great ocean road day trip from melbourne

1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $105

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Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary

This 1 Day Great Ocean Road Day Tour is one of Melbourne’s most popular tours. On the spectacular Great Ocean Road Tour, experience this breathtaking coastline with pristine beaches, charming seaside towns and of course the iconic 12 Apostles .

Leaving Melbourne, we’ll stop off at a popular coastal town on the Great Ocean Road , where we will have morning tea and relax before an exciting day ahead. We visit the historic Memorial Arch to get our photo taken before passing through the quaint coastal resort towns of Lorne and Wye River.

Next up we head to the picturesque Apollo Bay  where you can grab some lunch from one of the many cafes that dot the street.

After lunch, we will enjoy a 20-minute guided bush walk to the cascades at Melba Gully. Here, you will be surrounded by dense rainforest with a winding, scenic walk.

We then arrive at the highlight of the Great Ocean Road Tour – the world famous 12 Apostles. Walk out to the lookouts for spectacular views and photo opportunities of one of Australia’s most iconic attractions.

We’ll then head back on the road and we twist and wind through Port Campbell National Park to arrive at the Shipwreck Coast.

Find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and take a walk along the beach at Loch Ard Gorge . View the Archway, The Razorback and Dumpling Pots and hear the tragic tales of the Shipwreck Coast .

For the last stop of the day, find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and take a walk along the beach at Loch Ard Gorge . View the Archway, The Razorback and Dumpling Pots and hear the tragic tales of the Shipwreck Coast .

This tour is Melbourne’s best 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour on offer! With stunning beach views, fantastic coastal towns and popular must-sees, we recommend you book your Great Ocean Road Tour now.

• The 12 Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Kennett River
• Helicopter Ride Over the 12 Apostles

Why Not Check Out Our Other Great Ocean Road Tours

2 Day Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island Tour $495

Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour $149

Great Ocean Road in Reverse Tour $160

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne $299

Great Ocean Road Boutique Tour $128

Great Ocean Road Small Group Deluxe $150

2 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour $575

Great Ocean Road Private Tour

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15 Best Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne In 2024

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By Audrey Chalmers

Looking For The Best Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne?

You’re in the right place! In this article, we will help you pick the perfect Great Ocean Road tour for you.

Living near the Great Ocean Road we’ve spent heaps of time in the area enjoying the scenery in between hikes and exploring seaside villages.

If you’re planning a trip here, lucky you! The Great Ocean Road is one of the best coastal drives in the world and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

Taking one of the excellent Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne is the easiest way to see this magnificent coastal part of Victoria.

Don’t Have Time To Read The Whole Article?

Our Favourite: Great Ocean Road Plus Koalas, Forest Walk & Morning Tea

An affordable one day group tour with wildlife, a nature walk, and morning tea.

➡️ Check Rates and Availability Here!

There are many tours to choose from depending on how much time you have and your preferred style of travel. There are one, two, three, and even four day day trips available.

You can do a group tour, which is great for meeting people as well as the budget. Or, you can go on a private tour, which is perfect if you’d like to set your own itinerary.

No matter what type of tour you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Below we’ve compiled a list of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne, complete with all the information you need to know to plan the perfect trip!

Table of Contents

Our Top 3 Picks: Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great Ocean Road Plus Koalas & Forest Walk ✔️ 13 Hours ✔️ Koalas ✔️ Rainforest Walk

Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour ✔️ 2 Days/1 Night ✔️ Set Your Own Itinerary

Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3 Day Escape ✔️ 3 Days ✔️ Great Ocean Road Plus Mountains

1 Day Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne

Whether you want to take a group Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne or would like the services of your own dedicated driver guide, below you’ll find plenty of options to suit every budget!

Read on to discover 15 of the best one, two, three, and four day tours of the Great Ocean Road area.

1) Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk, And Morning Tea

Duration: 13 hours

Food and drinks included: Morning tea (lunch and dinner at own expense)

This whistle-stop trip is the pick of the Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne when you want to do it all in one day.

The tour lasts for 13 hours, during which time you’ll see the star Great Ocean Road attraction – the 12 Apostles.

Several other top spots are also covered by the itinerary, including Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay for swimming and lunch, and the koalas of Kennett River.  

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The first stop of the day is Front Beach in Torquay, from which you can also see Bell’s Beach, a famous surfing location.

You’ll also call at the photogenic Pole House in Fairhaven, the iconic Great Ocean Road sign, Cape Patton lookout, Gibson’s Steps, and The Razorback, and take a tall trees walk at Mait’s Rest.

The final stop is Colac, where you can choose a restaurant for dinner. 

What Past Guests Have Said:

This was a spectacular experience led by an authentic, knowledgeable, kind, and engaging driver…The sights are once in a lifetime memories and the best way to see them is with a great driver on a well-structured tour. This is the one. – John_N See more reviews

An action and attraction packed 13 hour tour with morning tea including local beaches, the 12 Apostles, koalas, and various scenic spots.

2) Private Great Ocean Road Tour With Early Departure

Duration: 12 hours

Food and drinks included: Bottled water, fruit and snacks

If the idea of Great Ocean Road private tours appeals to you more, then how about this 12-hour trip commencing at 7 a.m?

It includes central hotel pick-up, travel by air-conditioned car, and is limited to only your group. You also get fruit, water, and other snacks thrown in.  

I particularly like this tour as it’s tailor-made to your needs and you can choose your own stops.

This Great Ocean Road day tour itinerary focuses on highlights such as native wildlife – including kangaroos and koalas – breathtaking beaches and iconic local sights.

Stops include Torquay and other beaches, the memorial archway, Kennett River, Cape Patton, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. 

I highly recommend doing a private tour and James was the perfect tour guide. He catered the trip to make sure my son would enjoy it and we had a blast – Joshua_G Read more reviews

A 12 hour private trip by air conditioned car to see koalas and kangaroos, as well as Great Ocean Road beaches and other highlights.

3) Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour

Food and drinks included: Bottled water

This one stands out as it heads in the opposite direction to other Melbourne tours of the Great Ocean Road.

An early start at 6.45 a.m also means you have more chance of beating the crowds. Starting with a stop in Winchelsea for morning tea and ending at Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne, you’ll take in all the area’s most stunning spots en route.

These include the 12 Apostles, Gibsons Steps, The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest, Apollo Bay, and Kennett River, plus Port Campbell and Great Otway National Parks.

In addition to rock formations, beaches, and rainforests, you can expect to see koalas and orange-bellied parrots during the day.

Long day but totally worth it!! The Gibson Steps and rainforest walk were my favourite parts. Neil was an amazing host and guide. Worth the trip! – Megan_M Read more reviews

An early start and following a reverse itinerary maximise your chances of beating the crowds on this boutique one day Great Ocean Road tour.

4) From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour

Food and drinks included: No (lunch and dinner at own expense)

This Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne is the best bet when you want to see the sun sink beyond the horizon, fronted by the famous 12 Apostles.

Beginning at one of six Melbourne pick-up points, you’ll pass by the beautiful beaches at Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay along the way.

Other sites of interest visited include the memorial arch for selfies, Gibson Steps, Kennett River for koala-spotting and Loch Ard Gorge.

Lunch and dinner stops are also included, so you can pick where to dine out with a view.

Your guide will also regale you with tales of the Surf Coast, shipwrecks and the construction of the iconic seaside road. 

Rob was a great guide who managed to convey a lot of information in a fun way. The landscape is beautiful and the sunset was certainly an added value. The WiFi on the bus is an added value. It’s definitely worth it! – Liesbet Read more reviews

A 13 hour day trip beginning in central Melbourne and ending with sunset at the 12 Apostles. Also includes beaches, wildlife, and scenic lookouts. 

5) 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour

Duration: 9 hours

Food and drinks included : Bottled water

If you prefer the idea of taking private Great Ocean Road tours with only your group for company, then this nine-hour trip might be the best choice.

This tour is particularly good when time is tight, as you’ll get back to Melbourne during mid-afternoon. 

The untamed Shipwreck Coast forms the backdrop for your day, where you can see landmarks like Gibsons Steps, The Razorback, Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles.

Seeing native Australian wildlife including koalas and kangaroos is also a highlight.

Unlike numerous other Great Ocean Road trips from Melbourne, you’ll head to the 12 Apostles first to avoid the crowds. 

A private tour of the Great Ocean Road highlights that will get you back to Melbourne by mid-afternoon – but not without seeing some stunning sights. 

6) Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers Aged 18-35

Food and drinks included: Tea and coffee

This particular Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne is aimed at the 18 to 35 age group.

The tour is perfect for backpackers and other young people looking to connect with other travellers.

It’s also ideal for anyone hoping to see Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas in their natural habitat. 

Pick-up at several central Melbourne and St Kilda hostels is included.

You’ll then head out on your Great Ocean Road adventure, commencing with the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park and ending at the memorial archway.

En route, other stops include The Razorback, Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, Kennett River, Lorne Pier, and Fairhaven Beach. 

A day trip for backpackers and 18 to 35 year olds, taking in local wildlife in addition to all the main Great Ocean Road icons. 

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

7) great ocean road highlights tour: 2 days 1 night.

Duration: 2 days 

When Great Ocean Road day tours don’t seem enough to let you explore this area properly, why not consider a two-day trip?

This private tour takes you to all the sites that the day trips do, as well as a whole lot more. So you can really get to know this unparalleled region.

Additional stops include Castle Cove, the Bay of Martyrs, Melba Gully, the Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk, London Bridge, the Bay of Islands, and Cape Otway Lightstation.

You can also add optional walking tours in Melbourne at the start of the first day.

Options here include Melbourne Cricket Ground, Southbank, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Yarra River, Old Melbourne Gaol, and many more. 

We had an amazing time. The driver James was super lovely well-informed and made our tour a better experience all round…It also helped that we arrived at most stops and had them to ourselves – Jake Read more reviews

A two day private tour including more Great Ocean Road highlights, including London Bridge, Cape Otway Lightstation, Melba Gully, and more.

8) Private 2 Day Great Ocean Tour From Melbourne

Duration: 2 days

Another of the best from-Melbourne Great Ocean Road tours is this two day trip.

As this is a private tour only for your group, you can tailor make a more personalised experience in agreement with your guide. 

After a relaxed 10 a.m start, you’ll start making your way towards Apollo Bay via the 12 Apostles, Mait’s Rest, Castle Cove, Lavers Hill, and Melba Gully National Park.

After visiting the iconic 12 Apostles, next up is Gibsons Steps, Port Campbell National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. 

A private Great Ocean Road tour that can be personalised to suit your preferences, while taking in all of the area’s most picturesque sights. 

9) 2 Day Camping And Surfing Great Ocean Road Trip From Melbourne

Food and drinks included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner & 1 breakfast

Accommodation included: Camping in a teepee

If you want something more action-packed than the average Great Ocean Road bus tour, then how about a two-day adventure that includes surfing and camping?

Two hours of surf instruction is included, and guests of this 2 day Great Ocean Road tour will also enjoy a satisfying Aussie-style BBQ before camping out in a teepee by the beach. 

As the group size is capped at 15 people, you can expect a more intimate experience where you’ll get to know your guide and fellow travellers.

You’ll also see the best of the Great Ocean Road, plus Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. 

Expect koalas, kangaroos, a surfing lesson, an Aussie BBQ and teepee camping by the beach on this great value two day adventure tour.

10) Ride Tours 2 Day Great Ocean Road Trip for 18 -35 Year Olds

Food and drinks included: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

Accommodation included: Mixed dorm room

This is another of the Great Ocean Road 2 day tours that’s aimed specifically at the 18 to 35 age range.

Meals and accommodation are covered as well as travel, and as the tour takes the opposite route to most you have more chance of avoiding the crowds.

You’ll stay overnight at the Sow and Piglets, a hostel with its own on-site craft brewery. 

A couple of wildlife stops also make this tour a little different. You can see emus, koalas and kangaroos at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and might even spy Southern Right Whales from the Logan’s Beach viewpoint.

Famous for surfing, Bell’s Beach is the last stop before heading back to Melbourne. 

This tour is a little different, heading in the opposite direction to the crowds. It also includes Bell’s Beach, a wildlife reserve and Logan’s Beach.  

11) LGBTQ+ Friendly 2 Day Private Great Ocean Road Tour

Food and drinks included: No

Accommodation included: No (Apollo Bay accommodation at own expense)

Your Great Ocean Road guide leading this private tour will have connections with the local LGBTQ+ community, and the company also has links with Melbourne LGBTQ+ organisations.

The extra day means you can travel at a more relaxed pace, timing your visits to avoid many of the tourists. It also allows for a later 10 a.m. start.

It’s possible to tailor this tour to suit your own preferences, as it will only be your group plus the guide.

You’ll travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay and vice versa, but are free to agree on the exact stops as you go. 

A private, LGBTQ+ friendly Great Ocean Road tour that allows your group to go their own way, and includes an overnight stop in Apollo Bay. 

3 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

12) melbourne short break holiday to the great ocean road & grampians 3 day escape.

Duration: 3 days

Food and drinks included: 2 breakfasts & 1 dinner

Accommodation included: 2 nights accommodation in Warrnambool and Hall’s Gap

This is which of the 3 day Great Ocean Road tours to go for if you want to see the Grampians in addition to the famous and fabulous coastal route.

You can encounter local fauna, including kookaburras, emus and kangaroos, and even learn about Aboriginal culture and history. 

The tour includes overnight accommodation in both Warrnambool and Hall’s Gap, and if you’d prefer, you can choose your own place to stay instead of using the inclusive option.

An expert guide will help you make the most of your time in the area, as you enjoy the valleys, mountains, waterfalls and coast. 

An amazingly well put together trip to see the Great Ocean Road and Grampians! It was truly spectacular…Highly recommend to anyone thinking about doing it! – Rachel H Read more reviews

A three day tour that takes in the Grampians mountains, native wildlife and Aboriginal culture as well as the Great Ocean Road. 

13) Private 3 Day Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne

Accommodation: Not included. Choose your own place to stay.

Travel between destinations in air-conditioned, luxurious comfort with this Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne.

This gives you a whole additional day as compared to Great Ocean Road tours for 2 days, and all your time is spent exploring this lovely area. 

Though there are suggested stops in the usual sort of locations, the itinerary of this tour is down to your party.

You can contact the company before booking to discuss this and will have the services of your own driver guide throughout. 

