to get your fix. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in at  Grey River . Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay.

Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. You’ll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees.

Apollo Bay is a popular place on the Great Ocean Road, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time.

Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment .

With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if you’d like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road.

Day 2 : Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

• Distance: 160km
• Drive Time: 2 hr 30 min
• Sightseeing Time: 5 hours

Apollo Bay is a gorgeous seaside village, located at the entry to the Otways, and without a doubt is one of the most scenic and picturesque stops on our Great Ocean Road trip.

For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight for  Marriners Lookout.  From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where you’ll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline.

If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearby  Lake Elizabeth.

The lake views here are stunning and if you’re lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two.

These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled.

Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautiful  Great Otway National Park . While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route.

Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature.

One of the best walking tracks to visit here is  Melba Gulley  which is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark.

For a shorter track check out  Maits Rest  which will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit this  website .

If you’re looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them!

Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls , and  Hopetoun Falls  are just a few of the many highlights here. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too.

From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground on your road trip. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner.

The Twelve Apostles  are one of the most amazing sights within Australia and it’s not hard to see why as you road trip along the coast from Great Otway.

Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all.

An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for a  Twelve Apostles Helicopter Ride.

Soaring high above the limestone stacks you’ll get the best views of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast . Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. This is a highlight of visiting the Great Ocean Road!

You’ll also find the end of the  Great Ocean Walk  here, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground.

Seeing the Twelve Apostles for yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. It’s a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary!

If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound?

Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline.

Make sure you book ahead though, as it’s not something you can just show up and do. Reserve your spot here .

And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either.

After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell.

Loch Ard Gorge  is the first attraction on the way, just a stone’s throw from the Twelve Apostles. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago.

However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view in  Port Campbell National Park .

After the gorge you’ll pass the town of Port Campbell. It’s a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel.

After passing through Port Campbell, you’ll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. The Arch is a giant archway in the ocean, and London Bridge is the same but is more square instead of arched to it looks like a bridge. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out.

The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at.

The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. 

Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip you’ll be looking for a place to catch a good night’s sleep.

Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover.

We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it.

Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide)

• Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne
• Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne
• Sightseeing Time: 4 hours

With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced.

After a late arrival into  Warrnambool,  you’ll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer.

To get you fueled up for your last day head to  Bohemia   Cafe & Bar  for a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast.

Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting.

As Victoria’s 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive.

However, the views aren’t affected by the bigger cityscape.

Cannon Hill  is a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city.

The  Foreshore Promenade  is a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km.

From  Warrnambool Breakwater  all the way to  Logan’s Beach  this is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers.

While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned.

Once you’ve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip.

Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but don’t worry, you’ll finish up with a dreamy little visit to  Port Fairy .

Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victoria’s iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too.

One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on the  Port Fairy Wharves.

Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town.

Griffiths Island  can be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching.

There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point you’ll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too.

Battery Hill  is a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s.

The  Port Fairy   Botanical Gardens  are a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers.

What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed.

One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving.

Port Fairy offers great locations for  scuba diving  including  The Thistle.  This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849.

Now you’ll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore.

While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, you’re now on to new and exciting things.

At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy and  head back towards Melbourne  on the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun.

Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush.

If you’d like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you can  head northwest to Adelaide .

You can do this in one big day (it’s almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park.

You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days.

The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford.

No, the Great Ocean Road isn’t particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Jarryd, thank you for talking us along the Great Ocean Road, we are coming down from Brisbane mid April 2023 and plan to self drive it. You have given us a great itinerary to get the best out of our trip. thought of doing it in one day, but now will make a stop over and take two days.. Again thank you. David & Marg.

Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. We hope you have a great time along the Great Ocean Road. Happy travels. 🙂

Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers.

Thank you so much. We appreciate it. 🙂

Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again!

hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. We want to book accommodation as we go . Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Can’t wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy

Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. We know what you mean by just taking your time and booking the day of but we would recommend booking in advance as it is so much busier now. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Have a great time. Happy travels.

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• Adelaide to Melbourne via The Great Ocean Road: Ultimate Guide

by Emily Cass | Nov 7, 2023 | Australia & NZ , Most Popular | 9 comments

Ever since we could remember, driving The Great Ocean Road  in Victoria, Australia has been high up there on our bucket list. Even though we’ve done coastal road trips all over the world, including in  Hawaii,  South Africa ,  California  and  Tasmania, the world famous Aussie road trip had yet to be explored.

Until now! Below we give you a detailed guide on how to drive this beautiful part of the world!

But before we start, it should be known that we flew from Sydney and started our road trip in the city of Adelaide and ended it in Melbourne, but we recommend you do the opposite of what we did, and start your drive in Melbourne and head towards Adelaide. This way you’ll have the coast on your side of the road the whole way.

Here’s our Great Ocean Road road trip guide which includes an interactive map with the best stops, accommodation, tips and travel logistics .

Best Great Ocean Road Organized Tours 

If you would prefer an organised tour, check out these top tours from GetMyGuide. Or read on for our self guided Great Ocean Road itinerary.

What is The Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is a 244km stretch of road running from Allansford to Torquay in Victoria, Australia .  The road was built by returned WW1 soldiers and is now a permanent memorial. The road that hugs the shore is met by rugged coastline, the oldest lighthouse in Australia, wild nature, windswept cliff tops, coastal towns, secluded beaches and many, many photo opportunities.

Great Ocean Road Tour from Adelaide to Melbourne

There are many ways of getting from A to B but for this particular stretch, it seems every second person is either in a campervan or caravan. We rented a Wicked Campervan (shown above) which had its pros and cons. You can read our full experience/review in a separate blog post.

There are numerous other places in which to rent a good campervan, such as Camper Champ , so make sure you do your research to see which options suit your needs best.

Did you know it is also possible to walk  a large portion of the Great Ocean Road independently or with a guide? The walk is 104km long, takes 7- 8 days and begins in  Apollo Bay and finishes at The Twelve Apostles (or vice versa). If walking isn’t your thing (I don’t blame you), then you can cycle or take a guided tour.

If you’re pressed for time, day tou rs from Melbourne are convenient but you will have no flexibility in the schedule and don’t be disappointed when you find yourself at the tourist sites with hoards of other buses. We strongly recommend you self-drive, even if it’s a regular vehicle. 

How long do you need for the Great Ocean Road drive?

The Great Ocean Road is approximately 200km so it can be driven in 1-2 days , however, if you’re doing the whole route from Adelaide to Melbourne or vice versa, allow at least 5-7 days to take it slow get the most of out of the journey.

Go to Day 4 if you want to skip straight to the Great Ocean Road Itinerary.

Great Ocean Road Adelaide to Melbourne Itinerary ( 4-7 Days) 

• Adelaide to Robe (335 km, 3 hours 40 minutes)
• Robe to The Grampians via Mount Gambier (285km, 3 hours 15 minutes)
• The Grampians to Port Fairy (158km, 1 hour 50 minutes)
• Port Fairy to Apollo Bay via The Great Ocean Road (187km, 2 hours 50 minutes)
• Apollo Bay to Lorne (47km, 1 hour)
• Lorne to Torquay (46km 1 hour)
• Torquay  to Melbourne (133km, 1 hour 45 minutes)

Day 1: Adelaide to Robe (335km, 3 hours 40 minutes)

We left Adelaide after a delicious & highly recommended breakfast at Luigi’s Delicatessen and headed for the coastal town of Robe via the Fleurieu Peninsula . Along the way, wake up your taste buds with wine tasting at D’Aranberg , a 15 million dollar rooftop cellar door + art gallery in McLaren Vale. Grab lunch at Loco Mexican , watch out for the dolphins at Victor Harbour or take a stroll or horse trolley over to Granite Island .

Robe is one of South Australia’s favourite seaside towns. There is ample accommodation from motels to campsites, a small main street with a grocery store, a petrol station, beaches, fishing ports, restaurants, local pubs, coffee shops (go to Mahalia Coffee ) and an extremely relaxed vibe. We spent the night in the car park at The Robe Obelisk , watching the sunset and waking up to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. A pretty special place to sleep!

Where to Stay in Robe

• Free: The Robe Obelisk – shown above (no facilities, just a killer view) 
• Paid: Robe Holiday Park ($30 AUD powered site and use of facilities) 
• Sick of your van?   Guichen Bay Motel  or  Robe House B n B  .

Day 2: Robe to Halls Gap (The Grampians) via Mount Gambier (285km, 3 hours 15 minutes) 

After spending the morning in Robe, make your way towards Mount Gambier , inland of South Australia. Most travellers stay along the coastal route and miss this, but if you have the time we would definitely recommend making the small inland detour to visit The Blue Lake & The Umpherston Sinkhole. The Umpherson Sinkhole is an underground garden holding many different plants, trees & hanging vines. The sinkhole which was built in 1886 was once a limestone cave and the sinkhole was created when the chambers’ roof collapsed. If you’re there for dusk, watch the possums appear to feed off fresh fruit.

Drive a further 2.5 hours until you arrive in the mountainous region of Halls Gap , the base for exploring the mountainous  Grampians. Once you arrive at Halls Gap, keep an eye out for the masses of Kangaroos soaking up the last little bit of sunshine on the fields. There is one main street with motels, small grocery stores, caravan parks, an ice cream parlour (essential), a petrol station and a handful of restaurants.

Where to Stay in Halls Gap

• Free: Plantation Campground (bush showers, picnic tables, shared firepit)
• Paid: Big4 Parkgate Resort – $30 AUD non-powered site, $37 powered site + use of good facilities) 
• Sick of your van?  Halls Gap Valley Lodges  or Halls Haven Resort

Day 3: Halls Gap (The Grampians) to Port Fairy (158 km, 1 hour 50 minutes)

The Grampians mountain range is an idyllic setting of misty mornings, rugged mountains, powerful waterfalls, wildlife and endless views. You could spend many days hiking through the various bush tracks in the park but if you are pressed for time we recommend visiting these top sights which are all located just off Mt Victory Road.

• The Pinnacles & Grand Canyon –  Regarded as one of the most popular walks in the park, this will take you on a 2.1km round trip walk up a relatively steep incline but it’s worth every breath. If you can, go via the Grand Canyon which is to the left of the car park.
• Makenzie Falls . Victoria’s largest waterfall. It’s a steep 600m climb down paved stairs and path’s but it’s worth it to view from below. There is an above viewing platform if you don’t want to walk to the base.
• The Balcony. In our opinion, this gave the best view of the park! Park in the Reeds Car Park and walk an easy 1km to the balcony. If you’re feeling game, walk out onto the “jaws of death”.

Leave by the afternoon via Coolars Ice Creamery  (of course) and reach  Port Fairy before sunset. Port Fairy is a historic coastal town with wide streets, boutique stores, art galleries, swimming beaches, coastal walks, old stone churches, award-winning restaurants, a golf course, motels, caravan parks and at dusk, the possibility to see the mutton bird colony (10,000 – 20,000 birds) return to their nesting grounds on Griffiths Island from their 15,000km journey around the world in just 2 months. This happens only between September and April. Pretty spectacular.

Where to Stay in Port Fairy

• Paid: Gum Tree Caravan Park ($25, unpowered with use of facilities)
• Paid: Southcombe Park ($43 powered site/$38 unpowered with use of facilities)
• Sick of your van? Comfort Inn Port Fairy & Seacombe House  or Battery Cove Beachfront Apartment 

Day 4: Port Fairy to Apollo Bay via The Great Ocean Road (187 km, 2 hours 50 minutes)

Not long after you leave Port Fairy you’ll pass through the town of Warrnambool – the maritime capital of the region. This is a good town to stock up on any low supplies as there are a ton of department stores, large grocery stores, clothing stores, petrol stations, restaurants and cafes. Cheese lovers, keep an eye out for “Cheese World ” just past Allansford (you can’t miss it). Plenty of cheese samples, artisan goods, gourmet dips, wine and all the good things in life. We’d suggest stocking up for a picnic lunch in Port Campbell (further down the track).

Top Tip: If you’re visiting during winter (May – October) stop at Logan Beach. Each year southern right and blue whales school their calves just off the shore. It’s best viewed from the designated whale whatching platform!

At last, we’re reunited with the coast! Today’s the day the official Great Ocean Road begins ! Don’t get too comfortable in the car, you’ll be getting out every 5 minutes. We were seriously blown away by the sheer beauty of this coastal drive. The bright blue sky against the yellow limestone rocks surrounded by the blue glistening water was absolutely incredible.

Great Ocean Road Driving Map & Itinerary with Highlights & Best Stops to Visit

Here are a few highlights from the Great Ocean Road which can all be reached within a short walk from the car parks.

An interactive map is below the static map.

• Bay of Islands (the least crowded and in our opinion, the most beautiful)
• The Grotto (combines a blowhole, cave and archway. Make sure you walk right down to the water)
• London Bridge (previously connected to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed, now sometimes referred to as the London Arch)
• Port Campbell ( great town to enjoy a swim & picnic lunch by the sea)
• The Arch (can you guess what this may be?)
• Lord Ard Gorge (Loch Ard Gorge is named after the famous 1878 shipwreck on nearby Mutton Bird Island. There are 3 car parks and 4 main walking trails ranging in length. Take note of what car park you park in)
• The Razorback (impressive rock formation constantly changing by the wind and water erosion)
• The Twelve Apostles National Park (The most popular of the stops. Prepare for the chaos and hoards of people, option for a helicopter ride , $145 pp)
• Gibson Steps (great access to view The Twelve Apostles from the beach, without too many people)

Completely mesmerized by what we’ve just seen, we arrived in Apollo Bay just before sunset. Apollo Bay is where the hills meet the sea & we enjoyed this town a lot. There were a lot of good places to eat ( Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Dooleys award-winning Icecream, Apollo Bakery or Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe just to name a few and the beach was right in front of the town. There’s also a great lookout point to walk too,  Mariners Lookout or take the lazy option & fly a drone 😉

Note: We skipped over Cape Otway National Park  but if we were to do this trip again we would take the detour. Try it and let us know! 

Where to Stay in Apollo Bay

• Paid: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve and Camping Ground ($25 unpowered site + use of facilities) OR BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park ($39 unpowered + use of facilities)
• Free: There are plenty of public toilets in Apollo Bay as well as a cold free shower located next to Apollo Bay Harbour Car Park. 
• Sick of your van?  Apollo Bay Waterfront Motel Inn  or Stay Inn

Day 5: Apollo Bay to Lorne (47km, 1 hour)

Begin your morning with a coffee & breakfast from Hello Coffee and lather up in sunscreen, more coast awaits! Today you’ll continue on towards the coastal town of Lorne . We spent a good amount of the day beach hopping the secluded and untouched beaches and soaking up the Aussie sun. This portion of the Great Ocean Road really hugged the coastline, it felt like an arm’s reach away at all times.

Lorne was our favourite of the towns and we could have easily spent a few days here. There’s plenty to do for the whole family, from great cafes to a patrolled beach, rock pools, fishing, lookouts (Teddy’s) or why not work up a sweat and trek to Erskine Waterfalls which offers 2 lookout points. Hungry? Sit on the beach and indulge in takeaway fish and chips from Salty Dog Fish and Chippery.

Where to Stay in Lorne

• Paid: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park ($35 unpowered + use of facilities)
• Free: Allenvale Mill Site (non-flush toilets, unpowered, no fires allowed)
• Sick of your van? Chatby Lane Lorne  or Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Day 6: Lorne to Torquay (46 km, 1 hour)

Once you reach the breezy town of Torquay, the official Great Ocean Road finishes (or begins, depending on which way you’re travelling) but don’t be too upset, there’s still plenty to see between Lorne and Torquay. Just 15 minutes from Lorne, make a note to stop at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View . You can take your signature photo with the “Great Ocean Road” sign and learn about the history and background of this beautiful road. Something we shamefully had no idea about until this trip.

Continuing on in just one direction, you’ll pass by Fairhaven Beach (the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road) Airleys Inlet, Split Point Lighthouse, Anglesea Beach and then one of Australia’s most well-known beaches, Bells Beach  – Australia’s premier surf beach where Rip Curl/Quicksilver was born. Surf competitions are held here annually for experienced surfers from around the world.

If you’re just learning, they also have surf lessons available  so don’t worry, you’ll get there one day! If you don’t have a fear of heights, why not go paragliding over Bell’s Beach? We did this in Southern Turkey and LOVED it!

Torquay is one of the largest towns on the coast and is very popular for weekend getaways from Melbourne . There is a ton of restaurants, motels, caravan parks, playgrounds and if you’re up for it, a nudist beach. It may be known as the surfing capital in Australia but there are still plenty of other beaches to enjoy a patrolled calm swim. If you’re into surfing, there’s a surf museum next to Surf City which is home to surf shops offering everything from swimwear to surfboards. Love a good deal? Baines Beach Surf Seconds (on Baines Crescent) is a surf factory outlet selling discounted clothes and accessories.

Where To Stay in Torquay

• Paid: Torquay Holiday Park ($39 powered + use of facilities)
• Paid: Juan Juc Caravan Park ($30 unpowered + use of facilities) 
• Sick of your van?  Bells Beach Backpackers or  Torquay Tropicana Motel

Day 7: Torquay to Melbourne (133 km, 1 hour 45 minutes)

Today’s the day we return our Wicked Campervan. En route to Melbourne and still with some time under our sleeve, we drove directly to St Kilda. Melbourne’s closest beach town. We walked along the foreshore, enjoyed a much-needed drink at Pontoon Beach Bar and in the evening, watched the penguins come home at the end of the Jetty. The perfect way to end our road trip. I could continue this #vanlife but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss some luxuries in life. That’s fair, isn’t it?! Please, someone, get me to a hotel.

Top Best Stops & Attractions on the Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road Drive 

In summary, these were our top picks for the Adelaide to Melbourne / Great Ocean Road Drive. Don’t miss these!

• Grampians National Park
• The Umpherston Sinkhole
• Great Otway National Park
• Great Ocean Road (especially Bay of Islands and The Grotto)
• Cosy Corner
• Bells Beach

Too overwhelming? Take an organized tour from GetMyGuide instead:

Top Tips for The Great Ocean Road Drive / Adelaide to Melbourne Tour

• Watch out for wildlife. Especially in the evenings. Save the roos! Avoid driving at night when possible.
• When you see a petrol station, fill up your tank, even if it’s almost full. It could be a while before you see another.
• Stop, revive, survive. It may sound cliche but with long distances, driving can become extremely boring and tiresome. Pack some snacks and a good playlist to keep you alert.
• Make sure you have your campervans roadside assistance phone number available at all times. Especially if you’re in a Wicked Campervan.
• The Travellers Autobarn app gives you a range of camping options from free to paid and updates based on your location. This helped us immensely in finding where to legally park our car for the night.
• Check if your van comes with linen . Wicked Campers don’t supply linen (they give you a mattress) so we stocked up on a quilt, pillows and a filled sheet from Big W for $70 AUD.
• Bring your laptops and cameras into the restaurants with you to charge, especially if you aren’t staying at a paid caravan site.
• It’s tempting but sleeping in your van in undesignated areas is illegal, watch out for clear signs and if you ignore them, you can pay the price!
• The weather can be quite unpredictable year round, pack for all seasons.
• Please note the prices for campsites quoted above are for our travel through March and can inflate during holiday periods.
• If your schedule permits, try for the 12 Apostles at sunrise or sunset . During the day is pure madness with tour buses.

Is the Great Ocean Road trip on your bucket list? Or have you done it before? We’d love to hear what else to add!

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As an Australian, I am embarrassed to say I’ve never driven the Great Ocean Road! I’ve done short stints, but not all of it. Need to do this when I’m next home in Oz. Thanks for the detailed guide!

It did take us 30 years to visit it too! Something about not visiting places closest to home haha. Little bits here and there is better than nothing 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Thanks so much for the detailed post! it has helped me plan my trip to melbourne via the great ocean road from adelaide! Getting very keen.

