7 Days along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

DOWNLOAD: GREAT OCEAN ROAD SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

Carved out Victoria's southern Coast, the Great Ocean Road, was constructed by returned servicemen following the end of the First World War and is one of the world's most iconic ocean drives with breathtaking views capped off by the ever photogenic 12 Apostles just outside Port Campbell.

  • Melbourne
  • Melbourne to Torquay
  • Torquay to Lorne
  • Lorne to Apollo Bay
  • Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
  • Port Campbell to Port Fairy
  • Port Fairy to Melbourne

Distance: 669km

Day 1. Melbourne

Pick up your campervan in Melbourne today. Allow at least 1 hour to collect and familiarise yourself with your vehicle before you leave the depot.

Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of Melbourne’s grandest and proudest attractions. Hosting events from Australian Rules football, cricket, concerts and the Olympics, the MCG has a proud history of great sporting and cultural moments. Experience the stadium from a player’s perspective, and visit the rooms from where they would prepare and watch the sport, and a chance to walk on the grounds.

For those looking for a view head up the Eureka Tower in Southbank opposite Flinders Street Railway stations for one of Australia’s highest viewing decks.

Melbourne is also known as the “cultural capital” of Australia, so be sure to go and see a musical or play at one of the theatres. The Regent Theatre and the Melbourne Theatre Company always have something for everyone, whether it is a comedy or drama.

Stay: Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park

Day 2. Melbourne to Torquay

Depart this morning and take the M1. Take the B130 and exit onto the B100. Follow the B100 until you reach Torquay.

Torquay is the start of the Great Ocean Road, and one of the best places in Victoria for beaches and surfing. Bells Beach is home to the world’s longest-running surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, held during Easter.

Try surfing the same waves professionals do and enjoy the large swells from the Southern Ocean. If surfing is not to your liking, the beach is framed by high cliffs so you can go sightseeing from up above. There are also bushwalking trails to explore more of the local lands.

Distance: 103 km, 1 hour 20 minutes

Stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Day 3. Torquay to Lorne

Depart this morning and take the B100 on the Great Ocean Road to Lorne.

Take a picnic and spend the afternoon at Cumberland Falls. The picnic benches are found at the mouth of the Cumberland River. Hike to the waterfall itself using the trails provided. This walk can be quite difficult, and a return trip is approximately 9 km. The views are well worth the walk in the fairy-like rainforest and away form civilisation.

For something different, visit Gosling Creek and try a selection of their wines from the Pinot Noir to a classic Sauvignon Blanc. Their Riesling and Pinot noir are particularly standouts as they are matched well to the cool climate. Gosling Creek is open on the weekends, with Sunday showcasing local music acts.

Distance: 47km, 50 minutes

Stay: Lorne Caravan Park

Day 4. Lorne to Apollo Bay

Depart this morning and follow the Great Ocean Road until you reach Apollo Bay.

Check out the Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia’s oldest working lighthouse. Built in 1848, the lighthouse helps to guide boats crossing between the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, saving countless lives.

On the drive into the Lightstation be sure to keep an eye out on the roadside trees home to plenty of Koalas.

The entire park is full of other activities as well, transporting you back in time. See the Radar Station, which was used as a secret base during World War II or the Telegraph Station, which was used during the 1800’s to communicate with Melbourne and Tasmania.

The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures allows you to experience nature from up high in the canopy of the trees. Climb 30 metres high and walk where only the birds can fly. The walkway is one of the longest and highest in the world, and can be challenging for those afraid of heights! The Zip-Line Eco Tour is for those who thrive being up high. The tour lets you zip through the treetops of the Otway Ranges, flying across the forest floor to each station. Not for the faint-hearted, but once in a lifetime experience.

Distance: 45km, 55 minutes

Stay: Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Day 5. Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Depart this morning and follow the Great Ocean Road until you reach Port Campbell.

One of the most popular natural attractions along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, found in Port Campbell National Park. These structures are made out of limestone and have eroded from the mainland to produce rock islands up to 45 metres tall. Five of the structures have collapsed, leaving the few isolated apostles still looking stunningly beautiful.

Visit the information centre to learn of the history of the Twelve Apostles and the surrounding land. The centre also offers a cultural history, important knowledge to any trip.

Distance: 96km, 1 hour 30 minutes

Stay: Port Campbell Holiday Park

Day 6. Port Campbell to Port Fairy

Depart this morning and follow the Great Ocean Road to Curdievale-Port Campbell Road. Continue along until you reach Nullawarre. Take the A1 to Port Fairy.

Visit Griffiths Island and see the Shearwater birds fly back to their nests after a day of being at sea fishing. The island has a lot walking trails that wind around the island, so that you can see everything it has to offer. Trek out to the lighthouse on the most eastern tip of the island, and see how it sustainably uses solar power to efficiently work.

Distance: 89km, 1 hour 10 minutes

Stay: BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park

Day 7. Port Fairy to Melbourne

Depart this morning and take the A1 to Rosebrook. Follow the B120; B140 and the M1 back to Melbourne.

When returning your caravan, allow up to 60 minutes at drop off.

Distance: 288 km, 3 hours 20 minutes


Disclaimer

DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans.

DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only.

Special caution and planning should be taken when travelling in remote areas to ensure sufficient provisions, fuel and prescribed medicines are carried.

Weather conditions can make sealed roads impassable particularly during the northern Wet season. All rental vendors in Australia have restrictions on where their vehicles can be taken, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your vehicle provider on your intended journey when collecting your vehicle. Travelling where restrictions are imposed voids all insurance cover.

You acknowledge that any reliance on or use of any itinerary shall be at your sole discretion and risk.