Great Ocean Road Itinerary — Complete 2–4 Day Guide

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria's dramatic southern coast. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to those who fell in World War I, this engineering marvel winds past towering limestone cliffs, pristine surf beaches, ancient rainforests, and charming seaside towns.

Whether you have a weekend or a full week, this guide will help you make the most of your journey, from spotting koalas in the wild to witnessing the sunset at the Twelve Apostles.

Quick Facts

Total Distance: 243 km (Torquay to Allansford) — 3.5 hours driving time without stops
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with each season offering unique experiences
Starting Point: Torquay (90 minutes from Melbourne)
Recommended Duration: 2-4 days for a comprehensive experience
Must-See Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, koala spotting at Kennett River, Great Otway rainforests

When to Visit

Each season brings its own magic to the Great Ocean Road. Here's what to expect throughout the year:

🌸 Spring (Sep–Nov)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, ideal for hiking. Whale migration begins.

☀️ Summer (Dec–Feb)

Peak season, warm weather, perfect for beach activities. Book accommodation well ahead.

🍂 Autumn (Mar–May)

Fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, stunning light for photography. Excellent time to visit.

❄️ Winter (Jun–Aug)

Dramatic storms, whale watching season (June–September), cozy cafes. Pack warm layers.

Detailed Itinerary Options

Day 1 — Torquay to Apollo Bay (95 km, 4-6 hours with stops)

Morning: Torquay & the Surf Coast

Torquay (Start): Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum and grab coffee in the town centre. Browse surf shops along the main street.

Bells Beach (15 min): World-famous surf break and host of the Rip Curl Pro. Walk down to the viewing platform for spectacular views.

Anglesea (10 min): Quick stop for photos at Point Roadknight lookout. Spot kangaroos at the golf course if you have time.

Midday: Aireys Inlet to Lorne

Split Point Lighthouse (15 min): The iconic white lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views. Tours available.

Lorne (30-45 min): Lunch break in this bustling seaside town. Walk along the pier, browse boutiques, or take the short walk to Teddy's Lookout for views over the bay.

Afternoon: Great Otway National Park

Erskine Falls (45 min): Take the 30-minute return walk through lush tree ferns to this beautiful 30-metre waterfall.

Apollo Bay (Arrive late afternoon): Settle into your accommodation, then enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Stroll the beachfront as the sun sets.

            Insider Tip: Book dinner at a restaurant in Apollo Bay before you arrive, especially during peak season. The town is popular and tables fill quickly.
          

Day 2 — Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (98 km, 5-7 hours with stops)

Morning: Otway Rainforest

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (30 min): Easy 30-minute boardwalk loop through ancient myrtle beech forest. Accessible and stunning.

Kennett River (1 hour): THE spot for guaranteed koala sightings. Look up in the eucalyptus trees along Grey River Road. Often see 10+ koalas. Also spot colourful parrots.

Midday to Afternoon: The Twelve Apostles & Beyond

Gibson Steps (20 min): Descend carved steps to beach level for a unique perspective of the limestone stacks. Check tide times first.

Twelve Apostles (45-60 min): The main event. Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives. Visit the underground tunnel for protected views. Sunset here is magical if timing works.

Loch Ard Gorge (30 min): Explore the dramatic gorge and learn the tragic shipwreck story. Walk down to the beach if conditions allow.

The Arch & London Bridge (20 min): Quick stop to see these unique rock formations. London Bridge famously collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists.

Evening: Port Campbell

Check into accommodation in this small coastal town. Dine at a local pub or seafood restaurant. Watch the sunset from the Port Campbell beach.

            Photography Tip: The Twelve Apostles faces west, making it ideal for sunset photography. For sunrise shots, visit Loch Ard Gorge instead. Avoid midday harsh light if possible.
          

Optional Day 3 — Port Campbell to Warrnambool (50 km, 3-5 hours)

For those with extra time, extend your journey westward to discover lesser-known gems and coastal towns.

Bay of Islands (20 min): Often overlooked but equally spectacular limestone formations without the Twelve Apostles crowds.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve (1 hour): Volcanic crater lake with walking trails. Excellent spot for emu and kangaroo sightings in natural habitat.

Warrnambool: Larger regional city with museums, beaches, and excellent dining. Visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village or walk to Middle Island. Between June and September, this is one of Australia's best whale watching locations — southern right whales calve in the bay.

            Whale Watching: From June to September, southern right whales migrate to Warrnambool's waters to calve. Spot them from Logan's Beach platform, often just metres from shore. Free viewing, no boat required.
          

Optional Day 4 — Hinterland Detours & Return (Flexible)

Before heading back to Melbourne, explore the region's hinterland attractions and take the inland route through charming country towns.

Otway Fly Treetop Walk (1.5 hours): Walk 25 metres above the forest floor on a 600-metre elevated walkway. The 45-metre spiral tower offers 360-degree rainforest views. Worth the detour.

Colac & Camperdown: Inland farming towns with historic architecture, antique shops, and local bakeries serving authentic country pies.

Wine Tasting: Detour through the Hinterland Wine Region near Colac for cool-climate wines. Several cellar doors offer tastings by appointment.