You’re welcome Jane! Enjoy 😀

Awesome blog Jacob and Emily – thanks a lot 4 sharing – we’ll be cruisin’ 14 days from tomorrow Adelaide-Melbourne and your story was just perfect to read before taking off. Br Allan+family.

Good to hear Allan! It was so fun!! Have a great time, hope you get nice weather! 🙂

Love the collection. Really great. After reading this I eagerly want to go for the great ocean road tours.

Hi Emily – great post, thanks! I have 4 days to get from Adelaide to Melbourne. What stops would you recommend? Thanks ☺

Hello, all the stops are recommended in the post 🙂

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The Best Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary & Top Attractions

by Lisa Bull | Last updated Dec 14, 2023 | Victoria

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

With buzzing seaside towns, world-famous surf beaches and unique coastal rock formations like the 12 Apostles, this Great Ocean Road drive itinerary is packed with fun attractions!

I passed through this stunning area of Victoria on my unforgettable Adelaide to Melbourne road trip . I had no idea before setting off quite how many Great Ocean Road attractions there were!

We ended up rushing around the many limestone rock formations on day one, then cramming The Otways and seaside towns like Torquay into day two. In hindsight we should have done much more planning and allowed more time to enjoy it.

To help plan your Great Ocean Road itinerary better than we did, here is the perfect itinerary for a Great Ocean Road self-drive.

Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary: Table of Contents

• Hiring a Car
• Great Ocean Road FAQ Section

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

1. bay of islands coastal park, 2. the grotto, 3. london bridge & the arch, 4. port campbell, 5. island archway & the razorback.

• 6. Shipwreck Walk & Lochard Gorge
• 7. The 12 Apostles

8. Melba Gully

9. castle cove lookout, 10. maits rest rainforest walk, 12. torquay, hiring a car for your great ocean road self drive.

Make sure you find the best price for car hire for your Great Ocean Road adventure by using Kayak as a starting point. They compare hundreds of car hire sites to save you hours of research.

>> Click here to compare car hire prices and book your rental car <<

How to Plan Your Great Ocean Road Itinerary : FAQs

The Great Ocean Road is 243km long , but you’ll want to schedule in plenty of drive stops to get out and explore the scenery.

A timeframe of three days or longer is ideal to drive the Great Ocean Road, as there are so many rock formations and lovely seaside towns to see. I only spent two days on my visit, which felt quite rushed. However, it is possible to visit the Great Ocean Road on a one-day trip from Melbourne. It only takes four hours to drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles via the Great Ocean Road.

There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets along the Great Ocean Road, including caravan parks with camping facilities, backpacker hostels, holiday cottages and hotels/motels.

Since the region is so popular, I’d highly recommend booking accommodation in advance , particularly if you’re visiting during the summertime (Dec/Jan/Feb) or in school holidays.

We had great trouble finding somewhere to stay on the Great Ocean Road in January, as we hadn’t booked beforehand.

Towns such as Port Campbell , Apollo Bay , Lorne and Torquay are popular overnight destinations, as well as smaller Princetown near the 12 Apostles. Enter your trip dates into the search box below to browse Great Ocean Road accommodation.

Day 1: Limestone Rock Formations

On day 1 of your road trip, I’d recommend admiring the many amazing limestone rock formations that lie along the western section of the Great Ocean Road, such as the 12 Apostles. Here are the top sights to see.

This 33km-long coastal park is home to many rare plants and seabirds, as well as marine animals such as fur seals and fairy penguins. The waves can reach up to 30m high in a storm, due to the wind blowing across from Antarctica!

Take a stroll along the coastal path to marvel at the craggy formations shaped by these mega gusts.

At the eastern end of the Bay of Islands, follow the Halladale Point track to reach the beautiful beach at the Bay of Martyrs.

From the car park just outside Peterborough, a 700m-return walk takes in views of The Grotto, a spectacular feature formed when acids in the water dissolved the 10-20 million-year-old limestone into sinkholes that eventually hollowed out.

You can also take the stairs down to sea level to admire the formation up close and look right through the hole and out to sea!

Named because of its likeness to London Bridge in the UK, London Bridge on the Great Ocean Road wasn’t quite as sturdy as its namesake unfortunately. Much to the surprise of onlookers, the main arch connecting it to the mainland crashed down into the ocean back in 1990!

Thankfully no one was injured, although two people were left marooned on the newly formed island and had to be rescued by helicopter!

You can also visit The Arch nearby. 

If you’re getting a bit rocked-out on your Great Ocean Road drive, Port Campbell is a cute little seaside village with cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries to enjoy. And as you can see, has a great beach and plenty of greenery too.

The town lies in the centre of the strip of coastal formations too, so makes a great location to base yourself in. See below for accommodation options in Port Campbell.

• Port Campbell Hostel : This well-rated hostel has a choice of shared dorms and single, double and family private rooms. It’s ideally located just a 3-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles too.
• Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat : Situated only 3km from the Twelve Apostles, this accommodation has a mixture of motel rooms and pet-friendly cottages . You can even order room service for your evening meal and see wildlife around the property.
• Eastern Reef Cottages : If you prefer self-contained accommodation, these cottages and villas have kitchenettes, TVs and balconies with barbecues and garden views. You can drive to Port Campbell Beach in three minutes and the Twelve Apostles in fifteen.

Continuing east, it’s a 100m walk to Island Archway from the car park, and a 400m walk to an unusual formation called the Razorback, formed by wave erosion and wind-blown spray.

6. Shipwreck Walk & Loch Ard Gorge

The Great Ocean Road’s Loch Ard Gorge is one of the more well-known spots along this drive. Looking at the beautiful picture below, it’s not hard to see why!

Named after the Loch Ard shipwreck, this amazing gorge can be viewed along the short Shipwreck Walk . So many ships got wrecked along this particular section of coastline during the rush to Australia’s goldfields that it’s known as Shipwreck Coast!

7. The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park has to be one of the most famous attractions on the Great Ocean Road , if not in the whole of Australia! And they’re certainly a sight to behold.

These enormous rock stacks, which reach up to 45m high , were once part of the limestone cliffs that jut in and out beside them. Over 10 million years of erosion from powerful winds and the rough Southern Ocean caused the cliffs to form into caves and then arches, eventually collapsing to create the towering stacks we now know as the 12 Apostles.

They continue to erode today, and in 2005 one of them came crashing down into the ocean.

Day 2: Great Otway National Park

On day 2 of your Great Ocean Road adventure, explore the cool fern gullies and towering forests in Great Otway National Park .

Continuing east from the 12 Apostles takes you inland past Princetown and deep into Great Otways National Park . I’d highly recommend stopping at Melba Gully, known as the Jewel of The Otways, which is one of the wettest places in Victoria.

Melba Gully Road, just south of Lavers Hill, takes you down to the picnic area. From here you can take the easy 1.5km Madson’s Track Nature Walk, which takes you through dense rainforest and lush fern gullies.

Stepping into a rainforest is like entering another world, with the peacefulness and sudden drop in temperature. This was one of my most memorable moments of the drive.

Great Otways Accommodation

• Cape Otway Lightstation : To wake up with a view, book a B&B suite, studio or self-contained lodge on this historical site next to the lighthouse at Cape Otway! The lodges have full kitchens and log fires, and there’s an on-site cafe open during the daytime.
• Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas : If you’re a nature lover, these camping pods, dorms and cabins in Cape Otway are surrounded by the greenery and native wildlife of Bimbi Park.

From Melba Gully you’ll head south and brush against the coastline again near Glenaire. Make sure you pull over at Castle Cove Lookout, where you get this fabulous view down onto the beach.

East of Hordern Vale, you have the option to detour south to Cape Otway Lightstation. We felt like we’d seen enough lighthouses to keep us going for about a decade on our road trip from Perth to Adelaide , so we skipped that part and continued to Maits Rest Rainforest Walk!

This easy, 800m boardwalk loop takes you past majestic 100m-high Mountain Ash trees, fern gullies and ancient moss-covered tree roots.

Accommodation in Apollo Bay

For accommodation near The Otways, popular coastal town Apollo Bay is only a 20-minute drive east of Maits Rest. Here are some choices.

• Surfside Backpacker : This backpacker hostel in Apollo Bay has private rooms, dorms, free Wi-Fi and a garden.
• Apollo Bay Holiday Park : Just 100m from the beach in Apollo Bay, this holiday park has a heated pool, children’s playground, free Wi-Fi, barbecues and a laundry. As well as camping and caravan sites, there’s a choice of self-contained cabins available for hire.
• Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn : With villas, apartments and motel rooms to choose from, as well as air-con and free Wi-Fi, this beachside inn is a great choice with excellent ratings.

Day 3: Seaside Towns

On day 3, take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some relaxed beach fun in seaside holiday towns along the eastern section, such as Lorne, Torquay and Anglesea .

From Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline for another 47km towards pretty Lorne. Here you’ll find plenty to do, including beaches, cafes, boutique stores and galleries.

In fact it was so popular here when we passed during summertime, we ended up driving on through rather than attempt to look for parking! It looked like a great place for a summer holiday though, with plenty of atmosphere.

Lorne Accommodation

• Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park : Situated on the Erskine River, just 400m from Loutit Beach, this picturesque holiday park is both close to town and the Erskine Falls walking trail. You can choose from a range of cabins, tents and powered sites.
• Grand Pacific Hotel : This modern 3-star hotel by the beach offers free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Mantra Lorne : If your budget’s a bit higher, this beachside 4.5-star resort has guest rooms, studios and self-contained apartments. Facilities include four tennis courts, an indoor heated pool, gym, 18-hole putting green and croquet lawn.

Another 92km east lies Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia and official starting point of the Great Ocean Road. This famous town is where iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver were born, and the annual Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro event is held each Easter.

If surfing’s not your thing, you can chill on the beaches, enjoy shops and eateries, or go hiking along the Surf Coast Walk. You can also visit or stay in nearby Anglesea.

Torquay Accommodation

• Bells Beach Backpackers : This friendly little hostel is ideal for those on a lower budget, with a choice of dorms or double rooms. Facilities include a shared kitchen and TV room as well as free Wi-Fi.
• Torquay Foreshore Holiday Park : With powered sites, glamping and a choice of cabins, this beachfront caravan park is a great choice for both location and facilities. There are local cafes and restaurants nearby, and Torquay town centre is only a 15-minute walk away.
• Torquay Hotel/Motel : Just 400m from Torquay Beach , this accommodation has a range of room sizes, free Wi-Fi, a children’s playground and an on-site restaurant and bar.

I hope you found this Great Ocean Road drive itinerary useful!

If you’re continuing towards Adelaide, make sure you check out my blog post on what to see in Mount Gambier !

If you’re travelling towards Melbourne, find out the best things to do in Melbourne to plan your trip!

Happy travels in Australia!

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.

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Hi, I'm Lisa, a British expat living in Sydney. I've travelled almost the whole Australian coastline and love sharing detailed travel and migration guides to inspire other adventurous souls to travel or move to Australia. Read more about me!

Adelaide to Melbourne 3-Night Self-Drive Itinerary for the Great Ocean Road

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: November 14, 2023

The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is one of Australia’s top road trip destinations, and in this post, I will be taking you along the route I drove from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Western Highway.

On my road trip, I chose to stay for three nights along the Great Ocean Road in three different towns to get a real feel for the coastal area in Victoria.

Visitors typically visit the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne to see Port Campbell National Park’s most popular attraction, the iconic Twelve Apostles.

A day trip from Melbourne is perfect if you are short on time and only want a whistle-stop tour along this famous Australian coastline.

However, as part of my 6-week holiday to Australia, I travelled slowly along the Great Ocean Road (and in reverse, having spent the previous five nights in Adelaide ), giving me plenty of time to see some of the best attractions along Australia’s East Coast. And guess what? I found some great ones!

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my disclaimer and privacy policy.

Table of Contents

Driving in Australia

From my experience, if you have a driver’s license, I would most definitely recommend renting a car to travel around Australia.

While there are a few options for public transport, they can be hard to navigate due to the size of Australia, and hours spent on a coach tour might not suit the more free-spirited traveller.

The freedom of the open road allows you to see the country at your own pace, making your trip around Australia a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Luckily for me, the Australians, like the British, drive on the left-hand side, so I felt confident on the roads. Based on my overall experience of driving in Australia, the roads are wide and not as busy as in the UK.

The Great Ocean Road is a bit different as it has winding roads and single-lane traffic; however, there are plenty of pull-ins at the side of the road (which I used a lot) that give other drivers the chance to pass you safely if they are travelling faster than you wish to go.

Don’t be tempted to drive faster than the speed limits (which change quickly along the route). There are hefty fines for speeding in Australia.

I recommend booking a hire car before arriving at your pick-up destination to get your perfect choice of vehicle. We picked up a rental car in Adelaide and found everything to run smoothly. We dropped the car back in central Melbourne.

Top Tip: Remember that if you are only planning on driving one way – From Adelaide to Melbourne or Melbourne to Adelaide – you won’t be able to return your hired car to its point of origin, which may mean an increased cost for a one-way rental. Make sure you factor this into your costs.

Driving Directions From Adelaide To The Great Ocean Road

The whopping 955km Adelaide via the GOR to Melbourne route I took is not the familiar driving route visitors take to get to the Great Ocean Road. Still, for me, it was the perfect way to immerse myself in the Victoria region of Australia.

Officially, the Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay (an hour’s drive from Melbourne) and finishes at Allansford – just 240 km.

My drive (in reverse) from Adelaide to Allansford (which marked the official start of the Great Ocean Road for me) was considerably longer, at 690 km.

Adelaide to Melbourne Road Map

This road trip was longer than any journey I’ve ever driven in the UK, but we were rewarded with incredible scenery as we passed through the open bush and some of Australia’s coastal towns.

It is a long drive through bush and small towns with no glimpse of the famous Great Ocean Road coastline for what seems like an eternity; nevertheless, it is worth the wait.

In reality, with continual driving from Adelaide, you will reach the beginning of the Great Ocean Road in eight hours . Be prepared for a drive of that length with a full tank of petrol and plenty of snacks and drinks as petrol stations and shops are few and far between one another. We found that water, chocolate and a bag of fruit gums kept us going for hours!

Make sure to take a few breaks along the route. Tailem Bend and Robe were two towns we visited for food, coffee and convenience stops!

What is the Great Ocean Road?

This famous Australian stretch of road measures 243 metres and winds through forests, along the coast and past rural towns in Victoria. Built by over 3000 veterans and volunteers between 1919 and 1932, it is dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I.

The Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial, with The Twelve Apostles National Park being its main tourist attraction and one of the Great Ocean Road landmarks we were most looking forward to seeing.

Places to stop for the night between Adelaide and Melbourne

Port fairy – apollo bay – lorne.

One of the biggest hurdles when planning my  3-night itinerary for my Great Ocean Road  trip was finding decent places to stop for the night after leaving Adelaide. I had to allow for distances and driving times, and although there are several port towns on the route, none worked for us.

I wasn’t looking for luxury hotels, but at the same time, I didn’t want to stay in someone’s back garden in a caravan! And to be honest, finding nice accommodation along the route was a bit of a task.

Nevertheless, I found three places to stay in Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, and Lorne, which were all perfect for my short visit. Sadly, since the pandemic, they have all ceased trading; however, I have given links below to alternative accommodation options in each area where I stayed.

Top Tip: Book your accommodation before you arrive along the Great Ocean Road as it is a very popular part of Australia, and good places are in high demand throughout the year.

Accommodation Along the Great Ocean Road

Where to stay in port fairy.

Port Fairy properties on Booking.com range from cute cottages to harbour-view houses.

Where to Stay in Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay properties on Booking.com include sea-view houses perched directly on the Great Ocean Road.

Where to Stay in Lorne

Lorne properties on Booking.com range from heritage hotels to local B and B’s.

Best Great Ocean Road Attractions To Visit

• Twelve Apostles, including Loch Ard Gorge, Shipwreck Coast and London Bridge
• Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Otway Fly and Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

Cape Otway Lightstation

• Kennet River

Teddy’s Lookout

Erskine falls.

• The Great Ocean Road Sign

3-Night Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

Day one – drive from adelaide to port fairy, driving time from adelaide to port fairy, including two short stops – 8 hours.

Take the A1 motorway from Adelaide to Port Fairy

Morning Activities

The start of our great ocean road self-drive adventure.

After picking up our Kia rental car, we started our journey to the Great Ocean Road and stopped at Subway in Tailem Bend after an hour of driving. It’s not the typical type of food I would buy, but it filled us up and was in a lovely setting next to the Murray River.

We fuelled up and continued driving for two and a half hours to our second stop, the seaside town of Robe.

Afternoon Activities

The town of Robe had a lovely vibe, with a cute main street and plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and independent stores. It felt good to get out of the car and stretch our legs while wandering along the sandy beach.

We would have loved to spend more time in Robe, but had a goal of reaching Port Fairy by nightfall.

However, I would recommend an overnight stay in Robe if time permits on your Australian travel itinerary.

The next leg of our drive from Robe to Port Fairy took four hours, and we arrived after dark. In Australia, driving times can take longer than expected due to constant changes in legal road speeds and also, for us, what seemed like never-ending road works!

Evening Activities

Overnight stop in port fairy.

We arrived in Port Fairy just after 9 pm, and unfortunately, all the restaurants had just shut. We hadn’t factored into the itinerary that small coastal towns go to bed early.

Because of this, we had to make do with two bags of crisps, a soggy cheese sandwich and a packet of Tim Tam biscuits from the town garage, which was not what we expected to eat on the first night of our Great Ocean Road Adventure!

Needless to say, after such a long drive, even a soggy cheese sandwich tasted good, and then we were ready for a good night’s sleep in preparation for another full day tomorrow.

Check Pricing and Availability For Your Port Fairy Accommodation

Day Two – Drive from Port Fairy to Apollo Bay

Driving time from port fairy to apollo bay – 2 hours 30 minutes.

Take the A1 motorway from Port Fairy, changing to the B100 from Allansford

Exploring Port Fairy

I’m glad to say the following day, we could fill up on breakfast at Le Crepe Man of Belfast and explore Port Fairy with full tummies.

After breakfast, we only had a few hours before we needed to continue our drive to Apollo Bay, so we wandered around Port Fairy, looking at the quaint pastel-coloured clapperboard cottages before heading to the harbour for a walk to the lighthouse. These heritage houses were very similar to the ones we had seen in Glenelg and Hobart . They are very special and add a charming vibe to the town.

Port Fairy is a sleepy coastal town with plenty of charm, making it feel like commercialism has left it alone. It is the perfect place to stop for a night en route from Adelaide to the Great Ocean Road.

Visiting the Twelve Apostles

By late afternoon, we reached Allansford and were pleased to finally be on the official Great Ocean Road.

One problem was that it had started raining, and by the time we reached Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles, it was blowing a gale. It was not the sunny image of the rocks and sea we had seen on tourism posters; nevertheless, we were excited to see one of Australia’s most famous landmarks.

No Longer Twelve Apostles

We donned our waterproof coats and pushed against the wind to make our way to view the iconic Twelve Apostles, Australia’s famous rock formations rising proud and tall from the ocean.

Only seven limestone stacks are now standing due to the erosion of the other five. They still make an impressive sight, and I am pleased we could tick them off our Australia bucket list.

Loch Ard Gorge

On a good day, it is possible to take the Gibsons Steps trail down to the beach and stand at floor level with the apostles.

Sadly, this was not happening on our visit, so we drove a little further along to see Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, two other popular attractions in Port Campbell National Park.

Shipwreck Coast

Loch Ard Gorge is named after a ship wrecked in these waters in 1878.

She is one of over 700 shipwrecks that lay on the seabed around these waters, a testament to how treacherous these southern Australian waters can be.

London Bridge

London Bridge is another rock formation that can be seen from a viewpoint not far from the car park. However, it is nothing like the London Bridge I know back home!

