Explore the rugged beauty of the southwest coast of Victoria, and plan a perfect Great Ocean Road Itinerary for yourself.
The drive along the Great Ocean Road in Australia stands as a crown jewel among the country’s natural wonders. Charting a self-guided course along this legendary stretch lets you roll past vertiginous cliffs lapped by a raw Southern Ocean. Each bend of the road reveals show-stopping views that imprint themselves on the memory, making the journey an essential rite of passage for anyone travelling the region.
While countless visitors to Melbourne add the Great Ocean Road to a superficial half-day circuit, relatively few carve out enough time to savour it properly. A thoughtful, self-designed itinerary allows you to stretch the road’s drama across a satisfying timeline that matches your travelling style. Whether you favour a brisk getaway or a relaxed, lingering adventure, a 2-day Great Ocean Road itinerary gives you an ideal framework for immersion.
Within these paragraphs, you’ll find everything you need to assemble that perfect adventure. We’ll guide you to the can’t-miss landmarks, suggest essential activities, and highlight the hidden pockets that elevate the drive beyond mere scenery into lasting memory.
When people start planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road, they usually want to know a few key things: where the route begins and ends, how long it really is, the best places to spend the night, and all the must-see stops along the way. To take the guesswork out of it, we’ve created a full, easy-to-follow guide for a 2-day trip so you can roll right into an unforgettable getaway.
Along with the day-by-day trip planner, we’ve also added a selection of guided tours and excursions you can pre-book. This way, you can weigh your options and build a schedule that matches how you want to experience the coastline, whether you prefer to drive yourself or sit back and let someone else do the planning for you.
Planning a road trip in Australia? Check out our ultimate Australia road trip guide, featuring detailed routes, tips, and itineraries to make your journey unforgettable
How to Plan Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
The Great Ocean Road sits in Victoria, the southeastern corner of Australia. If you’re in Melbourne, the road is an easy 78-minute drive from the city center. If you’re starting in Adelaide, the trip is about an 8-hour drive, so pack some snacks and a good playlist.
To make the most of your Aussie trip, keep travel times short so you have more hours left to actually enjoy each place. If you’re spending most of your time in Melbourne and want to dream up more day trips, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Australia. It’ll help you create a fun and easy vacation plan.
Not sure where to kick off your Great Ocean Road adventure? Start in Torquay and end in Allansford; it’s a 243-kilometer stretch of pure fun. Once you’re on the road, the views and memories will stick with you. Later in this guide, we’ll break down how long it takes to drive from more big Aussie cities so you can line it up with your travel plans.
Fun Fact: Did you know the Great Ocean Road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932? It is the world’s largest war memorial, stretching 243 km along the stunning coastline!
Best Season to Visit the Great Ocean Road
Choosing when to hit the Great Ocean Road can shape your whole trip, so it’s smart to pick the right time of year.
Summer (December to February) is the most popular time to go, thanks to the sunny days, warm beach weather, and long daylight hours ideal for hiking, surfing, and beach-hopping. The only catch is that it can get really crowded, so you’ll want to book places to stay ahead of time and maybe skip the busiest lookout points when you can.
Autumn (March to May) means fewer tourists and pleasant temps, which is why it’s one of my favorite seasons. The leaves start to change color, giving the scenery an extra pop, and you’ll find it easier to get into attractions without waiting for ages.
Winter (June to August) is for anyone who loves a quieter road trip. It’s colder, so you’ll want a warm jacket, but if you don’t mind the chill, you’ll get to see the coastal cliffs and beaches without the crowds, plus you might even catch some epic stormy-wave photos.
Spring (September to November): Spring’s the prettiest time to visit because the air gets warmer and the wildflowers explode into colors everywhere. You score the best of both worlds—easy-to-walk-around weather and enough space to breathe, without the big tourist crowds.
Essential Tips for a Great Ocean Road Adventure
Book your stays with an open mind: Given its popularity, weekends and school holidays fill up fast, so secure your lodgings early if your plans are locked. At the same time, mix in a few small guest houses, a coastal cottage, or a boutique spot, so the trip feels less touristy and more like a locals’ secret.
Fill the tank before the curve: There are long stretches without a bowser, and the last one sometimes looks a lot longer after your third coastal lookout. A full tank and a small stash of water, crisps, and maybe that emergency chocolate bar save the day.
Embrace the slowness: Sure, the Twelve Apostles are a highlight, but the water-drifting eucalyptus and the little roadside fruit stalls deserve a stop too. Sketch a loose itinerary, then let the sun or the smell of fresh scones sway that timeline. A bit of digression often outweighs the plan.