A fully flexible 3 day tour of the Great Ocean Road with your own private driver guide and vehicle, so you can decide exactly where you want to go. 

14) Great Ocean Walk Highlights Hiking Tour: 4 Days

Duration: 4 days

Food and drinks included: 4 lunches, 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts

Accommodation included: 3 nights at the Cape Otway Lightstation

When a 2 days Great Ocean Road tour – or even Great Ocean Road tours for 3 days – don’t seem like they give you enough time to explore fully, then how about taking 4 days to discover the area?

That’s exactly what you get with this Great Ocean Road from Melbourne tour. Plus you get to rest your head at the iconic Cape Otway Lightstation each night!

As it’s a hiking trip, you also get far more of a feel for the area than when travelling by car or coach.

Different walks are included each day, and your group will have a maximum of 10 participants.

Your chances of seeing wildlife are very good, too, including koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, dolphins and even whales in season.

A 4 day hiking tour to the Great Ocean Road, with daily walks led by your experienced guide, and including all meals and accommodation. 

Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour

15) melbourne to 12 apostles vip helicopter tour.

Duration: 5 hours

Food and drinks included: No (private winery lunch option at own expense)

This is truly a bucket list, one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll feel like a rock star when you arrive at the 12 Apostles on your very own private helicopter tour.

Everyone is guaranteed a window seat and you’ll have a view of the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles that few people get to experience.

Other landmarks you’ll see include Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Bay of Islands.

The trip includes a couple of hours of free time on the ground, which you can spend at the beach, visiting the lookouts and Gibsons Steps, or exploring the walking trails.

To make your day even more memorable you can opt to have lunch at a local winery with views that rival the Great Ocean Road’s scenery. 

Whilst it’s not for everyone’s budget I felt as a once-in-a-lifetime experience it was worth every dollar. It’s the only way to avoid a 12-13 hour day trip by mini bus. Lunch booked at Jack Rabbit Vineyard with private helipad was also excellent and good value for money. We will be thinking about this perfect day for a long time to come. – LeslieMcC1958 Read more reviews

A private, once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight over the Great Ocean Road area, with two hours of free time on the ground to explore more fully. 

Tips For Choosing A Great Ocean Road Tour

We’ve put together a few tips for choosing a Great Ocean Road, so you’ll have all the information you need to select the right one for you.

A group or private tour?

Generally speaking the bigger the tour group the cheaper it will be. Larger tour groups can have 25 or more participants, whereas smaller group tours typically have no more than 15 people.

If you’re travelling on a budget or like meeting fellow travellers then a group tour is a great choice.

Private tours on the other hand are best if you want it to be just you and your travel partner (s). This is a more expensive option but you get to tailor-make your itinerary as the guide is yours and will cater to your interests, wants, and needs.

Make sure you’re the right match for the tour.

Along with the size of the tour, you need to make sure you are a match for the tour. Some tours target young backpacker types, while others are aimed at over 35s or seniors.

Perhaps the tour includes an activity you don’t want or can’t do. For example one of the tours above includes a surfing lesson. So it’s important to ensure you’re the target audience for the tour.

What does the tour include and exclude?

It’s important to know what you are paying for and what you are not, so there aren’t any surprises! Nothing can turn a tour sour like having to pay for things you didn’t know about before hand.

For example, if the tour visits paid sites are the entrance fees included in the cost of the tour? Are food and drink included? What about accommodation?

Sometimes it’s better if these things aren’t included as it keeps tour prices down and you have control over how much you spend. It’s just important to know in advance.

How long is the tour?

Whether you’re doing a group or private tour, always check how long the tour lasts. It’s also important to know yourself. Most tours of the Great Ocean Road are extremely long, lasting 12 and even 13 hours.

For some people that’s just too long. If that’s you I suggest choosing the Express 9 hour Private Tour, or one of the multi-day options.

Is there a central pick up point?

For convenience many tour operators will pick you up from your hotel. I personally find this annoying as too much time is wasted on the bus going from hotel to hotel. I much prefer meeting at a central point even if I have to get there on my own.

But that’s just me. You may prefer the convenience of being picked up from your hotel without worrying about how to get to a central pick up point. Either way it’s important to know where you’ll be joining the tour from.

If you’ll be based in Melbourne and want to take a Great Ocean Road trip, then organised trips that take care of travel, accommodation and where to go are an awesome option. 

Whether it’s Great Ocean Road day tours from Melbourne for those short on time or longer options lasting up to four days, there are plenty to pick from.

➡️ Book The Best Great Ocean Tour Today!

You can also include one-off experiences such as a surfing lesson, touring the Grampians or staying at a pub with its own microbrewery on site. 

Which from-Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour will you be booking? If there’s one you like the look of, don’t wait too long – this is an incredibly popular part of Australia!

Join our Great Ocean Road Travel Planning and Tips Facebook Group here . It’s the perfect place to ask your questions and be inspired!

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Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Take your time to experience this majestic coastal drive on the Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Oceania Tours. Travel from Melbourne with your small group and let us show you the best hiding spots for koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Cap the day off with a visit to the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Highlights & Inclusions

• Small group touring
• Expert guide with extensive local knowledge
• Selected City Hotel pick up and drop of.

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including kangaroos and koalas. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities.

To begin, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip.

The small group size allows more stops along the way at different lookouts, stop for a coffee, and to look for the local wildlife.

Stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included).

Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges.

A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof clothing

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s truly spectacular coastal drives.

This famous route begins 90 minutes from the centre of Melbourne. It continues for 400 kilometres from Torquay, winding alongside the wild Southern Ocean until Nelson on the South Australian border.

Significantly, it is the home of surfing with the International Pro Competitions each year at Bells Beach. Furthermore, the limestone spires of the 12 Apostles have helped to put this region on the world map.

In the Otways, you will find some of Australia’s best rainforest scenery. Walk amongst the towering tall trees and lush foliage.

On your Great Ocean Road tour with Oceania, you will visit a pristine rainforest paradise.

The Great Otway National Park covers the coastline from Torquay to Princetown and up into the hinterland. You will discover rugged coastlines alongside tall forests and ferny gullies.

Other tours you may be interested in...

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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

The Great Ocean Road Tour offers a guided scenic drive along Australia’s stunning coastline , showcasing breathtaking ocean views and ancient rainforests . Our group day tour includes visiting the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles . Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park . Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay and have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.

• Visit the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Surf Coast beaches , seaside towns, and stunning coastal views
• Spot Australian wildlife along the the Great Ocean Road
• Enjoy lunch in the seaside town of Apollo Bay
• Rainforest walk through the  Great Otway National Park
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast Port Campbell National Park
• The world-famous Twelve Apostles Port Campbell National Park
• If time permits, we visit the Razorback, Island Archway, Salt & Pepper Shakers formations

Trip Inclusions

• All National Park entry fees
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• A professional & friendly driver/guide
• Local informative tour commentary
• Comfortable coach transportation service
• Select inner-city pick-up & drop-off locations

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s famous must-do road trip. One day we will show you the beauty of this coastal drive and take you through pristine beaches, fresh rainforest and rugged limestone rock formations.

Be wowed by the 12 Apostles – these iconic rock formations lie just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park in  Victoria . Get lost in the beauty of this natural scenery and allow our guides to regale you with the stories and history that shapes this epic coastline.

Depart Melbourne

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the  Surf Coast,  passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as  Anglesea ,  Lorne  and  Airey’s Inlet . We stop for some morning tea and breathe in the fresh sea air while spotting surfers out on the water. The proximity to Antarctica means you will learn why everyone wears a wet suit once you dip your toes into the water.

Visit the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop at the Great Ocean Road monument, which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road. After some photos at the iconic  Memorial Arch  and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course, stopping for pictures!)

Search for Australian flora and fauna

Along the journey, we will make stops to look for Koalas and other Australian wildlife on the Great Ocean Road , hanging out in the wild. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee where they will appear, but our knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to get out into the bush and spot them sleeping!

Stop to Enjoy Lunch in Apollo Bay

A welcome lunch break is taken in  Apollo Bay   (approximately 45 minutes – at guests’ own expense).  Once you have  explored Apollo Bay , grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream, you are back on the bus to the Great Otway National Park inland.

Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park

Still on the Great Ocean Road but continues into the lush green hills of the Great Otway National Park . Drive past towering  Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a  Cool, Temperate Rainforest patch . You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and marvel at the ‘ancient relics’  Myrtle Beach trees . These provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent known as  Gondwanaland . Breathe in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast !

The Twelve Apostles

Once out of the trees and back by the  Southern Ocean,  we arrive in  Port Campbell National Park , home to the iconic  12 Apostles . We will spend about 40 minutes at the  Apostles,  where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast

Also, in the  National Park,  we head down to  Loch Ard Gorge , the site of one of Australia’s most well-known shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. You will also find rock formations such as the Island Archway ,  Razorback , and the ‘ Salt and Pepper Shakers .

Returns to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac. Here, you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at the guests’ expense) if you wish, as we will return home in Melbourne at approximately 8:30 pm.

Pick-up Locations & TImes

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.

• 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel - 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
• 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
• 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
• 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
• 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St, Melbourne
• 7:25 -The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
• 7:35 - Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
• 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank

Great Ocean Road and Rainforest 1 Day Tour:  $150 Adult (13+), $120 Child (0 to 12)

If you’re keen on travelling to the Great Ocean Road on a private tour with just your friends or family we can help take you there. You can create your own tailor-made Melbourne trip or follow our itinerary. Contact our charters team for more information on [email protected].

What you need to bring?

• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm and cool clothing
• Rain jacket
• A sense of adventure

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Starting from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a 664 km return. Travelling via Torquay ,  Apollo Bay,  and  Port Fairy  and returning to Melbourne takes 9.5 hours to drive . The Great Ocean Road has two main starting points when travelling from Melbourne . You can turn onto the Great Ocean Road from either  Torquay  or  Anglesea . Our  1-day Great Ocean Road tours turn onto Great Ocean Road at Anglesea. From here, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline and goes to Apollo Bay. Our tours travel to the 12 Apostles before returning to Melbourne. This journey is a 504 km return to Melbourne , which takes 7hrs hours to drive. We spend 12 hours along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying many beautiful locations and stopping to explore.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay,  104km south of Melbourne . The Great Ocean Road ends  244 km  later in Allansford. However, we recommend you travel through to  Warrnambool  to visit the largest city along the  Great Ocean Road .

Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, we specialise in offering one-day trips to the Great Ocean Road, helping travellers maximise their time in Melbourne. Between April and October, hiring a car for a one-day trip to the Great Ocean Road is not recommended . This region can experience high winds and severe rainstorms. You have limited daylight and will be returning to Melbourne in the dark on less maintained roads. From Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip in a hire car is a tiring journey with approximately 7hrs of driving. We highly recommend joining a great ocean road tour and letting our experienced tour drivers ensure a fantastic day from start to finish.

How long should you take to do the Great Ocean Road?

664 km/413 miles , about  9.5 hours One of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the  Great Ocean Road is a fantastic 1-day bus tour from the capital of Melbourne  to the iconic  12 Apostles.

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends largely on what activities you plan on doing. For those who prefer warmer weather, September to April is the best time of year to visit. This period offers mostly sunny days and temperatures ranging from 16-25°C (60-77°F). During this period, you can take advantage of activities such as swimming at the beach or surfing in the ocean.

How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?

The  Great Ocean Walk  has a difficulty rating of “ moderate ” to “ challenging .” It means there will be short, steep climbs and uneven, bumpy trails. A relatively  energetic lifestyle  and some walking experience are recommended.

How long is the 12 Apostles walk?

At just over  100 kilometres , it combines Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs, the remains of various historic shipwrecks, and vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. A  walk along this route can perhaps bring a new twist at every turn .

Do you need a 4WD for Great Ocean Road?

You don’t need a 4WD drive  to travel the Great Ocean Road  to choose the cheapest rental car, and it will be just fine! If you’re travelling alone, with two people, or you don’t like the idea of planning your trip on the Great Ocean Road , you’re better off choosing a tour .

Is the Great Ocean Road worth it?

For most visitors to Melbourne, a tour-guided trip to the Great Ocean Road is a must. Like many other Australian cities, it’s always worth taking a car or bus tour and travelling outside the city.

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30 thoughts on “1 day great ocean road tour”.

My friend and I did this tour on our second day in Australia (both in our late 20s). We both had such a fantastic day and were lucky that the sunshine came out for us as well during the day. We had Tim (with long hair – there were two Tims!) as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for better. Such a friendly and knowledgeable guy, absolutely loved his stories and facts throughout the day and how his playlist linked in with the information he was telling us. I felt so lucky to see wild koalas in Lorne ( we weren’t successful in seeing any in Noosa or Magnetic Island later on during our travels so felt even luckier we had managed to see them on this trip and so early on!). Loved the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, had famous Dooleys ice cream in Apollo Bay…. we fit so much into the day, it was very worthwhile. Of course like with any daytrip /tour, I wish we could have had slightly more time in each place and to have seen even more sights rather than having to pick and choose here and there because of time constraints. Overall so happy that we decided to do this tour!

We have been in Melbourne for just 3 days . So We have chosen the 1 day Great Ocean Road and it was absolutely amazing. Had fun at Cape Patton and enjoyed the beautiful great ocean rod cost and the ‘12 Apostles’. Had a great experience with our couch tour operator. Our guide John was absolutely funny, responsible and prepared for it. Thanks for everything.

Excellent tour. Duane the driver/guide very well planned and well informed. He organised the day well, commencing with a welcome coffee break. There was a good choice of photo stops along the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay was a good place to have lunch followed by a delicious Chocolate Ice Cream at the Award winners local outlet. We enjoyed the Rainforest and had some fantastic walks at the coast as we made our way along to the Twelve Apostles. It was a beautiful sunny day so conditions were ideal for this tour. Although there was a lot to see we never felt rushed. There was also plenty of cool water on hand. It was a memorable day out. Thanks to Duane for being an excellent Guide and- Yes- I will remember: Melbourne is the greatest City in the World!!”

My two friends and I did the one day tour of the Great Ocean Road with Tim as our guide. He was awesome! We loved his music playlist on the bus – made the trip much more enjoyable! We stopped at beautiful places and got to see wild koalas and parrots. Definitely recommend this tour!

My friends and I did the reverse great ocean road with Daniel as our guide, and had the BEST time! Daniel is an awesome host and guide, if you’re lucky enough to get on his bus you’ll be in for an amazing day! We also did the optional helicopter tour which was a great way to see the “12” Apostles.

