Explore the rugged beauty of the southwest coast of Victoria, and plan a perfect Great Ocean Road Itinerary for yourself.
Great Ocean Road drive in Australia is one of the country’s finest natural gems. To indulge in one of the coastal experiences is to have a self-drive experience alongside the seaside cliffs blanketing the Southern Ocean. And proudly so, the Great Ocean Road trip allows tourists to witness its striking vistas.
Firstly, not many people plan a dedicated itinerary for the Great Ocean Road drive. Often, visitors tour Melbourne and complete the scenic journey as a part of their ‘half-day trip’. But honestly, you can have a sole Great Ocean Road itinerary for yourself, and the fact that you can have a long excursion tour on the Great Ocean Road is something this guide is all about!
This article covers everything you need to know about the Great Ocean Road itinerary. We briefly detail them, be it experiences, major sightseeing, or must-see activities.
Tourists who take the Great Ocean Road drive frequently have many questions. From where does the Great Ocean Road start? Where does it end? How long is it? Where to stay? And many more questions. To bring all of it to your attention & to answer some very common FAQs – we’ve curated this in-depth guide to help you have a smooth Great Ocean Road itinerary for 2 days.
Along with the Great Ocean road trip planner, we’ve given a list of guided tours & excursions for you to book them alternatively. This will help you plan out which activities to book and which sightseeing to cover in your itinerary.
How to Plan Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
Great Ocean Road lies in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. The nearest city to which you can travel– in Melbourne. So if you’re in the city & looking for nearby places to explore, then Great Ocean Road is a roughly 78-minute drive away from Melbourne’s main city centre. Supposedly, you’re in Adelaide and planning to take a road trip to the Great Ocean Road; then, the journey is quite a distance (approx. 8-hour drive).
It’s advisable to plan your Australian itinerary to cut down on travelling distance & save enough time to explore nearby places.Also, if you’re looking at only visiting Melbourne & need in-depth travel ideas & suggestions, do check out our- ‘Ultimate Travel Guide to Melbourne Australia‘. Indeed, it will ease your efforts in planning a perfect Aussie trip.
Now, if you’re wondering – where should you exactly start your Great Ocean road trip from? Then the journey starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford. The total distance is 243kms. You are all set to take a spectacular road trip once you arrive. Later in the blog, we will also cover travelling distance & journey time to Great Ocean Road from other Australian major cities to help you figure out travel plans.
Things to Do on a Great Ocean Road Trip
The Great Ocean Road in Australia is home to spectacular natural gifts which we could not describe in simple, just words. I remember my first experience, and I could never forget the journey that made my trip memorable. Apart from the road trip to Great Ocean Road, there’s a bountiful load of things to explore. I actually couldn’t shortlist everything I wanted to do – but then I explored the ones I had planned.
Since there’s so much, cramming everything in your travel plans won’t make sense. It may be tiresome too, to visit every corner. Experiences are endless – from taking an epic surf to indulging in the native Australian wildlife, journeying through the local towns and cafes & restaurants, and hiking and biking trails – plenty of things to see and do.
Best Things to Do on Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary –
Experience the 12 Apostles
Rising out of the Southern Ocean, alongside the Cliffside coastline– you’ll find the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Australia. These towering limestone pillars are an iconic landmark for any photographer in the world to capture breath-taking photos. It’s an unbelievable experience to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to stop & admire the beauty of these rugged cliffs hanging out in the ocean.
12 Apostles were once connected to the mainland cliffs, but with the passing time & the strong forces of the wind & ocean, these limestones got carved & battered, making a formation into tall columns. Naturally, there are only seven as of now. But, with the progressing climate changes throughout the years, we never know when the following stretches of cliffs will become pillars.
One amazing thing about the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road is that you can take a bird’s eye view from anywhere.
Things to Do Near 12 Apostles of Great Ocean Road –
Aerial view of 12 Apostles – If the drive-through experience alongside the coast doesn’t justify your viewing experience, then catch a panoramic view of the 12 Apostles with a helicopter flight. Visit the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre to book your tickets for the flight that departs throughout the day. With the choice of your duration, the flight will take you around the sweeping coastline of the Great Ocean Road with magnificent views of Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Grotto, the Bay of Islands, and the Shipwreck Coast. It’s one of the memorable experiences you could have during your road trip to the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
Take a coastal walk – Not just the aerial view, but you could also take a short coastal walk on the beach to reach the 12 Apostles. It’s a 7kms moderate walk that will take you through some splendid ocean views. Oh, and if you come across kangaroos, do say hi!
Pro tip – Reach out to the Castle Rock lookout, which will give you perfect scenery from East to West, overlooking Gog and Magog formations.
Tower Hill Widlife Reserve
If the visual delight of the 12 Apostles is one thing, then experiencing the Australian bush & stunning landscapes is another. Victoria’s first National Park – Town Hill, is an ideal place for tourists willing to explore the wild side of Australia. Meet up with koalas, emus, kangaroos, and many other species at Tower Hill who roam freely in and around the National Park.
You can witness some of Australia’s popular species while also indulging in guided Aboriginal tours. It’s an excellent chance for travellers to experience the natural habitat and cultural heritage simultaneously.
Do check out for more options when you’re at Tower Hill. Few other attractions also include walking trails, picnic facilities, and lookouts.
Otwayfly Treetop
Families travelling to the Great Ocean Road in Australia find Otway Fly Treetop a perfect destination to unwind, relax, and participate in fun activities. There’s thrill and adventure at every corner when you visit Otway. For me, a truly exhilarating experience was walking the 600-meter long, 30-meter high elevated walkway. It’s a fun adventure if you want to witness the rainforest from the soaring heights of the treetops.
Book the Otway Fly Zipline Tour for an extreme rainforest experience for serious adventure warriors. Suspended up to 30-meters in height, visitors zip through leafy forests and treetops from one station to the other.
Note – If you directly book the Zipline Tour, then the Treetop walk is included in the package.
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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