Dress like you’re hiking, swimming, and coffee-bingeing: An August sea breeze can bite; afternoon sun can scorch at the same spot; and a sudden drizzle can surprise. A light jacket, a wide-brim hat, and that one pair of comfy shoes do the heavy lifting for every forecast.
Camera Charged: Make sure your camera is ready! The panoramas you’ll see all along the Great Ocean Road rank among the most iconic in the country. You’ll want to freeze the moment at the Twelve Apostles, the dramatic curves of Loch Ard Gorge, and the countless other marvels you’ll encounter.
Best Things to Do on Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
The Great Ocean Road is one of those places where even the guidebooks seem to fall short. I still think back to my very first drive—how the world suddenly opened up around me, ocean on one side, cliffs on the other. The drive is the star, for sure, but it only serves the bigger story.
With so much waiting for you, cramming it all into one weekend is a quick way to miss the magic. Pick the spots that grab you—and that’s still plenty. Maybe you want to paddle out on those famous surfing breaks, hang out with kangaroos and koalas, or pop into quirky little towns for a heart-stopping coffee and a pie. Trails for walking or biking wind beside the water, so whichever way you choose to move, the ocean stays in the picture.
Tip: Don’t play the clock. Stop, breathe, snap a photo, chat with a local. Make a shortlist of the stuff that lights you up, and let the road shape the rest.
Experience the 12 Apostles
Soaring from the Southern Ocean beside the rugged and winding stretch of the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles command the view and the imagination. These tall limestone towers, remnants of the now-eroded coastline, are pilgrimage sites for both photographers and anyone drawn to the wild, unfiltered face of nature. When you curve around a bend and first see the pillars, the way they pierce the surf and sky frames a memory your camera can only partially claim. Pulling up to the viewpoint and letting the wind and the occasional spray of spray from a wave meet your skin is a kind of coming home to Earth.
Once they were a single, continuous cliff; now the relentless sea and wind have sculpted them into monoliths that tell the story of time itself. What remains is a winking number—seven, for now—each one a silent spire of history and weather and wave. The future is a different tall order, of sea level and weather that keeps changing, and every visitor feels the quiet urgency of that knowledge.
Did you know? The 12 Apostles have an entourage of quiet cliffs, changing caves, and cliff-top heath that are choreography in the same storm. With every tide, every winter and every bloom, the camera finds a fresh aperture, and the cliffs become a different poem.
Things to Do Near 12 Apostles of Great Ocean Road –
Aerial View of the 12 Apostles: If you think the coastal drive offers plenty of wow-factor, wait until you trade the view from the car for the view from a chopper. The 12 Apostles Visitor Centre can hook you up with a flight that lifts off throughout the day. You pick the flight length that suits you, then buckle in and get ready for the spellbinding ride. From the moment you ascend, the coastline unfolds beneath you—tall stacks? Check. Loch Ard Gorge? Yep. The sweeping London Bridge, the delicate Grotto, the dotted Bay of Islands, and the dramatic Shipwreck Coast slide under your rotor blades, and each one feels like a puckish dash of drama on the canvas of the ocean. This flight carves a lasting notch in the memory bank, easily one of the standout chapters in any Great Ocean Road adventure.
Stroll the Coast Trail: If you’d rather feel the sea breeze than sit in the car, the coastal trail delivers a front-row seat to the Twelve Apostles. This 7-kilometre pathway leads you beside roaring surf and fragrant scrub, every bend a new vista. Keep your eyes peeled; a mob of kangaroos may be grazing among the coastal banksias, a postcard moment you won’t forget.
Insider’s Tip: For the postcard shot of the Apostles, make your way to Castle Rock Lookout. From this raised shelf, the view opens wide and gilded, framing the towering Gog and Magog in a sweep of light from east to west. Bring your camera and let the lens linger; this scene belongs in every travel journal.
Tower Hill Widlife Reserve
If the sight of the Twelve Apostles stole your breath away, your next stop—Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve—will sweep you into an experience as distinct as it is unforgettable. Set within the first National Park ever created in Victoria, Tower Hill invites you into the heart of the Australian bush, revealing scenery that feels as ancient as the continent itself. It’s the ideal way for any traveller to meet Australia’s wild soul face to face.
On your wander through Tower Hill, the bush comes alive around you. You might spot koalas dozing in the treetops, emus strutting along dusty tracks, kangaroos grazing, and an orchestra of bird species lending colour and song to the air. Because these animals live here freely, your encounters are spontaneous and genuine, just as nature intended.
