Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 1, 3 and 5-Day Coastal Drive Guide

Few road trips in the world can rival the sheer beauty of Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Stretching along Victoria’s rugged southern coastline, the Great Ocean Road drive winds through jaw-dropping ocean vistas, charming seaside towns, and some of the most famous natural landmarks on Earth. And what’s even better is you can spend a single day hopping between major highlights, or slow things down with a multi-day road trip that covers every lookout, beach, and hidden trail along the way.

In this guide, you’ll find three carefully crafted itineraries for 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day road trips so you can design your Great Ocean Road trip no matter how much time you have.

You can drive the Great Ocean Road the classic way from Melbourne via Geelong and Torquay, or come in from the Mornington Peninsula via Searoad Ferries between Sorrento and Queenscliff. If you are already staying on the Mornington Peninsula, the ferry route is a convenient way to reach the start of the Great Ocean Road without having to backtrack through the city.

1-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

This itinerary has a total driving time of approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes, excluding stops and the return trip. This is a big day. If you want time for walks and unhurried stops, consider staying overnight around Port Campbell, or trimming a few stops.

Alternative start if you are on the Mornington Peninsula:

If you are staying around Sorrento or nearby, you can take the Searoad Ferries service across to Queenscliff, then drive to Torquay and start the 1-day Great Ocean Road drive from there. The drive from Queenscliff to Torquay takes approximately 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Torquay

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 103 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on the route)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Torquay is Australia’s surf capital, and is home to many surf and streetwear brands you can explore. Load up your boot with shopping bags filled with discounted gear from iconic brands such as Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, and Ghanda.
Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum, one of the world’s largest surfing museum. Get to know the surfing champions and legends in the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, watch heart-pounding footage of surfers in action, and explore what makes up the rich surf culture of Australia.
f you love a sugar rush at the start of your Great Ocean Road drive, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery can surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Bells Beach

Distance From Torquay: 9.9 to 11.7 kilometres, depending on the route (approximately 15 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Bells Beach is one of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations and the proud home of the Rip Curl Pro, one of the longest-running surf competitions on the planet.
Admire the raw power of the Southern Ocean from the vantage points along the cliff.

Memorial Arch

Distance From Bells Beach: 35.4 kilometres (approximately 40 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

The Memorial Arch marks the Great Ocean Road, built by returned servicemen and dedicated as a lasting World War I memorial.
Snap a classic road-trip photo under the wooden arch bearing the iconic “Great Ocean Road” sign: a landmark worth a place on your Instagram feed, and a must-visit photo to kick off your Great Ocean Road trip.

Aireys Inlet

Distance From Memorial Arch: 6.2 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Aireys Inlet is best known for the Split Point Lighthouse, also known as the “White Queen.”
If you have the time, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a magnificent 360° view of the coastline. Self-guided and guided tours are available daily (weather permitting), so book a spot if you want the full experience.

Lorne

Distance From Aireys Inlet: 19.3 kilometres (approximately 25 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Lorne Beach is one of the nicest accessible beaches along this stretch, patrolled in summer and within walking distance from cafés, shops and the town centre.
Lorne marks a good halfway pause in the drive: you get access to both beach and rainforest environments, a chance to refuel, and time to soak in coastal township life before heading deeper along the coast.
Erskine Falls is a 9-kilometre drive from Lorne, featuring 30‑metre waterfalls nestled in lush rainforest, offering walking trails and viewing platforms.

Teddy’s Lookout

Distance From Lorne: 2.5 kilometres (approximately 5 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Teddy’s Lookout offers a sweeping vista of the coast where the St. George River meets the Southern Ocean: dramatic, stunning, and a perfect “wow” moment.
The lookout is reached with a short walk from the car park. No major hike needed! You can stop by if you’d like a quick photo or stretch your legs while admiring the scenery.

Kennett River Nature Walk

Distance From Teddy’s Lookout: 22.5 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

This short nature walk is famous for its resident koalas, often spotted sleeping high up in eucalyptus trees, along with colourful native parrots and other birds.
After back‑to‑back coastal lookouts, this stretch offers a change of pace: dense greenery, bird calls, rustling leaves, and quiet walking among giant gums.

Apollo Bay

Distance From Kennett River Nature Walk: 22.7 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Apollo Bay is a village set at the foothills of the Otways. Here, there are plenty of opportunities just to sit back, take a sip of coffee, or grab a snack before heading to the next stop of your Great Ocean Road trip.
If you have extra time (and energy), you can take the Shelly Beach Circuit Walk for a 2-kilometre hike along Shelly Beach and across rocky platforms to Elliot River. This trail should only be taken at low tide, so check tide conditions on Shelly Beach beforehand.

