Having spent two years living, working, and travelling in Australia, I’m a good source to turn to for planning an epic Great Ocean Road adventure! I’d recommend picking up some work through your travels Down Under by getting a Working Holiday Visa. This will let you stay in Aus for an extended time so you can do an abundance of fun stuff like take a Great Ocean Road trip.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most stunning routes, stretching 150 miles (243 km) from Torquay to Allansford. In Victoria, I rented a car with some mates and we began our Great Ocean Road Itinerary; the start of an epic voyage. 

Planning a road trip along the Great Ocean Road? Here's where you'll find:

  1. Why Should I Visit the Great Ocean Road?
  2. Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip
  3. How Many Days Do You Need for the Great Ocean Road?
  4. When is the Best Month to Road Trip the Great Ocean Road?
  5. Best Things to See and Do on the Great Ocean Road
  6. Get Travel Insurance for Road Trips
  7. Hiring a Car for a Great Ocean Road Trip
  8. Hiring a Campervan for an Australian Road Trip
  9. Go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa
  10. The Best Places to Stay on the Great Ocean Road
  11. The Best Boutique Hotels on the Great Ocean Road
  12. Best Hostels and Campsites on the Great Ocean Road
  13. A 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary
  14. A 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

 

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Three girls on the beach along Great Ocean Road - road trip planning guide

Why Should I Visit the Great Ocean Road?

I’ve always loved cruising the open road. Whether in my home country of the UK or somewhere on the other side of the world, a road trip is never a bad idea and it’s the best way to see the Great Ocean Road in all its glory. It’s possible to complete the journey directly from Melbourne, but it takes several hours and doesn’t allow any time for picturesque campouts or surf sessions. 

A Great Ocean Road trip is worthwhile to experience southern Victoria’s insanely beautiful coastline, quaint towns, tranquil camping spots, and activities like surfing the many beaches, venturing to Cape Otway Lighthouse, and stopping at the Twelve Apostles. We kept things pretty cheap by bringing plenty of food (canned items, wraps, fruit, bread, peanut butter) and splitting costs between the group. The entire trip only came to AUD 150 per person including renting and fuelling the car, cheeky drinks, and unique overnight stays! 

 

What Makes the Great Ocean Road Unique?

When standing in the heart of Melbourne CBD, it’s hard to believe the famous Great Ocean Road is just 90 minutes away. Being within such a reachable distance of the city, it’s the perfect plan for a weekend getaway or even a day trip if you’re stretched for time. The authenticity of the Great Ocean Road lies in its picturesque towns and wildlife. These scenes continued to thrive and diversify as we travelled through Geelong to Torquay and beyond.

 

Is it Worth Driving the Great Ocean Road?

After spending two years in Australia and exploring various landscapes, I’ve learned that sometimes you don’t need to travel that far to see something different. If you’re hanging out in Melbourne during your time Down Under, you simply have to plan a Great Ocean Road itinerary! Every turn in the road unveils spectacular views of cliffs, sand, and the immense ocean.

Planning a two-day break is possible if you don’t have a week to play with. Leaving early on day one to travel south means you can eat lunch with saltwater spraying against your skin and enjoy a sunset dinner in the neighbouring rich green countryside.  

 

Why Do People Go to the Great Ocean Road?

Whether you enjoy surfing, kayaking, hiking, or soaking up views while bumbling along in a car or van, the Great Ocean Road is something everyone should do. But it’s not just a driving mission. Along the way are opportunities to immerse yourself in luscious rainforest surroundings, and wind down in local cafes in Apollo Bay or Lorne.

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Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip

We took our Great Ocean Road Trip in Easter and honestly, we didn’t plan that much! Although everyone in the group had the drive on their bucket list, it ended up being a last-minute plan that worked out so well! We didn’t have any issues finding accommodation when we arrived at various locations and found tranquil spots along the way. But things may not be so smooth in the height of summer, so planning at least some of the adventure is worth it.

 

Where Does the Great Ocean Road Start and End?

The Great Ocean Road spans 150 miles (243 km) from the towns of Torquay to Allansford. Some travellers choose to complete the journey in a single day, but this is way too rushed for me! Taking a weekend or even three days means you can catch some waves in Torquay before setting off, and stop at unique sights along the way like the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, the Great Otway National Park, and Teddy’s Lookout.