Did you know? This entire landscape sits inside the ancient rim of a dormant volcano, the ring of the caldera a solemn reminder of forces that shaped the land. Formed millions of years ago, Tower Hill is now a dazzling natural amphitheatre, a place that tells both the story of roaring magma and of whispering bush.
Things to Do at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve? Make sure to join one of the Aboriginal guided tours, a highlight of any trip here. Led by local Gunditjmara people, these walks hold stories of the land with practical knowledge of plants and animals. You’ll learn about ancestral fire practices, food gathering, and how the crater lake holds layers of memory. It’s an immersive way to feel the spirit of the place while gaining deep respect for Australia’s oldest continuing culture.
Wildlife Spotting: The wildlife is the other reason people come, and for good reason. Beyond the ever-photogenic kangaroos and sleepy koalas, the reserve is a living tapestry of creatures. Osprey circle overhead, emus stride purposefully along the gravel paths, and shy echidnas wander about their business, undeterred. Keep your binoculars handy and your camera at the ready—you’ll never know when a bright scarlet robin or a shy swamp wallaby will materialise.
Walking Trails and Lookouts:If you prefer to stretch your legs, Tower Hill’s walking trails won’t disappoint. Routes of varying lengths and abilities wind through the green, past patches of blackened lava and along the crater’s steep inner walls. Pleasant climbs lead you to lookouts where the lake’s shimmering surface mirrors the sky. These spots are perfect for resting over a sandwich or snapping a picture that’ll linger in your memories long after you’ve gone.
Picnic Areas: For a quick break with a view, Tower Hill offers well-kept picnic sites where you can have your lunch amid native trees and wildlife sounds. It’s a quiet haven to stretch your legs, refuel your spirits, and soak up the tranquil energy before setting off again along the Great Ocean Road.
Tip: Don’t miss the Tower Hill Discovery Centre when you arrive. Its hands-on exhibits and stories about the park’s plants, animals, and Aboriginal heritage shed light on what you’re seeing and deepen your sense of place.
Otwayfly Treetop
For families and thrill-seekers along the Great Ocean Road, Otway Fly Treetop beckons as the place to slow down, recharge, and leap into adventure. Whether you fancy a gentle saunter aloft the branches or a serious thrill, the Fly caters to every mood. You won’t want to miss it if you’re keen to drink in rainforest splendour from a sky-high perch.
Highlight number one: the 600-metre, 30-metre-high walkway that floats among the giants. Step out on the curved steel and timber path, and you’ll feel the floor rise gently as the treetops draw nearer. The hush is deep, the greens glow, and for a moment it’s as if you’ve borrowed the sky. Kids, the young-at-heart, and everyone in between can wander here safely yet feel the thrill of altitude and open air.
Fun Fact: Otway Fly is among the tallest treetop walks on the planet, and on a good day the vista sweeps across some of the oldest and tallest rainforest giants anywhere.
Things to Do at Otway Fly Treetop
Treetop Walk: Start your adventure on the suspended pathway that sways gently above the ground. Each step lifts you above the ferns to the upper canopy where the world suddenly feels loftier. Beneath your feet, old myrtles tower and the occasional flash of a king parrot tells you that life here moves at a lighter pace. Listen closely and the rustling leaves start to sound like native larks and crimson rosellas. Guides await at the lookouts to share the secrets of the forest—from ancient mosses to the newborn shoots. Bring the kids sized up in sun hats; this safe, unforgettable walk is a family treasure worth sharing.
Otway Fly Zipline Tour: If your heart beats a little faster when you look up, the Zipline Tour is your ticket to fly. Harnessed and helmeted, you leave the ground for platforms that swim among the leaves. With a quick flick, the ground drops away, and you’re gliding thirty meters high, surrounded by emerald cathedral. The roar of leaves rushes past, and the forest smile stretches beneath you. A final zoom brings you down to ground level for a big grin you’ll wear the rest of the day. Clouds seldom reach this height, so the sight of the canopy dotting the next mountain is worth every pulley.
Tip: Don’t forget: that Zipline Tour you booked also brings you back along the Treetop Walk afterward. One ticket, two wonders. If you’re like me, you’ll want to linger on that final swing bridge, waving farewell to the canopy that’s already waving back.
Forest Exploration: Alongside the canopy walk and the thrilling zipline, a network of meandering trails leads you around the forest floor at Otway Fly. Designed for those who prefer a gentle pace, these routes reveal the hidden quiet of the understorey and offer close encounters with curious wildlife. Pause to watch sunlight filter through the leaves, and you may see birds and insects weaving their own paths among the ferns.
