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Twelve Apostles At Sunrise During Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 20 Stops, Map & Campsites

Use this guide to plan the ultimate 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary packed with the highlights as well as hidden gems. With so many stops (and often limited time) planning your itinerary for Great Ocean Road can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the hard work for you.  As well as completing the route three times (in both directions) we’re also fortunate to have a friend who’s lived in the area for over 20 years who shared a wealth of local tips. This means whether you have a weekend or a whole week, we promise a memorable, stress free road trip. 

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

A Great Ocean Road trip is one of the most beautiful drives in the world – stretching 244km from Torquay to Warrnambool with pristine coastline on one side and lush forest on the other. From our experience we recommend 2 days as a minimum, but if time is not on your side, we also share how to drive Great Ocean Road in one day.

We have been fortunate to complete this iconic drive three times: each time in a different season, twice in a car, once while travelling Australia in a campervan and once with our toddler along too! This means regardless of weather, passengers or vehicle we feel confident this is the ultimate two day itinerary for Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day One

  • Melbourne > Torquay
  • Visit Bell’s Beach
  • Torquay > Lorne
  • Lunch in Lorne
  • Visit Erskine Falls
  • Photo at Teddy’s Lookout


    Stay: 

  • $ Camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve: Super cheap campsite, only a 10-minute drive to Twelve Apostles so ideal for starting day 2 at sunrise. More info here.
  • $$ Kennett River Holiday Park:  Amazing campsite if you want to see koalas in the wild. Cabins & camping spots available, view best prices here
  • $$$ Apollo Bay: Beautiful seaside town with many hotels, restaurants etc here. Around 1.5 hours to Twelve Apostles to start day 2.  Browse the best accommodation options for Apollo Bay here

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day Two

  • Gibson Steps/Twelve Apostles for sunrise
  • Loch Ard Gorge
  • Lunch at Port Campbell
  • The Arch
  • London Bridge
  • The Grotto
  • Bay of Martyrs
  • Bay of Islands


    Stay: 

  • $ Camp at Panmure Campground: Free campsite that is peaceful, clean and quiet. 
  • $$$ Warrnambool: We LOVED our stay at the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. Stone’s throw from a beautiful beach and an incredible spa with hot springs on site too. 
Koala In A Tree At Kennett River On The Great Ocean Road

GREAT OCEAN ROAD MAP

Every stop mentioned in this 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is marked on this map so you won’t have to plan a thing – just enjoy the epic drive! As a tip, make sure to save the map offline as signal can be scarce at some points in the route.

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THE ULTIMATE 2 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

Before we dive in to our Great Ocean Road itinerary, we want to highlight that this route welcomes over 2.5 million visitors A YEAR, so you can imagine the impact this many people have on the road itself, wildlife and surrounding scenery.

Please be a responsible traveller and stick to designated parking spaces, pay attention to all signage and do not leave the designated walking tracks/viewpoints.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY
DAY ONE

1. Melbourne – Torquay

Drive Time: Melbourne to Torquay 1.5 hours

We recommend leaving Melbourne as early as you can to beat the tour buses. From Melbourne it is around a 1.5 hour drive to the start of the Great Ocean Road. What better way to start your Great Ocean Road itinerary than in the surf capital of Australia – Torquay. It is the birthplace to Rip Curl and Quicksilver, so you can imagine some seriously good surf beaches perfect for beginners to book a first lesson or pros to tackle some insane waves.

Looking Out Over Beach On Great Ocean Road

2. Admire the Surfers at Bells Beach

Drive Time: Torquay – Bells Beach is around 10 minutes

Bringing us to the second of your Great Ocean Road stops, Bells Beach. Famous for the Rip Curl Pro surf competition which has been hosted in Bells Beach since 1962. It is the world’s longest running surf competition, so if you want to witness this historic event, it takes place at Bells Beach in April. Not travelling in April? Why not start your Great Ocean Road itinerary in style with a surf lesson at this famous spot!

Sign Pointing Towards Beach On Great Ocean Road

3. Grab A Photo at Memorial Arch

Drive Time: Bells Beach to Memorial Arch is around 30 minutes

Arguably one of the most photographed Great Ocean Road stops is the sign itself welcoming you to the start. It’s surprisingly around 30 minutes from Torquay which is considered the start of the route, but it is in fact a memorial to the workers who constructed the road.