Twelve Apostles

Distance From Apollo Bay: 85.3 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

No Great Ocean Road itinerary would be complete without the Twelve Apostles. Despite the name, seven stacks are visible today, shaped over millions of years by wind and waves.
The lookouts and boardwalks are perfectly positioned to make the most of soft morning light or golden‑hour warmth, giving you those must‑have road‑trip photos.

Twelve Apostles

Distance From Twelve Apostles: 11.3 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Marvel at the 70-metre vertical cliffs and giant limestone stacks at Gibson Steps. Beach access has been temporarily closed, but you can still see the views from the clifftop lookout and parking. Check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information on when the beach will reopen.
Port Campbell is a seaside village sheltered by cliffs and pines. It is home to a lot of restaurants and cafés with scenic views of the beach, bakeries selling homemade goodies, and galleries to explore. It is a practical place to rest or dine before the return trip or an overnight stay.
Wrap the day up with a walk out to the Port Campbell Jetty and watch the waves crashing against the limestone cliffs.

The Return Trip

Port Campbell to Melbourne via M1

This route is approximately 230 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours (without stops). Follow Cobden-Port Campbell Rd/C164 and C163 to Princes Hwy/A1. Then, take M1 to Lonsdale St in Melbourne.

Port Campbell to Mornington Peninsula via Searoad Ferries

Take the C163 or Hamilton Hwy/B140 route to Queenscliff, which will take you about 2.5 hours of driving time (182 to 199 kilometres). From Queenscliff, board a Searoad Ferries cruise to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and allows you to bring your car on board.

3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Day 1: Torquay to Lorne

This route spans 62.9 kilometres, with approximately 1 hour of driving time excluding stops.

1. Starting Point: Torquay

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 103 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on the route you take)

2. Bells Beach

Distance From Torquay: 9.9 to 11.7 kilometres, depending on which route you take (approximately 15 minutes)

3. Memorial Arch

Distance From Bells Beach: 35.4 kilometres (approximately 40 minutes)

4. Aireys Inlet

Distance From Memorial Arch: 6.2 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

5. End Point: Lorne

Distance From Aireys Inlet: 19.3 kilometres (approximately 25 minutes)

Where You Can Stay in Lorne:

Mantra Lorne is a beachfront property offering hotel rooms and apartments with resort amenities, including a day spa, indoor heated pool, and tennis courts.
If you want to explore the town, particularly some of its best restaurants and cafés, The Lorne Hotel is where you’d like to be, thanks to its central location.

For a comfortable camping experience, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park has cabins and camping facilities located right by the beach and river.

Day 2: Lorne to Cape Otway

This route spans 80.5 kilometres, with approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes of driving time excluding stops.

1. Starting Point: Lorne

2. Teddy’s Lookout

Distance From Lorne: 2.5 kilometres (approximately 5 minutes)

3. Kennett River Nature Walk

Distance From Teddy’s Lookout: 22.5 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

4. Apollo Bay

Distance From Kennett River Nature Walk: 22.7 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

5. Great Otway National Park

Distance from Apollo Bay: 13.5 kilometres (approximately 15 minutes from Apollo Bay)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

The park covers over 100,000 hectares and includes lush temperate rainforest, tall eucalypt forests, coastal heathlands, rugged coastline, and tranquil lakes.

You can stroll the easy 800-metre boardwalk at Maits Rest, wander through fern gullies and ancient trees, or hike to beautiful waterfalls such as Triplet Falls.

6. Cape Otway Lightstation

Distance from Great Otway National Park: 15.4 kilometres (approximately 20 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Built in 1848, Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. The heritage site tells centuries-old stories of shipwrecks, maritime navigation, and early European arrival for many migrants.

The surrounding grounds and nearby areas offer opportunities to spot native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, as well as whales or dolphins offshore during the season.

7. End Point: Cape Otway

Distance from Cape Otway Lightstation: 5.2 kilometres (approximately 8 minutes)

Where You Can Stay in Cape Otway:

Bimbi Park is a highly rated camping and glamping site in Otway National Park, where you can have the rare opportunity to camp alongside koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas.
If you haven’t gotten enough of the coastal views, Johanna Seaside Cottages delivers both a beachfront and a rural experience in a magnificent coastal setting.
Sandpiper Motel has a central location perfect for exploring the main strip of shops and the nearby beach.

Day 3: Twelve Apostles to Port Campbell

This route spans 83.5 kilometres, with approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of driving time, excluding stops.