12 Apostles Artisans Trails
Did I forget Aussie cuisine? Nope. I’d never do that. Because for me, the gastronomical side of Australia is a niche experience. But while you’re at the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, why not indulge in a severe food trail? Here at the 12 Apostles, you’ll discover the hidden wonders of many artisans and producers who craft exceptional wines & produce tasty local food.
Try out a single malt whiskey aged to perfection at Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, drink down a few beers at Sow and Piglets Microbrewery and munch some freshly baked pizzas at Keayang Maar Vineyard’s cellar door. No matter what you experience, enjoy all of it whilst admiring the country’s most breathtaking scenery.
Explore Mount Gambier
A little further from Alansford lies the geological wonder of Mount Gambier. The second largest town in South Australia is home to dazzling sapphire waters, Little Blue Lake, and an underground Garden of Eden. Perfect for family trips – discover some adventurous fun by snorkelling the crystal–clear waters of the Piccaninnie Ponds or visit the deep-dive site of Kilsby Sinkhole.
Great Ocean Road Itinerary 2 Days
Now that you’re familiar with the attractions & things to do, it’s time to detail our Great Ocean Road itinerary for 2 days. You’ll find plenty of tour operators in Australia – offering guided excursions for the Great Ocean Road journey – but we recommend taking a self-drive to enrich your overall road trip experience.
Self-driving Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways of appreciating the striking views of Southern Victoria. It’s not only about the experience but also the stunning landscapes, zig-zag roads, and unique activities which make your road trip worthwhile.
Below is a two-day self-drive itinerary starting from Torquay and ending at the historic fishing village Port Fairy. You’ll come across cliff tops, surf beaches, lush rainforests, and native Australian wildlife. Along the way, you’ll also come across plenty of lookout areas. Do not miss them! Stop by and admire the scenes as you go along.
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Total Distance from Melbourne to Apollo Bay: 2hr 33mins (196km)
Drive from Melbourne city to start your Great Ocean road trip. After an hour’s drive, you’ll reach Torquay, which officially marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road adventure. Known for some best surfing beaches, Torquay is a great starting point for you to explore the surf culture at Surf world. Visit the Bell’s beach later on and hang out for a while before proceeding to your next stop.
You could also stop by Anglesea Golf Club for a kangaroo tour. It gives you the chance to witness the Australian wildlife up close whilst admiring the surroundings.
As you drive along the dramatic coastlines of the Great Ocean Road, make a lunch stop at Lorne Town to hog some delicious cooked Aussie food. Later make your move to Apollo Bay and witness incredible views of the Southern Australian coast at lookouts. Take a stroll, click some photos, and post some stories on your Instagram. Make people jealous!
Moving on from Apollo Bay, drive into the Otway National Park and head straight to the Cape Otway Lightstation. It’s the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia, which you can tour around. Get to the top, and you’ll witness the panoramic views of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
For a more eco-friendly experience, visit the Wildlife Wonders to meet some of the cutest koalas dozing off on treetops. Well, they’re always sleepy, and you can’t complain!
Head back to Apollo Bay for the night. Dine-in at one of the famous restaurants around the region. You could consider dining at Chris’s at Beacon’s Point, from where the backdrop setting of cliff-tops complements your gourmet food.
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Total Distance from Apollo Bay to Port Fairy: 2hr 34mins (185km)
Traverse your way from Apollo Bay and follow the Great Ocean Road route to reach the lush rainforest of the Otway National Park. It’s an ideal place for families to have fun activities and adrenaline adventures. Experience the Otway Fly Treetop walkway, which is elevated at the height of 30-meters and feel the pump – or zipline your way into the heart of the rainforest with the Otway Fly Zipline Tour.
Follow the road along to reach one of the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road trip – Port Campbell and its famous 12 Apostles. Admire the beauty of these towering limestone hanging out on the main side cliff against the roaring waves of the ocean. Descend 86 of the Gibson steps to walk along the coastline for a ground-level view of this magnificent group of rocks. Spend an ample amount of time & click photos from the best angles you could get! If the views don’t match your admiration of the 12 Apostles, opt for a helicopter ride to catch stunning aerial views.
As you drive past Port Campbell, stop at Warnambool to explore the maritime capital’s history. Head to Logans Beach to catch glimpses of giant whales schooling their young ones.
For a more cultural experience, visit the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre to learn more about Aboriginal reserves and geological history. End your day heading off to Port Fairy and enjoy some seasonal cuisine with fine accommodation to stay the night.