Traffic along this stretch of the Great Ocean Road is hectic. Coaches, cars and motorbikes are all vying for a parking spot. There is a huge car park at the Twelve Apostles, but vehicles spill out onto the roadside once it’s full, making driving a little hazardous, so please be careful.

Back in the car, we headed for our next port of call – Apollo Bay. On the drive, we passed by the Great Otway National Park. We decided to come back and explore it the next day.

For now, we were ready to find our accommodation, put some dry clothes on and head into town to look around.

Exploring Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is probably the best town to stop at along the Great Ocean Road. It is a perfect place to stay over for a night.

The coastal road bursts with restaurants, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. And not forgetting its beautiful golden beach, perfect for surfing.

Luckily for us, the sun had come out by early evening, and we had time to stroll along the beach before enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish.

After dinner, we headed back to our accommodation to plan the next day’s activities.

Check Pricing and Availability For Your Apollo Bay Accommodation

Day Three – Drive from Apollo Bay to Lorne

Driving time from apollo bay to lorne – 1 hour.

Take the B100 from Port Fairy

Great Otway National Park

After a hearty breakfast at our guest house, we were back on the road, and within 15 minutes, we arrived at our destination.

Great Otway is a stunning temperate rainforest. It is full of cascading waterfalls, forest walking trails, indigenous wildlife and masses of plant life.

A forest alive with hidden wonders, ancient giants and carnivorous snails that has changed little since the time of the dinosaurs Victoria Parks Signage

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is a must-see in the Cape Otway region.

The 800m loop walk is along a well-made easy path and takes around 30 minutes to complete. It passes through lush vegetation and 300-year-old beech trees, and towering tree ferns.

It was magical wandering through the Great Otway forest to smell the scent of the recent rainfall in the air and see the steam rising from the forest floor in the morning sun.

Signs warning us to be vigilant of snakes were all around. Sadly we didn’t see any (because we love reptiles and would have liked to!).

However, I did stand on a twig that kicked up against my calf and made me scream out loud, thinking a snake had bitten me! It hadn’t, but my antics were indeed entertainment for my son!

Triplet Falls

I love seeing a waterfall, and I was in my element with many to choose from in the Great Otway National Park. As time was a factor in how long we stayed in the area, we decided to see one of the Great Ocean Road’s most famous waterfalls.

Triplet Falls is a fabulous cascading three-ridge waterfall worth the 30-minute walk from the car park. I’m not going to lie when I say the forest’s humidity gets to you.

Even though it is a cold temperate rainforest, it’s still hot and sticky. Set out early in the morning to avoid being uncomfortable on your walk.

The Otway Fly

Our favourite activity in the national park was the Otway Fly.

It is a 600-metre-long treetop walk that stretches 25 metres above the rainforest canopy. We were so high up off the ground that we got an amazing bird’s eye view of the treetops.

It reminded us of the Habitat Walk we had done a few weeks earlier in Penang.

Along the Treetop Walk is the 45-metre Spiral Tower, which you can climb for the ultimate forest view. It is included in the Treetop Walk ticket .

There is also a ziplining tour of the forest for the more adventurous. We got to see the zipline in action during our treetop walk. It sounded like a lot of fun, going by the screams and laughter from those whizzing through the trees.

Cape Otway Lightstation is a short drive away from the rainforest and is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.

It has stunning views of the Bass Strait and, between May and October, is the place to whale watch.

Annually, 25 species of whales migrate past the Lighthouse, including Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Killer Whales (Orcas).

Our visit in February was the wrong season for whale watching; however, we still had a great time there.

After climbing to the top of the lighthouse for 360-degree views, we enjoyed homemade scones with jam and cream washed down with a cup of tea in the Lightkeeper’s Cafe.

We then walked around the site to see other attractions and beautiful coastal views.

We visited the Telegraph Station, which we found interesting as we had recently visited the one in Alice Springs during our train journey on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide .

Kennett River

Since visiting Kangaroo Island , I have had a soft spot for koalas, so I had to add a stop at Kennett River to my Great Ocean Road itinerary.

This small hamlet is located just off the Great Ocean Road. We had heard it was swarming with both colourful birds and snoozing koalas – and it was!

We saw our first koala just a stone’s throw from the Kafe Koala car park. He was asleep on the fronds of a eucalyptus tree overhanging the pathway.

My photograph shows that koalas choose the most uncomfortable-looking spots to nap.

The coastal view from Kennett River is stunning. As we walked further up the hill, we spotted another three koalas and many beautifully coloured birds. So if you are looking for Australia’s favourite marsupial, this is the place to visit.

Directions: Turn off the Great Ocean Road into Hawdon Avenue, then immediately turn into Grey River Road. You will arrive at Kafe Koala, the start of the koala walk.

Arriving in lorne.

Lorne is a popular coastal town along the Great Ocean Road and was our last overnight stop before reaching Melbourne.

When we arrived, we were pretty tired from having such a fun-filled day, so we just took a stroll to the pier to enjoy the ocean views and catch some sunset images.

Check Pricing and Availability For All Lorne Accommodation

Day Four – Drive from Lorne to Melbourne

Driving time from lorne to melbourne – 2 hour s.

Take the B100 from Lorne and change to C134 at Bell Bray . Continue onto M1 at Waurn Ponds, changing to the M2 at Bolte Bridge. Continue into Melbourne CBD.

We decided to check out a couple of Lorne’s tourist attractions the following morning.

We had heard a lot about Teddy’s Lookout when researching things to do in Lorne, so we decided to take a look for ourselves.

Teddy’s Lookout is a scenic viewpoint on high ground in Lorne. It is worth visiting for the sweeping coastal view of the Great Ocean Road and the Bass Strait. There is a large car park and pathway through trees and shrubs, which ends with the most amazing views.

Teddy’s Lookout is another great place along the Great Ocean Road for whale watching in the right season.

Several nearby walking trails also exist, including Shipwreck Trail, Ocean Walk and Tram Track Walk. We didn’t have time to do any of them as we had to get to Melbourne to drop off our hire car. If we had, it would have been lovely to explore them.

We never did find out why this particular viewpoint is called Teddy’s Lookout. Several local stories say it is named after a donkey called Teddy, who roamed these parts or after Edward (Teddy), Queen Victoria’s son!

Our next attraction in Lorne was Erskine Falls (remember I mentioned I love a waterfall).

The falls are pretty magical, surrounded by an ancient forest, lush trees, and ferns, and are one of the highest waterfalls in Victoria.

The falls were a 30-minute drive inland from Teddy’s Lookout and one of the quieter sights along the Great Ocean Road.

From the car park, Erskine Falls is a five-minute walk. You can spot the falls cascading 30 metres into a beautiful tree fern gully from the viewpoint. We took the 240 steps down to the Erskine River to view the waterfall from ground level.

On a humid day, the going is tough on the legs. The reward is the cooling mist that cascades over you as the water crashes into the gully.

See the Famous Great Ocean Road Sign

Don’t miss catching an image of the GOR Memorial Archway as you pass through the town of Aireys Inlet. This sign greets visitors to the GOR who are coming from Melbourne.

For us, driving the reverse route meant that the sign marked the end of a fabulous 3-nights along this remarkable stretch of coast.

The memorial archway is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. You can stop by the roadside and read the plaque to learn how and why the road was constructed.

Arriving in Melbourne

After a two-hour drive from Teddy’s Lookout, we arrived for our two-night stay in Melbourne. This would be the next leg of our Australian adventure .

We thoroughly enjoyed our self-drive road trip along Australia’s most famous road. After dropping off the hire car and checking into our accommodation, we headed straight out to explore the sights of Melbourne.

Seeing the city’s street art and cafe culture, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Yarra River was great.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne

If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tours from Melbourne to see the Great Ocean Road.

Unfortunately, there are no day tours from Adelaide. As you would have learned from this post, it is too far away and, therefore, impossible.

Please PIN for future travel to Australia.

Looking for further Australian inspiration? Please check out the following posts:

• A journey through Australia on the Ghan Train
• Sheffield – The Colourful Town of Murals
• 2 Nights in Cradle Mountain Tasmania
• 2 Nights in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
• Where to see a Tasmanian Devil
• A visit to Hobart Botanical Garden
• Ultimate 8-day self-drive Tasmania road trip itinerary planner

Need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

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James Wyatt

Wednesday 29th of March 2023

Great article - thank-you! I booked our trip along this route last week staying at Robe, Port Fairy and Apollo Bay. so from what you say, I'm happy with my choices! And some excellent tips too. Thanks

WhereAngieWanders

Hi James, it's great to hear that you found my article helpful, I had an amazing time along the GOR and I am sure you will too. Happy Travels!

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

Wow what amazing views from one road trip, and so many waterfalls! Looks like a great itinerary!

Tuesday 27th of September 2022

This is SUCH a dream road trip!! Flagging for my trip next year :)

Monday 26th of September 2022

That's too bad you had a few soggy days on your Great Ocean Road itinerary, but the views you encountered still look so beautiful! I'd love to see koalas in the wild too, I've added Kennett River to my list! :)

Seeing the koala was definitely a highlight for me!

simplyjolayne

I would love to see the 12 Apostles and any of the other amazing rock formations along the coast.

The Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary: Melbourne to Adelaide

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Australia’s Great Ocean Road , running for 243 km between Melbourne and Adelaide, ranks as one of the most famous road trips in the world and is a firm feature on most travellers bucket lists. It was one of the highlights of my time in Australia , from watching koalas shimmy down trees in the wild to those dramatic cliffs and rolling waves that are so iconic along this stretch of coast.

If you’re strapped for time then you can join a day excursion from Melbourne or self-drive a one or two night return trip, but you may miss out on truly making the most of what the Great Ocean Road and beyond has to offer! Less than 300 km may sound like a pretty quick drive by Aussie standards but the roads are often winding and slow and you’re going to want to stop practically every 5 minutes to take photos and soak up the view so this is definitely not a journey to rush.

We spent 4 nights in a little camper van  starting in Melbourne and ending in Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, Mount Gambier and the Barossa Valley. Below you’ll find my itinerary as well as some absolute must sees along the way!

To camp or not to camp?

Although hiring something sporty and soft-topped definitely has sex appeal, I love the versatility and spontaneity that a camper van affords. There are plenty of campsites along the Great Ocean Road and even in the high season it’s usually easy enough to get a spot. If four walls is more your thing, there are lots of cute seaside towns with hotels, guest houses or Airbnb’s, you may just have to plan your trip out and book ahead beforehand  thus relinquishing that delicious road trip spontaneity.

For this particular trip I hired a Jucy El Cheapo. It’s a converted Toyota Previa and essentially a people carrier with a bed in the back and a little kitchen in the boot. If you’re after something a bit more spacious I can recommend the Britz Actionpod or the Travellers Autobarn Hi-top if you fancy the luxury of standing up!

Whatever you’re after, get in touch with RatPack Travel who take the leg work out of finding a great van and will beat any direct quote in Australia or New Zealand by at least 10%! They’re great guys working hard to change the – let’s face it, outdated and often extortionate – landscape of the travel industry. You’ll also get informal, friendly support via WhatsApp whilst you’re on the road in case you do run into any issues or need any recommendations! It’s a no brainer and having tasked Sammy with booking my van for New Zealand for me, I’d never hire one any other way.

You can get the ball rolling on a camper comparison by WhatsApp-ing Sammy on +61 450381801 (told you they’re ultra cool and super modern.)  Let them know I sent you their way with ‘BETH10’ and you’ll get 10% off an already discounted rate too!

(Transparency statement: this is not an affiliate link/code. I booked and paid for my van for New Zealand via Sammy at Ratpack and am always here to share the love when there’s a great deal to be had.)

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Driving time: about 3 hours 30 without stops but set off early and allow a full day!

Torquay is a surfer town about a 90 minute drive from Melbourne and roughly marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Famous brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver found their muse here. I didn’t spend too long in Torquay because I was keen to get out of the towns and onto that sweeping ocean side stretch, but you could easily grab a picnic and head on down to the pine tree lined beach and take things slow!

Tip: Drive up Ocean Boulevard and park at the Bird Rock lookout; the view from the clifftop is spectacular.  

Bell’s Beach

Less than 5 km on from Torquay is the world famous Bell’s Beach, where the annual Rip Curl surf championships are held. Reached by those iconic wooden steps, it’s a great place to soak up the ocean air, watch the surfers and snap a few pictures!

Memorial Arch (The Great Ocean Road sign!)

Stop off for an insta-worthy picture at the iconic Great Ocean Road Sign and read up a little on the history of the area.

Tip: Regular day trips from Melbourne often means bus loads of selfie stick wielding tourists pile off at the key photo spots. This is pretty hard to avoid but if you get there early or wait a little while you should find plenty of space to take some snaps of your own! Just don’t go in the road.

Lorne is a pretty seaside town with lots going on, especially during the summer months (it books up fast!) Plenty of Melburnians head to Lorne to escape the city; it’s a quaint destination in itself and if you’ve got plenty of time you could even spend a few nights here. If you’re following a shorter (3 or 4 night) itinerary and sunrise at the famous Twelve Apostles is on your agenda then I’d suggest driving on.

Kennett River Koala Walk

Hike or drive up Grey River Road  and look out for koalas in the gum trees! At first they can be hard to spot but once you know what you’re looking for – those adorable fluffy little bums perched high up in the branches – you should see plenty. If you’re lucky like we were then you might even see one clambering down from his perch to say hello.

Tip: most people park and walk up but you absolutely can drive, which is what we opted to do. I’m really pleased because we’d driven much farther than I’d have walked when we spotted them!

Koala spotting peak time is around dusk when they climb down from the trees.

Let’s be honest, Apollo Bay is Lorne’s shabby mate. It is, however, a fair bit closer to the Twelve Apostles making it a good spot to spend a night if you’re planning to get up early and drive the final hour or so in the small hours. Alternatively have a look on WikiCamps Australia for somewhere to stay even closer to the iconic landmark!

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Twelve apostles at sunrise.

We left Apollo Bay just before 5am to reach the Twelve Apostles in time to catch the most beautiful sunrise. This is without a doubt the most famous spot on the Great Ocean Road. Check the time as it will depend on the season and wrap up warm, even in the summer months as the iconic limestone stacks are about a 10 minute walk from the car park and it’s still nippy that early in the day.

I’m so glad we bothered to set that morning alarm because to this day it was one of my favourite moments in Australia!

The closest cafe open early if you fancy brekky or a hot drink after is just down the road in Port Campbell, though the quality wasn’t great and the price high, so bring your own food or cook up in your camper if you can!

Gibson Steps

Head west a few hundred yards and climb down Gibson Steps for a different view of the limestone cliffs. Early in the morning the far reaching, soft sandy beach was the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive and listen to the crashing waves.

Loch Ard Gorge

Named after the ship that wrecked near the gorge in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge is the perfect place to sit with a book when the wind is low, or simply enjoy the view and snap a few photos! It looks like a tempting place to swim but be careful because the currents are strong and when the wind is up the waves are rough.

A short walk from the carpark and down the steps, you’ll find this famous – and rather magnificent – sink hole. At low tide you’ll enjoy pretty spectacular views of the ocean beyond a small pool. It gets quite busy but it’s worth the stop!

You’ll also find plenty of other limestone marvels to enjoy along the stretch including the London Bridge Arch and Bay of Islands. Having enjoyed the above, we were ready to move on to our next stop, Port Fairy, but you could easily spend a whole day hopping from gorgeous look out to gorgeous look out!

Port Fairy 

Port Fairy is a beautiful little town that feels frozen in time. Plenty of buildings are National Trust classified 1800’s architecture, there’s lots of history to explore and walks to enjoy as well as all the local seafood you can manage! Spend the night here.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Robe

Griffiths island, port fairy.

Start your day with a wander around Griffiths Island, home to colonies of shearwater birds (aka mutton birds) and – if you’re lucky – wallabies! There’s a beautiful lighthouse on the eastern tip and with plenty of scrub land and beach to wander along it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh morning air before hitting the road. You’ll be saying goodbye to the Great Ocean Road but hello to some of the delights of South Australia!

Mount Gambier Blue Lake

About a two hour drive across the state line into South Australia, you’ll reach Mount Gambier. There are lots of spectacular sights around here but one of the most impressive has to be ‘Blue Lake’.  The large crater lake is located in a dormant volcanic maar and between early November and late March each year the deep blue-grey water turns a shocking colour of vibrant turquoise.

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Mount Gambier Umpherston Sinkhole (sunken garden)

Unfortunately I didn’t realise this was here until a few weeks later, but thought I’d include it anyway because the sunken gardens look like a must see! Once a cave, the sinkhole was naturally created when the chamber’s roof collapsed and later turned into stunning botanic gardens with sculptures. Apparently around dusk hundreds of possums come out to feed and explore!

Robe is a seaside town in SA and a great place to chill out, soak up some sunshine and enjoy the breathtakingly azure blue water. Depending on what you’re after, there are several campsites and restaurants here, or venture towards nearby Kingston where you’ll find ocean side spots to park up for the night. S’mores, a few beers and gorgeous evening sun made this one of my favourite nights on the road!

Day 4: Robe to Barossa Valley

Drive time: 4 hours so set off early!

Barossa Valley

Make the most of all the region has to offer and explore the Barossa Valley en route to Adelaide. Although it’s a little harder to truly enjoy the wine country when you’re driving, you can still pop into a cellar door or two for a complimentary tasting and pick up a bottle to enjoy later!

Murray Street Vineyards

We spent a lovely few hours in the sunshine at Murray Street Vineyards where they offer a free tasting and also sell delicious sharing platters of local produce to enjoy. It’s a great spot for lunch and the staff are really knowledgable; you can take home a nice bottle for less than $20 too and I didn’t feel pressured to buy.

Where to stay?

This bit is important! There are not that many campsites around the Barossa Valley so you do need to decide in advance where you’re going to stay. Remember in the summer months just how scorching hot this region can get; we spent a rather disastrous night on a farmyard in the outback, melting in the back of our van. It’s the only time when I’ve found spontaneity has come back to bite me!

Alternatively, you could either call it a day and make your way to Adelaide in time to drop your rental off that afternoon, or if wine isn’t your thing then perhaps skip Barossa entirely. It takes about an hour to reach the city from Barossa Valley.

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Frugal Travel

Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road

This post probably contains affiliate links from which I earn a small commission if you buy from them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for stopping by!

This Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary includes some of my favourite places that are a little more off the beaten path, as well as the more well-known highlights. I started my time in Australia down near Mount Gambier and speaking to the locals there meant finding out about some great lesser-known spots.

Who doesn’t love some local insider knowledge?

Because of this, this Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road itinerary can be pretty flexible. If you wanted to, you could drive inland and drive from Adelaide to Melbourne in about 8 hours. This itinerary, however, hugs the coastline and even has a bonus trip you can take to one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.

You might also like:

• Guide to campervan relocation rentals: How to hire a camper for $1 a day
• Road tripping the Great Ocean Road, 3 ways in 4 days
• The ULTIMATE 4 day Kangaroo Island road trip Itinerary
• Budget friendly and free things to do in Melbourne
• Exploring Australia’s Limestone Coast

But first, watch this to see this road trip in action:

Table of Contents

Your Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary

The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. It sounds daunting but it’s going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you’re going to be going over to Kangaroo Island.

Here’s your epic Adelaide to Melbourne road trip in a nutshell:

• Adelaide – 2 nights
• McLaren Vale – 1 night
• Kangaroo Island – 3 nights
• Victor Harbour- 1 night
• Mount Gambier (via Robe and Beachport) – 2 nights
• The Grampians – 1 night
• The Great Ocean Road – 2 nights
• Melbourne – 4 nights

• Length of stay: 2 nights

Adelaide is definitely the underdog of Australia’s capital cities. It doesn’t have iconic buildings like Sydney or the glorious sunshine of Brisbane. It’s far more understated than that but it does have some real gem of its own. Adelaide has put itself firmly on the map as one of Australia’s top foodie destinations so if you love to eat, then you’ll love Adelaide.

