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

New South Wales

While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned. While there is a 230 kilometres direct inland route from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, a longer scenic day trip along the Great Ocean Road is a much more interesting option.
Mantra Geraldton
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

New Zealand

We were finished by 10.30am and returned to our hotel for a break before going out for lunch.
South Coast
Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation I found holiday rental sites had the most interesting options and ended up booking two lovely cottages with stunning views. There are some short trails you can follow, but we didnt have time to go far. Melbourne to Lorne - 4 ways to travel via train, bus, night bus, and car
Mantra Sirocco Mantra Zanzibar Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Mantra French Quarter
Road trip planner - Journey planner - Tourism Australia 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Our Route), Where to Stay in Apollo Bay: Points South by the Sea, Where to Stay in Port Campbell: Anchors at Port Campbell, Search for more options in Port Campbell here, Check the latest prices of Anchors on Vrbo. Book as far in advance as you can as it is very popular. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide!
Country New South Wales
Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views. The trip from Adelaide to Melbourne takes around 8 hours if you go the inland route. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. The Ultimate Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park.
  • Northen Territory
    • One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Take the inland road via Colac and drive directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne). The Great Ocean Road Trip - A Three-Day Itinerary - Australian Traveller The Twelve Apostles are by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. We were out for about four hours in total and were left with the afternoon to relax in our wonderful cottage. We visited in early spring (mid-September) and while we werent going to do any swimming, it was good walking weather.
    Hobart
    If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. Languages. There is no direct connection from Melbourne to Lorne. We loved the quiet location. At 8.30am we had it entirely to ourselves. This budget-friendly hostel has dorms and private rooms and its in the centre of town with a fantastic roof terrace. You can hike, surf, ride helicopters, follow gourmet food trails, wander seaside towns, and much more. Train operators. to double check the weather. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Lorneis the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch atBottle of Milk, use the facilities and continue on towardsKennett River. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023).
    Its rather a touristy experience as the tour buses stop here and the cafe sells bird feedthe colourful parrots are so tame they hop all over the tourists. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay!
    Mantra Lake Tekapo
    288 km/179 miles, about 3.5 hours. Your stop times will varywe tend to walk fast but take a lot of photos. If wed had an extra night, wed have spent it at Points South by the Sea just so we could have a relaxation day in our cottage enjoying the view and local walks. You could continue down the coast, perhaps having a break in Port Campbell (Forage on Foreshore is a recommended cafe). . One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. First, fuel up at Caf Moby, a converted weatherboard house full of character and with foreshore views to boot. We were more interested in luxury accommodation on the Great Ocean Road as we wanted a place where we could relax and enjoy the views between sightseeing trips. Gradually caves were formed, then arches, and when they collapsed the rock stacks stood alone, isolated from the shore. Or if youd prefer to visit the Twelve Apostles before most of the other tour buses arrive, this Great Ocean Road Reverse Experience heads directly to the highlights via the inland route then follows the road back to the city. Or you can take the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road - it'll take you a lot longer and you'll probably want to break the trip up by staying a night or two or three along the way - but the scenery is worth it and there's so much to do along the way. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. RACQ's Trip Planner allows you to find places, get directions or plan your next road trip. Its a lovely place for a short stroll. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. We didnt bother stopping in Torquay where the Great Ocean Road officially starts, but you might want to visit if youre interested in surf wear. Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out. Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. We didnt expect to spend so long at a chocolate shop, but this place is huge! For a view worth getting out of the comfort of your car for, your next stop is Point Roadknight in Anglesea. With your own car however youll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. I include suggestions for shorter trips below. You can't put 'Australia' and 'road trip' in the same sentence and not have the Great Ocean Road spring to mind. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. You can try chocolate buttons for free as you enter and then browse the massive selection of treats including lots of unusual flavours.