This marks the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary for 2 days. You could always extend it by travelling further & exploring the hidden gems of Southern Australia. Likewise, head to Adelaide to visit some of the city’s finest attractions & places.
Guided Tours of Great Ocean Road
To bring some popular tours to life, I’ve partnered with GetYourGuide to showcase an amazing collection of activities & guided excursions.
(Disclaimer – For the tours, you book through the given links, I get paid a small commission – at no extra cost to you. These partner programs are a way to run my blogs and to showcase quality content to my readers. I’ve personally ensured to suggest only those tours that are relevant & which will benefit you)
How to Reach Great Ocean Road from Other Cities
Great Ocean Road is easily accessible from Melbourne, but tourists travelling from different Australian cities may find it tricky to drive the route (considering the journey time). However, let us break down this simply to get an idea of the travelling part.
Adelaide to Great Ocean Road
The journey is quite far if you’re travelling from Adelaide to the Great Ocean Road. It approx takes 7+ hours to reach Allansford, Victoria (officially the starting point if travelling from Adelaide). But the best part about this journey – is that you get to visit Southernmost Australia entirely. Take a direct stop at Robe – explore & spend a night – then continue the remainder of your road trip to Allansford. Ideally, I suggest you break down your travelling time to get the required rest to make the most out of your road trip.
Brisbane to Great Ocean Road
Since both the destinations are distance apart – it’s advisable to book direct flights from Brisbane to Melbourne. It roughly takes 2hr 20mins to reach the city – then you could book a rental car or a campervan and drive through to reach Torquay. It’s relatively a much easier option & could save an entire day.
Sydney to Great Ocean Road
You have two options here – book a rental car from Sydney and reach Melbourne (which takes 10hr), or you could book flight tickets to reach Melbourne and then continue your journey towards the Great Ocean Road. Our advice would be to cut down on travelling time – this way, you have ample time to explore locations nearby.
Great Ocean Road Accommodation
Figuring out where to stay on Great Ocean Road? Check our below suggestions which are further categorized into preference and budget. Accommodations along the Great Ocean Road route is in plenty. No matter your budget, you’ll find good stays with affordable rates. Furthermore, we’ve suggested some luxurious stays too. This will help you select which accommodation is best suited for you.
Here’s a list of some preferred accommodation across Great Ocean Road route –
Cottages on Great Oean Road
- Macka’s Farm – starting from AU$180
- Johanna River Farm and Self Contained Cottages – starting from AU$195
- Anchors Port Campbell – starting from AU$300
- Parkwood Cottage – starting from AU$190
Farmstays on Great Ocean Road
- Kangaroobie – starting from AU$33
- Bellevue Farmstay – starting from AU$400
- Fernhouse – starting from AU$130
Backpackers and Hostels
- Great Ocean Road Cottages and Backpackers – starting from AU$150
- Surfside Backpacker Great Ocean Road – starting from AU$30
- Bells Beach Backpackers – starting from AU$28
- Ingenia Holiday Torquay – starting from AU$37
- Apollo Bay Eco YHA – starting from AU$31
FAQS for Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish?
The starting point is Torquay, and the ending point is Allansford.
How many days do you need for Great Ocean Road?
Give yourself a minimum of 3 days to drive the Great Ocean Road route. A three-day self-drive journey, starting from Torquay to 12 Apostles, will be far more sufficient to admire & appreciate the stunning beauty of Southern Victoria.
How long does it take to do the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide?
The Great Ocean Road is approximately a 240km stretch of the wide expansive route, so it can probably take 1-2 days to drive. However, if you’re driving the route from Adelaide to Melbourne, or vice versa, allow yourself a minimum of 6 days to get the most out of your road trip.
Can you do a half-day tour of Great Ocean Road?
Yes, you can, but that’s not what we would recommend. Firstly, you would spend too much travelling to & fro to complete your half-day trip. Secondly, there’s a lot to see and do at Great Ocean Road, and this means you would miss out on attractions/activities along the way and opportunities to explore beaches, rainforests, and places to eat and drink.
Which is the nearby airport to Great Ocean Road?
Avalon Airport is the closest to start your Great Ocean Road drive, and it’s located only 45-minutes away from Melbourne CBD.
Does public transport offer transportation to the Great Ocean Road?
Yes. Take a bus, train or ferry from Melbourne city to reach the Great Ocean Road.
Further Readings & Resources
Australia – 12 Most Stunning Beaches in Australia
Sydney, AU – Sydney Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
Melbourne, AU – Melbourne Travel Guide – Best Things to do in Melbourne City
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary
Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary
Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone
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