Top things to do for 2 days in Adelaide

Adelaide Central Market – A cheap way to experience Adelaide’s incredible food scene is to visit the Adelaide Central Market. This market is the largest undercover market in the Southern hemisphere and has been running since 1869. I LOVE it here! You can pick up delicious local fresh produce and wine an grab a bite to eat from the vendors there. This is my top thing to do in Adelaide!

Tram to Glenelg – Melbourne isn’t the only city in Australia to have trams, don’t you know! Hop on the tram to Adelaide beach town of Glenelg and take a stroll along the beachfront.

Free walking tour – I’ve done so many free walking tours and I still think they’re a great way to get to know a place. Check out FreeTour to book yourself on one of their 2 hour tours run by a local.

Walk along the river – The Torrens River runs through Adelaide and is a really nice spot to relax at. It runs right behind the Adelaide Oval as well, one of the city’s main landmarks.

Rundle Mall – This is the main shopping centre of Adelaide where you’ll find all the usual shops. However, there are some great sculptures down here including the ‘Malls Balls’ and the very cute (but bizarre) Rundle Mall Pigs. Be sure to drop into the beautiful Adelaide Arcade as you walk down the mall and visit Haighs Chocolates for a sweet treat.

China Town – Located near to the Central Markets, China Town is a great place to go for a delicious and budget friendly meal in Adelaide.

Where to stay in Adelaide

The best way to spend 2 days in Adelaide is to stay near to the city centre. There aren’t any campsites in Adelaide so I recommend either booking hostel or an Air BnB. If you’re new to AirBnB, you can click here to get £34 to use towards your first booking. Tom and I love AirBnB as it’s easier to find places with parking and we have access to a kitchen and laundry facilities.

McLaren Vale Wine Region

• Distance from Adelaide: 40 km
• Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Length of stay: 1 night

The McLaren Vale is located on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula just a short drive south of Adelaide. The Fleurieu’s coastline is spectacular, but for now, it’s time to stay a little inland to experience one of the best wine regions in Australia. The McLaren Vale has over 110 vineyards where you can taste the wine and enjoy some incredible local foods.

Things to do in Mclaren Vale

Take the McLaren Vale Tourist Drive – This tourist drive is the best way to experience McLaren Vale on a small budget. You’ll follow route 60 through the beautiful hills and vineyards of the area and past over 40 wineries. Many of the wineries offer free tasting so don’t be afraid to drop in and sample some.

Do a wine tour – If don’t want anyone to miss out on the wine experience, take a wine tour instead of driving yourself. If the idea of a standard wine tour sounds a bit stuffy to you, you should definitely check out a wine bike tour which even has the option of electric bikes. What’s not to love about a boozy bike tour?

Where to stay in the McLaren Vale

Accommodation is expensive in McLaren Vale and the campsites are quite limited. To experience the beaches and coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula, leave enough time at the end of your day to drive an hour further south to Rapid Bay Campground right next to the beach.

Kangaroo Island

• Distance from McLaren Vale: 75 km
• Drive Time: 1 hour + the ferry
• Length of stay: 3 nights (at least)

If there’s one place that’s worth the extra effort to visit, it’s Kangaroo Island. Getting to Kangaroo Island is was with the SeaLink Ferry that goes from Cape Jervis over to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island and it’s the ultimate off the beaten path trip to take. Take a look at my 4 day Kangaroo Island itinerary for all the details about visiting, but if you want to stay longer, you’re not going to run out of things to do there.

The best things to see on Kangaroo Island

Stokes Bay – This beautiful bay on the north of Kangaroo Island is a serene area of the rugged coastline. The beach is beautiful and you can follow the secret path through the rocks to reach the next beach too. You’ll definitely see plenty of kangaroos around here too.

Emu Bay and Kingscote for breweries – Emu Bay is another beautiful beach and one you can drive on if you have a 4WD. In nearby Kingscote you’ll find lots some great breweries like Kangaroo Island Breweries, Emu Bay Lavender and Kangaroo Island Spirits.

Local produce – Kangaroo Island is a foodie gem, even if you’re on a budget. For the most incredible icecream I’ve ever tasted, check out Clifford’s Honey Farm, Bella Cafe has a delicious selection of dishes and if you’ve ever wanted to try an oyster, Kangaroo Island is the place for it.

Flinders Chase National Park – A trip here is the top thing to do on Kangaroo Island. Flinders Chase National Park is full of beautiful walks, rock formations and coastal views. You’ll have a great chance of seeing plenty more kangaroos, koalas and even the elusive platypus. Another highlight of Flinders Chase is the walk from the Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse to Admirals Arch where you’ll see plenty of Seals!

Little Sahara – Ever wanted to have a go at snowboarding? Well, you can do just that on Kangaroo Island. Little Sahara near Vivonne Bay is a 2km area of natural sand dunes where you can rent a board or toboggan to hit the slopes with.

Wine tasting – Kangaroo Island has 12 fantastic wineries that are well worth checking out. As with McLaren Vale, you can easily do a self-drive tour to some cellar doors, or take an organised tour. I only had time to go to Dudley Wines on my trip but it was great and they have the most fantastic view over the hills and ocean.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

There are a number of campsites on Kangaroo Island and I recommend staying at a couple of different ones as you explore different parts of the island. We stayed at the basic but very affordable Stokes Bay Campground which is small but located right on the beach. We also stayed at Vivonne Bay Lodge on the north of the island which is fantastic but sadly had extensive damage from the bushfires in 2019. Keep checking their website though for updates on when they might be open again.

Victor Harbour

• Distance from Cape Jervis (the ferry terminal): 60 km
• Drive Time: 45 minutes

As you will have spent a little bit of time travelling from Kangaroo Island, take a pit stop for the night at Victor Harbour. This cute little coastal town has some fantastic wildlife and keeps its rooted history going strong.

Things to do in Victor Harbour

Horsedrawn Tram – This is definitely one of the more unusual things you’ll see in South Australia, but I think it’s great. The horsedrawn tram is one of only 2 running in the world and it’s been here since 1894. You can buy a ticket to go on it or just walk down the tramway to Granite Island instead.

Granite Island – Granite Island is a nature reserve home to an abundance of wildlife. Take the Kaiki walking trail to loop around the island to take in the views and see what you can see. There are often seals, dolphins and number of sea birds here. It’s also on the migration route for Southern Right Whales between May and October.

Little Penguin guided tour – Granite Island is also home to a small colony of Little Penguins. If you want to get a bit closer you can take a guided tour at dusk to see them.

Swim with Tuna – Yes, that’s right; you can actually swim with these fish in Victor Harbour. They have an In Sea Aquarium and you can take a tour out to it to dive in the water with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Book your In Sea Aquarium Experience her e.

Where to stay in Victor Harbour

There are no free or donation only campsites in Victor Harbour but there are 3 close by to the town centre.

Mount Gambier

• Distance from Victor Harbour: 466 km
• Drive Time: 5 Hours

Mount Gambier holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I started my 88 days regional work in Australia. It’s a great little town with some really unique and interesting places to explore and one of my favourite restaurants in the whole of Australia! Taking the coastal road means you’ll go via Robe and Beachport and get incredible ocean views.

Things to do in Mount Gambier

Kingston – Australia randomly has a lot of big statues of things all over the place, and Kingston has the big lobster. You’re going to be driving through Kingston anyway so you might as well snap a photo!

Robe Obelisk – You will pass Robe on your way to Mount Gambier as you follow the coast. The Robe Obelisk is a red and white striped cone-like structure on the clifftop at Cape Dombey.

Long Beach, Robe – A beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and doing some beach driving. It’s also a popular place for fishing.

Bowman Scenic Drive from Beachport – Beachport is just a little further along the coast from Robe and it’s a fantastic coastal scenic route to take on your Adelaide to Melbourne drive.

Blue Lake – This huge lake is actually an ancient crater of the extinct Mount Gambier Volcano. In the summer months, the lake turns from a dark blue to a bright turquoise colour giving it its name. There is a viewpoint from above the lake and a 3.6km walking track that goes all around the edge.

Umpherston Sink Hole – This impressive sunken garden has been formed from a collapsed limestone cave. The garden is beautiful and home to a family of possums that come out at dusk. It’s always open and completely free to visit.

Cave Garden – Similar to the Umpherston Sink Hole, the Cave Garden is another impressive garden formed within a collapsed cave. You can’t go down to the bottom of this one but there’s a viewing platform and sometimes a waterfall if there has been enough rain. It’s right in the town centre so really easy to visit as well.

Metro – Ah, one of my favourite places to eat in Australia! The food at this cafe is incredible, fresh and filling. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as being a bakery serving up the prettiest cakes and the most delicious baked goods. You HAVE to get one of their sausage rolls!

Gannets at Portland – A little over an hour away, just across the border into Victoria is Portland. It’s a pretty small place but I love the rugged coast here. If you’re a nature lover then you can visit a colony of Gannets at Point Danger. This is the only land-based colony in the whole of Australia and the nature reserve is looked after by a team of volunteers.

Port Macdonnell – Port Mac is the southernmost town in South Australia and is famous for lobster fishing. There’s not an awful lot to do but if you want to relax by the ocean, it’s a lovely place to visit.

Where to stay in Mount Gambier

There are a few caravan parks in Mount Gambier, but if you want a free campsite in Mount Gambier, head just a little out of town to the Kromelite rest area, right on the edge of the Myora Forest. The tall, straight trees surrounding here makes for a great camp spot.

The Grampians National Park

• Distance from Mount Gambier: 220 km
• Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

This is a bit of a diversion on your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip but it’s one you can’t miss. Even with just one night there you can experience waterfalls, do some great hikes and take in the most epic views. You can read more about The Grampians in my Great Ocean Road itinerary where we took did the Central Grampian Drive to see some of the best places in the national park.

Things to do at The Grampians

The Balconies – The walk to the Balconies is spectacular. They are essentially a set of overhanging rocks that form a natural balcony that you can sit on.

Reeds Lookout – This is the lookout point from the carpark for the balconies so it’s really accessible.

McKenzie Falls – One of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Victoria. It’s a 40 minute drive from Halls Gap but it flows all year round so you won’t be disappointed.

Mt. William – This is the highest point in the Grampians so if you want an uninterrupted panoramic view, this is where you should go. It’s a steep walk up but worth it.

Best campsite in The Grampians

The Plantation Campsite is just 15 minutes from Halls Gap and is one of the best free campsites I stayed at. There are toilets, bush showers and you can even build a fire if you fancy. Enjoy having some kangaroos as your neighbours as well as unspoilt starry skies.

The Great Ocean Road (Warnambool to Torquay)

• Distance from The Grampians: 160 km
• Drive Time: 2 Hours

The bit everyone thinks about most, the Great Ocean Road part of your Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road itinerary! It’s one of the most famous, accessible and scenic drives in Australia and one that I did 3 times. It does not get boring! I’ve been there when it’s stormy and when it’s gloriously sunny, and it honestly doesn’t make it any less awesome. The drive runs from Warnambool to Torquay and I’ve got a full Great Ocean Road Itinerary for 2 days here , but below are some of the highlights.

2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary highlights

Childers Cove – The first landmark you’ll reach on the Great Ocean Road! I love this place as it’s often pretty empty but seriously spectacular.

The Arch – If you want to see the full force of the ocean, visit The Arch to see it crashing through the gap.

London Bridge – This formation was attached to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed. It was originally a natural double span bridge.

Gibson’s Steps – Walk down these steep steps to the beach below and see the cliffs from below.

The Twelve Apostles – Of course, this is the most famous (and therefore busiest) landmark on the Great Ocean Road. They are group of rock stacks that protrude up to 45 meters from the ocean and looks particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset.

The Grotto – This is my favourite spot on the Great Ocean Road. It’s almost like a small cave that leads out to the ocean. It’s small but I love it.

The drive between Apollo Bay and Lorne – All of the drive is beautiful but this section is spectacular. This is where you’ll be driving along the winding cliff roads where you can stop off at some great lookout points.

Memorial Arch – It’s the ‘Great Ocean Road’ sign- don’t worry, there are places to park to get a picture!

Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road

Unsurprisingly there are no free campsites anywhere on the Great Ocean Road but I recommend staying around Apollo Bay as this is the halfway point for the Great Ocean Road and puts you close to the Twelve Apostles.

• Distance from Torquay: 105 km
• Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
• Length of stay: 4 nights

Your Adelaide to Melbourne Drive might be complete, but you’ll now be in one of the best cities in the world. There’s so much to do in Melbourne all year round that you’re going to want a good few nights there to see as much as possible. To help you plan your time in Melbourne, take a look at my guides here:

How to spend 3 days in Melbourne

33 budget friendly and free things to do in Melbourne

How to spend a day in Melbourne’s quirky suburb, Fitzroy

8 places to get the best city views of Melbourne’s skyline

How to find cheap campervan hire in Australia

If you don’t have your own campervan for this road trip, I recommend hiring one instead of a car. Having your accommodation and kitchen with you at all times is a great way to save money and travel Australia on a budget. Campervans range a lot in size and therefore the hire prices vary. Comparison websites like vroomvroomvroom allow you to see the hire options and choose a campervan that’s right for you.

Top apps to help with your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip

I don’t know how I road tripped Australia before Wikicamps because this little app is a game-changer! I love it so much that I actually have a  full review here . WikiCamps maps out campsites all over Australia and allows you to filter out by facilities. However, if you’re travelling Australia on budget, the best feature by far is the ability to filter by free campsites. Yes, that’s right. FREE. CAMPSITES.

There are plenty of places to fill up between Melbourne and Sydney but it’s definitely a good idea to keep topped up. The Fuel App picks up your location so you can see where the next fuel station is to help you plan your drive.

Offline Google Maps

Who uses sat navs nowadays? Google maps is a lifesaver for Australia road trips but to avoid the problem of not having any signal, you can download your map so it works offline. Simply go onto Google maps on your phone and zoom out to cover the area you’re going to be driving, type in ‘ok maps’ into the search bar and you can then download the map onto your phone. Now you’ll have the maps you want to hand without the need for wifi or data connection.

Hostelworld

One thing I didn’t know before travelling to Australia is that some hostels have space for you to stay in your campervan and you can also use their facilities. Wikicamps often lists these hostels but I recommend then booking via   Hostelworld   to secure the space.

XE Currency app

This is an absolute essential no matter where you’re travelling overseas. Australia is a pretty pricey country to visit and as you’re going to be travelling a lot it will help you stick to your budget.

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Melbourne to Adelaide Drive

A Melbourne road trip to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road can be done over 5 days, easily seeing the best of the Ocean Road highlights.

Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included.

This guide will help you plan a holiday between Melbourne and Adelaide over 5 days, but can easily be adapted to spend more time along the way.

Melbourne to Adelaide Distance & Drive Times

Page Contents

The drive times listed below do not include the many viewpoints and stops that can be made along the way but provide a realistic daily travel plan to follow as a guide.

Day 1 Melbourne to Apollo Bay or Cape Otway

The drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is just over 3 hours, there is a lot to see along the way though. The first town on the Great Ocean Road is Torquay, home to a number of surf outlet shops as well as the National Surfing Museum.

Use our map of the Ocean Road route to find plenty of stops to make along the way. Go on a virtual journey, watch our videos of the drive along the Ocean Road.

• Visit Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Surf competition since 1963.
• Drop into the Chocolaterie and indulge.
• Visit Split Point Lighthouse or go for a horse ride perhaps.
• Stop in Lorne for lunch.
• See Koalas at Kennett River, between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

An extra night could be included by staying in the lively town of Lorne and then onto Apollo Bay the next day as there are plenty of things to do in the area, such as bushwalks and waterfalls.

Apollo Bay Accommodation

Apollo Bay is an awesome little town with a wonderfully long, safe, beach. It is the second-largest along the Great Ocean Road, but small enough to still feel relaxing and with a large selection of accommodation to choose from.

If you prefer the idea of staying away from a town, Cape Otway is a perfect alternative. The historic lighthouse has accommodation and nearby Bimbi Park is a fab little campground where koalas hang out in the trees above campers. Find accommodation in Cape Otway.

Day 2 Apollo Bay to Port Campbell & The 12 Apostles

Not far from Apollo Bay and before the Cape Otway turn off, is Maits Rest Rainforest Walk. It is only a short stroll but gorgeous with really old Myrtle Beech trees.

The drive from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell National Park, home of the famous Twelve Apostles rock stacks, goes through tall forest and farmland before climbing up to the highest point of the Great Ocean Road at Lavers Hill. It is then less than an hour to the 12 Apostles where there is plenty to see.

Waterfalls and Rainforest Drive

If you have time and an extra day to spare, from Lavers Hill, turn right to visit Triplet Falls, The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk and a number of other waterfalls and bushwalks. Find more info on the Otways and waterfalls area here and browse accommodation if you want to stay a night in the area.

• As an alternative to the direct drive from Apollo Bay to Lavers Hill, you can also follow Skene’s Creek Road and Turton’s Track through the Otways. It is a really good drive, though has a lot of winding road and some unsealed sections.
• There are a f ew free campsites up in the area near the waterfalls too.

Accommodation in Port Campbell

The little fishing village of Port Campbell has more choices of accommodation that anyone might expect. Luxury apartments, backpacker hostel, and camping. Find the best accommodation to stay here.

Day 3 Port Campbell to Port Fairy

Maybe start the day by watching the sunrise at the 12 Apostles before heading off to Port Fairy. Once you leave Port Campbell, there are still a few more sights to see before the Great Ocean Road ends near Allansford.

• The Arch – Another good spot to stop, see the slow erosion of the limestone coast.
• London Arch – formerly known as London Bridge before an arch collapsed, unexpectedly, into the sea in January 1990.
• The Grotto – Definitely worth a stop, one of my favorite spots.
• The Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands.

Once the Great Ocean Road drive has ended, there is still a lot to see and do before reaching the sweet little fishing town of Port Fairy.

• Warrnambool – Whale watching season is a great time to be here. See the Facebook page for whale spotting.
• Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Port Fairy Accommodation

Port Fairy is a really pretty town and a lovely place to spend a night or two. One of our favorite places to stay is the family-friendly Belfast Cottages . The gorgeous little self-contained cottages cater to all travelers and the indoor pool plus playground area will keep kids happy for hours.

Find more choices of accommodation in Port Fairy and the best prices.

Day 4 Port Fairy to Robe

Mt Gambier is on the way to Robe and is definitely recommended as a place to visit. Maybe stop for lunch by the famous ‘Blue Lake’ or at the Umpherston Sinkhole.

Alternative Route – Visit Naracoorte Caves

The Naracoorte Caves are part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range. They are South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed attraction and an important fossil site.

Rather than drive direct to Robe from Mt Gambier, a diversion to the caves might be of interest too.

Accommodation in Robe

Robe is a really popular seaside holiday town. Great fishing, lovely beaches, and more than 80 historic buildings make Robe an ideal place to stay a night.

• The Caledonian Inn is a lovely place to stay. The pub was built by a Scotsman in 1859 and the rooms all have a lovely character about them. Check prices and availability.
• Search other places to stay in Robe and find the best prices.

Day 5 Robe to Adelaide via Victor Harbour

Last day on the road trip, unless you have time to spare and maybe want to cross the water to Kangaroo Island!

From Robe the road follows close to the coastline and passes the Coorong National Park , setting for the movie ‘Storm Boy’ and a beautiful region.

Victor Harbor, perhaps best-known for the horse-drawn carriage that crosses the causeway to Granite Island, is another visit-worthy town in South Australia.

• Heritage Steam Train rides
• South Australia Whale Centre
• Historic Walks
• Boat cruises
• Find out more about things to do in Victor Harbor .
• Maybe stay a night in Victor Harbor and linger for a while…

Victor Harbor to Adelaide

The drive from Victor Harbor to Adelaide is only 1 hour 15 mins, it goes across the Fleurieu Penninsula where there is certainly more to do and discover including wineries, beaches…

Adelaide Accommodation

Often referred to as the City Of Churches, Adelaide has more of a large country town feel to it.