1. Starting Point: Twelve Apostles

Distance from Cape Otway: 72.2 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 10 mins)

2. Port Campbell

Distance From Twelve Apostles: 11.3 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

3. The Return Trip

Port Campbell to Melbourne via M1

This route is approximately 230 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours (without stops). Follow Cobden–Port Campbell Rd/C164 and C163 to Princes Hwy/A1. Then, take M1 to Lonsdale St in Melbourne.

Port Campbell to Mornington Peninsula via Searoad Ferries

Take the C163 or Hamilton Hwy/B140 route to Queenscliff, which will take you about 2.5 hours of driving time (182 to 199 kilometres). From Queenscliff, board Searoad Ferries to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and allows you to bring your car on board.

5-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

1 - 3

Days 1 to 3: Torquay to Port Campbell

Day 1: Torquay to Lorne

1. Starting Point: Torquay

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 103 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on the route you take)

2. Bells Beach

Distance From Torquay: 9.9 to 11.7 kilometres (approximately 15 minutes)

3. Memorial Arch

Distance From Bells Beach: 35.4 kilometres (approximately 40 minutes)

4. Aireys Inlet

Distance From Memorial Arch: 6.2 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

5. End Point: Lorne

Distance From Aireys Inlet: 19.3 kilometres (approximately 25 minutes)

Where You Can Stay in Lorne:

Mantra Lorne is a beachfront property offering hotel rooms and apartments with resort amenities, including a day spa, indoor heated pool, and tennis courts.
If you want to explore the town, particularly its restaurants and cafés, The Lorne Hotel is ideal thanks to its central location.
For a comfortable camping experience, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park offers cabins and camping facilities by the beach and river.

Day 2: Lorne to Cape Otway

1. Starting Point: Lorne

2. Teddy’s Lookout

Distance From Lorne: 2.5 kilometres (approximately 5 minutes)

3. Kennett River Nature Walk

Distance From Teddy’s Lookout: 22.5 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

4. Apollo Bay

Distance From Kennett River Nature Walk: 22.7 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes)

5. Great Otway National Park

Distance from Apollo Bay: 13.5 kilometres (approximately 15 minutes)

6. Cape Otway Lightstation

Distance from Great Otway National Park: 15.4 kilometres (approximately 20 minutes)

7. End Point: Cape Otway

Distance from Cape Otway Lightstation: 5.2 kilometres (approximately 8 minutes)

Bimbi Park – camping and glamping among native wildlife.
Johanna Seaside Cottages – beachfront and rural coastal stays.
Sandpiper Motel – centrally located for easy exploration.

Day 3: Twelve Apostles to Port Campbell

1. Starting Point: Twelve Apostles

Distance from Cape Otway: 72.2 kilometres (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes)

2. End Point: Port Campbell

Distance From Twelve Apostles: 11.3 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

Where You Can Stay in Port Campbell:

Great Ocean Road Studios – boutique accommodation in the town centre.
Loch Ard Motor Inn – ocean views just steps from the beach.
Port Campbell Motor Inn – close to the national park and township.

Day 4: The Grotto to Warrnambool

1. Starting Point: The Grotto

Distance from Port Campbell: 9.1 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

The Grotto is a unique natural formation where you can descend a staircase to witness the window-like view of the crashing waves and beyond.

When the sunlight hits just right during low tide, the reflections in the rock pool create magical mirror-like photos.

2. London Bridge

Distance from The Grotto: 2.3 kilometres (approximately 4 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Once connected to the mainland, London Bridge became an island when the first arch unexpectedly fell in 1990. Now, it is one of the famous landmarks and rock formations along the Great Ocean Road.

If you come at dusk, you might chance upon adorable little penguins coming ashore on the protected beach below the lookout. If you’re visiting during winter, keep an eye out for passing Southern Right and Humpback Whales.

3. Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands

Distance from London Bridge to Bay of Martyrs: 9.9 kilometres (approximately 10 minutes)

Distance Between Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands: 1.5 kilometres (approximately 2-minute drive)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Both bays feature towering limestone stacks and rock formations that offer spectacular views of the Southern Ocean.

The Bay of Martyrs holds a tragic history steeped in stories of shipwrecks, conflict, and the harsh realities of early colonial contact. The name itself is believed to reference the dark past of clashes between European settlers and Indigenous communities in the region.

The Bay of Islands is known for its dramatic offshore islands and pristine coastal scenery, providing a quieter alternative to the Twelve Apostles.