There is a car park to pull up and snap the sign (you can view it from either direction) and the fascinating history of the Great Ocean Road can be read on the signs nearby.

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

4. Lunch in Lorne

Drive Time: From Memorial Arch to Lorne is 15 minutes

There are so many things to do in Lorne that it’s understandably one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne as well as a highlight from our 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. 

We recommend stopping at the funky Bottle of Milk for lunch or a take away coffee (don’t forget your Stojo cup) and then head around the corner to the Bakery Café for a tasty caramel slice, lemon tart or a famous Australian pie!

The views in Lorne are just as amazing as the café culture and if time is on your hands it’s a fabulous spot to stay overnight to explore the surrounding Lorne waterfalls before continuing your road trip.

5. Visit Erskine Falls

Drive Time: From Lorne to Erskine Falls is 15 minute drive inland

If you have time to drag yourself away from the coast, head inland to explore the numerous Great Ocean Road Waterfalls – we counted over 10 around Lorne alone! If you have time for only one or two waterfalls, we recommend Erskine Falls as it was one of our Great Ocean Road highlights. At over 30 metres high there are two viewing platforms to witness it flow into a luscious fern gully.

The walk is steep in parts but not particularly challenging and a fun way to stretch your legs during your jam-packed great Ocean Road Itinerary. As a little tip, it was on the road to Erskine Falls where we saw our first ever koala in the wild, simply drinking from a puddle on the road so keep your eyes peeled. If you want a guaranteed koala sighting head to stop 7.

6. Photo Stop at Teddy’s Lookout

Drive Time: From Erskine Falls to Teddy’s Lookout is 15 minutes. If you’re skipping out Erskine Falls, it’s only 6 minutes from Lorne to Teddy’s Lookout.

Another advantage if you’re choosing to self-drive Great Ocean Road is that you can stop at places such as Teddy’s Lookout which both times we’ve been (in Winter & Summer) have been surprisingly quiet.

It’s literally a 5 minute walk from the carpark to the viewpoint to grab a photo. From our entire 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, this stop offers one of our absolute favourite views so please believe us, it is worth the (very steep) detour! During our Summer visit, it was such a clear day we spotted dolphins and rays in the sea from here. If you have time, there is also a walking track here which takes around 45 minutes to complete.

View Overlooking The Sea From Teddys Lookout On Great Ocean Road

7. Kennett River Koala Walk & Campground

Drive Time: From Teddy’s Look out to Kennett River it is a 25 minute drive.

It might be surprising but one of the most common things to see on the Great Ocean Road is koalas. The small seaside town of Kennett River is often referred to as the Koala capital of Australia and we can confirm that this was one not just one of our Great Ocean Road highlights but a highlight from our entire time camping in Australia.

If you head off Grey River Road you will find the Kennett River Koala walk. It’s not an official walkway, simply a road lined with many eucalyptus trees and LOTS of koalas.

During one of our visits, we witnessed around 5 including one crossing the road and one which climbed above our campervan as we stayed in Kennett River Holiday Park. It’s also a great spot to see colourful native birds such as King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Please remember to be a responsible traveller and do not feed the wildlife or try to touch them, no matter how cute they look!

If you are looking to go camping on Great Ocean Road, we cannot recommend Kennett River Holiday Park enough – there were SO many koalas in the actual camping ground as well as the koala walk mere minutes away. The beach out front is also spectacular and surprisingly quiet. A night here was under $35 too which was surprisingly affordable considering the epic location. There are also self catering cabins available if you’re not travelling in a van.

You could either end day one of your Great Ocean Road itinerary here and stay the night at Kennett River, or just visit the koalas and jump back in the car.

Koala In The Tree On The Great Ocean Road

8. Visit Apollo Bay

Drive Time: From Kennett River to Apollo Bay is a 25 minute drive.

When we first visited Apollo Bay in Winter, we struggled to even find a fish & chip shop that was open, when we did our second Great Ocean Road trip in Summer it was so busy that we couldn’t park never mind find a café without a queue.

