The Great Ocean Road route departs from Melbourne and winds along the southern Australian coast of Victoria. The road trip can be done in a very rushed one-day drive or with a tour but to truly take in some of the iconic sites and appreciate the coastal lifestyle of this region, you need to take 2 or more days along the road, stopping in the little towns and beaches along the way. You can rent a car in the inner city of Melbourne or at the airport. Below, you can find some 2, 3, and 4 day Great Ocean Road itineraries to give you an idea of how to structure your road trip.
The original road trip along the Great Ocean Road is a there-and-back trip, meaning that you are driving on the same road in both directions. We talk about some other options that you have below but if you are just doing the Great Ocean Road, you can split up the stops between the two directions to break up the driving both to and from Melbourne.
Don't forget to rent your car to visit the Great Ocean Road.
Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 2 Days
To see the Twelve Apostles for sunset and sunrise
Day 1
Minimum Drive Time
4 hours (280 kilometers/175 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Port Campbell
Potential Stops (in Order)
-
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View
- Lorne
- Teddy’s Lookout
- Kafe Koala and the Kennett River Nature Walk
- Apollo Bay and Beach
- Gibson Steps
- Twelve Apostles
Day 2
Minimum Drive Time to Return to Melbourne
4 hours, 30 minutes (370 kilometers/230 miles)
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback Lookout
- London Bridge
- The Grotto
- Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands
- Port Fairy
Return to Melbourne via the inland road or continue to Adelaide via the ocean road or through Grampians National Park
Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 3 Days
For An Even Amount of Driving Every Day
Day 1
Minimum Drive Time
3 hours (190 kilometers/120 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Apollo Bay
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View
- Lorne
- Teddy’s Lookout
- Kafe Koala and the Kennett River Nature Walk
- Apollo Bay and Beach
Day 2
Minimum Drive Time
2 hours, 40 minutes (185 kilometers/115 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Port Fairy
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway Light station
- Gibson Steps
- Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback Lookout
- London Bridge
- The Grotto
- Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands
- Warrnambool
- Port Fairy
Day 3
Minimum Drive Time to Return to Melbourne
3 hours, 30 minutes (280 kilometers/175 miles)
Potential Stops (in Order)
In this option, you can take a slow morning in Port Fairy before continuing onto Melbourne, Grampians National Park, or Adelaide at your own pace.
To Enjoy the Drive and See the Twelve Apostles for Sunset and / or Sunrise
Day 1
Minimum Drive Time
3 hours (190 kilometers/120 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Apollo Bay
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View
- Lorne
- Teddy’s Lookout
- Kafe Koala and the Kennett River Nature Walk
- Apollo Bay and Beach
Day 2
Minimum Drive Time
1 hour, 30 minutes (100 kilometers/65 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Port Campbell
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway Light station
- Gibson Steps
- Twelve Apostles
Day 3
Minimum Drive Time to Return to Melbourne
4 hours, 30 minutes (370 kilometers/230 miles)
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback Lookout
- London Bridge
- The Grotto
- Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands
- Port Fairy
Return to Melbourne via the inland road or continue to Adelaide via the ocean road or through Grampians National Park.
Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 4 Days
To take in all the views, easy driving, and beach days
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Day 1
Minimum Drive Time
3 hours (190 kilometers/120 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Apollo Bay
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View
- Lorne
- Teddy’s Lookout
- Kafe Koala and the Kennett River Nature Walk
- Apollo Bay and Beach
Day 2
Minimum Drive Time
1 hour, 30 minutes (100 kilometers/65 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Port Campbell
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway Light station
- Gibson Steps
- Twelve Apostles
Day 3
Minimum Drive Time to Return to Melbourne
1 hour, 10 minutes (90 kilometers/55 miles)
Accommodations (click here)
Port Fairy
Potential Stops (in Order)
- Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback Lookout
- London Bridge
- The Grotto
- Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands
- Port Fairy
Return to Melbourne via the inland road or continue to Adelaide via the ocean road or through Grampians National Park
Day 4
Minimum Drive Time to Return to Melbourne
3 hours, 30 minutes (280 kilometers/175 miles)
Potential Stops (in Order)
In this option, you can take a slow morning in Port Fairy before continuing onto Melbourne, Grampians National Park, or Adelaide at your own pace.