The day trip to Great Ocean Road starts early in the morning and takes 12 hours long (the whole day). Is good to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and bring a bottle of water with you.

It is a small group, no more than 20 people, and during our way, we stopped to see some wild Aussie animals as cockatoos, koalas, kangaroos.

We had lunch in Apolo Bay in a small restaurant and our guide suggested to try the famous local ice cream at Dooley`s (delicious).

We stopped to do small hiking (40 minutes) at the Rain Forest and then, we continued by car until the Twelve Apostles Lookout. The view is unbelievable and the sunset is breathtaking. We also visited some places around where is possible to go to the beaches and see the huge stones which are part of The Twelve Apostles, as well.

Our guide, Guy, is an amazing and kind person and he knows everything about the place.

It was a happy and unforgettable day. I strongly recommend it!

Seriously the Great Ocean Road should be renamed The Amazing Ocean Road!! What a journey this is full of coastal wonders, Koala encounters and the breath taking 12 Apostles. I completely recommend this tour… brilliant day!

I must commend Simon on such a brilliant tour of the Great Ocean Road. His guidance and entertaining commentary as we travelled further brought to life an already breath taking journey. Cheers Wildlife Tours

We chose this tour for its great reviews and great price and we were not disappointed. Thank you to Wildlife Tours for an amazing trip

Had an amazing 1-day Great Ocean Road- trip, with a great itenirary and fun tour-guide! We were super happy with the whole day 🙂

Amazing tour way beyond my expectations. Id like to thank Darren our tour guide. his knowledge took this Great Ocean Road Tour to another level

I joined this great ocean road day tour over the new year period and was blown away by the service and knowledge of our tour guide Brad. Really enjoyed this incredible region. Highly recommend this tour

We loved this great ocean road tour so much. Seeing Koalas in the wild and a stunning rainforest walk were surprising highlights of this beautiful tour. Great value for money I will recommend to all my friends and family.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Tim’s commentary and guidance throughout our tour. Strongly recommend.

We didn’t expected it would be such a long day, yet it was a great one. Thanks to our very experienced and passionate tour guide Darren and the excited Koala Charlie! Highly recommended!

We booked the private group with the same highlight with this day trip, everything are wonderful lunch is great, all the place are so beautiful and impressible. The best of the best is “Charlie”our tour leader and driver, he knows everything about the trip very well and entertain us along the trip, he has knowledge in dept since he worked in that forest before so real and fantastic, my daughter and son learned a lot about rain forest during walking and have fun. He is so professional tour leader and kind person, he recommended the good restaurant for dinner and managed the time perfectly. I strongly recommend all my friends to visit Melbourne and have the trip with you again. Thank again for wonderful trip. Regards Charlie’s angel

Thank you Wildlife Tours and to our Guide Darren for such an incredible experience. I will highly recommend to friends and family

Wow what can I say about this trip but another WOW! Our guide was incredible and helped create an incredible experience. The Great Ocean road is a must do if coming to Melbourne

Had a great day trip with Autopia to The Great Ocean Road & Rainforest walk. Henning, our tour guide was fantastic. Generous with his time (we are still on the bus at 9.30pm), knowledgeable, professional – and a really nice bloke! Would recommend this company and this gentleman to anyone. Hotel pick up fantastic. Thank you

Excellent day trip! Bus is a little small, but it didn’t take away from the day and the driver was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This trip is worth every penny.

We were picked up in central Melbourne and had morning tea in a little town called Colac. First landmark we saw was the London Bridge where we stopped for 15 mins to take in the view, we then went on to Loch Ard Gorge where we had longer time to walk around, really beautiful spot. Then we headed to the 12 Apostles where we had an hour, we had lunch here and there was an opportunity to go up in a helicopter for those who had pre-booked. There is a steady walk around the cliffs to take in the views of the Apostles. It is a busy place with lots of posing and selfies!

We then moved on to Mait’s rest forest tour again an easy 30 min walk the guide was entertaining and new his stuff. The trees were amazing to see.

We then had a toilet break at a seaside town and on to my favourite part of the day….Koalas! I got to see my first wild koalas on this trip. In fact one was sat on the crash barrier looking out to the ocean! Our guide said he had never seen anything like it before! At Kennett River there were also a lot of parrots which are clearly used to being fed as they were jumping on some of the other tourists.

We then drove along the rest of the Ocean Drive Road and had a photo opportunity at the Memorial Park Gates. One last stop for pizzas in Torquay and back to Melbourne for about 7.30pm all in all a very memorable day and thanks to a great driver and tour guide. Definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Melbourne and has a spare day.

What a fantastic tour we had on the 6th December with Andrea (and Rob) who was training. He will be a lovely and very approachable tour guide when he is ready.

A lot of people recommended doing great ocean road over several days. However we saw everything we felt the need to see on the day tour, it was more than sufficient.

Throughout this time we had morning tea, stopped at several bays and beaches, a wildlife park, had a lunch stop, went to viewing points, did a rainforest walk AND saw the 12 Apostles. The day went by very quickly and although there were so many stops, we didn’t feel rushed which was great.

The highlight of our tour was definitely seeing the parrots and koalas in the trees. You can feed the parrots and get some amazing photos!

We were picked up at 6.55am and didn’t return in the CBD until 8.30pm! Andrea was extremely knowledgable about everything that we did and saw. I can thoroughly recommend it as something to do in Melbourne.

This tour is not a must, but can be done if you have a day to spend and don’t know what to do. This tour takes you along different sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. It was a good tour as we got to see the 12 Apostles (now only 9 left), the Shipwreck Cove (The Loch Ard Gorge), The Maits Rest Rainforest (A small 20-25 mins walk through the rainforest) and many beautiful views along the Great Ocean Road. We also stopped in a place with some beautiful birds and koalas. It was a day well spent.

Our host for this tour was KK. She was really fun and patient (as at times we would return later than the rest of the group to the bus – apologies to everyone for that).

The tour was awesome. Got to spend time at all the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road! Tour guide was very helpful and nice. Would highly recommend as price is unbeatable.

I booked the Great Ocean road day tour with an online travel agent (Travel Freedom), who got me a day tour with Wildlife tours. I had been shopping around for rates and got a good deal for our family of six, which included lunch, so I was not sure what I would be getting for less than $100 per person, while other rates go as high as $130. Our tour went very well, my family enjoyed all the beauty and wonder of this tour, and all the history and information provided by our tour guide, Craig- who is not only knowledgeable, but full of wit and humor. Will look for Wildlife Tours again when we visit Australia!

We had a truly memorable day and couldn’t believe how much we managed to cram in. I need to give special mention to our tour guide Grant who really made the day with his informative but easygoing and often amusing commentary- it’s a long time to spend on a small coach and the commentary really helped the time pass and helped us learn about our surroundings. The meal stop was also really good – better than you often expect on tours where restaurants cater for large groups converging on them. Thanks for a tremendous day that we will always remember. Best wishes, Andy and Jill

My friends and I visited 3 places during our 1 week stay in Australia and the great ocean road was the best. The tourist guide was very friendly. Lots of things to see and pictures to take. We surely had a wonderful time.

It was my first time on the Great Ocean Road and I was not disappointed. The best part of it was the photo opportunities. So many things to see on a beautiful sunny day, I recommend this trip.

What an amazing tour with Rob, he had us in stitches. The views were amazing at the great ocean road. Everyone on the tour I spoke to really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Rob

Thanks for a good time. The koalas were my favorite of the one day tour. A long drive but the tour guide made it more fun.

I had an amazing time with Darren on the Great Ocean Road tour. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best out of our cameras by taking nice photos of beautiful places.

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Great Ocean Road Tours

• Loch Ard Gorge
• The Twelve Apostles
• Gibson Steps

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About Great Ocean Road Tours

Experience the Best of Great Ocean Road with Our Day Tours

Discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Australia and learn about the region's history and culture with our day tours to the Great Ocean Road. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey, without having to worry about planning or driving.

Our tours include comfortable, air-conditioned buses, and provide plenty of breaks for restrooms, snacks, and photo opportunities. We offer a selection of day tours from Melbourne to visit the Great Ocean Road attractions, with most tours taking around 12 hours to complete and including the main attractions such as the Twelve Apostles rock formation and Loch Ard Gorge beach.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, our tours make your day easy and stress-free. We'll also stop at small towns along the way where you can purchase lunch or dinner. Some tours even offer the chance to sample local food and wine, such as artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and wines from nearby vineyards.

On your journey, be prepared to be awed by stunning views of the coastline, beaches, and cliffs. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and our day tours ensure that you don't miss out on any of the sights.

Great Ocean Road Attractions

Discover Iconic Attractions with Great Ocean Road Tours

A Great Ocean Road tour offers you the chance to experience some of Australia's most iconic attractions in just one day. Here's a quick overview of the attractions you can expect to visit on our tours.

The Twelve Apostles One of the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone rock stacks rising out of the ocean. You'll have the opportunity to stop here for photos and learn about the history and geology of the area.

Loch Ard Gorge Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked here in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful cove with stunning beach and rock formations. You'll explore the area and learn about the tragic history of the shipwreck.

The Otways This lush forested area offers a range of hiking trails and stunning waterfalls for nature lovers to explore.

Bells Beach Known for its massive waves, Bells Beach is a famous surf beach and an Australian icon.

London Arch This natural arch formation in the ocean, formerly known as London Bridge, is a beautiful and unique sight.

Cape Otway Lighthouse This historic lighthouse perched on a cliff offers stunning views of the coast and is a great spot for photos.

The Grotto A unique rock formation resembling a sinkhole, the Grotto offers a beautiful view of stunning blue water.

Gibson Steps A staircase leading down to the beach, the Gibson Steps offer a unique ground level view of the Twelve Apostles.

Apollo Bay A charming seaside town with a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, Apollo Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Great Otway National Park As you travel along the Great Ocean Road, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and native birds in the Great Otway National Park.

The Twelve Apostles is one of the most iconic attractions in Victoria, Australia, and a must-see destination when exploring the region. These limestone stacks rise up to 45 meters from the ocean, and there are currently eight remaining.

The limestone cliffs were formed over 20 million years ago, during a period when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the accumulation of marine organisms, including shells and coral, built up on the ocean floor and solidified into limestone.

Around 10 million years ago, the land began to rise, and the sea retreated. This left the limestone exposed to the elements, including the waves and wind. Over time, the constant pounding of the waves and the wind caused the limestone to erode and weather. The soft limestone was eroded faster than the harder limestone, creating the unique rock formations that we see today.

Loch Ard Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. It is situated within the Port Campbell National Park and is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard which was wrecked nearby in 1878.

Getting to Loch Ard Gorge is easy, as it is located just a short drive from The Twelve Apostles. Visitors can access the gorge by car or tour bus. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff, which is just a short walk from the viewing platform overlooking the gorge.

While Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful spot to take in the views, it is not recommended to swim in the water as the currents can be dangerous. The water can also be quite cold, even during the summer months.

To access the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, visitors must walk down a set of stairs that lead from the viewing platform to the beach below. The stairs can be a bit steep, and some visitors may find them difficult to navigate. However, once you reach the bottom, the beach is easily accessible and provides a great spot to explore the rock formations, caves, and arches.

Unfortunately, Loch Ard Gorge is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep stairs leading down to the beach. However, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views from the viewing platform at the top of the cliff. Additionally, there are several other wheelchair-accessible attractions nearby, such as The Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre.

The Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps are a popular attraction located along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors have the opportunity to walk down stone steps leading to the beach to get a ground level view of the towering rock formations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles.

The Gibson Steps are named after Hugh Gibson, who built the steps in the early 1900s to provide access to the beach for local fishermen. Today, the steps are a popular stop for tourists visiting the Great Ocean Road.

Visitors to the Gibson Steps can take in the breathtaking views of the towering limestone cliffs and the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the steps is not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents, but it is a great spot for a walk or for taking photographs.

The Gibson Steps are easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road, and there is a small car park nearby for visitors. There is also a viewing platform at the top of the steps, which offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding cliffs.

Apollo Bay is a charming coastal town located on the Great Ocean Road, 3 hours drive from Melbourne. It is a popular destination for day tours. With its stunning beaches, walking tails, and charming town center, it is a great spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre is open from 9am - 5pm daily a great place to stop and chat to one of the local volunteers who can help you get the most out of your time in the region.

Apollo Bay Beach The Apollo Bay Beach is a beautiful spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. It is also a great spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Marriners Lookout Marriners Lookout is a stunning viewpoint located on a hill overlooking Apollo Bay. It provides panoramic views of the town, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

Cape Otway Lightstation The Cape Otway Lightstation is a historic lighthouse located on the edge of the Great Ocean Road. Families can climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of the coast.

Apollo Bay Farmers Market If you happen to be in Apollo Bay on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Farmers Market. It is a great spot to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures For an adrenaline-packed experience, families can head to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. It is an eco-tourism attraction that features a treetop walkway, zip line tours, and a high ropes course.

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival If you happen to be in town during February or March, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. It is a celebration of the region's seafood industry, featuring fresh seafood, local wines, and live entertainment.

Getting to Apollo Bay from Melbourne The driving distance from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) via the Great Ocean Road. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but typically it takes around 3 hours to drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way, it's recommended to allow for a full day for the journey.

The Surf Coast

The Surf Coast region in Victoria, is located along the southern coast of Victoria, stretching from Torquay in the east to Lorne in the west.

The Surf Coast region is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, and beautiful natural scenery. The Great Ocean Road officially begins in Torquay.

Bells Beach Bells Beach is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, and is the site of the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. It has a rugged coastline and powerful waves, attracting surfers from all over the world.

Torquay Torquay is the gateway to the Surf Coast region and the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is known for its beautiful beaches, including the family-friendly Jan Juc Beach and the popular surf spot, Point Danger.

Great Otway National Park The Great Otway National Park is a stunning natural reserve located just inland from the Surf Coast region. It is home to lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails. There are several stunning waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls. Most Great Ocean Road Tours visit the Otway National Park.

Lorne Lorne is a popular tourist town located on the Great Ocean Road, at the western end of the Surf Coast region. It is known for its beautiful beaches. Mountjoy Parade is the main street running along the esplanade and has many shops and cafes.

The Otways region is a stunning natural area located just inland from the Great Ocean Road. It is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, and hiking trails. Some Great Ocean Road tours visit this region.