It is a popular spot to fill up fuel, pack supplies and wander along yet another incredible beach front before continuing your Great Ocean Road itinerary. It also happens to be the home to the BEST pie we have ever eaten so if you fancy a delicious snack the lamb, honey & mustard pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery will blow you away. It’s also famous for their scallop pie which is worth the Great Ocean Road drive alone!

The Wild Side of The Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay is a great stop for wildlife fans! A local recommended Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary to us because of the amazing fur seal colony or why not enjoy a guided dusk discovery tour where you can witness Australia's amazing wildlife as it emerges at dusk in a stunning landscape overlooking the ocean. Topped off with a delicious mezze plate and beer or wine after your tour. 

Beach Alongside The Great Ocean Road

9. Visit Cape Otway

Drive Time: From Apollo Bay to Cape Otway light house is a 35 minute drive.

It’s not just the beaches that will blow you away during your Great Ocean Road trip but the trees. Yup, trees. From Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park is a worthwhile detour to not only explore the fascinating rainforest (which even has a tree tops walk way, 25 metres above ground) but to also see some of the coolest trees we’ve ever seen.

You will also come to Cape Otway lightstation – the oldest light house in Australia which is one of the most popular things to do on Great Ocean Road because at 90metres high it offers incredible views. However, it does come with a A$20.00 entrance fee and being backpackers short of cash and time we skipped this and continued our drive, admiring the unusual trees from the car.

Trees At Cape Otway Without Leaves On The Great Ocean Road

10. Wreck Beach

Drive Time: From Cape Otway light house to Wreck beach it is a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

This stretch of your Great Ocean Road itinerary is arguably one of the most beautiful and is referred to as the Shipwreck Coast. It is estimated that over 700 ships have been lost along this stretch of coast and at low tide you can even witness one of the shipwrecks yourself at Wreck Beach.

Be warned, there are over 300 steps down to the beach, so it is not a stop for the faint hearted. Make sure it is low tide, otherwise you could make that treck down for no reason!

Man With Two Hands On Steering Wheel While Driving On Great Ocean Road

Camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve

This is where you have a choice on how to end day one of your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. You could either visit the famous Twelve Apostles for sunset then camp at Princetown Recreation Reserve, or save them for sunrise the next morning. Either way, it’s only a 10-minute drive from this campsite to The Twelve Apostles.

Affordable camping on Great Ocean Road is hard to find but this was a hidden gem at only $25 for a powered site with hot showers (cash on arrival). As we were staying here on a Saturday there was a cricket match on at the oval which we watched from the back of our van and was a favourite memory from our time campervanning in Australia. The site is also frequented by many kangaroos at dusk, so another excellent Great Ocean Road stop for wildlife.

kangaroo and joey in open field at camping site on great ocean road

GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY
DAY TWO

11. Princetown Reserve to Gibson Steps

Drive Time: From the campsite at Princetown Reserve to Gibson Steps is 7 minute drive.

We recommend getting up early for day two of your Great Ocean Road itinerary. We left Princetown Reserve campsite around 6am thinking another advantage of doing a Great Ocean Road self-drive tour is that you can beat the crowds (more on this shortly).

You can view the Twelve Apostles from ground level by climbing down the 86 Gibson Steps to the shore. A stunning spot regardless of the time of day and surprisingly quiet – both times we have been we’ve been we were the only ones there.

Perhaps over shadowed by the 12 Apostles next door, or perhaps very few can be bothered with the steep climb back up the steps. The photo of Loz was taken in Winter and the photo of Daz was from our Summer visit, regardless of the weather Gibson Steps are a must-see during your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

12. Sunrise at The Twelve Apostles

Drive Time: From the Gibson Steps to The Twelve Apostles is only 2 minutes!

Unquestionably the most famous of all Great Ocean Road stops is the Twelve Apostles. When we visited in Winter we were blessed with an empty car park and only around a dozen other visitors.