 

How Many Days Do You Need for the Great Ocean Road?

Most people take 2- 4 days to finish the Great Ocean Road drive which allows ample time for scenic stops, hiking, water activities, and town visits. The total driving time is just under 10 hours from Melbourne and back, so it’s nice to slow the pace and divvy up the driving into small stints across a few days. 

 

When is the Best Month to Road Trip the Great Ocean Road?

Summer months are golden times for a Great Ocean Road trip where daylight hours are long, temperatures are warm, and minimal chance of rain makes for pleasant driving conditions. Between the peak months of December and February, the route can become busier with tourists and Aussies looking for a blue water escape, so this is worth bearing in mind! 

 

What is the Most Beautiful Section of the Great Ocean Road?

I was mesmerised pretty much the entire journey, but the stretch of road between Lorne and Apollo Bay cemented views in my mind I can still see today. It was just so extraordinary to be driving on a highway through imposing cliffs meeting with the ocean’s waves. Even the air felt salty and cold, matching the vast ocean that crashed continuously below. 

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Best Things to See & Do on the Great Ocean Road

There’s no need to get a numb bum from driving endless hours on the Great Ocean Road, and what’s the point when there’s so much to do on the way? Water activities are endless, with swimming, surfing, and canoeing being a few popular opportunities. I’m a nature girl at heart, so I wanted to see and do everything including the Great Ocean Walk, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Childers Cove Beach, and Joanna Beach.

Spending 5- 7 days completing the Great Ocean Road means you can see even more sights like:

  • Mait’s Rest Hiking Trail
  • Erskine Falls
  • Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
  • Kennet River Koala Walk
  • London Bridge
  • Griffith’s Island
  • Gibson’s Steps
  • Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park

After recently delving into vanlife, I can safely say there's nothing quite like the feeling of having your home with you wherever you go. Renting a campervan is a great way to explore on your trip, with the comfort of a bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen just a few steps away. It also means more comfort and flexibility for longer trips such as a week-long Great Ocean Road expedition. 

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Great Ocean Road – Road Trip Essentials

Spontaneity always gives me an excited butterfly-belly feeling, but I don’t like to leave everything up to chance! Having some road trip essentials in place for any journey is wise and means feeling more confident and secure even if there’s a hiccup or two.  

Get Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travel and adventure are two things I am incredibly passionate about, but when it comes to staying safe, I don’t compromise. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is a security blanket for travellers, covering 175+ countries. I love the freedom of having complete control over when my policy starts and stops, and the recent expansion of coverage into adventure sports and electronic theft means me and my gear are protected. 

SafetyWing provides Travel Insurance for Nomads which includes global coverage that you can purchase while outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:

  • Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
  • Emergency dental care up to $1000
  • Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
  • Coverage for lost checked luggage
  • Flights home if something bad happens
  • Continued coverage for visits back home
  • Coverage for motor accidents
  • Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

Check out my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers covering vital tips on choosing the right provider and coverage for your adventure.

Penguin on the beach at Great Ocean Road - road trip planning guide - 3 day itinerary - 5 day itinerary

Hiring a Car for a Great Ocean Road Trip

Great Ocean Road tours are ideal for those who’d rather skip the manual miles, but if you’re up for it, driving the route offers a completely unique experience. Complete freedom over breaks and sightseeing stops makes time for the things you love the most, as well as feeling every bump of the road! Through a car rental, we scored a new Toyota Yaris which was modern and convenient, offering impressive fuel efficiency, an awesome sound system, and room for all of our gear. 

For an affordable car rental in Australia, and a vehicle that can handle the miles of Victoria’s coastline, I recommend DiscoverCars who understand the needs of customers and deliver every time. They offer impressive day or multi-day rates from £14, a simple booking process, and a range of vehicles from city-perfect hybrids to robust 4WD motors. 