Find somewhere to stay before the next part of your adventures…

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After 6 years of long distance, Darren and Lauren quit their day jobs to live the day dream. Far am a gan translates to “where am I going” from the Scot’s language, Doric. A phrase muttered several times a day by this travelling twosome as they avoid adulthood one adventure at a time. Through this blog they document the tales (and fails) from their experiences, offering a refreshing and unfiltered approach to travel in the hope they inspire others to embrace adventure.

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Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 20 Stops, Map & Campsites

Use this guide to plan the ultimate 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary packed with the highlights as well as hidden gems. With so many stops (and often limited time) planning your itinerary for Great Ocean Road can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the hard work for you.  As well as completing the route three times (in both directions) we’re also fortunate to have a friend who’s lived in the area for over 20 years who shared a wealth of local tips. This means whether you have a weekend or a whole week, we promise a memorable, stress free road trip. 

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

A Great Ocean Road trip is one of the most beautiful drives in the world – stretching 244km from Torquay to Warrnambool with pristine coastline on one side and lush forest on the other. From our experience we recommend 2 days as a minimum, but if time is not on your side, we also share how to drive Great Ocean Road in one day.

We have been fortunate to complete this iconic drive three times: each time in a different season, twice in a car, once while travelling Australia in a campervan and once with our toddler along too! This means regardless of weather, passengers or vehicle we feel confident this is the ultimate two day itinerary for Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day One

• Melbourne > Torquay
• Visit Bell’s Beach
• Torquay > Lorne
• Lunch in Lorne
• Visit Erskine Falls
• $ Camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve: Super cheap campsite, only a 10-minute drive to Twelve Apostles so ideal for starting day 2 at sunrise. More info here.
• $$ Kennett River Holiday Park:  Amazing campsite if you want to see koalas in the wild. Cabins & camping spots available, view best prices here . 
• $$$ Apollo Bay: Beautiful seaside town with many hotels, restaurants etc here. Around 1.5 hours to Twelve Apostles to start day 2.  Browse the best accommodation options for Apollo Bay here . 

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day Two

• Gibson Steps/Twelve Apostles for sunrise
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Lunch at Port Campbell
• London Bridge
• Bay of Martyrs
• $ Camp at Panmure Campground: Free campsite that is peaceful, clean and quiet. 
• $$$ Warrnambool: We LOVED our stay at the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs . Stone’s throw from a beautiful beach and an incredible spa with hot springs on site too. 

GREAT OCEAN ROAD MAP

Every stop mentioned in this 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is marked on this map so you won’t have to plan a thing – just enjoy the epic drive! As a tip, make sure to save the map offline as signal can be scarce at some points in the route.

Taking a campervan? Why not take our cookbook with you?

• Recipes with ideas for breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Digital E-book so you can download instantly
• Use offline on your phone, tablet, laptop or print off
• Recipe ideas without the need for bulky cookbooks or Wi-Fi

Price: £7.99

The ultimate 2 day great ocean road itinerary.

Before we dive in to our Great Ocean Road itinerary, we want to highlight that this route welcomes over 2.5 million visitors A YEAR, so you can imagine the impact this many people have on the road itself, wildlife and surrounding scenery.

Please be a responsible traveller and stick to designated parking spaces, pay attention to all signage and do not leave the designated walking tracks/viewpoints.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY DAY ONE

1. melbourne – torquay.

Drive Time: Melbourne to Torquay 1.5 hours

We recommend leaving Melbourne as early as you can to beat the tour buses. From Melbourne it is around a 1.5 hour drive to the start of the Great Ocean Road. What better way to start your Great Ocean Road itinerary than in the surf capital of Australia – Torquay . It is the birthplace to Rip Curl and Quicksilver, so you can imagine some seriously good surf beaches perfect for beginners to book a first lesson or pros to tackle some insane waves.

2. Admire the Surfers at Bells Beach

Drive Time: Torquay – Bells Beach is around 10 minutes

Bringing us to the second of your Great Ocean Road stops, Bells Beach. Famous for the Rip Curl Pro surf competition which has been hosted in Bells Beach since 1962. It is the world’s longest running surf competition, so if you want to witness this historic event, it takes place at Bells Beach in April. Not travelling in April? Why not start your Great Ocean Road itinerary in style with a surf lesson at this famous spot!

3. Grab A Photo at Memorial Arch

Drive Time: Bells Beach to Memorial Arch is around 30 minutes

Arguably one of the most photographed Great Ocean Road stops is the sign itself welcoming you to the start. It’s surprisingly around 30 minutes from Torquay which is considered the start of the route, but it is in fact a memorial to the workers who constructed the road.

There is a car park to pull up and snap the sign (you can view it from either direction) and the fascinating history of the Great Ocean Road can be read on the signs nearby.

4. Lunch in Lorne

Drive Time: From Memorial Arch to Lorne is 15 minutes

There are so many things to do in Lorne that it’s understandably one of the most popular  day trips from Melbourne as well as a highlight from our 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. 

We recommend stopping at the funky  Bottle of Milk for lunch or a take away coffee (don’t forget your Stojo cup ) and then head around the corner to the Bakery Café for a tasty caramel slice, lemon tart or a famous Australian pie!

The views in Lorne are just as amazing as the café culture and if time is on your hands it’s a fabulous spot to stay overnight to explore the surrounding  Lorne waterfalls before continuing your road trip.

5. Visit Erskine Falls

Drive Time: From Lorne to Erskine Falls is 15 minute drive inland

If you have time to drag yourself away from the coast, head inland to explore the numerous  Great Ocean Road Waterfalls   – we counted over 10 around Lorne alone! If you have time for only one or two waterfalls, we recommend Erskine Falls as it was one of our Great Ocean Road highlights. At over 30 metres high there are two viewing platforms to witness it flow into a luscious fern gully.

The walk is steep in parts but not particularly challenging and a fun way to stretch your legs during your jam-packed great Ocean Road Itinerary. As a little tip, it was on the road to Erskine Falls where we saw our first ever koala in the wild, simply drinking from a puddle on the road so keep your eyes peeled. If you want a guaranteed koala sighting head to stop 7 .

6. Photo Stop at Teddy’s Lookout

Drive Time: From Erskine Falls to Teddy’s Lookout is 15 minutes. If you’re skipping out Erskine Falls, it’s only 6 minutes from Lorne to Teddy’s Lookout.

Another advantage if you’re choosing to self-drive Great Ocean Road is that you can stop at places such as Teddy’s Lookout which both times we’ve been (in Winter & Summer) have been surprisingly quiet.

It’s literally a 5 minute walk from the carpark to the viewpoint to grab a photo. From our entire 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, this stop offers one of our absolute favourite views so please believe us, it is worth the (very steep) detour! During our Summer visit, it was such a clear day we spotted dolphins and rays in the sea from here. If you have time, there is also a walking track here which takes around 45 minutes to complete.

7. Kennett River Koala Walk & Campground

Drive Time: From Teddy’s Look out to Kennett River it is a 25 minute drive.

It might be surprising but one of the most common things to see on the Great Ocean Road is koalas. The small seaside town of Kennett River is often referred to as the Koala capital of Australia and we can confirm that this was one not just one of our Great Ocean Road highlights but a highlight from our entire time  camping in Australia .

If you head off Grey River Road you will find the Kennett River Koala walk. It’s not an official walkway, simply a road lined with many eucalyptus trees and LOTS of koalas.

During one of our visits, we witnessed around 5 including one crossing the road and one which climbed above our campervan as we stayed in Kennett River Holiday Park . It’s also a great spot to see colourful native birds such as King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Please remember to be a responsible traveller  and do not feed the wildlife or try to touch them, no matter how cute they look!

If you are looking to go camping on Great Ocean Road , we cannot recommend Kennett River Holiday Park enough – there were SO many koalas in the actual camping ground as well as the koala walk mere minutes away. The beach out front is also spectacular and surprisingly quiet. A night here was under $35 too which was surprisingly affordable considering the epic location. There are also self catering cabins available if you’re not travelling in a van.

You could either end day one of your Great Ocean Road itinerary here and stay the night at Kennett River, or just visit the koalas and jump back in the car.

8. Visit Apollo Bay

Drive Time: From Kennett River to Apollo Bay is a 25 minute drive.

When we first visited Apollo Bay in Winter, we struggled to even find a fish & chip shop that was open, when we did our second Great Ocean Road trip in Summer it was so busy that we couldn’t park never mind find a café without a queue.

It is a popular spot to fill up fuel, pack supplies and wander along yet another incredible beach front before continuing your Great Ocean Road itinerary. It also happens to be the home to the BEST pie we have ever eaten so if you fancy a delicious snack the lamb, honey & mustard pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery will blow you away. It’s also famous for their scallop pie which is worth the Great Ocean Road drive alone!

The Wild Side of The Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay is a great stop for wildlife fans! A local recommended Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary to us because of the amazing fur seal colony or why not enjoy a guided dusk discovery tour where you can witness Australia's amazing wildlife as it emerges at dusk in a stunning landscape overlooking the ocean. Topped off with a delicious mezze plate and beer or wine after your tour. 

9. Visit Cape Otway

Drive Time: From Apollo Bay to Cape Otway light house is a 35 minute drive.

It’s not just the beaches that will blow you away during your Great Ocean Road trip but the trees. Yup, trees. From Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park is a worthwhile detour to not only explore the fascinating rainforest (which even has a tree tops walk way, 25 metres above ground ) but to also see some of the coolest trees we’ve ever seen.

You will also come to Cape Otway lightstation – the oldest light house in Australia which is one of the most popular things to do on Great Ocean Road because at 90metres high it offers incredible views. However, it does come with a A$20.00 entrance fee and being backpackers short of cash and time we skipped this and continued our drive, admiring the unusual trees from the car.

10. Wreck Beach

Drive Time: From Cape Otway light house to Wreck beach it is a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

This stretch of your Great Ocean Road itinerary is arguably one of the most beautiful and is referred to as the Shipwreck Coast . It is estimated that over 700 ships have been lost along this stretch of coast and at low tide you can even witness one of the shipwrecks yourself at Wreck Beach .

Be warned, there are over 300 steps down to the beach, so it is not a stop for the faint hearted. Make sure it is low tide, otherwise you could make that treck down for no reason!

Camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve

This is where you have a choice on how to end day one of your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. You could either visit the famous Twelve Apostles for sunset then camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve , or save them for sunrise the next morning. Either way, it’s only a 10-minute drive from this campsite to The Twelve Apostles.

Affordable camping on Great Ocean Road is hard to find but this was a hidden gem at only $25 for a powered site with hot showers (cash on arrival). As we were staying here on a Saturday there was a cricket match on at the oval which we watched from the back of our van and was a favourite memory from our time campervanning in Australia . The site is also frequented by many kangaroos at dusk, so another excellent Great Ocean Road stop for wildlife.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY DAY TWO

11. princetown reserve to gibson steps.

Drive Time: From the campsite at Princetown Reserve to Gibson Steps is 7 minute drive.

We recommend getting up early for day two of your Great Ocean Road itinerary. We left Princetown Reserve campsite around 6am thinking another advantage of doing a Great Ocean Road self-drive tour is that you can beat the crowds (more on this shortly).

You can view the Twelve Apostles from ground level by climbing down the 86 Gibson Steps to the shore. A stunning spot regardless of the time of day and surprisingly quiet – both times we have been we’ve been we were the only ones there.

Perhaps over shadowed by the 12 Apostles next door, or perhaps very few can be bothered with the steep climb back up the steps. The photo of Loz was taken in Winter and the photo of Daz was from our Summer visit, regardless of the weather Gibson Steps are a must-see during your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

12. Sunrise at The Twelve Apostles

Drive Time: From the Gibson Steps to The Twelve Apostles is only 2 minutes!

Unquestionably the most famous of all Great Ocean Road stops is the Twelve Apostles. When we visited in Winter we were blessed with an empty car park and only around a dozen other visitors.

In February however we arrived at 6:30am to quite a crowd and were lucky to secure one of the last few sunrise spots. Despite only 7 of the Twelve Apostles still standing it is incredible to witness these giant (45 metre high) limestone formations in real life and for many sunrise here is the highlight of their Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Update March 2024: Twelve Apostle Visitor Access

When we returned to the Twelve Apostles in 2023, the viewpoint had been completely refurbished which did wonders for crowd control. Renovation plans are due to continue in 2024 (and complete by 2025) which include a new Visitor Centre, walking trails as well as new park-and-ride facilities, new access roads, and improved parking at Secret Apostles Lookout. 

13. Go for a paddle at Loch Ard Gorge

Drive Time: From the Twelve Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge is only 5 minute drive

A mere 5 minute drive later, you will come to another unmissable photo opportnity – Loch Ard Gorge . Although the Twelve Apostles are arguably the most famous stop, Loch Ard Gorge is our favourite and one not to be missed from your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. You could easily spend an hour or two here.

It is named after one of the most famous ships from the Shipwreck Coast (Loch Ard) which was travelling from England to Melbourne in 1878. There is a fascinating story about the 2 survivors of the shipwreck which you can read on a board at the gorge.

We were shocked along this drive at the addition of crowd control style barriers which had been put up in the Summer months to prevent people parking illegally. These not only spoiled the natural landscape and tarnished photos but it angered us that money and time needs to be spent on fencing because of tourists who won’t obey the signage.

Instead they stop for photo opportunities where they fancy. Please do not be this person, stick to the road and designated stops to avoid further erosion and potential accidents.

Update March 2024: Access to Loch Ard Gorge 

14. Lunch at Port Campbell

Drive Time: From Loch Ard Gorge to Port Campbell is only 10 minute drive

Port Campbell is a sleepy seaside village home to beautiful boutique accommodation and some fabulous foodie spots. We recommend Grassroots Deli Cafe not only because our lunch was delicious and staff attentive but it was very child-friendly with plenty space inside and out for high chairs, push chairs etc.

They also stock stock a range of Australian-made and locally sourced products if you fancy purchasing a gift or two before hopping back in the car to continue your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

15. The Arch

Drive Time: From Port Campbell to The Arch is 6 minutes

You won’t be back in the car for long as it’s under 10 minutes until your next Great Ocean Road stop – The Arch . As the name describes it is an arch naturally sculpted by the stunning swell that has worn away the rock.

It is particularly beautiful in the afternoon as the rocks turn a warm golden colour. There is a walkway leading to a viewpoint which also offers a unique perspective looking back on to the Twelve Apostles.

16. London Bridge

Drive Time: From The Arch to London Bridge is 3 minutes

You will barely have time to switch songs on your road trip playlist before it’s time for the next stop in your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. At just a 3 minute drive away is London Bridge.

Originally named after the British equivalent because it was an actual natural bridge, until 1990 when the arch connecting it to the mainland fell away leaving two tourists stranded on the remaining sea stack (later rescued by helicopter).

Although no longer a bridge as such, it is sometimes referred to as London Arch and is one of the best Great Ocean Road stops nonetheless, with two viewing platforms offering spectacular views.

17. The Grotto

Drive Time: From London Bridge to The Grotto is a 5 minute drive

Can you believe we nearly missed out The Grotto from our Great Ocean Road itinerary but we are so glad we didn’t. Do not be fooled into thinking it is just yet another rock formation, this unique natural phenomenon is actually part blowhole, archway AND cave all in one stop.

You can view the fascinating reflections below or from above at the lookout. Just don’t climb over the wall and aid the erosion further for an insta-snap, which we witnessed tourists do during our road trip.

18. Bay of Martyrs

Drive Time: From The Grotto to Bay of Martyrs is 8 minute drive

Despite the breath taking views and beautiful beach at The Bay of Martyrs , there is a horrific history that surrounds this area of Victoria.

Although deemed folklore as there is no written evidence, it is believed the name and surrounding look outs such as Massacre Bay and Massacre Point are titled after the devastating events that occurred here.

Local stories spanning generations claim that Europeans killed a large group of Karrae-Wurrong Aboriginal men here, proving a thought provoking stop on the Great Ocean Road.

19. Bay of Islands

Drive Time: From The Bay of Martyrs to Bay of Islands is a 5 minute drive

If you want to skip the last few stops, you can head from Loch Ard Gorge to The Bay Of Islands in around 30 minutes. Otherwise it’s just 5 minutes from the Bay of Martyrs. Once there, you will be forgiven for mixing images of The Bay of Islands with the Twelve Apostles – to us, they are remarkably similar.

The Bay of Islands also boasts striking limestone sea stacks and is a stunning spot for sunset. The main difference being however, that it is considerably less crowded here than Twelve Apostles so is a perfectly peaceful way to end your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

• Panmure Campground

Drive Time: From The Bay of Islands to Panmure campground is 28 minutes inland

The finishing line is mere minutes away but if you have time to spare in your Great Ocean Road itinerary we have a fabulous FREE campsite that we cannot recommend enough.

Free camping on Great Ocean Road  can be difficult as spaces are limited however this is one of the few designated sites which was peaceful, clean and surprisingly quiet. We recommend arriving early (around 4/5pm) to secure a good spot. Best of all, there are FLUSH TOILETS which was a welcome change to the drop toilets we encountered while free camping in Australia .

20. Warrnambool

Drive Time: From Panmure campground to Warrnambool 20 minnutes.

It is officially the final stretch of your Great Ocean Road itinerary! Just 20 minutes from the Panmure camping ground is Warrnambool. Alternatively, it is 40 minutes from Bay of Islands to Warrnambool.

If you have enjoyed the fascinating stories of shipwrecks so far, you can learn much more at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village .

If your Great Ocean Road itinerary permits and you are visiting between May and October, Logan Beach in Warrnambool is the perfect whale watching spot and a memorable way to end your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Returning to Melbourne

Now your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is over, it is time to head from Warrnambool to Melbourne which is 257km. In total it takes 3 hours to drive back to Melbourne, but along the Highway not Great Ocean Road.

If you’d prefer to see those epic attractions again, then driving from Warrnambool to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road will take 5 hours and 30 minutes.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

When is the best time to self drive great ocean road.

The first time we did a Great Ocean Road trip was from Melbourne to Warrnambool in Winter and it was incredible – no tourists, stormy grey skies and empty towns.

The second time we drove the opposite direction, Adelaide to Melbourne and in the height of Summer – glorious sunshine, crowds of people and the bluest sea we have ever seen.

Our third experience was in  Autumn so was the perfect balance of good weather, less crowds and affordable accommodation.

Although we couldn’t choose a time we prefer, do keep in mind most tour buses run all year round and start in Melbourne so it’s often a race against the crowds to each of these Great Ocean Road stops. The joy of a Great Ocean Road self-drive tour is you can leave as early as you like and pick and choose which stops to stay longer at and which to skip completely. 

As a Tip: If you can, time your Great Ocean Road itinerary between May and October as you’ll see whales migrating along the way!

What to pack for your Great Ocean Road trip

Don’t be fooled by the stunning backdrop, the road at times involves dangerous corners, crazy heat in Summer and limited water & fuel stops.

First & foremost you should always have travel insurance, enough petrol & water supplies.

Secondly, you should have a banging playlist, enough snacks and a road trip partner to snap those desired insta snaps at The 12 Apostles (if you need to whip your travel partner into shape, our  couple travel tips  might help!)

We then recommend reading our  road trip packing list  for the essentials we take with us every drive, and for a safe Great Ocean Road trip.

Finally, if you plan on camping along the way, our guide to  camping on Great Ocean Road covers the essentials you’ll need for a stress free sleep under the stars.

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Where is best to go camping on the Great Ocean Road?

Understandably Great Ocean Road accommodation can be expensive due to the popularity of this drive. During our first visit we stayed in a motel in Apollo Bay , which despite being in the height of Winter and the town being completely dead still cost us A$100.00. 