In February however we arrived at 6:30am to quite a crowd and were lucky to secure one of the last few sunrise spots. Despite only 7 of the Twelve Apostles still standing it is incredible to witness these giant (45 metre high) limestone formations in real life and for many sunrise here is the highlight of their Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Update March 2024: Twelve Apostle Visitor Access

When we returned to the Twelve Apostles in 2023, the viewpoint had been completely refurbished which did wonders for crowd control. Renovation plans are due to continue in 2024 (and complete by 2025) which include a new Visitor Centre, walking trails as well as new park-and-ride facilities, new access roads, and improved parking at Secret Apostles Lookout. 

13. Go for a paddle at Loch Ard Gorge

Drive Time: From the Twelve Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge is only 5 minute drive

A mere 5 minute drive later, you will come to another unmissable photo opportnity – Loch Ard Gorge. Although the Twelve Apostles are arguably the most famous stop, Loch Ard Gorge is our favourite and one not to be missed from your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. You could easily spend an hour or two here.

It is named after one of the most famous ships from the Shipwreck Coast (Loch Ard) which was travelling from England to Melbourne in 1878. There is a fascinating story about the 2 survivors of the shipwreck which you can read on a board at the gorge.

We were shocked along this drive at the addition of crowd control style barriers which had been put up in the Summer months to prevent people parking illegally. These not only spoiled the natural landscape and tarnished photos but it angered us that money and time needs to be spent on fencing because of tourists who won’t obey the signage.

Instead they stop for photo opportunities where they fancy. Please do not be this person, stick to the road and designated stops to avoid further erosion and potential accidents.

Update March 2024: Access to Loch Ard Gorge 

Not long after our visit in 2023 beach access at Loch Ard Gorge was closed due to dangerous cliff movement near the Upper Lookout, which could cause a collapse. As of March 2024  beach access remains closed.Before your visit, check with Parks Victoria for updates.

14. Lunch at Port Campbell

Drive Time: From Loch Ard Gorge to Port Campbell is only 10 minute drive

Port Campbell is a sleepy seaside village home to beautiful boutique accommodation and some fabulous foodie spots. We recommend Grassroots Deli Cafe not only because our lunch was delicious and staff attentive but it was very child-friendly with plenty space inside and out for high chairs, push chairs etc.

They also stock stock a range of Australian-made and locally sourced products if you fancy purchasing a gift or two before hopping back in the car to continue your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

15. The Arch

Drive Time: From Port Campbell to The Arch is 6 minutes

You won’t be back in the car for long as it’s under 10 minutes until your next Great Ocean Road stop – The Arch. As the name describes it is an arch naturally sculpted by the stunning swell that has worn away the rock.

It is particularly beautiful in the afternoon as the rocks turn a warm golden colour. There is a walkway leading to a viewpoint which also offers a unique perspective looking back on to the Twelve Apostles.

View Of The Arch On The Great Ocean Road Looking Out To The Sea

16. London Bridge

Drive Time: From The Arch to London Bridge is 3 minutes

You will barely have time to switch songs on your road trip playlist before it’s time for the next stop in your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary. At just a 3 minute drive away is London Bridge.

Originally named after the British equivalent because it was an actual natural bridge, until 1990 when the arch connecting it to the mainland fell away leaving two tourists stranded on the remaining sea stack (later rescued by helicopter).

Although no longer a bridge as such, it is sometimes referred to as London Arch and is one of the best Great Ocean Road stops nonetheless, with two viewing platforms offering spectacular views.

View Of London Bridge On The Great Ocean Road Looking Out To The Sea

17. The Grotto

Drive Time: From London Bridge to The Grotto is a 5 minute drive

Can you believe we nearly missed out The Grotto from our Great Ocean Road itinerary but we are so glad we didn’t. Do not be fooled into thinking it is just yet another rock formation, this unique natural phenomenon is actually part blowhole, archway AND cave all in one stop.

You can view the fascinating reflections below or from above at the lookout. Just don’t climb over the wall and aid the erosion further for an insta-snap, which we witnessed tourists do during our road trip.

18. Bay of Martyrs

Drive Time: From The Grotto to Bay of Martyrs is 8 minute drive

Despite the breath taking views and beautiful beach at The Bay of Martyrs, there is a horrific history that surrounds this area of Victoria.