Waterfalls There are several beautiful waterfalls located within the Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls, and Hopetoun Falls. These waterfalls are easily accessible by hiking trails and provide a breathtaking sight.

Cape Otway Lighthouse Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia and offers stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can also learn about the history of the lighthouse and its importance for navigation.

The Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk is a 104-kilometer hiking trail that winds through the Great Otway National Park and along the coast. It offers hikers stunning views of the ocean and coastline and is a great way to explore the beauty of the region.

The Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre

The Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre is located at the entrance to the Port Campbell National Park, which is home to some of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road, such as The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am - 5pm and offers a wide range of facilities and services for tourists visiting the region.

Information and advice The visitor center offers a wealth of information and advice about the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the history, geology, and culture of the region, as well as get recommendations for the best places to eat, stay, and explore.

Maps and brochures The visitor center provides maps and brochures that can help visitors plan their trip and navigate the Great Ocean Road.

Souvenir and gift shop The visitor center has a gift shop that offers a range of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and locally-made products.

Restrooms and picnic areas There are restrooms and picnic areas for visitors to use, providing a comfortable and convenient stop along the Great Ocean Road.

Wheelchair accessibility The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and pathways.

Read Great Ocean Road Tours Reviews

An excellent, well managed trip along the Great Ocean Road. Plenty to see along the way and decent hostel accommodation. Well worth it..

a great trip, good iternary and a nice mix between culture and nature experiences, also the walkingtrails was great pleasure. and as mentioned before, Peter as guide and driver! ment a lot for the trip whis his professional and nice way of guiding us through both the practical things with stops, food and overnights, and all the information.

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The 4 best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

On any given tourism brochure, commercial or billboard featuring Australia, there is one image that inspires people to get in their car, get on a plane or even board a bus to see it with their own eyes, this magnificent sight is the Great Ocean Road.

Dreamy shots of the 12 Apostles basking in the sun surrounded by clear blue waters, world-famous surf beaches or people wandering through the Redwood Forrest are high on the list of images to get.

Reverse Great Ocean Road bus tour

Some lucky people live right on this natural beauty’s doorstep but what is a visit to the Great Ocean Road like for the rest of us? How do you get to the Great Ocean Road on holiday in Melbourne?

Luckily, we have put together this post on Melbourne’s best Great Ocean Road tours so you can tick off a visit to this unique Australian landmark.

Where is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, Australia, is a 243-kilometre-long road that travels along the south-eastern coast of Australia and was built between 1919 and 1932 by returning World War I veterans.

The Great Ocean Road, a 243-kilometre scenic drive, starts in Torquay and finishes in Allansford, making it one of Australia’s most iconic road trips.

The road travels through the Victorian towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, taking in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, making the Great Ocean Road one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. The Great Ocean Road, start to finish is an experience you will not soon forget

Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, consider visiting the famous Great Ocean Road. Many Great Ocean Road tour companies offer GOR day trips from Melbourne , and the options vary in price and scope.

You can choose a Great Ocean Road day trip adventure tour from Melbourne that focuses on sightseeing and history or includes plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. No matter what you decide, you’ll have a great time exploring this beautiful part of the world on a great tour from Melbourne.

If you’re looking for some of the best Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne, Victoria, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and some of the things that you can do while on these trips. So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne!

Do you love Victorian beaches?  Here are the very best Victorian beaches

Day Tours, Melbourne Great Ocean Road – Coastal highlights, forest and wildlife tour

If you’re looking for Melbourne day tours that combine the beauty of the Great Ocean Road coastline and some of Australia’s iconic animals, this is one of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne for you.

This fantastic tour includes a hotel pickup in Melbourne CBD before heading down to Torquay, where you will stop for morning tea and a photo opportunity in front of the iconic Great Ocean Road sign.

You will also have a stop to see some native Australian wildlife, including Koalas and beautiful Australian birds, lunch at Apollo Bay, and a cool temperate rainforest walk before heading to the big sites on this Great Ocean Road day trip.

After a bit of a drive, you will pull up at Gibson’s Steps, see the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and check out Loch Ard Gorge. Your Great Ocean Road trip heads back to Melbourne from here, with a stop for dinner in Colac before dropping you off at your Melbourne hotel.

What’s included in Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne:

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation
• Morning tea
• Wildlife tours of koalas and parrots in their natural habitat
• Tour Guide for a forest walk
• Coastal highlights tour
• The tour goes for 13.5 hours.

You will find that most Great Ocean Road day tours offer the exact same itinerary because, in essence, there are only so many things to see and do in one day on a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour. You will find that the length of time at spots along the way will vary, the start-finish time will vary, and the number of people on your Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne will vary.

Ultimately , it’s your choice on who you do a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne with. Below, you will find some alternatives to the full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne.

Tour to Great Ocean Road full-day sunset tour

This Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tour is similar to the abovementioned tour. It takes in the entire Ocean Road in southwest Victoria, including the Memorial Arch Great Ocean Road, the surf coast, the rainforests and the Shipwreck coast. See Lorne, Apollo Bay, wildlife, pristine beaches of the 12 apostles, Lock Ard Gorge, and a more spectacular coastline.

The big difference with this tour is it starts and ends a little later, letting you see the sunset over the Great Ocean Road Apostles before heading back to Melbourne. Listen to the expert commentary and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to share your experience on social media and make your friends and family jealous as it happens. There is just so much to do on the Great Ocean Road.

What’s included in Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tours:

• Pickup and drop-off from accommodation
• Entrance fees to the Great Otway National Park
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Translation app in 16 languages (link provided after booking)
• You can bring a packed lunch or buy food at stops
• All tours operate with a maximum of 24 participants to ensure an in-depth and personalized experience

Is Regional Victoria on your list?   Here are eight spectacular places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Great Ocean Road and Otway overnight tour

Overnight tours from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road allow you to experience a more in-depth look at the area and sites. On day one, you leave Melbourne and head west towards the seaside town of Port Campbell.

On the way, you will stop at the Tower Hill Volcano site and go on a guided First Nations walk to learn about the traditional lifestyle of Australia’s indigenous people, bush tucker, medicine, and skills.

In the afternoon, you can explore the Shipwreck Coast and its icons, such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, London Bridge and Port Campbell National Park.

Heading to Port Campbell, where you spend the first night. Grab some dinner in your Great Ocean Road tickets, and then end the day at 12 Apostles watching the sun go down.

Day 2 of your Great Ocean Road tours kicks off early as you head to the big ticket locations on the Great Ocean Road before the crowds arrive, head to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, walk a short distance on the Great Ocean Walk and head down to the sand at Gibsons Steps beach, back onto the bus and off to the Otway rainforest to walk among the Giants at the Redwoods of the Otways.

You will stare in awe at the tallest and second-tallest species of trees growing side by side in Western Victoria. Turning back towards Melbourne, there are stops at the seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne to enjoy some beaches on the Great Ocean Road.

For those with a sweet tooth, you will have time to check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This Great Ocean Road one-day tour will have you back in Melbourne by around 7:30 p.m.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Road overnight tour from Melbourne:

• Overnight tour to/from Melbourne of Great Ocean Road highlights
• One night’s accommodation at Port Campbell Hostel with shared bathroom facilities
• One dinner, one breakfast on this overnight tour of the Great Ocean Road
• Indigenous culture tour, including bush tucker and boomerang throwing
• All national park entrance fees
• Guided bush walks
• Guaranteed Australian wildlife sighting

Extend your stay on the Great Ocean Road: All the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

This reverse tour heads to the far end of the Great Ocean Road first, hoping to avoid all other tours at the iconic Port Campbell National Park sight.

This will hopefully allow you a better experience and spectacular coastal views at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard George with fewer tourist buses around. Your tour guide will inform you about the local history and more for a better experience of Great Ocean Road sights.

After taking in the amazing sights, you will experience some of Australia’s best-known wildlife and enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully. This ancient rainforest will have you admiring some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park, and your tour guide will be looking for wild Koalas to point out.

Heading back towards Melbourne, your final stop on this amazing tour will be the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Bells Beach, one of the most photographed spots along this rugged coastline.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Road reverse day tour from Melbourne:

• Light picnic lunch
• Experienced driver guide
• National Park entry fees
• Onboard Wi-Fi and water refill station
• Australian wildlife sightings in the wild!
• Audio translation is available in 10 languages
• Select inner-city pick-up and drop-off points

The best Great Ocean Road tour in Melbourne offers breathtaking coastline views. A tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is best done over a few days if you have the time. You can easily grab a rental car in Melbourne and find accommodation.

This allows you to experience more things, such as taking a surfing lesson, visiting the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventure, exploring Apollo Bay, doing a rainforest tour and visiting the amazing Cape Otway Lighthouse, to name a few. You will not be rushed to see all the highlights, including the twelve apostles, the Kennett River, and the Southern Ocean.

In conclusion, doing the Great Ocean Road tours is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. So many Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne are available, with most of them offering the same thing. We have listed some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne you can take, each offering a little something different.

The views are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to see some of the best parts of Australia. If you’re looking for an adventure, there are Great Ocean Road day trips to suit everyone.

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

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Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.

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The Best Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Victoria’s Most Stunning Drive (Australia)

last Updated: March 27, 2024 australia Melbourne

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

G’day mate! Headed to Australia and looking for the best Great Ocean Road itinerary?! Keep on reading to hear all about my Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne!

The Great Ocean Road is one you’ll never forget and one you shouldn’t miss out on while in Melbourne. Think soaring limestone pillars. A dramatic coastline full of craggy cliffs and those famously dramatic 12 Apostles! Koalas resting in eucalyptus woodlands. Misty waterfalls hidden in lush rainforests. Iconic surf breaks and delicious fish n chips. 

It’s absolute heaven, and I already can’t wait to do the drive again (and again, and again).

No Melbourne itinerary (or visit to Australia!) is complete without a drive down the Great Ocean Road. I mean, this spectacularly scenic coastal highway (stretching over 150 miles) is famous for a reason after all, and by far the most popular day trip from Melbourne. My Great Ocean Road day trip was one of my favorites during my 5 days in Melbourne – and we sure did a lot!

The drive is a wild mix of Hawaii ( Kauai in particular!), the Pacific Coast Highway in California , and even the Algarve in Portugal . Plus Fern Canyon in Northern California ! So, so much natural beauty – no wonder it’s one of Australia’s most iconic and scenic coastal drives. Just like the PCH, the road literally hugs the cliff for a good portion, with tons of panoramic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. I was honestly blown away by it all.

I mean, driving the Great Ocean Road is kinda like a right of passage in Australia. Just like seeing the Opera House in Sydney and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.

And although the actual drive only takes about 4 hours (one-way), you’ll want the ENTIRE day to linger around and take in the fresh air of this beautiful area. Trust me, there’s lots of stops on the Great Ocean Road you won’t want to miss! Get ready for a long road trip, because today’s a lot of time in the car, haha (although I promise the landscapes are worth it!).

Great Ocean Road Itinerary Logistics

Where is the great ocean road.

The Great Ocean Road is located along the southeastern coast of Australia, in the state of Victoria, not terribly far from Melbourne. Because of this, plenty of people add a day trip to the Great Ocean Road into their Melbourne itinerary , and that’s exactly what we did! Psst – HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

If you’re just visiting Sydney (or further north) can you drive the Great Ocean Road? Well, considering Sydney is about 9-10 hours north of Melbourne, I’d have to say no, haha. BUT if you have even 3 days or so to spare, I’d recommend making the short flight down to Melbourne to see the city and of course do a short drive on the Great Ocean Road. It’s pretty spectacular if you ask me.

Australia is beyond huge (about the same size as the USA), so save this Great Ocean Road itinerary for when you’re visiting Melbourne. It’s too far away from other parts of the country (i.e. Sydney is 10 hours away, the Great Barrier Reef/Cairns is ~30 hours away, Brisbane is 18-20, and Uluru is ~25 hours away). But of course you could fly, haha (just can’t do an easy day trip like you can from Melbourne).

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts near the town of Torquay, which is about 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, Victoria. It officially begins at the Memorial Arch (commemorating the soldiers of WWI) just east of Torquay.

The road then winds its way along the coast, passing through iconic landmarks (the Twelve Apostles! Loch Ard Gorge! Koalas dozing in eucalyptus trees!) and ending near the town of Allansford (about 13 km west of Warrnambool).

So, it stretches ~243 kilometers (151 miles) starting from the town of Torquay in the east and ending near the town of Allansford in the west. Although the official end point is usually considered Allansford, the Great Ocean Road itself continues further west, and eventually merges with the Princes Highway.

Without stopping, it takes about 4 hours to drive the entire Great Ocean Road (from Torquay to Allansford). On the main inland highway it only takes about 2 hours to get from start to finish, BUT you don’t wanna go this way – you’ll miss all the scenic stops! Make sure you drive on the coast, haha.

There’s technically three sections on the drive, and on this Great Ocean Road itinerary I’m taking you to all three! 

• Surf Coast : Extending from Torquay to Lorne (the stretch closest to Melbourne), known for its world-class surfing beaches, including Bells Beach, Jan Juc, and Point Addis.
• Rainforest Coast : Near the Otway Ranges and the Great Otway National Park there’s lush rainforest scenery with dense forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. So different from the coastal parts of the Great Ocean Road.
• Shipwreck Coast : Between Cape Otway and Port Fairy you’ll find treacherous seas and rugged coastlines that’ve led to numerous shipwrecks over the years. This is where the famous 12 Apostles are!

What direction should I drive on the Great Ocean Road?

Well, that’s completely up to you of course! Since our Great Ocean Road itinerary was set by our tour, we did the stops in reverse (which was honestly so, so smart).

However, most travelers (and organized tour buses) choose to drive from east to west, starting from Torquay and ending near Port Campbell (making the 12 Apostles their last stop) – opposite from what we did. Doing so, you’ll have the ocean on your right side with better views of the coastline (remember, they drive on the left in Australia – figuring that all out just got me all confused, haha). 

Since we did the stops in reverse, we actually drove the Great Ocean Road from west to east, starting at the 12 Apostles near Port Campbell, then continuing on from there to other scenic stops and towns like Erskine Falls and Apollo Bay before continuing on to Melbourne. 

Why do I think this was a great idea? First of all, if you leave early enough, you can totally beat the crowds at the famous 12 Apostles, which is usually jam packed by mid-morning (we got there around 9:30am and there were only a handful of other people admiring the view with us). Secondly, parking will be much easier if you’re not following the typical route, as parking lots are not huge by any means and tend to fill up fast.