We LOVED camping on Great Ocean Road as it is not only super affordable but you wake up to some of the best views in the country or if you’re lucky, even a koala or two! If your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is on a budget we can recommend over 10 free campsites  on Great Ocean Road which means you won’t need to pay a penny on accommodation.

As we were in a campervan, we had to plug in occasionally to charge so needed to stay at paid campsites too. Our favourite paid campsites are below, all of which offered power & home comforts such as hot showers and camp kitchens as well as excellent wildlife (more on that later.)

• Kennett River Campground
• Princetown Recreation Reserve

Remember to book in advance as understandably  camping in Australia is incredibly popular and near impossible during school holidays – some campsites even introduce a ballot system a year in advance. We booked our campsites the day before but we were not travelling in peak season (we planned our our Great Ocean Road itinerary in February, then did it again in May.)

If your Great Ocean Road trip is on a budget, we also suggest cooking up a storm on route to save money. From  vegetarian camping recipes  to  one pot camping meals , we LOVE cooking as we camp as nothing beats a heart-warming meal under the stars (especially if it avoids tourist trap restaurants!)

Camping on Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways to get closer to the beautiful landscape and wildlife, but always remember to take only photos, leave only footsteps and only camp where permitted. For more tips, take a peek at our  Australia camping guide .

The Best Hidden Gems on The Great Ocean Road

Although everyone wants to drive this epic route to catch a glimpse of the world famous icons such as The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, very few people know that if you head a little inland you will find some of the best waterfalls in Australia!

If you have some spare time during your Great Ocean Road itinerary or you simply prefer to travel off the beaten track, take some time to explore the endless  Great Ocean Road waterfalls .

With some just a 15 minute hike and others nestled deep in the Otways National Park these waterfalls are often overshadowed by the Great Ocean Road so you’ll be treated to a crowd-free photo opportunity. Not to mention the endless wildlife and total serenity these waterfalls offer.

As a tip, the  waterfalls on Great Ocean Road are best enjoyed during Winter, when they are in full flow. During the Summer months, rain is in short supply so understandably the waterfalls are only a trickle and not near as impressive. Regardless, we’d highly recommend the detour for a relaxing escape from the tour buses and selfie sticks.

ONE DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

It would be difficult but not impossible to squeeze the highlights of our 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary into just one day. To do the full route, it would take a minimum of 9 hours (approx.) of constant driving from Melbourne to Warrnambool, going via the Great Ocean Road one way and the main highway the opposite way.

Therefor, if you have just one day we would recommend only driving as far as Port Campbell which is a slightly shorter 7.5 hours round-trip. Only visit the main Great Ocean Road stops mentioned below – many of which are mere minutes apart anyway and you should make it home by bed time.

We’d recommend leaving Melbourne as early as possible and be prepared for a long day to ensure you won’t be too rushed and to beat the tour buses.

• Great Ocean Road Sign
• Teddy’s Lookout
• Kennett River Koala Walk
• Gibson Steps
• Twelve Apostles
• Port Campbell

To return, take the inland route instead of the Great Ocean Road route. Although this will still take around 3 hours, it is far quicker than being stuck behind motorhomes, tour buses or being distracted by the scenery and stopping some more.

If you do plan on driving the Great Ocean Road in one day, be careful when driving in the dark in Australia especially around dusk as this is prime kangaroo time. Although beautiful to witness they can cause devastating damage to your car!

We hope this guide has given you endless inspiration for planning your itinerary for Great Ocean Road. Whether you only have a day and want to just tick off the icons or you plan on making it a week long affair and discovering some hidden gems, we are sure you’ll have an epic Great Ocean Road trip regardless. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed your favourite campsite or stop from our guide, we’re always looking for excuses to return!

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This Post Has 26 Comments

Great post! I am doing a road trip in Australia in 2020 and this is so helpful! I have been looking for a more in-depth Oceans road itinerary so this is a dream come true. Definitely check out these 20 must-see stops along Ocean road!

So excited for you to visit next year, you will have the best time!

Was literally just reading about the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road in s Lonely Planet 500 best places book. These photos look even more enticing!

It’s now one of our best places, hopefully one day it will be yours too 😉

Your pictures are stunning! I did a road trip in Australia from Gold Coast to Sydney. But I would love to drive to Melbourne like you guys. Looks gorgeous!

Our full trip was Brisbane to Adelaide but this was definitely our favourite part!

This looks like the ultimate road trip! I can’t believe how gorgeous the coast is there, which is why I need to get my butt to Australia ASAP! I think renting an RV would be my ultimate getaway

It’s one of the best trips we’ve ever done. Renting a campervan is definitely the best way to see it so you can camp along the way!

Great tips. Thanks! Even though I actually live in Australia, I still have done the drive.

We couldn’t believe how big Australia is once we were there – we spent a year travelling and barely scratched the surface!

Such road trips are stuff of dream. It is amazing and definitely something on my bucketlist. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. They are incredible.

It was definitely a dream come true to see it for ourselves 🙂

Loved it!! Planning to go here for my bday in april. Was looking for ideas.

Such a fun way to spend a birthday – have an amazing time!

I love a good road trip. Saved this post for when I ever make it to Australia (soon hopefully, haha)!

Road trips are our favourite too – so much freedom!

Omg those koalas are so adorable! This is such a great and thorough guide to the Great Ocean Road — you have me wanting to buy plane tickets to Australia right now :).

Koalas by our campervan were definitely a highlight, not just from Great Ocean road but our whole Australia trip!

I did the great ocean road in 2013 on a Top Deck tour. I had such a great time but I have always wanted to drive it myself. Your post has totally inspired me to go back. xx

A self drive tour is definitely the best way – no crowds and you can take as long (or as little) time as you like!

Awesome post- a lot of great sights! I hope to get out to Australia- the Apostles site is the one I want to see most, but you’ve covered so much more for me to see!

They are definitely one of the highlights!

Hey Guys! I finally got round to reading this post a week before we set off for the Great Ocean Road – so excited! I’ve made sure we’ve got all of these stops in our itinerary! Thank you for the tips about the Koala Walk- my mum is with us on this road trip and praying to see some Koalas in the wild so hopefully, we can see some there!

Hi, love your post. So I have to do a tour and I only have one day. Some tours recommend doing it in reverse from Melbourne, is that really going to give me the best experience by getting to the 12 apostles before 9.30am to miss the hoards. And miss Sunset. I also realise one wont be driving on the ocean side of the road and wonder how important that is given how many stops there are. Your advice greatly appreciated as Im arriving this week.

Sorry, we have just seen this as we were moving house. Hope your trip went well! Let us know if you’re looking for more Australia recommendations!

Hi, great article. I’ll be in Melbourne in October and definitely want to see and explore the Great Ocean Road. I’m travelling solo after a work trip. Do you have recommendations for group tours that have more or less the same itinerary? Thanks so much!

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Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road

Take a drive along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastlines on the Great Ocean Road.

Australia boasts more than a few epic  road trips , but none are so iconic as the  Great Ocean Road . This four-day road trip encompasses rugged rock faces, quaint seaside towns and clifftops surrounded by salty air.

Embark on a breathtaking journey you’ll never forget.

What to expect

• Drive along breathtaking coastline
• Stay in charming seaside towns
• Marvel at stunning rock formations
• Time: 4 days
• Distance: 1,000km (621mi)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne and Adelaide

Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne / Apollo Bay

Lorne, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Visit Victoria 

Hire a car and leave bustling Melbourne behind. Today’s drive will take just over three hours, but there are plenty of worthwhile stops along the way. Make your first point of call the beachy town of Torquay , often considered the surfing capital of Australia. Check out a few of the town’s best surf beaches, like Jan Juc and Bells Beach, to see some locals riding a wave.

Hop back in the car and continue for under an hour to reach Lorne . One of the Great Ocean Road ’s most charming seaside stops, Lorne is the perfect place to eat lunch. Head to The Swing Bridge Cafe and Boathouse for a casual café feel, or make your way to the Grand Pacific Hotel to grab a classic Aussie pub feed with views overlooking the beach. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during the winter months (June to August). If you have extra time, soak up the seaside lifestyle and spend the night in Lorne, or continue to Apollo Bay.

Your final stop for the day is Apollo Bay , a one-hour drive from Lorne. Check into The Dolphin Apartments . 

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Mark Watson

Your second day on the Great Ocean Road brings you to some of the drive’s most remarkable sights. Drive just under two hours toward the 12 Apostles  – soaring limestone stacks off the shore of Victoria’s stark coast. But before you stop at the Apostles, be sure to check out the area’s other natural wonders, including the Gibson Steps , London Bridge , Loch Ard Gorge and Bay of Islands . 

Continue driving 1.5 hours to reach Port Fairy , taking in the incredible cliffs along the way. While you’re here, stop at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve , an inactive volcano site with tiered crater walls and several walking tracks. You can also spot native Australian animals like emus, koalas and kangaroos. Learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the area at Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre and join an Aboriginal guide on a tour. While in Port Fairy, do as the locals do and surf , SUP  or simply wander the shoreline. For dinner, grab a pizza at Coffin Sally , then tuck in for the night at the stylish Oak and Anchor Hotel in Port Fairy. 

If you’re eager to squeeze your Great Ocean experience into three days, you can continue on to South Australia’s fishing town of Robe.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Robe

Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, South Australia © Adam Bruzzone

Grab breakfast at Bank St + Co before hitting the road once more. Today, take a detour inland to South Australia ’s Mount Gambier . Here, you’ll find more than a few photogenic locations. Visit the Umpherston Sinkhole , a sunken garden created inside a collapsed cave. 

Another 1.5-hour drive will bring to you Robe , an enchanting fishing town on South Australia ’s Limestone Coast . There’s plenty to do in this sleepy city; hit the sand of Long Beach, watch the brewing process at Robe Town Brewery and grab a cone at The Ice Cream Shop . Tonight, eat dinner at the Caledonian Inn . After dinner, wander along Robe Jetty; it’s especially Instagrammable at sunset. 

Spend the night at the Robe Harbour View Motel .

Day 4: Robe to Adelaide

Long Beach, Robe, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Start your day with a dip in the salty ocean off Long Beach. Grab breakfast and coffee at The Adventurous Spoon , a cute café serving up breakfast dishes like muesli with vanilla stewed pear and, of course, avocado smash. Then, drive just under four hours to the South Australian capital of Adelaide .

In Adelaide , you’ll find buzzing markets, cheap eats and a jam-packed festival calendar. The city is also a great starting point for another Australian adventure, this time to the Eyre Peninsula , Perth or Darwin .

Discover more great road trips

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Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days – Melbourne To Adelaide Drive

Long before I ever set foot in Australia, the Great Ocean Road was a dream road trip and somewhere I longed to see. Since I was flying into Melbourne and my first long-term destination was Adelaide – taking a Great Ocean Road trip was the perfect way to get there. Oceans that span as far as the eye can see, pristine beaches and beautiful rainforests can all be found along this stretch of road.

Although the Great Ocean Road only spans 243km there is plenty to do further afield, whether you venture inland or continue along the coast.

I spent 3 days touring from Melbourne to Adelaide and I booked a Great Ocean Road and Grampians tour before arriving. Since I don’t drive, a self-drive Great Ocean Road trip was out of the question, but there’s nothing stopping you from amending this Great Ocean Road 3 day itinerary to suit a self-drive tour. 

The Great Ocean Road was the idea behind Howard Hitchcock who was the Mayor of the city of Geelong. He organised and funded construction of the Great Ocean Road. Construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1932. 

Wondering what to see along the Great Ocean Road? What are the best Great Ocean Road highlights? Read on to find out why you should the Great Ocean Road to your Australia itinerary !

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Day 1 – Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days

Torquay & Bells Beach

Torquay was the first stop on our Great Ocean Road bus tour. The Great Ocean Road starts in a small coastal town called Torquay – situated along the surf coast portion of the Great Ocean Road – since the next few towns are all famous for their world-class surfing. Torquay is where several big surf brands emerged including both Rip Curl and Quiksilver. 

Bell’s Beach in Torquay is home to the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition – the world’s longest continuously running pro surfing competition. After Torquay, you’ll also pass by the small towns of Angelsea and Airys Inlet before reaching the Famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

One of the most iconic sights along the Great Ocean Road is the famous archway. The Memorial Arch is dedicated to the 3,000 soldiers who built the road after returning from WW1, making the Great Ocean Road the longest war memorial in the world. 

To the left of the archway is a sculpture depicting the soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road, this was unveiled for it’s 75th anniversary. 

There is a small parking lot to the left of the archway where you can stop off to get your photos!

The town of Lorne is one of the most popular Great Ocean Road stops. This is the perfect place to stay the night, grab food or stretch your legs. Lorne is a weekend getaway for many people living in Melbourne and gets busy during the summer months. 

Lorne is home to the famous “Pier to Pub” swim that happens every year in January. There are also several events year-round including the Lorne Arts Festival in June, Great Ocean Road Marathon and the Falls Festival.

Teddys Lookout

A short drive from Lorne is Teddy’s Lookout, the most famous lookout point on the Great Ocean Road. Teddy’s lookout offers a vista of endless ocean and stunning hues of blue. During weekends, public holidays and the summer months the lookout platform can get quite busy.

Apollo Bay is cute little seaside town to stop in overnight or for a pit stop. Head to Dooley’s ice cream shop, an award winning store featuring it’s famous “vegemite” ice cream. I didn’t take the vegemite ice cream but the mint chocolate chip was amazing on a hot day! 

If you enjoy craft beer, the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse has over 100 craft beers on offer. Just behind the brewhouse is a bottle shop where you can local wines and beers. If you’d really like to experience some of the local beers or wines they offer a tasting bar.

There’s plenty of water sport activities in the town including surfing, kayaking, and diving. The main street features a variety of eateries, galleries and shops. 

The Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay. Opened in 2004, the Great Ocean Walk features 104km of walking trails from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. You can opt to walk the whole thing which takes 8 days or walk sections of it. 

Melba Gully – Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park offers a plethora of walking trails and landscapes. Melba Gully is located in the Great Otway National Park and features areas to set up a picnic and explore the surrounding area. 

Melba Gully is a dense rainforest where Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns grow. If exploring this area at night, look out for the glow worms that live in the area. 

The Madsen’s Track nature trail is a 35-45 minute walk with easy terrain to explore a portion of the park. This trail leads to a small waterfall but there are plenty more to explore in the National Park including Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and Triplet Falls.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are the most iconic landmark along the Great Ocean Road and something that had been my own bucket list for a long time. You’ll notice it’s popularity by the amount of tourists visiting. During the summer months it can get incredibly busy here but the shoulder seasons and winter bring a far smaller crowd.

The Twelve Apostles are located along the shipwreck coast portion of the Great Ocean Road. Aptly named, there have been over 600 shipwrecks throughout history along the Shipwreck Coast. 

Originally named The Pinnacles or Sow and Pigs, the Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks created by erosion from the wind and sea. Although called the Twelve Apostles, there was only originally eight of them, which became seven in 2015 when one column collapsed. 

Many bus companies end their tours at the Twelve Apostles but there is plenty to see further afield. 

Loch Ard Gorge & The Razorback

Loch Ard Gorge was my absolute favourite part of the Port Campbell National Park. It’s beauty is undeniable but it’s history is quite the opposite. 

Loch Ard Gorge is of the most stunning stops on the Great Ocean Road. It was by far my favourite stop on the drive. It’s beauty is undeniable but it’s history is quite the opposite. The Loch Ard Gorge is famous for the shipwrecking of the “Loch Ard” hence it’s name. 

The Loch Ard was a ship that made the 3-month journey to Australia all the way from England. Upon arriving at muttonbird Island on June 1st 1878, the ship drifted into shallow waters and collided with a rock reef. Of the 54 passengers on board, there were only two survivors, Tom Pearce, a ship’s apprentice and Eva Carmichael an Irish girl traveling with her family.  

There are plenty  of short walks in the area where you can experience different viewpoints including the Razorback, Loch Ard Wreck lookout and Island Arch.

You’ll find the Loch Ard Gorge just a 3-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles. 

London Bridge

A few minutes drive from Loch Ard Gorge you’ll come across the famous London Bridge now known as London Arch. 

London Bridge and London Arch was formed from years of erosion. The bridge once connected the small island to the mainland when in 1990 it crumbled and fell down while two tourists were walking across it. No one was hurt in the incident, but as they were closer to the Island than they were the mainland they headed to the Island and were stuck there until a friend alerted authorities and the couple were saved. 

The Bay Of Martyrs

The Bay of Martyrs is part part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park which stretches 32 kilometres along the Great Ocean Road. 

The Bay of Martyrs spans a total of 2.5km and inside you’ll find Crofts Bay and Massacre Bay. All lot of tourist buses don’t make it this far along the Great Ocean Road so you’ll find it much quieter than that of Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles. When we arrived in the evening (around 6:00pm) there was no one else there, and it was so nice. There was a staircase leading down to the beach which was also empty, a great place watch the sunset or sunrise! 

While this whole area was calming and tranquil, the names Massacre Bay, Massacre Point and Bay of Martyrs refer to a traumatic historical event. According to oral folklore a group of Aboriginal men of the Kirrae-Wurrong tribe were killed by Europeans by running them off the cliffs. The population of the Aboriginal people dropped by thousands, however there is no written evidence of the events and many contradicting stories. 

Warrnambool

Congrats! You made it! Warrnambool is the official end of the Great Ocean Road. I spent the night in Warrnambool after day 1 of the Melbourne to Adelaide drive and it has some great beaches! 

Watching the sunset from the beach here has to be a highlight of my trip. I love watching sunsets when I travel, it’s always a peaceful way to end a day. Warrnambool is famous for it’s whale watching. During the months of June to October you can spot Southern Right Whales giving birth on the shores! 

Day 2 – Great Ocean Road & Grampians Road Trip

Tower Hill is a wildlife reserve that sits in an extinct volcano that formed 30,000 years ago. Take a short walk through Tower Hill and you’re sure to stumble upon wild Koalas, Emus and Kangaroos. Keep an eye out high in the eucalyptus trees for Koalas, we found a few quite high up. 

Tower Hill is also the perfect place for birdwatching as well as the an abundance of wildflowers that grow in springtime. 

Guided tours are available at 11am and 1pm daily.

Hall’s Gap is the gateway to the Grampians National Park and a great place to base yourself while visiting the Grampians. 

Hall’s Gap was founded by a man called Charles Browning Hall, and subsequently named after him when he found a gap through the mountain and discovered the valley below. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer here and a wide range of accommodations from camping to luxury. 

Hall’s Gap has shops, eateries, coffee shops, and gas stations. If you have a few days to spare, there are many more things to do in Hall Gap .

Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre

Set against the rugged landscape of the Grampians, the Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre delves into the Aboriginal culture and history of the area. It is the longest running Aboriginal cultural centre in Australia. You’ll find artefacts on display, art exhibitions and activities such as boomerang painting. 

There are plenty of easy terrain walks in the National Park where you can experience Australia’s native flora and fauna and spot some of it’s cuter residents. Kangaroos and Emus are often spotted in this area.

The Brambuk backpackers hostel is a great place to stay if you are on a budget and don’t want to camp. My tour stayed here which was amazing as we were the only people staying here. Evenings bbq’s are the best (unless the chicken is uncooked…)

The hostel is located across from the cultural centre. You can head out to the National Park grounds in the evenings and spot plenty of wildlife.  

Pinnacle Hike & Grampians National Park

Explore the wonder of the Grampians National Park, with one of it’s many walks. The Grampians or Gariwerd as it is traditionally known, is home to some breathtaking viewpoints, the view from the Pinnacle is just one of many. 

The Pinnacle is one of the most popular hikes in the Grampians. You’ll often see it described as a walk, but in my honest opinion, it’s definitely a hike! I’ll admit my fitness level wasn’t great when doing this hike compared to last year. So I did find what should have been an easy hike hard but it’s still a hike…

Depending on your fitness levels the hike will vary in times. On average it’s around a 2/3 hour hike but I think we did it in around 4 taking into account the time we hung out at the peak. Once you’ve reached the top, take time to admire the captivating landscape.