Although deemed folklore as there is no written evidence, it is believed the name and surrounding look outs such as Massacre Bay and Massacre Point are titled after the devastating events that occurred here.

Local stories spanning generations claim that Europeans killed a large group of Karrae-Wurrong Aboriginal men here, proving a thought provoking stop on the Great Ocean Road.

View Over The Bay Of Martyrs On The Great Ocean Road

19. Bay of Islands

Drive Time: From The Bay of Martyrs to Bay of Islands is a 5 minute drive

If you want to skip the last few stops, you can head from Loch Ard Gorge to The Bay Of Islands in around 30 minutes. Otherwise it’s just 5 minutes from the Bay of Martyrs. Once there, you will be forgiven for mixing images of The Bay of Islands with the Twelve Apostles – to us, they are remarkably similar.

The Bay of Islands also boasts striking limestone sea stacks and is a stunning spot for sunset. The main difference being however, that it is considerably less crowded here than Twelve Apostles so is a perfectly peaceful way to end your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

View Over The Bay Of Islands On The Great Ocean Road

Panmure Campground

Drive Time: From The Bay of Islands to Panmure campground is 28 minutes inland

The finishing line is mere minutes away but if you have time to spare in your Great Ocean Road itinerary we have a fabulous FREE campsite that we cannot recommend enough.

Free camping on Great Ocean Road can be difficult as spaces are limited however this is one of the few designated sites which was peaceful, clean and surprisingly quiet. We recommend arriving early (around 4/5pm) to secure a good spot. Best of all, there are FLUSH TOILETS which was a welcome change to the drop toilets we encountered while free camping in Australia.

20. Warrnambool

Drive Time: From Panmure campground to Warrnambool 20 minnutes.

It is officially the final stretch of your Great Ocean Road itinerary! Just 20 minutes from the Panmure camping ground is Warrnambool. Alternatively, it is 40 minutes from Bay of Islands to Warrnambool.

If you have enjoyed the fascinating stories of shipwrecks so far, you can learn much more at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village.

If your Great Ocean Road itinerary permits and you are visiting between May and October, Logan Beach in Warrnambool is the perfect whale watching spot and a memorable way to end your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Returning to Melbourne

Now your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is over, it is time to head from Warrnambool to Melbourne which is 257km. In total it takes 3 hours to drive back to Melbourne, but along the Highway not Great Ocean Road.

If you’d prefer to see those epic attractions again, then driving from Warrnambool to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road will take 5 hours and 30 minutes.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

When is the best time to self drive Great Ocean Road?

The first time we did a Great Ocean Road trip was from Melbourne to Warrnambool in Winter and it was incredible – no tourists, stormy grey skies and empty towns.

The second time we drove the opposite direction, Adelaide to Melbourne and in the height of Summer – glorious sunshine, crowds of people and the bluest sea we have ever seen.

Our third experience was in  Autumn so was the perfect balance of good weather, less crowds and affordable accommodation.

Although we couldn’t choose a time we prefer, do keep in mind most tour buses run all year round and start in Melbourne so it’s often a race against the crowds to each of these Great Ocean Road stops. The joy of a Great Ocean Road self-drive tour is you can leave as early as you like and pick and choose which stops to stay longer at and which to skip completely. 

As a Tip: If you can, time your Great Ocean Road itinerary between May and October as you’ll see whales migrating along the way!

Looking Over The Great Ocean Road From The Drivers Window

What to pack for your Great Ocean Road trip

Don’t be fooled by the stunning backdrop, the road at times involves dangerous corners, crazy heat in Summer and limited water & fuel stops.

First & foremost you should always have travel insurance, enough petrol & water supplies.

Secondly, you should have a banging playlist, enough snacks and a road trip partner to snap those desired insta snaps at The 12 Apostles (if you need to whip your travel partner into shape, our couple travel tips might help!)

We then recommend reading our road trip packing list for the essentials we take with us every drive, and for a safe Great Ocean Road trip.

Finally, if you plan on camping along the way, our guide to camping on Great Ocean Road covers the essentials you’ll need for a stress free sleep under the stars.

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Road Trip Packing List - Black Campervan On Road

Where is best to go camping on the Great Ocean Road?