When to Take a Great Ocean Road Day Trip

I mean, it’s the Great Ocean Road! There’s never a bad time for it! 

A few things to keep in mind though (seasons and crowds): 

• Summer (December to February) is popular for beach activities and outdoor adventures. It’s peak tourist season, with the busiest weeks from mid-Dec to mid-Jan (when kids are on summer break).
• Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are great times for mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Autumn (March to May) is best for whale watching (Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales migrate along the coast during this time).
• Winter (June to August) is a quieter time to explore if you don’t mind cooler temps and occasional rainfall.

For reference, we completed our Great Ocean Road itinerary in late February, and didn’t have any problems with overcrowding or any crazy traffic. This is probably because we started the drive hella early, and made a beeline to the 12 Apostles (instead of seeing them last like most Great Ocean Road trip tours do). 

With that being said, start early! And see the stops in reverse like we did. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll wanna leave Melbourne in the early AM. By doing so, you’ll hopefully beat all the big bus tours and have the most crowded stops (almost) to yourself. 

Definitely head to the most famous of them all – The Twelve Apostles – first! To save time getting there, drive on the main highway (M1) instead of the GOR, and then head back via the GOR. You’ll get the long boring drive outta the way first.

Weather on the Great Ocean Road

Just like in Melbourne, the weather is kinda wacky (and wildly unpredictable) along the coastline. With this being said, be prepared for all kinds of weather during your Great Ocean Road day trip! 

The forecast is hardly ever truly accurate – when we visited it called for overcast skies the entire day, yet we got lucky with a decent amount of sun! I’ve heard it can go from bright sunshine to sudden rain showers and strong winds, so come prepared. But don’t let this deter you – the scenery is stunning regardless of the weather.

And the great thing about any Great Ocean Road itinerary is that it’s always a road trip (either an organized tour or in your own rental) – meaning you’ll have a vehicle to keep things in. Pack layers for sure.

Self-Driving vs. Taking an Organized Tour

A lot of people have this question, and understandably so! But honestly, either option works. If you’ve got time for two days or more along the Great Ocean Road, rent a car and drive yourself (just be extra careful). If all you have time for is a Great Ocean Road day trip, definitely take an organized day trip like this one . 

Great Ocean Road Guided Tour : I know most people like flexibility, but there’s so many positives to booking an organized tour, especially if you’ve only got time for a Great Ocean Road day trip. You’re most likely coming from Melbourne, and trust me – it’s a *long* day of driving (at least 7 hours roundtrip). I can’t imagine having enough energy to drive back to the city after seeing all the sights.

Plus, you get to lay back, relax, and look out the window. Zero stress and no logistical nightmares – just how I like it, haha! And you can sleep on the way to the first stop if you want, wink wink. Our guide was oh so fun (a cute young girl in her 20s) who really knew her stuff about Australia and the Great Ocean Road. We asked her so, so many questions, and loved hanging with her for the day.

I recommend picking a small-group tour with an early-morning pick up and one that beats the rush by exploring the typical route in reverse ( like this one right here! ). This one’s similar in case that other one gets sold out – which is very possible in high season (mid-December to mid-January). 

If you’re not comfortable driving on the other side of the road (like me!), don’t fret – Book yourself on a tour . We did just that and had such a stress-free day. Plus, by booking a tour, you won’t miss out on the views – that’s why you’re there after all! 

Self-Driving Tour: Have more than a day to explore the Great Ocean Road? It’s much more doable to drive yourself this way since you’ll be staying overnight and won’t need to drive back that very same day. 

But please oh please, be a cautious driver. Even if you’ve been driving for over 20 years, be extra careful while driving the Great Ocean Road. It’s a winding coastal route with some sharp bends, steep cliffs, and narrow points (kinda like the Road to Hana in Maui ). Always keep an eye out for wildlife (kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, etc), especially in remote areas and near dusk – they seem to just jump into the road at the most inopportune times! 

Driving yourself and going the DIY route? You’ll wanna plan your stops in advance – while you can certainly see where the day takes you, if you’ve only got time for a Great Ocean Road day trip, you wanna make sure you see the best of the best. Make this happen by doing a little advanced planning! (This is another great thing about a tour – they plan out an entire Great Ocean Road itinerary for you and keep you on track to make sure none of the highlights are missed).

Plan your Great Ocean Road itinerary with hopes to get back to Melbourne before it gets dark. Driving in the dark on the curvy, windy (unknown) roads is definitely not ideal, especially after driving loads of hours. 

What to Pack for a Day on the Great Ocean Road

You don’t need to bring too much, but come prepared for what you’ll need for a day on the Great Ocean Road! Absolute musts are water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. 

• SUNSCREEN : The #1 thing you must bring (although our tour guide had a huge tub of SPF in the front, haha). The sun is fierce here in Australia – reapply your SPF a few times a day, and yes, even if it’s cloudy out.
• Camera : I mean… these are some of the best views in all of Australia… you’ll wanna take some pics of course, haha. Bring a spare battery just in case, too!
• Water and Snacks : There’s places along the drive to pick up food and drinks, but I recommend keeping some in the car so you don’t have to waste time stopping.
• Comfortable shoes : Especially if you wanna do any hikes in the rainforest!
• Binoculars : To see wildlife if you want – not 100% necessary, but might as well bring them if you’ve got ‘em!
• Light jacket or sweater : the weather changes quickly over here, so best to be prepared! 
• Sandals : not a must per say, but bring ‘em if you wanna hang at any of the beaches Rain gear : highly recommended between June through August, and can’t hurt in spring and fall
• Reusable phone battery : it’s a long day out, so bring a portable phone battery so you never run outta charge.
• Reusable water bottle : gotta stay hydrated of course!
• Nausea medication : the roads are pretty curvy and windy here; bring alone meds if you get motion sickness!

Brief History of the Great Ocean Road

Everyone thinks the Great Ocean Road is just a road… and it is… but it holds a pretty significant place in Australian history. I had no clue before visiting, but our guide on our Great Ocean Road day trip told us all about it! The road is actually a memorial to the soldiers who fought in WWI – a pretty long (but worthy) memorial if you ask me!

I’ll try my best to share a bit of what we learned: After WWI, the soldiers had a hard time finding jobs (understandably) so they decided to build a coastal road linking a few isolated towns along Victoria’s southwest coast. This was for both employment purposes and to commemorate their fallen comrades. 

They started the build in 1919, and after 14 years (!!!) of harsh conditions and treacherous terrain (with no power tools, only explosives and hands tools), the 151 miles was officially completed! 

White it was initially built as a memorial and a means of providing employment to the soldiers, it soon became an important transport route connecting these coastal communities and providing access to remote areas. 

And we all know what happens when that happens – tourism! The Great Ocean Road is now one of Australia’s most iconic tourist attractions, yet still the world’s largest war memorial, dedicated to the soldiers of WWI.

Other Important FAQs for a Great Ocean Road Day Trip

What wildlife can I see along the drive? You’re in Australia – you wanna see the wildlife of course! Thankfully, there’s loads of native animals along the Great Ocean Road, and we saw plenty! Kangaroos (on a golf course no less!), koalas in eucalyptus trees (always be on the lookout!), and tons of sulfur-crested cockatoos. 

Never touch/pet them (no matter how cute they look), never feed them, and always keep your distance. Plus, many koalas in the wild have chlamydia (fun fact for ya)… although thankfully they can’t transfer the disease to humans.

Construction along the road is very common: Since the road was built between 1919 and 1932, it definitely needs some lovin’ every now and then. We encountered a fair bit of construction (with one-way lanes), but never had to wait more than a few minutes to pass. Don’t let this ruin your trip; it’s not a big deal! Just something to be aware of (it happens all the time).

Respect the Environment: Please oh please follow the Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering (there’s plenty of bins in towns and at the scenic stops), and be sure to stay on designated paths and trails. Be a good human being; it’s not that hard!

Turn on some good old-fashioned Australian music (as you’ll be in the car A LOT). Did I stress that enough? You’ll be in the car for hours and hours between making all the stops on this one day Great Ocean Road itinerary. Enjoy yourself! Better yet — make a playlist in advance! We loved rocking out to some hip Aussie surf bands.

Can I see all these stops in just one day from Melbourne?! Yes! You totally can (we did)! Just know you’ll need to start your day very, very early (our tour started at 6am *on the dot*), and need to pace yourself without spending too long at any given stop. If you’re worried about missing the highlights, just book yourself on a tour (that way you ensure you see the best spots).

Some are merely scenic photo spots with gorgeous landscapes, so you can easily take a few pics and move on. Other stops are longer (rainforest walk, searching for koalas, walking down to Gibson Beach, etc), so save time for those! Plus, you’ll wanna eat along the way – don’t forget to factor in time for lunch!

What are the main towns on the Great Ocean Road?

To be completely honest, the allure of the Great Ocean Road isn’t necessarily the towns, but the scenic landscapes! However, you’ll probably wanna stop for lunch in town, and this is where you’ll find tourist facilities as well.

• Torquay : This is Australia’s surf capital (!!!), known for its beaches, surf shops (the surf brand Rip Curl was founded here!), and surf culture. 
• Lorne : An iconic seaside holiday town with the best of both worlds – the beach right in the middle of town and Great Otway National Park in the hills behind Lorne.
• Apollo Bay : Here you’ll find a marina in town with fishing boats coming in with the day’s catch. Meaning fresh, local seafood! We had fish n chips and prawns for lunch here and they were great! 
• Port Campbell: This is the closest town to the iconic Twelve Apostles with many different lookouts, beaches, and rock formations.

Psst – Port Fairy and Warrnambool are other main towns along the famous drive, but with only a day trip to the Great Ocean Road, you won’t be headed that far!

Parking along the Great Ocean Road: Most of the places we stopped at had fairly large lots, but not huge by any means. There’s designated parking for the main highlights (like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay) but they definitely get filled up early. 

Another reason why I recommend starting your Great Ocean Road day trip on the (super) early side. You don’t wanna waste time looking for parking spots (although many spots are simply scenic lookouts so people don’t typically stay terribly long).

Should I stay overnight on the Great Ocean Road? You definitely can, and if you’ve got the time I totally think you should. I was in a time crunch trying to see as much as possible during my 5 days in Melbourne, so sadly only had enough time for a day trip to the Great Ocean Road. With 2 days, you can spend much longer at each stop, go on longer hikes, relax at the beach, and/or make even more stops. Plus of course see the sunset that night! 

My One Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Finally, all the beautiful stops to see! While it’d be downright amazing to have multiple days to dedicate driving the Great Ocean Road, that’s not a reality for many of us! But I PROMISE you can still see *oh so much* on a Great Ocean Road day trip like I did (just either book a tour or plan out your day in advance).

And I know I keep saying this, but I highly recommend doing the stops from west to east (starting with the 12 Apostles and ending closer to Melbourne). I honestly think this made our entire trip, as we dodged so many crowds and got the main attractions mostly to ourselves (seriously, it was magical). 

With just a day to see the best parts of the Great Ocean Road, you unfortunately won’t be able to drive the entire length (it’s over 243 kilometers/151 miles long). Doesn’t sound crazy far, but considering you’ve gotta drive 100 kilometers just to reach the start of the road, it makes for an exceptionally long day. And remember, you then have to drive back!

Instead, you’ll wanna focus on seeing the main highlights in Port Campbell National Park (where the 12 Apostles and other famous parts are located anyways). Here’s the stops I recommend in the order we did them (driving to the furthest one first!).

Stop #1: The Twelve Apostles

Majestic. Iconic. And downright grand. THIS IS THE VIEW WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! And when I say no words can truly describe the 12 Apostles, I mean it! They’re by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road – that picture-perfect postcard view. 

I was in awe the whole time… and totally wished I could have stared at that view for hours (but alas, we had to get moving in order to see everything on our Great Ocean Road itinerary). The landscape of the 12 Apostles reminded me a tad of the Algarve in Portugal (especially Ponte de Piedade and The Seven Hanging Valleys trail ), and boy was it just gorgeous. 

Not everyone realizes this, but there were never actually 12 limestone stacks … only 9! And in 2005 one collapsed, so now there’s only 8! They *have* been there for ~10 to 20 million years, so pretty impressive if you ask me. 

If you can swing it, visit at either sunrise or sunset – I heard the Twelve Apostles are super spectacular then. Imagine that golden light and warm glow on the limestone cliffs and stacks! We arrived around 9:30am, so still on the early side, but definitely missed sunrise by a few hours, haha. You can really only visit at sunrise or sunset if you’re staying in the area – it’s too dangerous to drive in the dark because of all the animals on/near the road. 

Without stopping, it takes about 3 hours to drive from Melbourne’s CBD to the 12 Apostles on the inland route (what I recommend). But thankfully the walk to the viewing platform is only a few minutes from the parking lot. To be completely honest, you really only need about 30 minutes at the 12 Apostles, or even less if you just wanna take a quick picture or two. 

But it really pays to come early though, as this is the most famous attraction and stop on the entire drive (and the one I was most excited for on our Great Ocean Road itinerary). One of my friends visited midday the year prior and said it was ridiculously swamped – no thanks!

Psst: There’s loads of free parking, clean toilets, and a small cafe and gift shop (but I don’t recommend going in – you’ll probably get side tracked and you really don’t wanna waste any time… there’s still a lot to see on this Great Ocean Road itinerary!).

Stops #2 and #3: Loch Ard Gorge and The Razorback

Loch Ard Gorge: Not far from the famous 12 Apostles (literally 3 minutes west) you’ll find Loch Ard Gorge, another gorgeous spot actually named after one of the most famous shipwrecks along the coast. In 1878, a ship called Loch Ard crashed onto nearby Muttonbird Island, and of the 54 passengers, only 2 survived – Tom and Eva. A really horrific story, made even worse by the fact that Tom and Eva didn’t end up together!

There’s a path down to the beach, but it was closed due to erosion when we were there (honestly, the views from above are just as impressive, if not more so).

Before leaving, walk over to the Tom and Eva Rock Formations (named after the only 2 survivors); another beautiful view only a few minutes away!

The Razorback: Another short walk from Loch Ard Gorge is yet another stunning rock formation – The Razorback! You don’t even need to move the car. And it’s exactly as it seems – narrow and elongated, resembling the spine of a razor!