  • Victoria
    • The quieter location meant we could really enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visit 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge. Theres a distant view of the lighthouse after 1.5km, but the trail continues beyond that as this is a section of the Great Ocean Walk. Amongst the native eucalyptus trees is this surprising cluster of giant Californian Redwoods which were planted in the 1930s and are thriving. Train operators V/Line Bus operators Gull Airport Service Public Transport Victoria V/Line Other operators Jayride Want to know more about travelling around Australia Nearby youll find another popular waterfall, Triplet Falls (a one hour walk). While you could drive it in the opposite direction, Port Campbell would be quite far to reach on the coastal route for your overnight stay, and its a fairly long drive from Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles for an early morning visit. We spent four days self-driving the road from Melbourne, but you could follow our Great Ocean Road itinerary in two or three days if necessary (we had a fair amount of relaxation time).
    Mantra Hindmarsh Square
    The cottages are modern and stylish with big windows to make the most of the views of the rolling green hills and ocean beyond. The Botanic Cafe on the Lake within the Botanical Gardens is a pretty spot for lunch with outdoor seating and views of the lake. We take the coastal route on the way there, and head inland to explore The Otways on the way back. I recommend packing a water bottle (we always travel with a few Vapur flexible bottles as they are light and foldable when empty) and a travel coffee mug or thermos. Dinner, stay over night Friday 7am-Leave Lorne 9am- Arrive Barwon heads for sky dive then head back to Melbourne CBD, drop car off in city 2pm Check into hotel Sat & Sun We loved it so much we returned a month later for a few days to do nothing but relax and enjoy the view. We arrived at our accommodation at 4.40pm. Trip Planner | Travel - RACQ They are full of handmade art and crafts and locally made treats to indulge in like jams, pastries, pickles and ice-cream. There were a few people around then (and some photographers just leaving) but it was still quiet. Dont forget that in Australia you drive on the left. Established during early 19 th Century this town has come a long way, but it has also made a really good effort to stick to its roots. The views of the countryside outside are lovely. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road.
    Tropical North Qld
    Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia.
    Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Following the Otway Harvest Trail choose between local breweries, berry and fruit farms with quaint cafes, provedore grocers and restaurants a plenty. Great Ocean Road. Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5-day road trip - Tourism Australia As it's a fairly leisurely drive why not break up the short journey and enjoy the sights of the Victorian Surf Coast along the way. If you had plenty of time, you might want to spend a night here as there are some beautiful beaches and waterfalls nearby.
  • New South Wales
    • Great Ocean Road (6 mentions) As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. We decided to skip sunrise and arrive about an hour later at 7.20am. . Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. Many people also continue inland to the Grampians National Park, a fantastic hiking and wildlife location, before returning to Melbourne via the old gold mining town of Ballarat. I have no problem driving. - along with all the incredible attractions and things to do . You are free to wander around the farm to try to see koalas and wallabies or head down to the lovely private beach for a walk or surf. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge.
    Central Coast
    Mantra Macarthur Hotel Mantra on Northbourne
    However, you can take the train to Geelong, take the walk to Geelong, then take the bus to Lorne Visitor Centre/Great Ocean Rd. Theres no real need to stop in Colac, but as the inland route back to Melbourne along the A1 passes through, we stopped for lunch. There are a few options for pit stop number 3, which will time in perfectly with a late lunch. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Lorne.
    Although the property is along the road itself, the cottages are perched upon the cliffside and it feels wonderfully tranquil with only the sound of crashing waves below.
    It might not seem as impressive as the other stops from the viewing platform by the car park, but you can walk down to the beach for a scenic walk. Just down the road is Hopetoun Falls. by calculating the distance from Melbourne to Lorne. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Plan your journey with our route planner. Expect to see beaches, waterfalls, forests, lighthouses, limestone formations, koalas, and if youre lucky, whales. There are beautiful countryside and ocean views and all the comforts you need including a well-equipped kitchen, spa bath, and gas log fire.
    Tweed Coast