Some areas of the hike are steeper than others and some parts are narrow. There are two trails into the Pinnacle, one is shorter than the other. We took the longer route in because it is the scenic route and there is plenty to see and some incredible rock formations. I’d recommend taking the easier route back if you found the hike difficult.  

Day 3 – Melbourne to Adelaide Drive

Boroka Lookout

The Boroka Lookout is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. One of the most recognisable and popular viewpoints in the Grampians, the Boroka Lookout looks out onto the valley of Hall’s Gap and Lake Bellfield in the distance. 

There is a parking lot about 2-minutes from the lookout points and is accessible for everyone. 

The Balconies

The Balconies are a series of viewpoints in the Grampians National Park. From the parking lot there are around 3 to 4 lookout points before you reach the trail to the Balconies. 

The terrain is flat so suitable for everyone and takes around 30 minutes. The most popular spot along the Balconies is the Jaws of Death lookout. This area features panoramic views of the Victoria Valley. Before my trip I did see photos of people standing “inside” the Jaws of this lookout and it looks like there were stairs leading there previously but the area is gated off for your own safety.

MacKenzie Falls

MacKenzie Falls is a must see when visiting the Grampians National Park and one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. The falls runs all year round and is a spectacular sight to witness in person. 

There are several ways to see the falls. The reach the base of Mackenzie Falls the trail down is primarily large steps and takes around 20-30 minutes one way. If you can make the journey down the the base of falls make sure you do! 

There is an accessible lookout point if you don’t want to walk down the falls. If you have the time there are other areas to explore once you reach the base of MacKenzie Falls. One of the hiking trails leads to Fish Falls and will take around 30 minutes one way.

Loch Iel (Pink Lake)

The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Along the way you’ll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot.

Just a few minutes west of the border you’ll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Loch Iel is a pink salt flat/lake that gets its striking colour from the vast amount of salt present. 

Mclaren Vale

A short detour along the Melbourne to Adelaide drive is Mclaren Vale, one of South Australia’s wine regions. 

Home to world-class wineries and famous for it’s reds like Shiraz and Grenache, Mclaren Vale is a must for any wine enthusiasts. With an abundance of eateries and wine experiences, Mclaren Vale is the perfect way to end your journey! 

This road trip takes the interior route from the Grampians through to Adelaide, however it’s possible to continue your journey along the Southern Ocean Drive, which continues past the Great Ocean Road. This fantastic post shows you all the best stops along the Southern Ocean Drive . If continuing along the coast I’d recommend a 5 day Great Ocean Road trip in order to see all the highlights. 

Best Great Ocean Road Tours

• ONE DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR FROM MELBOURNE
• GREAT OCEAN ROAD FROM MELBOURNE SUNSET TOUR
• 3 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD AND GRAMPIANS TOUR FROM MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE

Where To Stay On The Great Ocean Road

There are a variety of places to stay along the Great Ocean Road, from camping to luxury. Most people will stop in places like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Warrnambool so I’ve compiled a list from these three towns to help plan your road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

• GREAT OCEAN ROAD COTTAGES
• CHATBY LANE LORNE
• LORNE HOTEL
• SEAVIEW MOTEL AND APARTMENTS
• APOLLO BAY WATERFRONT MOTOR INN
• ILUKA MOTEL & RESTAURANT
• QUEST WARRNAMBOOL
• DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS
• BEST WESTERN COLONIAL VILLAGE MOTEL

Where To Stay In The Grampians

• MARWOOD VILLAS
• GRAMPIANS MOTEL
• GARIWERD MOTEL

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12 comments.

Gorgeous photos! I’m currently reading a book about Australia but have never been.

Your photos are amazing! I can’t wait to get to Australia…hopefully I will get to visit soon!

Okay, not only does this drive look absolutely, incredibly beautiful – there’s a waterfall with the same name as me, weird capitals and everything!! My mom named me after a book character, so neither of us knew this existed! I’m so existed to drive this road one day.

I am so amazed by those views! The coastline and the mountains here are stunning! I am especially dreaming about the 12 Apostles!

Wow this looks like such a great road trip! Can’t wait to drive it one day.

This looks like the most spectacular road trip. Would love to do this someday!

What a beautiful road trip idea! Would love to do this someday.

Everything about this road trip looks divine! I love being by the water, so an oceanside road trip is perfect!

Those ocean blues are just way too stunning!!???

Wow what an amazing road trip! I especially love the coastal part as the ocean views are stunning! I’ve always wanted to see the 12 Apostles as it’s incredible they are naturally made. Hiking in Grampian looks very cool too!

The Great Ocean Road is a not to be missed drive when visiting and touring Australia. Some of the coastline is just wild. Loved your photos.

This sounds and looks like an incredible road trip to go on! Definitely adding this route to my bucket list.

Comments are closed.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary – Melbourne to Adelaide in 7 days

• November 1, 2022
• Where: Melbourne – Adelaide (Melbourne – Great Ocean Road – Grampians National Park – Mount Gambier – Adelaide)
• Time needed: 2 weeks
• Distance: 1200 Kilometers

On this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip, you will explore two of Australia’s biggest cities , drive one of the world’s most famous road trips , hike some jaw-dropping scenery , and see something you probably never saw before.

Table of Contents

The Great Ocean Road Itinerary

In this Itinerary – Melbourne to Adelaide we are starting in Melbourne making our way across the famous Great Ocean Road towards Adelaide – South Australia

Unless you have your own transport you are going to need to hire a car to discover this part of the East Coast. Having your own transport allows you that freedom to go at your own pace and stop anywhere, anytime you want.

If you have flown into Melbourne then you can pick up a rental there. There are a few different types of rental at different budgets.

Below are the main two we would recommend. Cars and vans can be booked out more than 6 months in advance due to Melbourne being a very popular place to visit. So do not wait till the last minute to avoid disappointment!

• Discovercars – This is the best website to compare all car rental companies and score the best deal for you. There are all sorts of vehicles available, from small-budget cars to large family saloons, or perhaps even a 4×4.
• Spaceship Vans – Are you a backpacker or a budget traveler? No problem, then this is the one for you! There are great deals available on Spaceship Vans. We used it for four weeks in New Zealand and had no issues, highly recommended by us! Another bonus is that they have depots in Airlie Beach and Brisbane to drop the vehicle off once your trip is completed.

The road trip began in Cairns – sunny Queensland . If you would like to see where it all started, then go back to the first post.

Complete Guide of Cairns Things to Do – 18 Best Activities

Melbourne Weather

Australia’s second-largest city and the capital of its state – Victoria.

The city is known for having a relaxed atmosphere and European style, which includes European weather. Like Ireland, 4 seasons in one day is not uncommon!

With the cold weather comes the most stunning enchanting landscapes and any photographer’s dream!

Melbourne Trip Planner

To begin our Great Ocean Road Itinerary, we will be starting in Melbourne. Therefore, using the city as a base to explore.

Melbourne is quite large so you should plan to stay for three days. With this in mind, you will have two days to explore the city and one day to explore the surrounding suburbs.

Melbourne has been voted the best city in the world to live on numerous occasions. However, it is a city that can get pretty wet and cold so there must be something special about it to succeed so well in the rankings. Let’s check out why this city is so great to live in.

Melbourne City Backpacker – Things to Do in Melbourne for Free

There is a certain magic in the air in Melbourne, and I’m not talking about the smell of weed!

It is a very different place when you compare it to Sydney, especially when driving! Things seem to be a lot slower with a “no worries” attitude from the locals.

It is a hipster’s paradise with so many cafes, trendy bars, and boutique restaurants. Funky street art will be around every corner and hard not to notice as you wander through this artistic city, there are certainly a lot of interesting ones to see!

Melbourne Things to Do

An area where you will naturally be attracted to and a very popular place – Southbank Promenade .

Here you can have a meal or drink right next to the river overlooking a perfect view of the city’s skyline. The Eureka Skyline Tower will be the clue where you need to walk. At 300 meters tall it is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck.

If you are a Formula 1 fan, then there is a must-see for you in Melbourne.

The majority of the year, Albert Park is a large lakeside urban park located around 3 kilometers from the CBD. Since 1996 this same park transforms into the home of Australian Formula 1 once a year when it hosts the F1 Australian Grand Prix.

It is possible to visit and even drive the track yourself, but obviously not when the Grand Prix is on!

Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit is easy to get to and free to explore. You can choose to drive, run, or walk the circuit starting/finish line and afterward explore the pitstop which is right next to it.

Melbourne Day Trips

Melbourne is located in the center of Phillip Bay, a huge natural bay that has nearly 270 kilometers of shoreline. With that much shoreline then surely you will find a road trip to explore right? Not world famous as the Great Ocean Road but with plenty of stop-offs, viewpoints, and beaches this makes an ideal Melbourne day trip.

Sorrento is located around 90 kilometers away on the Eastern side of Melbourne. Named just like the Italian town, you will understand where it got its name when you drive this gorgeous route!

Driving the majority of this road along the seashore you will pass through lots of charming towns, hidden beaches, and large rolling hills looking over the bay.

A small but worthwhile detour is Murray’s Viewpoint where you can take in all of the bay’s surroundings.

Brighton Bathing Boxes

A famous photograph in Melbourne is the Brighton Bathing Boxes.

They are located around 15 kilometers outside Melbourne, on the same road as Sorrento.

88 Beach huts all with their own unique theme and colours turn an ordinary-looking beach into something special. This is quite a popular and busy tourist destination, so parking is not always that easy to find.

*If you don’t fancy the crowds (or getting up early to beat the crowds!) you will also see some of these lesser-known boxes scattered on some of the quieter beaches towards Sorrento.

Don’t feel like driving yourself?

• From Melbourne , book your Full-Day Great Ocean Road Tour .
• From Melbourne to Adelaide 3-Day Great Ocean Road Grampian Tour

Great Ocean Road Itinerary

For those who opt to self-drive:

Starting in Torquay and finishing in Allansford, compromising 260 kilometers of one of the world’s most famous road trips – welcome to the Great Ocean Road itinerary! If that’s not exciting enough, then wait until I tell you – it is all free!!

This fun and winding road will bring you through forests, fishing villages, and most renowned, lots of huge sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and massive sea stacks.

• There are two parts to this drive, starting in Torquay and heading west to Cape Otway is known as the Surf Coast. In this part of the Melbourne to Adelaide journey, you will be cruising in your car, enjoying the scenery, and stopping once in a while at some of the gorgeous lookouts of the Southern Oceans’ ice-blue waters crashing into the mainland.
• From Cape Otway to Allansford starts the second part of the Great Ocean Road – Shipwreck Coast . This part of the Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is where you will see the famous sandstone cliffs and rock formations that make this one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations and landmarks.

We would highly recommend venturing from the viewpoints when possible (and when signposted!) and exploring the beaches below. Viewing these magnificent and towering sights from a different perspective of the monumental size.

Shipwreck Coast

Undoubtedly “The Twelve Apostles” is the most famous and most recognizable of all the stop-offs. It is one of the first sights you will see on the second part of The Great Ocean Road Itinerary. There is free parking to view these sandstone giant rocks sticking out of the ocean.

Years of being battered by the huge waves from the Southern Ocean have caused these humongous cliffs to crumble away leaving these few pillars still standing.

We don’t know why they called it “The Twelve Apostles” as there were only eight pillars originally until 2005 and one of the pillars collapsed leaving only 7 pillars standing!

Not only is this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip packed with breathtaking scenery, but it is also abundant with history. Hence the name “ Shipwreck Coast.”

The majority of these sights are named after the ships and tragic stories that unfolded in the wild seas you are looking at, and there are many! Loch Ard Gorge and The Wreck Lookout are two popular of these amazing sights.

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

It is possible to complete this Great Ocean Road trip in one day. But if you are feeling the Melbourne chillness (not the weather, the no-stress bit!) then break it up into two days. You will have lots of accommodation choices ranging from budget campgrounds to luxury resorts.

Why not treat yourself to a stay at the popular Great Ocean Road Resort ?

Things to Do in The Grampians – Grampians National Park

Continuing on our Great Ocean Road Itinerary located 160 Kilometers and only a short 2-hour drive from the end of “The Great Ocean Road” you will discover a National Park that has many different sights to offer – The Grampians .

Because of the many walks, peaks, and waterfalls available, this National Park is a hiker’s wonderland!

Grampians Accommodation

Halls Gap is the main town within The Grampians. Anything you need you can find here, from petrol to a coffee and sandwich and the majority of accommodation (from luxury to campgrounds).

If you base yourself out of the National Park, you will also find free campsites that you will have almost to yourself!

The Pinnacle Holiday Lodge proves very popular but make sure to check out b ooking.com to find the best deal for you.

Grampians Pinnacle

Earlier we mentioned that this place is a hiker’s paradise. Despite the many short and long hikes that are available, there is one that stands out above all – The Pinnacle Lookout .

Firstly, let me explain the hike itself. This is a tough 5km hike that has a steep ascent as soon as you begin. Yet the rewards on the way up and the main viewpoint will be worth every drop of sweat!

Having a decent level of fitness will make this easier, having said that, we saw plenty of older people and very young children who also did this hike.

Begin at Wonderland car park , then walk via The Grand Canyon lookout and Silent Street .

Grand Canyon was closed when we were there but you can still see viewpoints from it.

Silent Stree t will be one of the highlights of this hike – A natural crack with man-made steps that cut through the rock, once you have passed through here you will know you are nearly at the top!

Finally, I would like to highlight one more thing. Try and follow the markers that are laid out, since this is not always possible you will get confused at some point.

Don’t worry, just pause until you find the next marker, perhaps even backtrack a small bit to where your last marker was sighted. DO NOT carry on if you can’t see any markers because it is very easy to get lost here!

Grampians Weather

Perhaps an obvious but maybe overlooked piece of advice is to make sure to check the local weather when you decide to embark on your Grampians hike.

Get A Free Quote – World Nomads Travel Insurance

Always check and prepare for extreme weather conditions which may include strong winds, and heavy rain; as well as hot or cold conditions throughout the year.

Check out your Grampians Peak Trail Plan and Prepare Guide here.

Mt Gambier Sinkhole

Next on your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is Mount Gambier so the next step is for me to welcome you to South Australia !

It is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from The Grampians to Mount Gambier. This little detour sets you up for a long drive to Adelaide the next day, but worth it!

There are two reasons to visit Mount Gambier, firstly Umpherston sinkhole . And secondly, the blue lake.

Umpherston Sinkhole AKA The Sunken Garden

Another free sight to visit is “The Sunken Garden”. This is a majestic garden to view with lots of birdlife and not-so-shy possums inside.

Inside the hole, you will see large curtains of ivy hanging down, rows of terraced flower gardens, and fountains making this place worthwhile to visit!

Let me explain how the sinkhole got its name. To begin with, let’s go back a million years. This was once upon a time a large sea cave where the roof collapsed causing a natural hole in the ground.

Then in 1886, James Umpherston bought the land. Maybe he was bored, maybe he wanted to see the inside, who knows. But he built a stairway down to the bottom. Furthermore, he began building a garden that still exists to this day.

To sum it up – a garden in a sinkhole – Umpherston Sinkhole aka The Sunken Garden

Mount Gambier Blue Lake

Besides sinkholes in Mount Gambier, there are also a few volcanic craters, Blue Lake being the most popular.

This lake has a stunning cobalt blue colour, although on cloudy or rainy days the cobalt blue turns the lake into a normal-looking lake. A 3.6-kilometer loop around the lake still offers many viewpoints to enjoy even on a cloudy day!

Mount Gambier Accommodation

From stylish apartments, cozy B&Bs, caravan parks, motels, and hotels you are certain to discover something to your liking, ranging from economical budget accommodation right through to luxury accommodation like the Mount Gambier Hotel.

Adelaide – The 20-Minute City

Our last port of call on this amazing Great Ocean Road itinerary and 1200 kilometers later – Adelaide ! You have made it from Melbourne to Adelaide, congratulations!

Adelaide is a small city and the capital of South Australia, what it lacks in famous landmarks it undoubtedly makes up for with its architecture. This city is stunning with beautiful buildings and gorgeous churches everywhere you look. The perfect place to chill out for a few days.

Nicknamed the 20-minute city because no matter where you are in the city it will take 20 minutes maximum to get to where you need to be. Making it one of the easiest cities to travel across. This brings us to another reason to visit.

Adelaide Beaches

Looking out at the Southern Ocean all the beaches in Adelaide offer very similar qualities. They are all easily accessible, family-friendly, and beautiful!

Our favourite is Glenelg , here you will find lots of choices for pub-style lunches, a glass of wine, and an ice rink that is set up by the pier! Other notable similar beaches nearby are Brighton and Henley .

There you have it, our Great Ocean Road Itinerary – Melbourne to Adelaide. Have you completed this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip before or have you now put it on your bucket list?

If you are continuing on, make sure to check out our Adelaide to Uluru post below!

“The Outback” Ultimate Road Trip – Adelaide to Uluru

Things to Consider!

• From May till September, it can be quite cold in Australia, especially in Victoria and South Australia (Melbourne to Adelaide!). Bring plenty of warm clothing including a wool hat, scarf, and gloves! You will need it!
• Beware of sudden waves when visiting beaches or walking along shorelines, the seas can be unpredictable and lethal.
• The most important one of all – Have fun and enjoy!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin and Kate | Happy Irish Wanderers ☘️ (@happyirishwanderers)

Let us know how you get on by leaving a comment below.

Slán go fóil

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I want to follow all this for real some day❤

Thank you, Maura! We look forward to following you then!!

Your itineraries are brilliant, makes me feel like hitting the road. Definitely should be a must for first time travellers down under. Keep sharing!

Thank you! You’re the first Australian to comment, so that means a lot!! We hope to inspire people to go and explore, theres a lot to see out there!!

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The complete road trip planner for the great ocean road.

The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives, offering stunning scenery and a chance to explore the country’s natural beauty. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with the family, or with friends, a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience. But planning your road trip can be overwhelming, especially if you must familiarise yourself with the area at first. That’s why we’ve compiled this complete road trip planner to help you make the most of your journey.

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road

The best time to tour the Great Ocean Road depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’d rather avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather, visit during the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring. The weather during these seasons is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists.

Suppose you’re a beach lover and want to enjoy the warm weather; visit during summer. However, prepare for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this peak season.

If you want to see the Southern Right Whales, visit during the winter months, as these are the best times to see these majestic creatures as they migrate along the coast.

The Best Way to Get to the Great Ocean Road

If you’re flying into the area, opting for a  Melbourne Airport Car Hire  is best. Driving yourself around will give you greater flexibility regarding your itinerary, and you won’t have to adjust your plans to fit the local transport schedules.

You can also drive your  discount rental car  to visit a guided tour office with accommodation and a tour guide. This is an excellent option if you’d rather sit back and relax while someone else does the planning for you. 

Places to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road

With your car rental Victoria , the Great Ocean Road has plenty of accommodation options for all types of travellers and budgets. From luxury hotels and resorts to cozy B&Bs and camping sites, you’ll find something that suits your preferences.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, consider one of the many resorts or hotels along the coast. If you’re on a budget, camping sites and holiday parks offer affordable and fun accommodation options. Here are a few of our suggestions:

Backpackers and Hostels

Warrnambool Beach Backpackers

Apollo Bay Backpackers

Sow and Piglets Guesthouse

Quality Hotel Bentinck

Sunnymead Hotel

Mt. Noorat Hotel

Caravan and Holiday Parks

Southcombe Caravan Park

Yambuk Lake Caravan Park

Forrest Holiday Park

Top Attractions to Visit Along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are countless attractions to visit along the way. The most famous attraction is the  Twelve Apostles , a massive collection of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean. Other popular interests include the  Loch Ard Gorge , the  Otway National Park , and the  Great Ocean Walk .

