The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great coastal drives. It runs for about 240 km along Victoria’s south-west coast, past surf beaches, rainforest and the famous Twelve Apostles. You can do it as a long day trip from Melbourne, but three days is the sweet spot. This Great Ocean Road itinerary gives you time to stop, walk and actually enjoy it.
Route overview: Melbourne to Lorne (Day 1), Lorne to Apollo Bay via Kennett River koalas (Day 2), Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and back to Melbourne inland (Day 3).
Before you start
- Driving: Australians drive on the left. The road is narrow and winding in parts, and you should only stop in marked pull-over areas.
- Licence: If your licence isn’t in English, carry an International Driving Permit with it.
- Fuel and phone coverage: Fill up in the larger towns. Mobile coverage is patchy around the Otways.
- Wildlife: Kangaroos and wallabies are active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at those times if you can.
- Bookings: In summer and on long weekends, book accommodation well ahead.
Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne (about 2.5 hours of driving)
Torquay. About 90 minutes from Melbourne, Torquay is the start of the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s surfing capital. Stop at Bells Beach, home of a famous surf competition held every Easter.
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Look for kangaroos on the Anglesea golf course and walk up to the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet for big ocean views.
Memorial Arch at Eastern View. The wooden arch marks the road’s history. It was built by returned World War I soldiers as a memorial to those who died. A quick photo stop.
Lorne. Spend the evening in this relaxed beach town. Walk out to Erskine Falls in the hills behind town, then grab fish and chips by the beach.
Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay (about 1 hour of driving, plenty of stops)
This is the most dramatic section, where the road hugs the cliffs.
Kennett River. One of the best places in Victoria to see wild koalas. Walk slowly up Grey River Road and look up into the gum trees. You’ll often spot several. Colourful king parrots hang around here too. Please don’t feed them.
Apollo Bay. A friendly fishing town with a long beach. It makes a good base for the night.
Great Otway National Park. Just past Apollo Bay, walk the short Maits Rest Rainforest Walk among giant tree ferns, or drive out to Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.
Day 3: The Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast
The Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks rise straight out of the Southern Ocean. Despite the name, fewer than twelve are still standing, because the sea keeps wearing them away. Go early to beat the tour buses, or come back for sunset. If you have the budget, a short helicopter flight gives you the best view.
Gibson Steps. Walk down to the beach to see two of the stacks from sea level.
Loch Ard Gorge. A sheltered gorge named after a shipwreck in 1878. Read the story on the signs at the lookout. It’s one of the most beautiful spots on the coast.
The Arch, London Arch and the Bay of Islands. London Arch used to be called London Bridge until part of it collapsed in 1990. Continue to the Bay of Islands for quieter views.
Return to Melbourne. Head back inland via Colac, which is faster than retracing the coast (about 3 hours). Or keep going to Warrnambool and Port Fairy, a pretty historic village, if you have an extra night.
Best time to drive the Great Ocean Road
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is lovely but busy. Winter is quieter, moody and beautiful, though wetter and colder. See our full guide to the best time to visit Australia.
Where to stay
- Lorne for cafés and a lively beach.
- Apollo Bay for a central base and good value.
- Port Campbell to be close to the Twelve Apostles at sunrise or sunset.
FAQs
Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?
Yes, many tours do it in a day, but it’s a long 12-hour round trip. Two or three days is much more enjoyable.
Where can I see koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
Kennett River is the most reliable spot. Look up into the trees along Grey River Road.
How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
Torquay, the start of the road, is about 100 km (around 90 minutes) from Melbourne.
Do I need a car?
A car gives you the most freedom. Otherwise, day tours and multi-day tours leave Melbourne daily.
Combine this road trip with our list of the best things to do in Melbourne and our guide to where to see kangaroos and koalas.
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