    To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. We arrived in Port Campbell at 2.45pm and had a few hours rest before heading out to see the sunset at London Bridge, which is a quieter alternative to the Twelve Apostles. Journey Time: 3 minutes from RedwoodsStop Time: 20 minutes. Journey Time: 5 minutes from Bay of Martyrs (20 minutes back to Port Campbell)Stop Time: 20 minutes. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip: From Melbourne to Adelaide - NeedaBreak There's a couple of fun things to see in the area including Battery Hill, an old fort, and a beautiful port . By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.
    North East
    They are famous for their scallop pies but have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport.
    Mantra on the Esplanade Mantra Pandanas
    Gladstone
    If you want an even better view of the Twelve Apostles, you can take a helicopter ride over them. You could also fit them in on the previous day. These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy: Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions We do not recommend feeding wild birds, but it is exciting to see the koalas, and if you walk further down Grey River Rd it gets quieter.
    Adelaide
    Mantra Midtown Mantra on Mary Mantra on QueenMantra Terrace Hotel Mantra South Bank
    Lorne is made for lunches. Below Ive included driving times between stops and how long we spent at each destination. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature. 8am-fly in, pick up car, drive to 12 apostles (inland route) 12.30- visit 12 Apostles, lunch ect, 2.30-Back on the road.
    Journey Time: 5 minutes from Twelve ApostlesStop Time: 1 hour 35 minutes. The Twelve Apostles are reached by a five-minute walk from the car park, where theres also a visitor centre, toilets, and a kiosk (which doesnt open until 10am). Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing.
    Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. beaches and quaint towns including Lorne or Apollo Bay. We spent the full day we had in the Apollo Bay area detouring off the Great Ocean Road to explore the inland forest section of the Great Otway National Park. There are striking cliffs and rock formations, easy coastal walks, and interesting history. From the car park its a short walk to a viewpoint of the beach surrounded by cliffs.
    because there's an entire community of travelers talking It was named after the clipper Loch Ard that was wrecked here in 1878. Again thank you.
    Mantra Collins Hotel Mantra One Sandy Bay Road
    Bells Beach is a famous surf beach with huge waves and is home to the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition in April.
    Mackay
    You can see our detailed GOR self-drive itinerary below. Top Road Trips Stops: Torquay, Lorne, Great Otway National Park, 12 Apostles, Logan's Beach, Mount Gambier. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. The views of the town and coastline are superb. Get the reverse directions for a DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Beauchamp Falls wasnt on our original plan but ended up being my favourite stop of the day. The drive from .
    Mantra on Salt Beach
    Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. I was originally looking for accommodation in Apollo Bay, but Im really glad we ended up 15 minutes outside of town in the hamlet of Wongarra. Theres also a cafe if you just want a coffee or one of the tasty looking cakes. Theres also a small but well-equipped kitchen, a balcony with table and chairs, and a bathroom with an excellent shower and a spa bath with a view. Split Point Lighthouse is still a functioning lighthouse, so you can only go inside on a tour. (Seriously!) For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Even better, its a non-profit enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities to people with mental and physical disabilities. The inland route via Ballarat and Bordertown is faster, but the Great Ocean Road is an incredible experience. The large corner window seat is the perfect place to enjoy the views in winter, and for warmer weather, theres a large balcony with a table, chairs, and BBQ. Its a small platform and we were lucky that we got to take a few photos before three tour buses arrived. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Fairy via inland route. Happy travels. . Please read our.
    As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. They are happy for you to wander the property to see the horses, chickens, pigs, and sheep. The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isn't particularly long, only around 2 hours all up. Lorne is one of the most popular towns on a Great Ocean Road Trip. If you happen to be road-tripping on the second Sunday of the month, check out the Birregurra Markets. Port Fairy. The sun wasnt quite high enough to illuminate the stacks, but an hour later it was, and there were even fewer people around. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:30 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:22 pm Jan Juc

    South Australia

    Family. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Journey Time: 20 minutes from ChocolaterieStop Time: 25 minutes.
    Hawaii
    So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. You can also travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, but youll need at least a few days as its a distance of nearly 1000km (620 miles). I definitely recommend allocating a few hours to explore it all. There are two viewing platforms to admire London Bridge a short walk from the car park.
    There are plenty more accommodation optionsin Apollo Baysearch on Vrbo for holiday rentals or Booking for hotels, motels and B&Bs. You can sometimes see whales here in winter.