The Twelve Apostles are an absolute must-see and are a pinnacle of any visit to the Great Ocean Road. These towering limestone formations are genuinely breathtaking, and there are multiple lookout points where you can get a great view of them.

The Loch Ard Gorge is another must-visit attraction along the Great Ocean Road, and this stunning gorge is named after a ship that wrecked there in 1878. The gorge is a popular spot for swimming and exploring, and several walking trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.

The Otway National Park is a great place to experience Australia’s natural beauty. The park has lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. Several walking trails throughout the park, including the famous Otway Fly Treetop Walk, offer stunning views of the forest canopy from above.

Best Places to Eat Along the Great Ocean Road

Plenty of dining options are along the Great Ocean Road, from casual cafes and beachside eateries to fine dining restaurants. The region is known for its fresh seafood, but you’ll also find plenty of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. We’ve highlighted three of your must-visit food spots when driving along the Great Ocean Road.

Chris’s Restaurant

280 Skenes Creek Road, Skenes Creek, Victoria, 3233

Chris’ cuisine is contemporary, blending Southern European and Middle Eastern influences. Their specialty is fresh seafood, along with a range of Greek dishes that are particularly popular. Simplicity is key, and Chris focuses on showcasing the ingredients’ natural flavours. They won’t be on the menu if they can’t find fresh ingredients.

The wine list highlights the best wines from the region and the finest wines that represent Australia’s greatest wine regions. These wines have been carefully chosen to complement our menu, with prices to suit all budgets.

4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra, Victoria, 3242 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, No. 57. Good Food Guide 2020 Restaurant of the Year

Located on a hillside in Birregurra, Victoria, Brae is a contemporary restaurant and six luxurious guest suites nestled on an organic farm. It’s a place where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy food grown straight from the land. Their ever-changing set menu features produce from Brae Farm, the surrounding areas, and local ethical producers, showcasing a uniquely Australian cuisine that respects nature and seasonality.

At Brae Farm, organic principles are employed to grow various seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, olives, and wheat grains. The free-range chickens provide eggs, while bees produce honey and assist with pollination. The farm and its food production, which forms the centrepiece of the daily menu, are designed for guests to explore, with walking paths and signage guiding visitors to reconnect with their food and where it’s sourced.

Merrijig Kitchen

1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy, Victoria, 3284

Make a booking for an unforgettable gourmet experience at Victoria’s oldest inn. Merrijig Kitchen offers a daily-changing menu that features seasonal produce sourced locally wherever possible and inspired by French cuisine. You can expect to indulge in delicacies such as new-season whole artichokes, duck-liver parfait, Portland Mirror dory with chickpeas and Portarlington mussels, and an entire menu of French cheeses.

The award-winning wine list perfectly complements the food, with a focus on small-production wine growers who practice sustainable techniques. Each wine is carefully selected to showcase outstanding vineyards from Victoria and France.

Tips for Driving the Great Ocean Road

Driving the Great Ocean Road can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your road trip:

• Take your time: The Great Ocean Road is long and winding, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Please don’t rush to get to your destination, as the journey itself is part of the experience.
• Watch out for wildlife: The Great Ocean Road is home to plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. Be sure to watch out for these animals while driving, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Stay on the designated routes: The Great Ocean Road has designated routes and parking areas for a reason. Stay on the designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid damaging the environment.
• Check the weather: The weather along the Great Ocean Road can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before setting off. Bring warm clothes and rain gear, just in case.

Prepare for an Epic Adventure

A road trip along the length of the Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning scenery, plenty of attractions, and delicious dining options. By following this road trip planner, you can make the most of your journey and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the Great Ocean Road has something to offer everyone.

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Would like some help on planning the itinerary. Specifically where to spend the 2 nights.

Thanks for all your help.

Best regards,

15 replies to this topic

How long are the school holidays in each state? 2 weeks? What is your suggestion then? Should we do the trip before the holidays or after the holidays?

Generally avoiding school holidays is beneficial but it doe depend on your itinerary to some extent. The CBDs of cities can actually be quieter as folk take time off to go out of the city.

3 destinations ((not all cities) works in 2 weeks but you have to travel between them.

So if you want to add a road trip then pick Adelaide and Melbourne or Melbourne and Sydney . If you go for the latter, you would fly into Melbourne, have a day or so to recover from the flight then pick up the hire car and drive a loop from Melbourne of say 5 days or longer taking in GOR, Grampians, maybe Ballarat and/or Yarra Valley. hand back the car and fly to Sydney have 4 or 5 days there and fly home from there.

There really are many, many more option like the classic City, Rock Reef Itinerary; Sydney and a driving trip in Tasmania etc etc.

It all depends on your budget and interests, especially your interests.

Australia.com is a great resource to use for researching ideas and options.

Do apply for your visas now and have them approved before booking anything. They can take weeks or even months.

Catch a train to Katoomba and either take the public bus or a taxi or Uber to see the Echo point or the Three Sisters. Another trip that was recommended to me when planning one of our trips to the harbour city was to do the River Boat Postman trip on the Hawkesbury river. The boat does a mail run to the residents you get commentary an Aussie morning tea (home baked Anzac cookie with tea or coffee) a light lunch and you get to meet some of the characters on the route, it’s a fun half day and afterwards we caught the train back to Central and changed trains to CQ and hopped on another ferry to fill in the rest of the day.

http://Www.riverboatpostman.com.au

There’s heaps to do in Melbourne and you don’t need a car unless you want to explore outside the city. The suggestion to do a loop of the GOR that includes the Grampians and Ballarat has already been mentioned in this thread when visiting that city a day at sovereign hill an outdoor historic themed open air museum is well worth doing. You can also visit Healesville wildlife sanctuary or do a tour to Phillip island to see the penguins.

There is heaps to do in both Sydney and Melbourne and you won’t have any problems filling in your time. These are just a few suggestions to help plan your trip.🤠

http://Www.sovereignHill.com.au

http://Www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Further to Famrick's comments on the Riverboat Postman (#13) - three of us wanted to do this but didn't book early enough. Instead, we continued on the train to Woy Woy, caught bus 53 to Ettalong Beach, caught the ferry (extra cost) to Palm Beach, bus 199 to Manly then the normal ferry back to CQ. Given it was a very wet day, we were pretty pleased with what we managed to see (and I plan to do it again in nicer weather).

A group of kids on the train apparently had been to a football game of some sort kept us entertained by walking through the carriages wearing goggles and flippers. When we got back to Central they flipped flopped their way through the station it was one of the funniest things we have seen for awhile and I would happily do that trip again. 🤠

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Great Ocean Road Route for First-Time Caravan Adventurers

• 22 October, 2017

Guest Poster

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

Great Ocean Road by Campervan: The only way to do it!

The Great Ocean Road route or the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of the world’s most scenic drives where you are treated with the fantastic coastline, nearby national parks, and hidden gems just waiting to be found.

The Great Ocean Road is exactly 243 kilometres (or 151 miles) long. It takes at least 3 whole days, but you may extend it if you want to immerse yourself more in the experience. You may travel anytime, but winter may be too cold, so it’s your call.

Heading West Along the Coast to Adelaide

Grab an informational brochure before heading to the Great Ocean Road. Here’s a link to a downloadable brochure .

The Australian Heritage stops include the following in order:

⚑ Melbourne

As your journey’s precursor, experience the vibrant city of Melbourne: go shopping, eat at fantastic restaurants, and enjoy Victorian markets.

READ:   Guide to Melbourne

Your first stop will be in Torquay, the first town you’ll encounter. The place is a famous surfing spot and is also where the Rip Pro Curl surfing contest is held yearly in Easter.

⚑ Bells Beach

Found on the outskirts of Torquay, Bells Beach is where the world’s top surfers go to take on waves of up to five metres. Bells Beach features two right-hand breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves are virtually sure to be good, particularly from March to October.

Unwind or relax in the seaside town of Lorne for a bit. This quiet town fascinates tourists for more than a century with its soothing Mediterranean feel and pleasant scenery. Cool off in the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay or walk up to Shelley Beach to explore the rock pools. 

⚑ Kennett River

Kennett River is where you go to see wild koalas in their natural habitat. You may be lucky enough to spot them chilling in the trees while you eat lunch. It’s also a campground so it’s a nice spot for a bathroom break.

Located just ten minutes west of Torquay on the Great Ocean Road, this old-world surf town is a picture-perfect spot for natural adventures. Here you’ll find towering cliffs and expansive white beaches to rich flora, native wildlife and shore walking trails, Anglesea is truly a majestic experience by the water.

⚑ Triplet falls

Triplet Falls is one of the most iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Located among the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beach, you will find three distinct and remarkable cascades flowing through shaded rainforests and clearings of mossy tree ferns.

⚑ Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a delightful coastal town jam-packed with restaurants and local shops along the bay. You will encounter pop up markets and you will discover amazing seafood here. It’s the picture-perfect pit stop or place to stay for the night.

READ: Planning Your 3-Week Itinerary for Australia

⚑ Gibson steps

Here you’ll be dwarfed by the 70-metre high vertical cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the nicknames given to the massive limestone stacks rising up out of the sea. Visit the beach via the 86 steps that were engraved into the face of the cliff by local settler Hugh Gibson.

⚑ Loch Ard Gorge

The Loch Ard Gorge is definitely one of the most-visited stop-off points along the Great Ocean Road. It’s nestled in the Port Campbell National Park, plus it’s only three minutes from the world-famous…

⚑ The Twelve Apostles

The rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles is a magnificent sight to behold. This wonder is naturally created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland around 10–20 million years ago. Take lots of pictures!

The Arch is a quick stop, it is a naturally formed archway from the rocks encircled by crashing waves.

⚑ Port Campbell – National Park

A lively and vibrant seaside village, Port Campbell is a great place to stop and experience restaurants and cafes with views of the beach, bakeries, and a plethora of exciting shops and galleries to discover.

⚑ The Grotto

The Grotto is a fantastic place if you arrive during sunset or sunrise, where you can catch a sight of the Australian sun through the archway of the rock formation, where it mirrors gold and pink off the smooth rock pools inside. 

⚑ Bay of Islands

This subtropical micro-region is famous for its equally stunning beauty and history. If you love the beach and enjoy water activities, stop here – it’s a paradise for reals!

That’s it. Hey, if you want to make the most of your travel, you just have to visit all of these locations!

READ: A HUGE 6-Week Trip Itinerary for around Australia!

So How Do I Get a Campervan?

The Great Ocean Road isn’t the easiest of roads to drive on, especially if you’re not an experienced driver or the weather is poor. You’ll need a top-rated campervan that has good handling and has the features you need. Thankfully, you can quickly book a campervan online ahead of your planned trip.

Hiring a campervan is the perfect way to go as the campervan is usually packed with the essentials making it easy for you to jump in and drive away!

Campervan/caravan or motorhome rental days are usually charged on a per calendar day basis and the rental period is 5 days. However, may always extend it if you have the time and to maximise your stay.

Also, take note that demands are higher in Australia during the fourth quarter of the year, so secure a caravan for hire as soon as you made up your mind to avoid disappointment. 

Without a doubt, the Great Ocean Road route is an epic road trip and a fantastic opportunity to take in some of the best landscape and coastline Australia has to offer for first-timers. Stay safe out there and have fun!

READ: I’m totally loving these Road trip Quotes by Pretty Wild World

KIMPY OLIVAR

Kimpy Olivar is a freelance writer who enjoys travelling and road trips. He dreams of travelling the world and writing a book about it.

Have you ever dreamed of travelling Australia by caravan?

This post was written by a guest. Check out the bottom of the article for more information on the writer!

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Our 7 Days on the Great Ocean Road

Follow this Melbourne couple’s adventure along the Great Ocean Road stopping at waterfalls, epic lookouts, exploring towns, iconic places and getting in as many ocean sunrises as they can.

Melbourne to Cape Otway

Find accommodation, things to do.

We left Melbourne before sunrise on the first day as we had a pretty tight schedule, but this meant we got to watch the sunrise as we drove along the first stretch of the Great Ocean Road. It happened to be a gorgeous one that totally made it worth getting up while it was still dark!

Lower Kalimna Falls

This was our first stop and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It took us about 45 minutes walking each way, but it was worth it as the waterfall has a real Jurassic Park feel to it (unfortunately there weren’t any dinosaurs). We didn’t make it to Upper Kalimna Falls, but it just gives us another reason to go back.

A road trip isn’t complete without good food stops, plus we’d skipped breakfast, so I was getting pretty hungry by this point! There is plenty of choice at Lorne and we found just what we needed to keep us going with plenty of healthy wholefood and smoothie options. Plus the Lorne cafes and shops are right on the beachfront, so you can enjoy your snack and the famous Lorne views at the same time.

Erskine Falls

Re-fueled and content with full bellies, we made our way to Erskine Falls. We walked all 240 steps down and were rewarded with a gorgeous 30m waterfall nestled into the ferns. This is one of the busiest waterfalls so it was recommended to avoid peak times, and it’s not hard to see why, it is as stunning as the walk to get there.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia and interestingly (as we were told by the lighthouse keeper) there were more shipwrecks after it was built in 1848! Although this was due to an increase in ship traffic I thought it was an interesting fact nonetheless.

Cape Otway to Port Campbell

We woke up early for the sunrise at Cape Otway Lightstation (which really in winter isn’t very early). The sunrise was a little cloudy, but it was awesome to be able to watch the lighthouse catch those first rays all to ourselves.

Californian Redwoods

Yep, you read that right, the Great Ocean Road has Redwoods! The California Redwoods were planted in the 1930s and, despite being a non-native species, have even been included within the Great Otway National Park. It’s a truly serene and unique experience to be surrounded by such giants. While these may not be as tall as the towering Mountain Ash trees you can find in the Otways (Maits Rest is a must stop!), they create a magical, dark, serene experience with the trickling of Aire River running right through the middle.

Hopetoun Falls

Close to the Redwoods is this impressive waterfall, Hopetoun Falls. It is a short 30 minute, steep (about 200 stairs!) return walk from the car park and winter is the absolutely perfect time to see it. I seriously couldn’t get enough of all the waterfalls surrounded by ferns, there’s something almost fairytale-like about them.

12 Apostles & Gibson Steps

I’m not sure how much of an introduction the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps really need as they are undoubtedly the most popular and most photographed stops along the Great Ocean Road.

We had planned to be there for sunset to get some photos and, well, we hadn’t received the memo that sunset was cancelled that night, the weather wasn’t great. So we arranged another night at the end of our trip to come back to them. Tip: If you want the inside scoop on the best times to visit, the weather and everything in between, chat to the local team at the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre, their knowledge is unparalleled.

Port Campbell to Warrnambool

Hopkins Falls (near Warrnambool)

Hopkins Falls is just off the road and while it is only 12m tall, it is a massive 90m wide and flows over basalt rock making for some really cool rock features. It is particularly impressive in the winter when there’s been some rainfall, so we had a real treat!

Whale watching at Logan’s Beach

There is a specially constructed platform at Logans Beach for viewing whales that use this area as a nursery during the winter months between May and September. You can often see Southern Right Whales with calves in this area. Unfortunately for us, nature decided not to cooperate and we didn’t see any whales here. Pop in to see the friendly folk at Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre for all the tips on recent whale sightings.

Thunder Point

This spot is just perfect at sunset. There are a lot of rocky outcrops and tide pools, making for a really interesting place to photograph and watch the sun set. This time the weather did turn it on and we even got a rainbow amongst it all!

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Watching the horses at Worm Bay

So here’s that hot tip as promised: get up early and watch the race horses train on the beach at Worm Bay (at Warrnambool’s Breakwater).

I kind of expected to see a few horses, but there seemed to be a non-stop flow from when I arrived at around 7am until we eventually left at around 8am.

There was something so magical about watching the horses and their riders galloping along the beach and splashing in the water.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Winter on the Great Ocean Road can get cold but there are plenty of ways to warm up, and this is one of the best of them – Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool. A long soak in a 38.5°c geothermal mineral pool was like heaven. There are a number of different natural pools and some with essential oils that I never wanted to leave.

Once we realised we should probably get going to explore some more, we reluctantly left.

Lunch at Port Fairy

Does being in water make anyone else really hungry? We were supposed to go to Tower Hill next, but my belly demanded we make our way to lunch in Port Fairy.

Griffiths Island Lighthouse

We didn’t have much time to explore Griffiths Island at Port Fairy, but the lighthouse gave us the perfect subject to photograph from many different angles. You can walk or ride across to the lighthouse and in the summer you can also see the shearwater birds return to their nests here!

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

This is definitely the place to be to see some wildlife! We were greeted with three cheeky emus right at the start and even saw koalas and kangaroos. The actual grounds are stunning for a walk too. Make sure to also stop in to experience Tower Hill, a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano, almost 3kms wide.

Port Fairy to Warrnambool

Beach sunrise

As we had a beachside apartment, we made the most of it and watched the sunrise from the comfort of the couch with a cup of coffee in hand. My favorite sunrises are the ones I can watch in my dressing gown, but sunrises along the Great Ocean Road are always worth getting up for.

Crags Lookout

The coastline from Crags Lookout is gorgeous. Think crystal blue water swirling around rugged rock formations. And the best part, you can pretty much drive right up to it.

Whale watching

Round two of whale watching. Definitely take the time to stop by the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre for information on recent sightings.

We followed their directions to a spot where a mother and calf Southern Right Whale had been seen that day. We were so excited when we finally spotted them. They were about 300 metres from shore, so realistically we couldn’t see much more than the occasional splash of a tail, but it was amazing to know they were there. Definitely take some binoculars with you!

Sunset at Cape Nelson Lighthouse

The sunset here was amazing, we loved the walk around the park, and there was what seemed to be a petrified forest around. It made the perfect setting for watching the sunset.

Warrnambool to Peterborough

This was originally supposed to be our travel day back to Melbourne, but as we had arranged another night on the Great Ocean Road to photograph the 12 Apostles, we thought we’d make the most of it. I’ve grouped the descriptions into parks, as there are too many stops along the way to list individually!

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

This 32km coastal reserve covers the area between Warrnambool and Peterborough. The coastline is breathtaking, with limestone stacks and ocean views. There are also several areas where you can gain beach access. The best part about this stretch of the coast, is that there are fewer tourists than the 12 Apostles area. We stopped at Childers Cove, Sandy Cove, Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs, all of which are easily accessible and beautiful!

Port Campbell National Park

This park is most famous for the 12 Apostles, but it’s also home to many other amazing spots, including The Grotto, London Bridge, The Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. I would honestly recommend visiting them ALL. They’re all impressive for different reasons, and the walking time is minimal.

We finally got a decent sunset at 12 Apostles and capitalised by photographing at both 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps during sunset, then headed to Loch Ard Gorge to get some shots during ‘blue hour’. We couldn’t have been happier with our decision to come back and try again.

Peterborough to Melbourne

Sunrise at the 12 Apostles

There’s something so magical about watching the sunrise in such an iconic place. Definitely make the effort to get up early for sunrise here, just make sure you rug up! We’d had horses, koalas, whales, waterfalls, lighthouses, and so many sunrises and sunsets, but the Great Ocean Road just felt incomplete until watching the sun rise and set at Victoria’s most iconic spot.

Beauchamp Falls

Now I know I said our trip felt complete, but we couldn’t waste our last day, so we stopped by Beauchamp Falls on the way back to Melbourne. It was about an hour and 20 minute return walk. It’s a really impressive waterfall in a beautiful setting, and we had it all to ourselves for most of our time there. Well worth the walk.

We took the coastal route back to Melbourne, despite it being longer, because it’s just so pretty. We stopped several times along the way to snap some photos and got our final sunset at Aireys Inlet. We finally arrived back in Melbourne around 7pm, exhausted after such a full itinerary, but bursting with excitement and feeling fully rejuvenated after such an amazing, memorable trip.

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