Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip

Best Time to Visit

The Great Ocean Road can be driven year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

• Summer (December-February): Warm weather perfect for beach activities, but this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions.
• Autumn (March-May): Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make this an excellent time for hiking and enjoying coastal views.
• Winter (June-August): The coolest and wettest time, but offers dramatic ocean scenes, whale watching opportunities, and the lowest accommodation rates.
• Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom along the route, temperatures begin to warm, and tourist numbers are moderate.

Our recommendation? The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Direction: Melbourne to Adelaide or Reverse?

While the Great Ocean Road can be driven in either direction, we recommend starting in Melbourne and driving west toward Adelaide for two key reasons:

• You'll be on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to pull over at viewpoints
• The attractions gradually build in impressiveness, with the Twelve Apostles providing a magnificent climax

That said, if you're trying to avoid crowds at popular spots like the Twelve Apostles, driving east from Adelaide or Port Campbell can work in your favor, as most tour buses operate from Melbourne heading west.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While the Great Ocean Road can technically be driven in a day, this would be a rushed experience with minimal time to enjoy the attractions. For a rewarding trip, consider:

• 2-3 days: The minimum recommended time to see the major highlights
• 4-5 days: Ideal for a comprehensive experience with time for hiking, wildlife spotting, and relaxation
• 7+ days: Perfect for those who want to fully explore the region, including inland attractions like the Grampians National Park

Our itinerary below is designed for a 3-4 day trip but can be adjusted for longer or shorter timeframes.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (187 km)

Morning: Melbourne to Torquay

Begin your journey by heading southwest from Melbourne to Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and the surfing capital of Australia.

• Bells Beach: Start with a visit to this world-famous surf beach, home to the annual Rip Curl Pro competition. Even if you don't surf, the dramatic cliffs and viewing platforms offer excellent photo opportunities.
• Australian National Surfing Museum: Learn about Australia's rich surfing heritage at this comprehensive museum in Torquay.
• Shopping: Torquay is home to major surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Visit their factory outlets for discounted gear.

Midday: Torquay to Lorne

After exploring Torquay, continue along the coast to Lorne, passing several noteworthy stops:

• Memorial Arch: Stop for a photo at this iconic timber arch commemorating the returned soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road.
• Anglesea: Take a short detour to the Anglesea Golf Club, famous for its resident population of eastern grey kangaroos.
• Aireys Inlet: Visit the Split Point Lighthouse, known as the "White Queen," which offers guided tours and spectacular coastal views.
• Lunch stop: Enjoy lunch at one of the cafés in Lorne, a charming seaside town with a bustling atmosphere.

Afternoon: Lorne to Apollo Bay

The stretch from Lorne to Apollo Bay is arguably the most scenic part of the Great Ocean Road, with the highway hugging the coastline and offering incredible ocean views:

• Teddy's Lookout: A short detour up to this elevated lookout provides a spectacular view of the Great Ocean Road winding along the coastline.
• Erskine Falls: Just a 10-minute drive from Lorne, this 30-meter waterfall is worth the short walk from the parking area.
• Kennett River: Take a slow drive through this small settlement for one of Australia's best wild koala spotting opportunities. Look up into the eucalyptus trees along Grey River Road.
• Cape Patton Lookout: Another magnificent viewing point offering sweeping ocean vistas.

Evening: Apollo Bay

End your first day in Apollo Bay, a picturesque fishing village nestled between the ocean and the Otway Ranges:

• Check into your accommodation in Apollo Bay
• Take a sunset stroll along the beach
• Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, many of which specialize in fresh seafood caught by the local fishing fleet

Accommodation Options in Apollo Bay:

• Luxury: Captains at the Bay, Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas
• Mid-range: Apollo Bay Motel, Coastal Motel
• Budget: Apollo Bay Backpackers Lodge, Apollo Bay Eco YHA

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (96 km)

Morning: Great Otway National Park

Today you'll venture inland to explore the ancient rainforests of the Otway Ranges before returning to the coast:

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: Start your day with this easy 30-minute loop walk through cool temperate rainforest, featuring giant ferns and ancient trees.
• Otway Fly Treetop Adventures: For adventure seekers, this attraction offers both a 600-meter-long, 25-meter-high elevated treetop walk and a thrilling zipline tour.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse is worth the detour. Climb to the top for panoramic views and learn about the area's maritime history.

Midday: Wildlife and Waterfalls

Continue your exploration of the Otways:

• Hopetoun Falls: A 30-meter waterfall accessible via a moderately challenging walk through fern-lined paths.
• Melba Gully: Known as the "Jewel of the Otways," this area is famous for its night-time glow worms, but the dense rainforest is beautiful any time of day.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for native wildlife throughout the Otways, including wallabies, echidnas, and numerous bird species.

Afternoon: The Shipwreck Coast Begins

Return to the coast and continue west, where the landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Port Campbell National Park, also known as the Shipwreck Coast:

• Castle Cove: A beautiful beach surrounded by towering cliffs and an important archaeological site with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back thousands of years.
• The Arch: A naturally formed limestone arch sculpted by the powerful Southern Ocean.
• London Bridge: Once a double-span natural bridge that dramatically collapsed in 1990, leaving two tourists stranded until they were rescued by helicopter.
• The Grotto: A unique geological formation that is part blowhole, part archway, and part cave, creating a window to the ocean.

