Victoria road trip guide
Great Ocean Road travel guide
How to plan the drive from Melbourne, where to stop, when to go, and whether a day trip or overnight route makes more sense.
The Great Ocean Road is the classic coastal drive from Melbourne. You can see the Twelve Apostles on a long day tour, but the route is better with one overnight stop because the best parts are not only the final viewpoint. Surf towns, rainforest, cliff walks, and small coastal stops are what make the drive memorable.
Best Great Ocean Road stops
- Torquay and Bells BeachThe natural starting point for surf culture and the first coastal feel.
- LorneA good lunch stop with beach views, cafes, and access to nearby waterfalls.
- Apollo BayThe best overnight base for many first-time visitors.
- Great Otway National ParkAdd rainforest walks, tall trees, and a break from the coast road.
- Twelve ApostlesThe headline limestone stacks and the busiest viewpoint on the route.
- Loch Ard GorgeOften more atmospheric than the Twelve Apostles, especially outside peak hours.
- Port CampbellA practical small-town base if you want sunrise or sunset near the main rock formations.
One-day trip or overnight?
A one-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne works if you only have limited time and want the main photos. Expect a long day, usually 12 to 13 hours. An overnight route is much better if you are driving yourself. Stay in Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, or Lorne so you can see the coast without spending the whole day in transit.
Simple 2-day Great Ocean Road itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Leave early, stop at Torquay, Bells Beach, Aireys Inlet, and Lorne, then stay in Apollo Bay. Keep the afternoon flexible for short walks and viewpoints.
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles and return
Drive through the Otways, visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Port Campbell, then return inland to Melbourne. It is still a full day, but it feels far less rushed than a same-day return.
Best time to drive the Great Ocean Road
October to April is the easiest period for daylight, beach stops, and warmer weather. March to May and September to November are especially comfortable because the road is less crowded than peak summer. Winter can be dramatic and quiet, but weather changes quickly and daylight is shorter.
Costs and practical tips
- Group day tours from Melbourne often start around AUD 130 per adult.
- Rental cars vary heavily by season, but overnight parking is usually simple in coastal towns.
- Book Apollo Bay, Lorne, or Port Campbell accommodation early for summer weekends.
- Do not underestimate drive times. The coastal road is slow because of curves, viewpoints, and traffic.
- Carry a jacket even in warmer months. Wind along the cliffs can be sharp.