Stop #4: Gibson Steps and Gibson Beach

Next up on this Great Ocean Road itinerary – a walk down the Gibson Steps onto Gibson Beach! 

You can either admire the view from above, or take the 86 steps down to the beach. And get this – the steps were carved right into the face of the cliff by Hugh Gibson (a local settler), who worked on the route originally used by the Kirrae Whurrong people. 

Once down, you can wander along the beach, checking out two of the famous rock stacks rising out of the sea (nicknamed Gog and Magog). I felt so teeny tiny walking beneath the 70 meter high cliffs! 

The beach kinda reminded me of the beaches in Half Moon Bay, California quite a bit. (Funny how I traveled over 15 hours when I’ve got similar-ish beaches less than 30 minutes from my house, haha). But hey, they’re both beautiful!

A few notes: 

• Do not attempt to swim here – it’s not safe. The waves creep up super quickly, so never turn your back on them for too long while walking along the beach. 
• Only walk down the steps if the weather is cooperating. If it’s raining or wet, the steps can get extremely slippery. Don’t take any chances!
• Parking is extremely limited at the Gibsons Steps/Gibson Beach. If you absolutely cannot find parking here, it’s possible to walk from the nearby 12 Apostles parking lot (which is WAY larger), but it’ll take about 20 minutes each way (cutting into your time quite a bit). Get here early to snag a spot before it gets crazy crowded.

Stop #5: Short Rainforest Hike

The Great Otway National Park is a welcome change of scenery – say goodbye to those winding coastal cliffs and hello to the lush, green rainforest! Yes, right here on the Great Ocean Road (I honestly had no clue we’d be hiking into the rainforest today!). What a pleasant surprise.

Psst – a lot of other Great Ocean Road day trip guides tell you to skip the rainforest unless you’ve got more time. Don’t listen to them! You can totally include a short visit to the rainforest if you stay on track (a true benefit of going on a tour).

Here’s a few recommended trails in the park (they’re quite far away from each other, so pick out the one you wanna do in advance):

Melba Gully: There’s such amazing biodiversity here and SO much greenery – like towering ferns and ancient, mossy trees. You’re definitely not on the coast anymore! Make sure to lookout for wallabies in the bush, and glowworms at night! Plus, there’s bathrooms at this stop (sometimes a necessity!). 

The walk is super easy – the Madsen’s Track Nature Walk is mostly on boardwalks straight from the picnic area!

Erskine Falls: Care for a waterfall hike?! Before heading out on our Great Ocean Road day trip, I honestly did not expect to be hiking to a 30m waterfall! Just another surprise on this famous road, haha. I won’t say the walk was terribly easy, as we had to walk down (and then back up!) over 230 stone steps, but wow was it just fascinating. 

Kinda reminded me of the Hall of Mosses trail in Olympic National Park in Washington State a bit, except with a gushing waterfall!

And passing by towering eucalyptus trees and through a fern-lined gorge made it all that much more motivating, haha. If you don’t wanna walk all the way down, there’s a small viewing platform at the top, but honestly, you can’t really see much. 

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: This is one the shortest and easiest walks through the temperate rainforest, and the loop only takes around ½ hour to complete (perfect if you’re running behind schedule, whoops!). Through the self-guided trail (a mix of boardwalk and rainforest floor), expect to see ancient trees (some 300+ years old!), tons of mosses, and even more ferns. 

If you’re staying overnight nearby, bright a flashlight and you may be able to see the glow worms here (yes, glow worms!). Look carefully on the ground next to the boardwalk, and you may get lucky!

Stop #6: Apollo Bay for Lunch 

FINALLY, lunch time! Told you bringing snacks in the car was a good idea, haha. 

Apollo Bay is a charming laid-back coastal town along the Great Ocean Road, and it’s the perfect place to stop for a seafood lunch! I recommend getting takeaway fish n chips from George’s and walking down to Apollo Bay Beach to eat. 

Before heading out, grab some ice cream at Dooley’s – such a perfect treat on such a long day… and it was very much needed (like every other day in Australia, haha).

Stop #7: Kennett River Nature Walk to spot koalas

Okay, this wouldn’t be a proper Great Ocean Road itinerary if there weren’t koalas involved! And on the Kennett River Nature Walk you’re guaranteed to see a few. 

How to see them? Park at Kafe Koala and just follow the crowds – you’ll eventually see groups of people looking up, and voila, you found them!  Definitely bring your zoom lens; they’re typically pretty high up in the trees!

Sure, it’s kinda touristy (tour buses stop here and the cafe sells bird seed), but hey, there’s KOALAS IN THE WILD here so who wouldn’t wanna see them?! I swear, they’re so cute and so fluffy it’s hard to imagine them as something other than teddy bears, haha. 

You’ll also probably see lots of birdlife here as well, like colorful parrots and lorikeets! But everyone comes here to see the koalas for sure.

We were actually able to see some sleepy koalas dozing in the eucalyptus trees on the stretch of road between Loch Ard Gorge and Apollo Bay, but if you decide to stop on the side of the road, make sure you’re extra careful as it’s a super active road. 

Stop #8: Lorne Beach

A great place for a quick stop with cool beach vibes, awesome surf shops, and a fun atmosphere. The beach is clean and pristine, and we saw tons and tons of cockatoos!  We used this area as a bathroom break before making our way back to Melbourne, but I would have loved to spend more time here!

Plus, not far from the beach is Teddy’s Lookout, a scenic viewpoint at the top of George Street. We didn’t have time to visit and I’m so sad – the pictures look gorgeous! If you’re driving yourself, definitely stop here (and tell me how it is, haha).

Stop #9: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch 

The Memorial Arch marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road (although this was actually our last stop since we were doing the route in reverse).Here you can read about the construction of the Great Ocean Road (it’s got a pretty interesting history as I noted earlier). 

The Memorial Arch has a small parking area, but it gets busy during peak season (especially in the morning; come later in the day and it’ll be much quieter), or just take a quick photo as you’re driving by like I did!

So there ya have it – my perfect Great Ocean Road day trip itinerary from Melbourne! Are you headed to Australia anytime soon?!

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The Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - 1-Day Itinerary

Built between 1919 and 1932 by returned World War I soldiers, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world and an important tourist attraction in Australia. It was dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, making it the world’s largest war memorial.

Although the Great Ocean Road is best known for the limestone rock stacks in the ocean called “The Twelve Apostles”, it also has many other highlights along the route, including forests, waterfalls, lighthouses, beaches, and koalas. If you visit at the right time, you might even be able to spot whales!

During my visit to Melbourne, I had the opportunity to visit the famous route when my host offered to take me there.

Table of Contents

About the Great Ocean Road

Where is the great ocean road.

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford.

Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne , which is the nearest major city. It’s also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, although the journey is close to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) and may take you a few days to complete.

A Brief History of the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road was first planned toward the end of World War I to connect isolated settlements on the coast and to become a transport link for tourism and the timber industry. At the time, the communities around the rugged southern coast were only accessible by sea or a rough bush track.

After receiving enough funds, the road was built by returned soldiers, and was officially opened on 26th November 1932 by Lieutenant Governor, Sir William Irvine.

Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is great to visit at any time of the year, with its mild winters (6°C – 15°C) and pleasantly warm summers (12°C – 26°C).

The summer months (December to February) are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach. But this is also the busiest time of the year, which means bigger crowds, traffic delays, and difficulty in finding parking spaces.

On the other hand, the winter season (June to August) can be chilly, but there will be less crowd and if you’re lucky, you might get a chance to see whales. Going on the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) is also a good idea to avoid crowds.

I visited in September and while it was quite cold and windy, I don’t think I encountered any more than one or two other tourists at each of the attractions.

How to Get to the Great Ocean Road

Traveling by car is the most popular way to visit the Great Ocean Road as it gives you the freedom to go at your own time and pace. Not only will you get to make as many stops and stay for as long as you want, you also get to time your visit to avoid crowds.

Car rental can be arranged in Melbourne city, at the airport, online, or through your hotel.

From Melbourne, take the Princess freeway (M1) toward Geelong, then take the Geelong bypass toward Torquay. Here, you will join the B100, which will later become the Great Ocean Road.

By Tour Bus

For those of you who can’t drive or prefer not to, there are many day tour options that can take you to the major highlights along the Great Ocean Road without the hassle of renting a car and driving the long route.

Check out these tours on Klook (if you’re not sure what Klook is, click here to read my review):

Things to See & Do on the Great Ocean Road (1 Day Itinerary)

The Great Ocean Road is more than just a long drive by the coast. There are plenty of things to see and do along the 243-kilometre stretch, both natural and man-made.

Here is a list of things you can see on a day trip to the Great Ocean Road:

1. The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

First thing first! Gotta let ’em people know you’ve been to the Great Ocean Road, right? Therefore, a photo in front of the iconic wooden arch — right at the start of the road — is a must for any visitor.

But don’t be mistaken — the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch is not a mere photo op. It was erected in honor of the 3,000 returned soldiers who built the road by hand between 1919 and 1932.

There’s space to park along the road and a carpark off to the left of the arch.

2. Split Point Lighthouse

If you had ever watched the Aussie 90s kids TV show “Round the Twist”, you’d probably remember this lighthouse. The exterior was portrayed as the family’s lighthouse home.

Also known as “The White Queen with the Red Cap”, the Split Point Lighthouse is clearly visible once you come around the bend in Aireys Inlet. It has been guarding the coast since 1891 and is still a fully functioning lighthouse, guiding ships through the treacherous Bass Strait.

For $10, visitors are allowed to go inside on a self-guided tour. Don’t forget to go to the lookout point to see spectacular views of the Fairhaven Surf Beach.

3. Erskine Falls

After Aireys Inlet, the next town you will arrive at is Lorne . You can stop here and explore the hipster cafes, eateries, and cute shops. We didn’t. Instead, we went straight to Esrkine Falls, about 10 minutes’ drive from town.

The 30-metre high falls are nestled within a lush conifer forest and require a short hike up some stairs to get to. When the water level is low, it’s possible to cross the river right up to the falls. But do wear proper shoes, as the path can be slippery and muddy. 

Watch out for snakes if you go in the summer.

4. Kennett River Koala Walk

It might sound unbelievable, but the Great Ocean Road is actually home to one of the largest koala populations in Australia. On top of that, it is also one of the best places to spot other Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, wombats, and echidna.

Although it’s possible to bump into these animals at any of the forests (and even on the road and coastline sometimes), you’d have the highest chance of an encounter at the Kennett River Koala Walk.

You can either take a slow drive along the road or pull over and walk. Just look up into the eucalyptus trees and you surely won’t be disappointed. We spotted more than 10 chunky koalas. If they’re not snoozing on the branches, they’d be munching on the leaves.

Do keep in mind that these are wild animals in their natural habitat, and you’re the (uninvited) guest. Please keep a respectful distance. Do not make excessive noise or try to touch or feed them. These actions may stress them out and possibly threaten their survival.

If you still crave some animal interaction, you can pay a small fee to have a bunch of parrots eat out of your hands (or your head).

5. Triplet Falls

Arguably the nicest of all the waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road, the Triplet Falls feature wide pathways, tall fern trees, and unique cascading triplet falls falling side by side.

To get there, you need to hike for about 45 – 60 minutes through a fern forest. The trees were so tall and big that in the beginning, I thought they were oil palm trees that I was familiar with in my country.

The tall trees and ferns typically indicate a high-rainfall area, so make sure you wear sturdy hiking/walking shoes as the footpath can be slippery after rain.

6. The Twelve Apostles

For many people, the Twelve Apostles are their main or sole reason for visiting the Great Ocean Road.

The iconic rock stacks that protrude dramatically from the sea were formed more than 20 million years ago. Once part of the mainland, the limestone cliffs were eroded by the stormy Southern Ocean and gradually turned into caves, then arches, and finally collapsed, leaving the rock stacks behind, isolated from the shore.

Despite the name, there are now only 7 rock stacks still standing. Six of them are visible from the main viewing platform, while the seventh one is located several meters around the corner.

The rocks change color throughout the day. The best times for pictures are during sunrise and sunset, but most other photographers might have the same idea, so you probably won’t get the whole place to yourself. 

However, it’s worth noting that the place is the most crowded in the afternoon when the tour buses arrive. We arrived after sunset, and there was no one else around. Our photos turned out to be quite dark but the rock stacks were still visible.

There’s a boardwalk that takes you along the best viewpoints of the Apostles. It’s about five minute’s walk away from the car park.

7. Lookout Points Along the Way

That was all that we had time for on our day trip to the Great Ocean Road. After the Twelve Apostles, we made our way back to Melbourne.

Even if you don’t have time to do the entire stretch, doing just a portion of the Great Ocean Road is still worth it. You’ll be guaranteed great views all the way, with many viewpoints to stop at for pictures.

Other Highlights on the Great Ocean Road

If you have more than one day, here are some other things you can see on the Great Ocean Road:

1. Beauchamp Falls

We had passed the Beauchamp Falls but had to skip them because they would take a long time to get to (about 1.5 hours’ steep hike from the car park). The 20-metre falls are hidden by a thick forest of ferns, mountain ash, and myrtle beech.

2. Loch Ard Gorge

A few minutes’ drive from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find the Loch Ard Gorge, a popular stop with epic views and an interesting survival story of two teenagers who survived a shipwreck in 1878.

One of them was barely conscious at the gorge’s mouth before being rescued by the other. They then took shelter in a cave near the gorge before the stronger of the two barehandedly climbed the crumbling 11-metre-high cliffs to seek help. The gorge was later named after the sunken ship.

3. Thunder Cave

The Thunder Cave — which can be accessed from the Loch Ard Gorge car park — is a narrow gorge and cave that the ocean smashes into and makes a great splash, as well as a thunderous sound, hence the name.

A short walk from the cave, you can find the beach where the Sherbrook River meets the Southern Ocean and you will be awed by the beauty and force of nature.

However, do take extreme caution and keep a safe distance from the edge, as freak waves as high as 4 metres can occur at random. There’s also a permanent rip tide here, which makes the beach extremely unsafe to swim or wade in.

4. Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps are steps that lead down to the beach, giving you a different perspective of the Twelve Apostles. They were once hand-carved into the cliffs but have since been replaced by concrete steps with safety railings.

This is one of the few places in the area that allow proper beach access, but do check whether the steps are open before you go. They’re sometimes closed if there had been any fallen debris from the clifftop.