4. End Point: Warrnambool

Distance from Bay of Martyrs: 49.6 to 50.6 kilometres, depending on the route you take (approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour)

Where You Can Stay in Warrnambool:

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs is a 4-star hotel with geothermal rock pools, indoor rock pools, and an infrared sauna, perfect for unwinding after a full day of driving and exploring.
Hotel Warrnambool features a central location at the heart of the city, offering a boutique pub stay experience.
Elm Tree Motel is located just a few minutes’ drive from Warrnambool CBD, making it an ideal base for travellers who want quick access to the city’s dining, shops, and beachfront attractions while still enjoying a peaceful place to unwind.

Day 5: Warrnambool

This route spans 25 kilometres, with approximately 40 minutes of driving time, excluding stops and the return trip.

1. Starting Point: Logan’s Beach

Distance from Warrnambool: 5.9 to 6.6 kilometres, depending on the route you take (approximately 10 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Visiting from June to September gives you the chance to spot Southern Right Whales. Logan’s Beach has a specially designed viewing platform that offers excellent views of the coast.

Even outside whale season, the rugged dunes, rolling waves, and long sandy stretch make it a stunning stop in the Great Ocean Road drive.

2. End Point: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Distance from Logan’s Beach: 18.9 to 24.3 kilometres, depending on the route you take (approximately 30 minutes)

Why Is It Worth the Stop:

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is situated in a large volcanic crater, with volcanic cone-shaped hills rising from the surrounding lakes.

Koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and abundant birdlife roam freely in this natural crater reserve.

3. The Return Trip

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to Melbourne via M1

This route is approximately 268 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes (without stops). Take Tower Hill Rd to Caramut Rd/C174, then Hopkins Hwy/B120 to Framlingham Rd in Purnim. Continue to Framlingham Rd. Then, take Terang–Framlingham Rd to Terang–Mortlake Rd/C156 in Terang. Head onto Princes Hwy/A1, C164, Hamilton Hwy/B140 and M1 to Lonsdale St in Melbourne.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to Mornington Peninsula via Searoad Ferries

Take Hamilton Hwy/B140 to Queenscliff, which will take you about 3 hours of driving (224 to 234 kilometres). From Queenscliff, board Searoad Ferries to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and allows you to bring your car on board.

Roadtrip Essentials and Tips

Planning a Great Ocean Road trip requires a bit of preparation to make the most of your adventure along this iconic coastline. From timing your stops to packing smartly, these tips will help ensure a smooth, safe, and unforgettable journey.

1

Start early

It’s a long drive, and leaving early in the morning allows you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. You’ll have more time to stop at lookout points, explore beaches, and take photos during the best lighting, all while avoiding heavy traffic through popular towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.

2

Fuel up frequently

Petrol stations can be sparse in some stretches, so top up whenever you reach a larger town like Lorne or Apollo Bay.

3

Pack layers and rain gear

The weather along the southern coast can change quickly, so bring jackets, hats, and waterproof gear.

4

Check tide times and lookout access

Check tide times for rock platforms and beach access spots. The main Twelve Apostles lookouts are clifftop, so the tide matters less there.

5

Plan overnight stops in advance

Popular towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Warrnambool fill quickly during peak season, so booking ahead ensures stress-free accommodation.

Experience the Coast Differently with Searoad Ferries

With Searoad Ferries, you can turn your ordinary commute into a scenic cruise. Instead of driving through city traffic, you cruise across Port Phillip Bay, taking in open-water views, coastal cliffs, and occasional dolphin sightings. This route provides a relaxing, stress-free start or end to your Great Ocean Road trip, allowing you to reach Torquay or return from Port Campbell or Warrnambool to the Mornington Peninsula without retracing long stretches of highway. It’s a quieter, more scenic alternative that complements the natural beauty and adventure of the coastal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days are needed for a complete Great Ocean Road trip?

Travel experts commonly recommend 3 to 5 days as the ideal duration to explore the Great Ocean Road properly, giving you enough time to enjoy the major highlights, coastal towns, nature walks, and wildlife without rushing. If you're pressed for time, you can squeeze a shorter Great Ocean Road itinerary into 1 to 2 days, but this often means skipping many hidden gems and driving long hours with little time for stops.

2. What month is best to go to the Great Ocean Road?

The “best” month depends on what kind of experience you want. During late summer through early autumn (March–April), the weather tends to be more settled, there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer months, and coastal conditions remain favourable. Spring (September–November) brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn (March–May) offers mild weather, manageable crowds, and a relaxed vibe.

3. What is the halfway point of the Great Ocean Road?

There’s no single official “halfway point” that everyone agrees on, but a common practical landmark for that midpoint is around Apollo Bay. This town sits roughly in the middle of the coastal route between the start and end points of the road, making it a popular place for travellers to take a break or stay overnight before continuing westward.

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Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.

Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?

Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.