Return Route Options:

Inland via Colac and Geelong (faster, 3.5-4 hours)
Retrace the coastal route (scenic, 5-6 hours with stops)

Where to Stay

Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly motels and campgrounds. Here are recommended towns for overnight stays:

Town	Vibe	Best For	Accommodation Types
Torquay	Surf culture, energetic	Day 0 arrival, surf enthusiasts	Hotels, motels, beach houses
Lorne	Vibrant, boutique	Dining, shopping, beaches	Resorts, B&Bs, apartments
Apollo Bay	Laid-back fishing village	Central location, best food scene	Wide range, good value
Port Campbell	Quiet, small town	Close to Twelve Apostles	Motels, holiday parks
Warrnambool	Regional city	Amenities, whale watching	Hotels, motels, abundant options

          Booking Tip: During peak summer months (December–February) and long weekends, book accommodation 2-3 months in advance. Prices can double during high season.
        

Essential Travel Tips

🚗 Driving

The road is winding with frequent stops. Don't rush — allow double the GPS time. Pull over at designated lookouts to let faster traffic pass. Avoid driving after dark to reduce wildlife collision risk.

⛽ Fuel

Fill up in Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, or Warrnambool. Prices increase along the route. Small towns may have limited hours or no stations.

📱 Mobile Coverage

Patchy in rainforest sections and between towns. Download offline maps before departing. Let someone know your itinerary.

🥾 Walking & Hiking

Many viewpoints require short walks (5-20 minutes). Wear comfortable shoes. Paths can be steep and uneven. Most major sites are accessible-friendly.

🌊 Beach Safety

The Southern Ocean has strong currents and cold water year-round. Only swim at patrolled beaches between the flags. Rip currents are common and dangerous.

🦘 Wildlife

Koalas at Kennett River are most active morning and late afternoon. Never feed wildlife. Keep distance from kangaroos — they can be aggressive if cornered.

📸 Photography

Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers the best light. Bring wide-angle lens for landscapes. Drone use is restricted at many sites — check Parks Victoria regulations.

🍽️ Dining

Apollo Bay and Lorne have the best restaurant selections. Many places close early midweek or in low season. Book popular restaurants ahead, especially on weekends.

☔ Weather

Coastal weather changes rapidly. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket year-round. Sunscreen essential even on cloudy days. Check forecast before departure.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (essential for viewing platforms and short hikes)
Layered clothing (weather varies significantly throughout the day)
Waterproof jacket and warm layers (even in summer)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (UV is strong year-round)
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Camera or phone with good storage (you'll take hundreds of photos)
Binoculars for wildlife and whale spotting
Offline maps and car charger
First aid kit and any personal medications

Travel Responsibly

Help preserve the Great Ocean Road for future generations by following these principles:

Stay on marked paths — erosion is a major issue on cliff edges
Take all rubbish with you — bins are limited in remote areas
Respect wildlife — observe from a distance, never feed or touch
Support local businesses — choose locally-owned cafes, shops and accommodations
Minimize single-use plastics — bring reusable containers and bags
Stay safe near cliff edges — barriers are there for your protection

Budget Considerations

Here's what to expect for a 2-day trip (per person, excluding accommodation):

Fuel: $40-60 (depending on vehicle)
Meals: $80-150 (cafes/restaurants), $40-60 (self-catering)
Attractions: Most viewpoints free; Otway Fly $30-35; lighthouse tours $15-20
Accommodation: $100-180/night (budget), $180-300/night (mid-range), $300+/night (luxury)

Total estimated cost: $300-600 per person for 2 days (excluding accommodation)

Guided Tour vs Self-Drive

Can't decide whether to drive yourself or join a tour? Here's a quick comparison:

✅ Self-Drive Pros

Complete flexibility and freedom
Stop wherever and whenever you want
Better for photographers
More intimate experience

✅ Guided Tour Pros

No driving stress on winding roads
Expert local knowledge and stories
Hidden spots tourists miss
All logistics handled for you

Explore with Cooee Tours

Prefer to leave the driving to us? Our experienced guides know all the best spots, hidden gems, and local stories that make the Great Ocean Road truly special. We offer both day trips from Melbourne and multi-day adventures with carefully selected accommodation and authentic local experiences.

View our Great Ocean Road tour options →

Book Your Great Ocean Road Adventure →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for the Great Ocean Road?

A minimum of 2 days allows you to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. Three to four days lets you explore at a leisurely pace, enjoy hinterland detours, and experience the region's food and wine offerings. Day trips from Melbourne are possible but involve 10+ hours of travel and very limited time at attractions.

What's the best direction to drive — east to west or west to east?

Most people drive west (Torquay to Warrnambool) as you're on the ocean side of the road with easier pull-offs at lookouts. Driving east means crossing traffic for most photo stops. However, if you prefer the sun behind you for photography, consider driving east.

Is the Great Ocean Road suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely! Most major viewing platforms are accessible with strollers. Beaches like Apollo Bay are patrolled in summer. Kids love spotting koalas at Kennett River. Just be extra vigilant at cliff edges and keep children close on viewing platforms. Pack snacks and entertainment for the drive.

Can I visit the Great Ocean Road in winter?

Yes, and it's actually a fantastic time to visit if you don't mind cooler weather. Advantages include fewer crowds, dramatic storm-watching, whale season (June-September), cheaper accommodation, and moody atmospheric photography. Bring warm, waterproof layers and prepare for changeable weather.

Where's the best place to see koalas?

Kennett River, hands down. Drive slowly along Grey River Road and look up into the eucalyptus trees. You'll often spot 10-20 koalas in 30 minutes. Early morning and late afternoon are best when they're most active. Never attempt to touch or disturb them.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle?

No, the Great Ocean Road is fully sealed and suitable for all vehicles, including campervans and motorcycles. The road is winding with some steep sections, but any standard vehicle is fine. Some inland gravel detours may require higher clearance, but all major attractions are accessible via paved roads.