5. The Grotto

As the cliffs fell away, they left a window in the rock wall, through which you can see a beautiful sinkhole, with the ocean in the background. To get to the grotto, you need to go down steep stairs. 

6. The London Bridge

The Australian version of the London Bridge is actually an offshore limestone archway that was once connected to the mainland. As though fulfilling the prophecy of the London Bridge song, this archway did fall down in 1990, leaving two tourists trapped on the remaining arch and having to be rescued by a helicopter.

7. Bay of Islands

About 25 minutes away from the Twelve Apostles is the Bay of Islands, which is another collection of limestone rock stacks. Much like the Twelve Apostles, the bay also looks its best at sunset and has a boardwalk along the coastlines. The scenery offered here is almost similar to the one at the Apostles, but with a much smaller crowd.   

8. Bay of Martyrs

Although not as impressive as the nearby lookout points, the Bay of Martyrs is a great place for escaping the crowds. It is also one of the few places where you can walk down to the beach to enjoy a scenic stroll.

9. Hopetoun Falls

Another one of the many waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road, the 30-metre-high Hopetoun Falls are located in the Great Otway National Park, about 4 kilometres south of the Beauchamp Falls. You can either stay on the upper platform or get a closeup view by descending 200 stairs to the base of the falls.

10. Cape Otway Lighthouse

Dating back to 1848, this lighthouse is 15 minutes away from the Great Ocean Road and provides excellent views of the rugged cliffs. For $19.50, you get to tour the lighthouse, hear the story of tragic shipwrecks, discover Australia’s extraordinary secret war history from WWII, and understand the local indigenous culture.

You also have the option of staying overnight in the historic lightkeeper’s accommodation. The Lightkeeper’s Kitchen serves an array of tasty homemade fare, including freshly baked scones and locally roasted coffee.

Cape Otway Lighthouse is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11. Otway Rainforest Canopy

A short detour from the Great Ocean Road will take you to the Otway Rainforest Canopy, where you can take an hour-long 25-metre-high treetop walk amongst the giant myrtle beech, mountain ash, and blackwood trees.

You can also climb the spiral staircase to the canopy viewing platform, or — if that’s not adventurous enough for you — go ziplining.

12. Californian Redwood Forest

Not only does the Great Ocean Road have the London Bridge, it also has a Californian Redwood Forest! The 85-year old forest is a leftover from the logging industry that used to take place there in the 1930s. Now, the the trees have grown into 60-metre-tall giants.

Surrounded by dense ferns and local trees, the enchanting Otways Californian Redwood Forest is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets.

13. The Beaches on the Great Ocean Road

When in Australia, do as the Australians do and go to the beach — because why visit a country with 34,000 kilometres of coastline if you’re not going to go to the beach, right?

But be sure to check whether the beach is safe for swimming before you dip in. Stick to those with lifeguards, and swim between the red and yellow flags. Some of the safe beaches along the Great Ocean Road are:

• Torquay –  Calm waters, surrounded by pine trees. Patrolled by lifeguards in summer.
• Jan Juc – Fringed by dramatic cliffs. Patrolled in summer.
• Anglesea – Wide sandy beach and calm waters. Patrolled in Summer.
• Lorne – 2-kilometre-long sandy beach with many trendy cafes and bars.
• Apollo Bay – Crescent shaped beach with protected waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
• Port Campbell – The sheltered beach at the town of Port Campbell is one of the few in the area that are safe for swimming. 

How Long to Spend on the Great Ocean Road

If you’re short of time, it’s possible to visit the Great Ocean Road on a day trip like I did, and still manage to see quite a few places. Start early in the morning to get the most out of your trip.

However, do bear in mind that it will be a long drive. Unless you really love driving long-distance, you might want to go with someone with whom you can take turns driving. Or consider taking a tour so that you’ll be able to sit back the entire trip and enjoy the views.

To see all of these attractions without feeling rushed, it’s recommended to spend at least 3 days and 2 nights..

Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road

For those who are planning to spend more than one day on the Great Ocean Road, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. If you’re on a budget, you can even camp at the many free campsites and serviced holiday parks along the route, where you can pitch a tent or park your campervan.

Apollo Bay, Lorne, and Port Campbell are good locations to stay at. Apollo Bay is close to forests and waterfalls, Port Campbell is near to the Twelve Apostles and other coastal rock formations, while Lorne is a cool town on its own.

• Beachcomber Motel & Apartment (Apollo Bay) – Only 5 minutes’ walk from Apollo Bay Beach and the Apollo bay Golf Club, this motel features a beautiful garden with a sheltered barbecue area. All rooms are heated and come with a TV, a refrigerator, and a tea/coffee maker. Some also have a kitchenette, a fireplace and spa bath. From AUD 90 for a Double Motel Room.
• Sow & Piglets Guesthouse (Port Campbell) – This award-winning hostel is a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles and a 3-minute walk from the beach. Available on site is a shared kitchen, a microbrewery and a bar. From AUD 35 for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dormitory room. 
• Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park (Lorne) – Perfect for budget travelers, this campsite provides shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a children’s playground, and a terrace with BBQ facilities. Located along the Erskine River, 400 metres from Loutit Bay Beach and 10 minutes’ walk from Lorne, it also offers access to the Erskine Falls. From AUD 52 for a spot at the campsite. Tent and cabin options (with private bathrooms) are also available. 
• Captains by the Bay (Apollo Bay)  – Less than 5 minutes’ walk from restaurants and shops, and 15 minutes’ walk from Apollo Bay Harbor. Each room comes with a private bathroom, LCD TV and DVD player. From AUD 140 for a Studio Room. 
• Port Campbell Parkview Motel & Apartments  (Port Campbell) – Located on a quiet street, 5 minutes’ walk away from the beach. Each apartment and studio features a balcony or patio with ocean or garden views, a fully-equipped kitchen/kitchenette, and a private bathroom. From AUD 140 for a suite. 

Mantra Lorne (Lorne) – Equipped with an indoor heated swimming pool, 4 tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a gym, a spa, and an 18-hole putting, this resort is the only property in Lorne that has direct access to the beach. From AUD 178 for a Classic Double/Twin Room, with breakfast.   

• Apollo Bay Guest House (Apollo Bay)  – Set in landscaped gardens with a sunny terrace only 200 metres from Apollo Bay Beach, this property features a lounge with a fireplace, antique furniture and French decor, From AUD 290 for a Queen Room with Ocean View, including breakfast.
• Southern Ocean Villas (Port Campbell) –  Located on the edge of the Port Campbell National Park, the Southern Ocean Villas offer private patios with garden views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a barbecue area with outdoor seating. From AUD 230 for a Standard 3-bedroom villa. 
• Pierview Apartments (Lorne) – A stylish apartment hotel with gorgeous ocean views, only a 10-minute walk from Lorne Beach. From AUD 340 for a 2-bedroom apartment.  

Additional Tips for Visiting the Great Ocean Road

• If you choose to self-drive, remember that Australia drives on the  left-hand side  of the road. There are road signs reminding tourists of this, which shows that it is a common problem.
• Most of the best attractions on the Great Ocean Road are in the Port Campbell National Park , so if you don’t have time to see everything, try to focus your time here.
• It is best to drive from east to west , starting in Torquay. This way, you’ll be driving on the ocean side of the road, which gives you better views and easier access to viewpoints.
• The most scenic leg of the route is between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
• When planning your itinerary, bear in mind that the journey may take longer than you expect because of the many curves on the road, as well as the many photo opportunities that you may want to stop for.
• Avoid driving after dark if you’re not used to the area. The roads are unlit and there’s always the danger of accidents involving wildlife.

• Australian authorities are very strict on the use of seat belts both for drivers and passengers. Child car seats are mandatory for children aged 7 years and below.
• Using your phone (including taking photos or videos) while driving is illegal, even at traffic lights or stop signs. If you need to use your phone, the law requires you to pull over.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes . You’ll be doing some walking to get to the waterfalls.
• Stay hydrated — bring enough drinking water, especially in the summer months.
• Don’t forget to put on sunscreen !

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Great Ocean Road

If you’re in Melbourne, a visit to the Great Ocean Road is something that shouldn’t be missed, especially for those who love road trips, beaches, forests, and dramatic cliff views. Many of the attractions along the Great Ocean Road are just a short drive from one another, so even if you’ve only got one day to spare, you’ll still see quite a lot.

Just remember to be respectful of the places you visit and their inhabitants, and above all, do not underestimate the power of nature. Stay safe!

Have you ever been to the Great Ocean Road? What was your favorite part about it? Share your experience in the comment section below.

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40 comments.

I suka you punya travel blog, its like really a travel journal and senang orang nak refer in case they want to visit next time. Keep it up sis!

Thank you so much, Zayani. Glad you enjoy my blog. Comments like yours keep me going. 🙂

baca your post i feel like rinduuu sangat nak travel. boleh bookmark post ni manatau after ni ada rezeki nak kesini

Ok, bookmark ya, Bae. And you’re not alone — I tulis post ni pun I sendiri rasa rindu nak travel. Haha.

I haven’t been to Melbourne yet. But it is always in my wish list. Insya’Allah I will travel there someday. Thank you for sharing this good post. Love your pictures.

Thank you, Fadima. I hope you’ll get to travel to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road someday. 🙂

I was in Melbourne to visit a friend who studied there, but she had never mentioned the Great Open Road during my visit. It was either she also did not know about it or it slipped her mind. Hehe

It must have slipped her mind, I’m sure, Rawlins. Or perhaps she’s just not into long drives. Haha. Coz I don’t think it would be possible for anyone living in Melbourne to not know about the Great Ocean Road. 😀

Wow, such a wonderful experience. Siap senarai tempat penginapan tu. Rasanya kalau ada yang nak ke sana mmg mudah refer kat entri u ni.

Thanks, Dik Bee. Nanti boleh la bookmark page ni atau share pada siapa-siapa yang bercadang untuk ke Australia selepas Covid berakhir nanti. 🙂

Huhuhu rindu pulak nak travel bila baca entry ni n tgok gambar2 semua ni. Hope dapatlah sis travel ke sana lagi

Ya, harap tak lama lagi dapatlah kita travel semula macam sediakala. 🙂

Great article with full information. Moga cepat covid ni reda so that leh teroka

Thank you, Min. Sama-samalah kita doakan, ya. 🙂

Wahhh, you make me wanna go there now! Tapi apakah dayakan! Will keep this as my reference! I have cousins stayed at Adelaide! Maybe can take few weeks off to enjoy the road trip when i visit them!

Sounds like a great plan, Kitkat! 😀

Banyaknye laut dan waterfalls yang boleh dikunjungi kat sini.bestnye dapat tengok koala

Ya, Marina. Memang banyak benda boleh buat sepanjang the Great Ocean Road Australia ni. Kalau pergi sehari je memang padat itinerari.

Umi mesti rindu giler nak travel kann… sebab dah biaa travel sana sini.. kalau baca balik semua posting mesti teruja.. i pun rindu sama huhuhu one day nak gak sampai Melbourne…

Memang la rindu, sis. Tapi nak buat macam mana kan, tunggu je la keadaan kembali pulih. Saya harap sis pun dapat sampai ke Melbourne juga satu hari nanti. 🙂

Aduihhh rindu betul nak jalan dekat sini. Memang tak puas. Sebab sepanjang perjalanan memang kita akan dihidangkang dengan pemandangan yang sangat cantik. Kalau boleh semua tempat menarik nak stop ambik gambar tapi sebab plan pergi balik hari jadi hanya cover tempat2 yang penting jer.

Ya, Saidila. Kalau nak betul-betul puas, memang kena spend at least 1 atau dua malam kat sini, baru la tak rushing dan dapat singgah semua tempat. Tapi kalau pergi balik hari pun tak bermaksud tak enjoy, kan. Sebab dari awal sampai akhir perjalanan ni memang viewnya cantik-cantik.

wow the koala bear so cute, in love betul… suka lah tengok view scenery di situ.. so best dapat kesana before the mco ahahhh cepatlah habis dunia kopig ni nak ke sana ke sini lol

Ya, Syafiera. Memang comel koala tu. Tapi kerja diorang tido je. Haha. Kalau di petting zoo, kita boleh pegang2. Kat sini tak boleh. Tapi perasaan dia lain sikit la bila dapat tengok sendiri haiwan-haiwan ni di habitat semulajadi mereka. 🙂

Everytime baca blog ummi mesti Yaya rindu nak travel. Rasa menyesal pulak tak banyak tangkap gambar masa travel dulu

Sama la kita, Yaya. Saya pun rasa menyesal dulu tak ambil gambar dan video banyak2. Kalau tak dah boleh buat banyak YouTube video. Haha. Sekarang ni tak tau bila boleh pergi lagi.

i have seen so many beautiful photos of the 12 Apostles, but never knew they were one of the stops along this epic drive. i have been wanting to see them in person one day, and now feel even more motivated to do this whole drive.

I hope you will, Shelley! The 12 Apostles are pretty impressive but there are also lots of other attractions you will see along the route. 😀

Wow so many great places to visit. I love the waterfall and the amount of wildlife that exists. Also, the temperatures are pretty perfect!

It was quite chilly for me in September, but then again I come from Southeast Asia. Other people might find Australian temperatures pretty mild. Haha. But you’re right, there are so many waterfalls and wildlife along that road. 😀

Great post, love all these details for driving the Great Ocean Road. I drove a portion of it a few years back, but I would really love to return and do more. Thanks for this inspo!

You’re welcome, Erin! Glad to have inspired you to go again. 😀

Wow! What a great road trip idea! I am definitely adding this to my travel list!

You definitely should, Mykalee. I hope you’ll get to experience the Great Ocean Road someday 🙂

I was surprised to learn that Otways Californian Redwood Forest is there! What a special find. Your blog post is comprehensive and has something for every kind of adventure in the area.