Understandably Great Ocean Road accommodation can be expensive due to the popularity of this drive. During our first visit we stayed in a motel in Apollo Bay, which despite being in the height of Winter and the town being completely dead still cost us A$100.00. 

We LOVED camping on Great Ocean Road as it is not only super affordable but you wake up to some of the best views in the country or if you’re lucky, even a koala or two! If your 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary is on a budget we can recommend over 10 free campsites on Great Ocean Road which means you won’t need to pay a penny on accommodation.

As we were in a campervan, we had to plug in occasionally to charge so needed to stay at paid campsites too. Our favourite paid campsites are below, all of which offered power & home comforts such as hot showers and camp kitchens as well as excellent wildlife (more on that later.)

Remember to book in advance as understandably camping in Australia is incredibly popular and near impossible during school holidays – some campsites even introduce a ballot system a year in advance. We booked our campsites the day before but we were not travelling in peak season (we planned our our Great Ocean Road itinerary in February, then did it again in May.)

If your Great Ocean Road trip is on a budget, we also suggest cooking up a storm on route to save money. From vegetarian camping recipes to one pot camping meals, we LOVE cooking as we camp as nothing beats a heart-warming meal under the stars (especially if it avoids tourist trap restaurants!)

Camping on Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways to get closer to the beautiful landscape and wildlife, but always remember to take only photos, leave only footsteps and only camp where permitted. For more tips, take a peek at our Australia camping guide.

Looking Out To The Great Ocean Road Through The Front Windscreen, Water And The Road

The Best Hidden Gems on The Great Ocean Road

Although everyone wants to drive this epic route to catch a glimpse of the world famous icons such as The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, very few people know that if you head a little inland you will find some of the best waterfalls in Australia!

If you have some spare time during your Great Ocean Road itinerary or you simply prefer to travel off the beaten track, take some time to explore the endless Great Ocean Road waterfalls.

With some just a 15 minute hike and others nestled deep in the Otways National Park these waterfalls are often overshadowed by the Great Ocean Road so you’ll be treated to a crowd-free photo opportunity. Not to mention the endless wildlife and total serenity these waterfalls offer.

As a tip, the waterfalls on Great Ocean Road are best enjoyed during Winter, when they are in full flow. During the Summer months, rain is in short supply so understandably the waterfalls are only a trickle and not near as impressive. Regardless, we’d highly recommend the detour for a relaxing escape from the tour buses and selfie sticks.

waterfall plunging over rock infront of cave in victoria, Australia

ONE DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

It would be difficult but not impossible to squeeze the highlights of our 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary into just one day. To do the full route, it would take a minimum of 9 hours (approx.) of constant driving from Melbourne to Warrnambool, going via the Great Ocean Road one way and the main highway the opposite way.

Therefor, if you have just one day we would recommend only driving as far as Port Campbell which is a slightly shorter 7.5 hours round-trip. Only visit the main Great Ocean Road stops mentioned below – many of which are mere minutes apart anyway and you should make it home by bed time.

We’d recommend leaving Melbourne as early as possible and be prepared for a long day to ensure you won’t be too rushed and to beat the tour buses.

To return, take the inland route instead of the Great Ocean Road route. Although this will still take around 3 hours, it is far quicker than being stuck behind motorhomes, tour buses or being distracted by the scenery and stopping some more.

If you do plan on driving the Great Ocean Road in one day, be careful when driving in the dark in Australia especially around dusk as this is prime kangaroo time. Although beautiful to witness they can cause devastating damage to your car!

We hope this guide has given you endless inspiration for planning your itinerary for Great Ocean Road. Whether you only have a day and want to just tick off the icons or you plan on making it a week long affair and discovering some hidden gems, we are sure you’ll have an epic Great Ocean Road trip regardless. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed your favourite campsite or stop from our guide, we’re always looking for excuses to return!

Pinterest Pin - Great Ocean Road Itinerary - Twelve Apostles In Winter
Pinterest Pin - Great Ocean Road Itinerary - Koala In The Tree
Pinterest Pin - Great Ocean Road Itinerary - Twelve Apostles At Sunrise

faramagan

When Darren the WordPress wizard & excel enthusiast met Lauren the storyteller and wannabe wanderluster, a grand adventure was bound to happen. Through Faramagan they document their tales (and fails) with a refreshing and unfiltered approach. By avoiding adulthood one adventure at a time, they hope to inspire others to do the same.