 

Hiring a Campervan for an Australian Road Trip

Living in a van has taught me so much, from basic mechanics to learning how to transform a humble vehicle into a full-time home on wheels. Exploring a Great Ocean Road trip in a campervan means having an added layer of comfort compared to driving a car and pitching up a tent in a new location every night. Camper vans can come with heating and cooling systems, modern bathroom facilities, and kitchen equipment, lowering costs substantially compared to hotel stays. 

The best place to land yourself a camper? Through Jucy, who offer a range of campervan options from a 4 Berth Cruiser to a mighty 6 berth Chill’d motor fit for a family or group of friends. Jucy has regular offers for camper rentals in Australia so you could bag yourself an impressive deal to enjoy Victoria’s coastline in a slice of luxury. 

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Go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

Don't forget to read my  Guide to Australia’s Working Holiday Visa for UK Citizens if you're planning to apply for this visa for your stay Down Under. Welcome to Travel is a tour operator based in Sydney who understands the courage it takes to move to Australia for a long period on a Working Holiday Visa. To help combat the anxiousness of travellers, they offer welcome tours in Sydney, Melbourne and up the infamous East Coast. Aiming to boost the confidence of travellers, Welcome to Australia provides a foundation for solo travellers to make friends and get to know others on a similar mission. 

They've given me some exclusive discount codes for you to save up to $150 on a trip to Australia:

Taking a Welcome Tour before driving the Great Ocean Road could be an opportunity to bond with others considering doing the same. If you don’t feel comfortable renting a car with such new friends, you could drive separate vehicles but camp out together at night, making new memories and meeting people from all over the globe- how wholesome!

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The Best Places to Stay on the Great Ocean Road

Narrowing down the best places to stay in any location can be hard, especially on the Great Ocean Road where there’s simply so much beauty. The places that come to mind are Lorne, Separation Creek or the Wye River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool. All of these are ideal places for a pitstop or overnight stay, right on the coastal cliffs.

For an experience as charming as its name, Port Fairy is a must for your Great Ocean Road itinerary! Showcasing 1800s architecture and its passion for arts, Port Fairy is a town boasting antique, art, and crafts stalls, as well as the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival which I’ve heard nothing but great things about. 

Where is the Best Place to Base Yourself on the Great Ocean Road?

Port Campbell and Apollo Bay were two standout locations on our road trip. Sitting on the land of the Eastern Maar People, Port Campbell has a history as rich as its landscape. Offering abundant foodie spots and iconic beach views, Port Campbell was a dream after spending a couple of hours behind the wheel. 

But I can’t forget about the gem of Apollo Bay. It’s a traditional fishing village with charming appeal thanks to the local’s love of seafood and exploring the vast ocean. Carve out some time for a boat trip and you won’t be disappointed. Wildlife sightings include dolphins, penguins, seals, jellyfish, and the occasional whale!

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The Best Boutique Hotels & Stays on the Great Ocean Road

When you’re taking on an adventure as epic as the Great Ocean Road, why sacrifice accommodation? There’s accommodation for every traveller along Victoria's coast, but unique hotels offer a little more luxury so you can rest easy to the sound of waves and gulls.

Woodlands by the Sea (Port Campbell)

Less than five miles from Port Campbell National Park, Woodlands by the Sea is a tranquil haven offering AC patio-adorned rooms, free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and more in a private holiday home. It’s the perfect solution for rallying a few friends together and enjoying an epic night of fun while safely nestled away in nature.

Book your stay here

Rayville Boat Houses (Apollo Bay)

Minutes from the Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and the Great Ocean Road Waterfront, Rayville Boat Houses provide luxury in the most idyllic location. Each villa has essential facilities and private indoor hot tubs to give your body some TLC after all the driving! With mountain biking, hiking, and fishing nearby, you can explore Apollo Bay and return to sheer bliss. 

Book your stay here

 

The Best Hostels & Campsites on the Great Ocean Road 

Hostels are a social free-for-all where you can arrive solo and leave with a network of new friends. I don’t just love the affordable pricing of hostels and campsites, but also the energy they encompass, especially in peak season!

YHA Apollo Bay Eco

Plenty of backpackers highly rate YHA Apollo Bay Eco for location, cleanliness, and facilities. Just a short walk away from the Great Ocean Road, this hotel is a friendly place to rest for a night or two before hitting the road again. Self-catering kitchens offer flexibility and the option to cook food ahead of time to cut costs. The rooftop terrace is a winner for hanging out with new friends in the starlight.