Thank you, Vanessa! I hope it will be useful when you’re planning a trip to the Great Ocean Road someday. 🙂

I love this great ocean road itinerary from Melbourne! We did a part coast part inland drive from Sydney to Melbourne but not this one. I found another London Bridge lookout in Point Nepean near Sorrento! I am bookmarking your itinerary for future plans. 🙂

Thank you, Jan! And thanks for sharing your experience as well. That sounds interesting — I must look for it if I ever make the journey from Sydney to Melbourne in the future. 😀

wah bestnya melbourne. khai takde rezeki lagi untuk ke luar dari asia lagi.mostly semua makin dekat2 je paling jauh pun tak silap taiwan hahaha . bila lah pkp ni akan berakhir

Ok la tu, Khai. Kat benua Asia ni saja dah terlalu banyak tempat menarik. Taiwan pun saya pernah pergi sekali saja, ke Taipei. 🙂

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Great Ocean Road Itinerary – 1 Day Tour

The Complete One-Day Self Drive Guide

Page Contents

One of the most popular drives in Australia, the return Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne is over 500 km, keep this in mind when planning your touring itinerary. This is our complete guide to driving the Ocean Road in a day, leaving from Melbourne.

How long will the Great Ocean Road drive take?

It’s possible to drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles in about 4.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road – non-stop. That would not be any fun though. Read on to get the best information on driving the Ocean Road route in one day.

See the driving times information below to understand how far the total road trip is and how long it takes to drive between towns and the main attractions.

This post may include affiliate links, please read our  disclaimer.

What can you expect from this 1-day itinerary?

• Discover how long the Great Ocean Road drive will take with realistic driving times between the best attractions that we recommend you do on a one-day self-drive tour.
• We’ll show you how to see everything possible in a day and get the most out of your trip.
• Find out where the best Great Ocean Road stops are and where to see fabulous views, koalas in the wild, long golden beaches, and more. See our interactive map of 50 things to see and do for even more holiday ideas.
• Discover the best views of the Twelve Apostles and nearby places to visit.
• Get all the information you need to make this drive one of the best road trips you will do in Australia . It is written by a former tour guide with years of experience driving this famous route over one and two days.

Travel tips for the Great Ocean Road Drive

• The Great Ocean Road can be done in a day, by using our suggested tour itinerary you can see as much as possible.
• Please remember that the entire Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne and return is over 500 km’s , on mostly winding, cliff-hugging roads.
• Leave as early as possible – 7 am or earlier from Melbourne is definitely recommended. Seriously, leave early!
• Driving solo may not be ideal unless you are used to long, tiring drives.
• Consider taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour if you only have one day available. We can recommend some excellent small bus tour companies.
• Check sunset times to avoid getting to the 12 Apostles area too late.
• Driving the Ocean Road in the reverse direction may be a good option, perhaps stay overnight in Port Campbell the night before, which is near the 12 Apostles, and start the day trip from there?
• How much time is ideal to see this part of Victoria? It can be done in a day, two days means getting to relax and do more walking although three days (or longer) would provide plenty of time to see and do so much more… If you can stay for more than a day, check out these unique Air BnB properties!
• Fuel- Fill up before you go, though petrol stations and food stops are easy to find along the way, keep the gas tank topped up and you’ll be ok.
• Read about what to see and do at the Twelve Apostles.

Car or Motorhome Rental

Hiring (renting) a car or campervan  is a great way to experience any road trip. Find the best rental prices using DriveNow . Vehicles can be hired from the Melbourne Airport, in the city, and in some suburban areas.

Great Ocean Road One Day Tour Itinerary

This suggested one-day self-drive itinerary is based on years of experience driving the Great Ocean Road as a tour guide .

Previously, as an owner-driver of a small 22 seat tour bus, I was able to create a guided tour that took visitors to the absolute best spots over two days, I also did one-day tours and know how exhausting it can be.

It starts from, and returns to, Melbourne but can be easily adapted if you are traveling on elsewhere, such as to Adelaide.

We did this drive, to measure driving times between stops, during the autumn/fall when the sunset was at approximately 8 pm. Please make allowances depending on the time of year you travel.

6.30 am ~  Depart Melbourne

From the Melbourne city center, it is about a 20-minute drive up and over the West Gate Bridge where our timing starts.

This first section of the drive, following Highway One (Australia’s National Highway ) , is quite straightforward and not especially interesting.

There is a 24 hour BP Petrol Station at Little River which is about 30 mins after crossing the West Gate Bridge. A good place to fill up and grab a snack perhaps.

Keep following Highway One and look for the signs to the Great Ocean Road.

Follow the road (C134) towards Anglesea, we suggest you bypass Torquay on a day trip.

( Torquay is a pretty little town and home to some lovely accommodation , good beaches as well as surf shop outlets and the National Surfing Museum . Bells Beach is close by where the Rip Curl Classic Surf competition is held annually. There is also  ‘ Narana ‘ an award-winning Aboriginal Cultural Centre offering authentic, immersive, cultural experiences).

Visit Torquay if you have more time, on a day trip it is,sadly, best to bypass this town.

Pass Through Anglesea ~ 7.50 am

Angelsea is a sweet little town, a stop here is not recommended on a day trip though, too many miles to cover still.

Soon after Anglesea, the road follows close to the ocean and miles of wonderful beaches can be seen, this region is known as The Surf Coast, for good reason.

Memorial Arch

Arrive – 8.20 a m

Depart – 8.40 am

Passing through Aireys Inlet, the long golden surf beaches continue. Look out for the ‘Pole House’ on the right. A concrete structure that has survived bushfires and is available to rent on Stayz for about $600 per night (2-night minimum stay)

Stop by the Memorial Arch to stretch your legs and read the history of the Great Ocean Road construction, take a few minutes to walk down onto the beach.

Parking for long vehicles is a bit limited here, drive a little past the arch to park with long vehicles (beside the road).

After stopping at the Memorial Arch, keep driving up and over the hills where there are a few lookout points and driveways to homes that seemingly disappear over the cliff. This is the start of the dramatic section of the Great Ocean Road.

Arrive – 9.00 am

Depart – 9.30 am

Lorne is a favorite day trip haunt for Melbourne residents and has been for many years. Art Deco style buildings, loads of accommodation options, sea baths, safe swimming, surfing and paddle boarding, a great playground, skate park, bbq’s to use as well as loads of cafes and shops.

The Lorne Visitor Centre (on the left as you enter the town and opposite the colorful lady sculptures) is worth a visit to see ‘The Great Ocean Road Story’ – a stunning display of photos and history.

Parking in peak season for long vehicles is difficult, do not try to find parking up behind Lorne as the streets are really steep.  The lower parking area opposite the petrol station is the best option.

We have allowed 30 minutes to visit this funky town on a one-day drive. Do not dawdle too long… there is still a long way to go to reach the 12 Apostles!

Could you manage 2 -3 days for this drive ? Stay overnight in beautiful Lorne! Walk the trail to the stunning Erskine Falls, swim in the sea baths, or maybe learn to surf… Discover more about what there is to see and do in Lorne…

Teddy’s Lookout

Arrive – 9.35 am

Depart – 9.50 am

Drive through Lorne and turn right at the Lorne Hotel to follow the signs up to Teddy’s  Lookout. The view from here is often seen in promotional tourism images.

It is a steep road but vehicles going up have the right of way, so you will not need to stop. Pulling a big caravan up may not be wise.

Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees around this area.

If you have towed a caravan up, maybe park by the phone towers before reaching the lookout and walk the last 100 metres as the turning circle at the end may be crowded.

Return to the Great Ocean Road the same way.

Kennett River Koala Walk

Arrive – 10.30 am

Depart – 11.00 am

Koalas in the wild! Many Australians have never seen a koala in the wild.  Kennett River is a tiny little township and is a great place to see our cute koalas, grab a cuppa maybe. Turn right towards the store and then immediately left up Grey River Road . Watch out for pedestrians, ducks, and birds on the road.

Very often a koala or two may be in the trees at the beginning of the road, park and have a walk to look for them or drive up the road one or two kilometers and look for them in the trees along the way.

Cape Patton Lookout

Arrive – 11.05 am

Depart – 11.10 am

The road continues to wind around the mountainside. Cape Patton is a good place to stop briefly, views along the coast stretch towards Apollo Bay and Cape Otway.

Arrive – 11.30 am

Depart – 12.30 pm

Apollo Bay is a relaxing little town. No high buildings, easy parking, a long golden beach, a good information and gift center, playground for kids, loads of cafes, a petrol station, a small supermarket, and plenty of awesome accommodation options .

Depart at 12.30 pm – 20-minute drive to the next stop…

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

A rrive – 12.50 pm

Depart – 1.20 pm

Maits Rest is about 20 minutes drive from Apollo Bay, on the left. Well worth stopping here for this really pretty rainforest walk. Very old Beech Myrtle trees, tall tree ferns, and an easy loop walk (no toilets).

After leaving Maits Rest ,  the road continues through the forest and open farmland before climbing up the Otway Ranges to Lavers Hill.

Lavers Hill

Arrive – 1.50 pm / 5 minute stop if needed

The top of the Otway Ranges. A few shops and a petrol station, the last toilet stop before the 12 Apostles.

Turn left at Lavers Hill to head to the 12 Apostles (turning right takes visitors to some of the waterfalls of the Otways , but there is not enough time to do this on a day trip).

Gibsons Steps

Arrive – 2.40 pm

Depart – 3.10 pm

Just before the Twelve Apostles are Gibson’s Steps. This is one of the best beaches, in my opinion. 88 steps cut into the limestone cliff face, leading down to the beach with stunning views towards two of the famous rock stacks. Not safe to swim.

During storms or high tides, the steps may be closed off but the lookout platform is still worth stopping for.

• Parking is extremely limited at Gibsons Steps. From the nearby 12 Apostles car park it is possible to walk back to Gibsons Steps (about 20 minutes walk) if you have been unable to park, but it will impact on timings for a one day trip.

The Twelve Apostles!

Arrive – 3.15 pm

Depart – 4.00 pm

How long you spend here is, of course, entirely up to you, we have not allowed a lot of time to stop here as there is still more to see. Adding an extra 20 minutes or so if you feel you can, will be ok of course.

It is a very short, 2-minute drive to the 12 Apostles car park. Loads of free parking, plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes. Helicopter scenic flights leave from here and are highly recommended! No booking needed, just rock up.

This is a really busy time of day to be here, but still well worth visiting of course. The walk from the car park takes a couple of minutes to reach the viewing platforms.

Toilets and a basic cafe for drinks etc. The cafe and info center closes at 5 pm, all-year-round, but the viewing area for the 12 Apostles is open 24 hours a day. Dogs are not allowed in the National Park but can be left in vehicles, if safe to do so.

Read more about what to see and do at the 12 Apostles…

Loch Ard Gorge

Arrive – 4.05 pm

Depart – 4.50 pm

Loch Ard Gorge is named after one of the most famous shipwrecks along the coast. Walk to the ‘Razor Back’ formation, follow the shipwreck trail, and head down to Loch Ard Gorge beach.

Leave Loch Ard Gorge by 4.50 pm

Port Campbell

Arrive – 5.00 pm

Depart – It’s up to you!

How much time is spent in Port Campbell is dependent on your schedule, the weather, and the time of the year. It is a nice little town with some good walks around the coast, plenty of accommodation , and even a microbrewery…

During summer, when the daylight is so much longer, you could linger here a little while. If you are returning to Melbourne, check on Google maps what time your return to Melbourne will be and if it means driving in the dark. This is the most hazardous time to travel, especially after already driving hours to get here.

London Bridge, The Arch, and the Grotto

Just past Port Campbell are three more stopping points before retracing your steps back towards Port Campbell and heading home to Melbourne if you are going that way.

It is a 5-minute drive from Port Campbell to ‘The Arch’ then another short distance to see what is left of the famous ‘London Bridge’. Another very quick drive to ‘The Grotto’ which is the last of the sights recommended for a day trip. It is a lot to fit in!

Return towards Port Campbell and follow the signs to Colac, onto Highway One again and back to Melbourne. Use your GPS or maps as the drive is not direct and involves a few turns.

Port Campbell to Melbourne

2 hours 50 minutes / 230 km   This is perhaps the hardest part of the Great Ocean Road self-drive day trip.

After a spectacular drive with so much to see, the return trip is long and needs to be broken up with a few stops.

• Port Campbell to Colac involves a few turns, use a navigator if you can as it is not a direct route, but is the shortest.
• Native animals may cross the road at any time, use caution.
• During the days when daylight hours are shorter, it will involve driving in the dark.

Overnight Stay in Port Campbell?

Stay in Port Campbell or nearby and experience the 12 Apostles at sunset/sunrise and maybe walk part of the coastal trail…or experience a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles.

Port Campbell to Warrnambool

For travelers continuing on to Warrnambool and beyond, it is about a 50 minutes / 62 km drive. Passing – The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs.

• 5-Day Melbourne to Adelaide guide.
• 3-Day Guide to the Ocean Road.
• 6-Day Guide for even more things to do.

Download this itinerary as a Printable PDF (with no images)

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5 day road trip ‘Great Ocean Road’ or ‘Melbourne to Sydney’? - Great Ocean Road Forum

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Hi, I have circa 5 days in early February 2025 to plan one of these trips (but not time for both). Keen to see plenty of great natural scenery plus days hiking / coastal walks and on the beaches relaxing. Less fussed about ‘quaint’ towns / villages unless to stay and have a stop over. Keen to hear views on the two routes considering the time available and the time of year. Anyone done both and can provide a comparison? Any tips on great stops / must sees welcome (although there does seem to be plenty of itinerary options for both routes from various sources). Many thanks.

26 replies to this topic

Looks good.

Just a note about visiting the microbrewery. Be aware that the law is very strict about levels of alcohol when driving in Australia and police frequently check with roadside breath tests. It is very different to the UK.

Just to add to AD's comment watch your speed while driving in Australia only one or two Ks over the speed limit is enough to cop a speeding ticket.

FWIW there is a traffic camera on the GOR at Skenes creek that is apparently a decent revenue earner for the state government. Your trip looks like it is starting to come together nicely. 🤠

Famrick, the cameras move around. This month the GOR ones are at Peterborough and Port Campbell. https://www.vic.gov.au/mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations

Thanks for that link penpal which is a comprehensive list of traffic camera locations statewide. I’m familiar with the one at Skenes creek as it is a known hotspot for speeding motorists and it is good to see they are rotating cameras between problem locations.

Another one that is a hotspot is the Princes highway west between Waurn Ponds and Colac from time to time I have seen reports of motorists exceeding the speed limit by as much as 60kph along that stretch of road.

As much as I feel it is prudent to warn our overseas visitors to keep an eye on the speed they are driving at this is starting to get off topic.

I’ve not done one myself but it is on my bucket list to do so when I get a chance. A link for one operator is below. 🤠

https://www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au/scenic-flights/london-bridge

http://www.tigermothworld.com.au

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