This Post Has 26 Comments

  1. Amy Dodd

    Great post! I am doing a road trip in Australia in 2020 and this is so helpful! I have been looking for a more in-depth Oceans road itinerary so this is a dream come true. Definitely check out these 20 must-see stops along Ocean road!

    1. faramagan

      So excited for you to visit next year, you will have the best time!

  2. Rowena

    Was literally just reading about the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road in s Lonely Planet 500 best places book. These photos look even more enticing!

    1. faramagan

      It’s now one of our best places, hopefully one day it will be yours too 😉

  3. Brittany

    Your pictures are stunning! I did a road trip in Australia from Gold Coast to Sydney. But I would love to drive to Melbourne like you guys. Looks gorgeous!

    1. faramagan

      Our full trip was Brisbane to Adelaide but this was definitely our favourite part!

  4. Kashlee Kucheran

    This looks like the ultimate road trip! I can’t believe how gorgeous the coast is there, which is why I need to get my butt to Australia ASAP! I think renting an RV would be my ultimate getaway

    1. faramagan

      It’s one of the best trips we’ve ever done. Renting a campervan is definitely the best way to see it so you can camp along the way!

  5. Lisa

    Great tips. Thanks! Even though I actually live in Australia, I still have done the drive.

    1. faramagan

      We couldn’t believe how big Australia is once we were there – we spent a year travelling and barely scratched the surface!

  6. upasana

    Such road trips are stuff of dream. It is amazing and definitely something on my bucketlist. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. They are incredible.

    1. faramagan

      It was definitely a dream come true to see it for ourselves 🙂

  7. Nidhi Saraf

    Loved it!! Planning to go here for my bday in april. Was looking for ideas.

    1. faramagan

      Such a fun way to spend a birthday – have an amazing time!

  8. Lisa

    I love a good road trip. Saved this post for when I ever make it to Australia (soon hopefully, haha)!

    1. faramagan

      Road trips are our favourite too – so much freedom!

  9. Carrie

    Omg those koalas are so adorable! This is such a great and thorough guide to the Great Ocean Road — you have me wanting to buy plane tickets to Australia right now :).

    1. faramagan

      Koalas by our campervan were definitely a highlight, not just from Great Ocean road but our whole Australia trip!

  10. Portia Jones

    I did the great ocean road in 2013 on a Top Deck tour. I had such a great time but I have always wanted to drive it myself. Your post has totally inspired me to go back. xx

    1. faramagan

      A self drive tour is definitely the best way – no crowds and you can take as long (or as little) time as you like!

  11. Christine Kaaloa

    Awesome post- a lot of great sights! I hope to get out to Australia- the Apostles site is the one I want to see most, but you’ve covered so much more for me to see!

    1. faramagan

      They are definitely one of the highlights!

  12. Alicia

    Hey Guys! I finally got round to reading this post a week before we set off for the Great Ocean Road – so excited! I’ve made sure we’ve got all of these stops in our itinerary! Thank you for the tips about the Koala Walk- my mum is with us on this road trip and praying to see some Koalas in the wild so hopefully, we can see some there!

  13. Rachel Rae

    Hi, love your post. So I have to do a tour and I only have one day. Some tours recommend doing it in reverse from Melbourne, is that really going to give me the best experience by getting to the 12 apostles before 9.30am to miss the hoards. And miss Sunset. I also realise one wont be driving on the ocean side of the road and wonder how important that is given how many stops there are. Your advice greatly appreciated as Im arriving this week.

    1. faramagan

      Sorry, we have just seen this as we were moving house. Hope your trip went well! Let us know if you’re looking for more Australia recommendations!

  14. Joanne

    Hi, great article. I’ll be in Melbourne in October and definitely want to see and explore the Great Ocean Road. I’m travelling solo after a work trip. Do you have recommendations for group tours that have more or less the same itinerary? Thanks so much!

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