European holidays might be off the agenda for a while, so it’s time to get the car roadtrip-ready to explore the best of Victoria! Today we take you on a journey to one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives with a 3-day itinerary that’s perfect for your next long weekend or short getaway. Take in everything from the dramatic limestone of the Twelve Apostles to towering rainforest heights, iconic surf breaks and incredible wildlife on this Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne.
Day 1 – Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Distance: 187 kilometres, approximately 3 hours drive-time
Our Great Ocean Road itinerary from Melbourne starts as we make our way to Apollo Bay. Start the day nice and early and beat the traffic as you make your way to Torquay, just over an hour’s drive down the Princes Freeway from Melbourne. Torquay marks the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and is home to some of Australia’s most famous surf beaches – including Bell’s Beach, which hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro. Stop in for a coffee at Pond before checking out the Australian National Surfing Museum and enjoying a stroll along a segment of the famous Surf Coast Walk to Bell’s Beach. Keen surfers or stand-up paddle boarders might like to stop a little longer, hiring a board or grabbing a lesson from the team at Go Ride a Wave.
Let the spectacular coastal views begin as you wind your way through to Lorne for fish and chips by the beach. A stopover at the Split Point Lighthouse along the way is a must for those with nostalgic affection for the classic 1990s children’s television program ‘Round the Twist,’ and don’t forget to look up at the incredible architectural and engineering feat that is the Pole House as you pass through Fairhaven!
Take your time as you wind your way along the magnificent clifftops to Apollo Bay – stopping at designated lookouts to get that perfect Instagram shot and take in the unrivalled panoramas. Keep those eyes peeled for wildlife along the way, too, with everything from koalas (particularly at Kennett River) to whales on the cards.
Settle in at your accommodation in Apollo Bay (there’s no shortage of options here!) before finding a great spot for dinner. The wood-fired pizza and spirits inspired by local folklore at the Apollo Bay Distillery are sure to be a hit, with a menu that changes with the seasons. Those keen on adventure should pack a torch and some warm clothes before venturing into the Great Otway National Park after dark to see the incredible glow worms sparkle with life.
Day 2 – Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Distance: 190 kilometres, approximately 3 hours drive-time
The Great Ocean Road winds through the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park as you continue your journey. Continue on to Lavers Hill before following the signs inland to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (approximately 1 hour from Apollo Bay), where a 30-metre high elevated walkway offers a uniquely spectacular rainforest experience. There’s a zipline for the more adventurous members of your tribe, and a fairy village and dragon’s nest for the imaginative.
Once back on the Great Ocean Road, keep heading west until you reach the most iconic point of the journey at Port Campbell – the Twelve Apostles, a group of eleven spectacular limestone stacks that riseup majestically from the Southern Ocean. Grab a bite of lunch at Port Campbell before taking in the dramatic views from and heading down the Gibson Steps to feel the scale of nature’s fury from below. Journey on a further 5 minutes to the relative calm of the hauntingly calm Loch Ard Gorge. Take the time to experience the awe-inspiring views from the air with a scenic helicopter flight for an experience you’ll never forget.
The next stop is the Shipwreck Coast’s capital, Warrnambool, where the deep blue of the Southern Ocean meets the rolling contours of green dairy country. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village holds Victoria’s largest maritime shipwreck collection and is a great way to start your exploration of the town. Journey westward to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – an enormous volcanic crater rimmed by beds of volcanic ash – to learn more about this important place in local Aboriginal history. Guided interactive walks (1 hour duration) are led by experienced guides with specific knowledge about the volcano, indigenous lifestyles, wildlife and flora. Visitors will see native animals, learn about bush tucker and gain understanding of the rich local Aboriginal heritage.
It’s just 10 minutes further along to your final destination, Port Fairy, and it’s hard to go past Drift House for a luxurious place to stay and the Merrijig Inn for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Day 3 – Port Fairy to Melbourne
Distance: 288 kilometres, approximately 3.5 hours drive-time (or longer with scenic/culinary options)
Enjoy the morning in Port Fairy, taking a stroll along the beach or exploring old whalers’ cottages in the village. Pop into the information centre to learn about tours to the local seal colony or hire a bike to see more from the ground before hitting the road on your return journey. Today you’re headed inland, making your way back to Warrnambool before making your way through the Otway Harvest Trail at your own leisure. Our favourite stopovers include the Timboon Cheesery, the Forrest General Store and of course Brae in Birregurra, one of the state’s finest restaurants (you’ll need to plan ahead and book for this one!). The Otway Harvest Trail is full of culinary gems, so consider extending your journey here if you can.
Make sure your car is roadtrip-ready
Before you hit the road, plan ahead and book your car in for a service with us. We’ll give your car a thorough safety-check in line with the VACC’s accredited Critical Safety Check program and keep you on the move with our premium service experience. Ask about our complimentary loan cars and flexible prepayment options and rest assured that we’ll go that extra mile to keep you on the road.
We recommend running through five simple ‘roadtrip-readiness’ checks in the week leading up to your Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to avoid any last-minute stress. If your simple checks turn up anything unexpected, give us a call and we’ll help you on your way.
- Tyre pressure – handling and performance is important when tackling the Great Ocean Road as it weaves its way along the rugged southern coastline. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure before you hit the road, and give them a once-over for wear and tear.
- Lights – check that your head, parking, indicator, brake, reversing and numberplate lights are in good working order. The safest way to do so is with two people: one to operate the lights, the other to observe.
- Windscreen wipers – ocean spray and rainforest conditions guarantee that you’ll need to use the wipers on your Great Ocean Roadtrip from Melbourne. Fill the washer reservoir, and check wiper blades for deterioration or debris.
- Coolant – check your owner’s manual for specific advice about how to check your vehicle’s coolant level. Most vehicles will have a transparent coolant reservoir so you can check the level without touching the cap, but we still recommend you do this when the engine is cool.
- Engine oil – again, check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on checking your oil levels. Remember to check the oil when the engine is cool, and be sure to park on a flat surface!
We look forward to seeing you at Cox Auto soon and wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.
Want some more travel inspiration? Check our our list of the best driving roads in Victoria!