Evening: Port Campbell

Settle into the small coastal town of Port Campbell for the night:

• Check into your accommodation
• Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants or pubs
• If energy permits, consider a sunset visit to the Twelve Apostles (15 minutes' drive), which are often less crowded in the evening

Accommodation Options in Port Campbell:

• Luxury: Southern Ocean Villas, Sea Foam Villas
• Mid-range: Port Campbell Parkview Apartments, Portside Motel
• Budget: Port Campbell Hostel, Port Campbell Holiday Park

Day 3: Port Campbell to Warrnambool (63 km)

Morning: The Twelve Apostles and Beyond

Today you'll visit the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road:

• Twelve Apostles: Rise early to beat the crowds and see these magnificent limestone stacks in the morning light. While only eight "apostles" remain standing, they remain an awe-inspiring sight. Don't miss the boardwalks and viewing platforms that offer various perspectives.
• Loch Ard Gorge: Just minutes from the Twelve Apostles, this dramatic gorge named after an 1878 shipwreck has a fascinating history and stunning scenery. Take the three short walking tracks to learn about the geology and shipwreck tales.
• Gibson Steps: If tide and weather conditions permit, descend the 86 steps carved into the cliff face to experience the towering coastal cliffs from beach level.

Midday: Continuing West

After experiencing the main highlights, continue your journey westward:

• Bay of Islands: Often overlooked in favor of the Twelve Apostles, this collection of limestone stacks offers equally spectacular coastal scenery with far fewer tourists.
• Bay of Martyrs: Another picturesque coastal formation with excellent viewing platforms.
• Halladale Point: Site of the wreck of the Falls of Halladale, one of many ships that came to grief along this treacherous coastline.

Afternoon: Exploring Warrnambool

Arrive in Warrnambool, a substantial regional city and the official end of the Great Ocean Road:

• Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village: This fascinating museum brings to life the region's rich maritime history, with over 40 buildings in a recreated coastal port village.
• Logan's Beach: Between June and September, this beach is a nursery for southern right whales. A dedicated viewing platform makes it easy to spot these magnificent creatures.
• Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground: If traveling with children, this expansive playground and recreational area is perfect for burning off energy.

Evening: Warrnambool

Settle in for your final night on the Great Ocean Road:

• Check into your Warrnambool accommodation
• Enjoy dinner at one of the city's many restaurants
• If visiting between May and October, consider attending the 'Shipwrecked' sound and light show at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village for a dramatic telling of the region's shipwreck history

Accommodation Options in Warrnambool:

• Luxury: Lady Bay Resort, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
• Mid-range: Mid City Motel, Comfort Inn Western
• Budget: Surfside Holiday Park, Warrnambool Beach Backpackers

Optional Day 4: Warrnambool to Melbourne (via inland route)

If you have an extra day, consider taking an inland route back to Melbourne through the picturesque Western District:

Morning: Tower Hill and Port Fairy

• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: Explore this extinct volcano that is now a thriving wildlife reserve. Join an Aboriginal guided tour to learn about indigenous culture and bush foods.
• Port Fairy: Venture slightly further west to this charming historic fishing village with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and excellent cafés.

Midday to Afternoon: Inland Journey

• Volcanic plains: Drive through the Western District's volcanic plains, dotted with extinct volcanoes and crater lakes.
• Red Rock Lookout: View the distinctive volcanic landscape from this scenic lookout near Colac.
• Wineries: The Henty Wine Region offers opportunities to sample cool-climate wines at several cellar doors.

Evening: Return to Melbourne

Complete your Great Ocean Road adventure by returning to Melbourne in the evening, having experienced both the coastal and inland treasures of Victoria's southwest.

Practical Tips for Your Great Ocean Road Trip

Driving Tips

• Drive on the left: Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road.
• Wildlife awareness: Be particularly cautious at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are common in the area.
• Winding roads: Some sections of the Great Ocean Road are narrow and winding. Take your time and don't rush.
• Mobile coverage: Mobile phone reception can be patchy along parts of the route, particularly in the Otway Ranges. Download offline maps as a backup.
• Fuel: Fill up when you can, as petrol stations become less frequent in the more remote areas.

What to Pack

• Weather-appropriate clothing: The weather along the Great Ocean Road can change rapidly. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket even in summer.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Many of the best sights require short walks from parking areas.
• Sun protection: Australia's sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Binoculars: Useful for whale watching and bird spotting.
• Camera: The scenery is spectacular, so make sure your camera or phone is charged.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Booking Ahead

During peak seasons (December-February and public holidays), it's essential to book accommodation in advance. The small coastal towns have limited options and fill up quickly. Similarly, if you want to experience the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures or guided tours at popular attractions, booking ahead is recommended.

Beyond the Standard Route

If you have more time to explore, consider these additional destinations that complement a Great Ocean Road trip:

Grampians National Park

Located about 2.5 hours north of Warrnambool, the Grampians offer dramatic sandstone mountains, abundant wildlife, and Aboriginal rock art sites. Allow at least two days to explore key attractions like Halls Gap, MacKenzie Falls, and the Pinnacle lookout.

Great Ocean Walk

For hiking enthusiasts, the Great Ocean Walk is a 104km trail from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. While the full walk takes 7-8 days, you can easily incorporate day sections into your road trip.

Bellarine Peninsula

Before starting the Great Ocean Road proper, consider exploring the Bellarine Peninsula east of Torquay. This area offers wineries, historic towns like Queenscliff, and excellent beaches.