Book your stay here

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

On the edge of the Peterborough Coastal Reserve is the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park. Walking distance from the beach with stunning sunrise views, this park offers travellers a cabin escape from the tarmac. The indoor barbecue area is a game changer during warmer months, where guests can cook up a feast of local produce and relish every mouthful, fuelling fishing trips and beach hikes. 

Book your stay here

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A 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Five days is an ideal window to venture along the Great Ocean Road, allowing ample time for sightseeing, beach picnics, and blissful stopovers. Splitting the driving also takes less of a toll on everyone travelling, so moods and energy stay vibrant!

 

Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne 

Starting day one of your Great Ocean Road itinerary travelling from Melbourne to Lorne gets two hours under your belt right away. I’d recommend setting off from Melbourne early so traffic is minimal and you can join the scenic road with fresh, morning energy. 

 

Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a traveller's dream, with expansive blue waters, golden sand, and the Great Otway National Park mere moments away. Skipping past this town would mean missing out on some of the key sights of the Great Ocean Road, including Apollo Bay Beach. But this area is also famed for its hikes through unspoiled scenery and breathtaking ocean views.

  • Drive: 1 hr
  • Stay: Beachfront Motel
  • Eat: The Birdhouse Apollo Bay
  • Do: Great Ocean Walk, Carisbrook Waterfall, Apollo Bay Beach

 

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Port Campbell had such a warm energy from the second we arrived, and it’s the perfect blend of stunning scenery and town vibes. The drive is a little longer to reach Port Campbell from Apollo Bay, but it’s still under two hours so it can be completed before lunch! The 12 Rocks Beach Bar Cafe is a popular spot for freshly baked goods and the best coffee in the bay. 

  • Drive: 1.5 hrs
  • Stay: Port Campbell Motor Inn
  • Eat: Waves Port Campbell
  • Do: Port Campbell National Park, Twelve Apostles, The Razorback

 

Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

Warrnambool is an epicentre of beauty, treating visitors to beaches, parks and gardens, shipwrecks, and unbeatable hiking and biking trails. Arriving here early in the day means you can carve out time to relax, soak up some rays, and wander around this gem on the south coast. 

 

Day 5: Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Port Fairy is just as pretty as its name, but it often gets overlooked in favour of Warrnambool. Since it’s just a 30-minute drive to the town, it’s worth squeezing Port Fairy in for the end of your trip. Cool off in the crystal-water bay, treat yourself to the boutique shops, and marvel at the vast, majestic birdlife.

  • Drive: 30 mins
  • Stay: The Oak & Anchor Hotel
  • Eat: Home Grown Port Fairy
  • Do: Griffiths Island Lighthouse, Pea Soup Beach, Port Fairy Farmer’s Market

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A 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Only have a long weekend to spend on a Great Ocean Road trip? Worry not, because this is still enough time to bag some wonderful experiences, even if it means a little more driving each day! By compressing my 5-day itinerary, you can still visit key spots and not feel too rushed or pushed for time.

 

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

I always like to get the bulk of driving done in the morning, preferably on day one of a trip as it gives me peace of mind knowing a chunk of the drive is already complete. Melbourne to Apollo Bay is under a three-hour drive, and organising your day means you may be able to stop in Geelong or Winchelsea along the way. 

 

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

There’s so much to see in the hour-and-a-half trip from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell including the breathtaking Great Otway National Park. Split up your day by stopping at the park for a hike and brunch, before continuing to Wattle Hill, Princeton, and finally Port Campbell. 

  • Drive: 1.5 hrs
  • Stay: Portside Motel
  • Eat: Grassroots Deli Cafe
  • Do: London Bridge, The Grotto

 

Day 3: Port Campbell to Port Fairy

Port Fairy is such a picturesque town with characterful houses and streets featuring local produce stored and independent clothes boutiques. If you’re not afraid of the scents of the sea, head to the local port where you can witness local fishermen unloading their fresh catches. Then indulge in a taste of the ocean by dining in one of the many highly-praised restaurants.