🔥 The car winds around the bend and suddenly the coastline opens up—this endless stretch of turquoise ocean on your left and towering limestone cliffs on your right. I’ve just spent the last week soaking up every bit of this iconic drive, and let me tell you, seeing the Twelve Apostles at sunrise followed by a massive stargazing session at night was absolutely bloody mind-blowing!
🗓️ Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay & Bells Beach
Kick things off by grabbing a killer coffee in Melbourne before hitting the road. It’s only about an hour and a half drive to Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Bells Beach to watch the surfers carve up the waves—even if you don’t surf, it’s a ripper view. Set up camp or check into a hostel in Torquay for the night and grab some fish and chips by the beach.
🌊 Day 2: Surf Coast to Lorne
Drive the winding stretch past Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Make sure to stop at Split Point Lighthouse for a classic photo op. By arvo, you’ll hit Lorne. Head to Erskine Falls for a quick walk—it’s only a short hike but looks epic. Spend the evening exploring Lorne’s pubs and getting a good feed.
🪃 Day 3: Lorne to Apollo Bay
This is one of the prettiest sections of the drive. You’re literally hugging the cliff edge. Stop at Kennett River for a koala spotting walk—I counted about six sleepy little guys in the eucalypts last time! Keep cruising to Apollo Bay. It’s got a relaxed vibe, perfect for an afternoon swim or a chill sunset at the harbour.
🌲 Day 4: Otway Fly & The Treetop Walk
Turn inland towards the Otways. The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is heaps good—you’re walking 30 metres up in the air amongst the giants. It’s surreal. If you’ve got time, do the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk afterwards. It’s short but feels like you’ve stepped into a dinosaur movie. Head back to the coast or camp near the hills for a different scenery tonight.
🦖 Day 5: Port Campbell National Park
Here we go, the main event! Drive to the Twelve Apostles first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. The light is softer and it’s way more peaceful. Then check out Loch Ard Gorge—the story of the shipwreck there is crazy. Don’t miss London Bridge or the Grotto either. Base yourself in Port Campbell for the night.
🌃 Day 6: The Bay of Islands & Stargazing
Keep heading west to the Bay of Islands—it’s actually less crowded than the Twelve Apostles and just as stunning, maybe more! Now, for the best part. After dinner, find a dark spot away from the streetlights. The light pollution here is low, and on a clear night, the Milky Way is absolutely ripping. Grab a blanket, lay back, and just stare up. It’s pure magic.
🛣️ Day 7: Return via the Inland Route
Instead of backtracking the whole way, cut through the inland route via Colac. It’s faster and gives you a look at the lush farmland. Stop at a local winery or a roadside fruit stall for some fresh berries if they’re in season. You’ll roll back into Melbourne by arvo, absolutely shattered but buzzing from the trip.
💰 Total Trip Cost (Est.)
If you’re camping and cooking your own brekkie and dinner, you’re looking at around $600-$800 AUD for two people for the week (fuel + food + campsites). If you’re doing motels and eating out, budget closer to $1500+. It can be as budget or bougie as you wanna make it, mate!
💡 Pro Tips
Download offline maps because reception drops in spots. Fill up your tank in Apollo Bay or Torquay before hitting the stretches with fewer services. And definitely pack a jacket—even in summer, the wind can be chilly near the cliffs!
📋 Practical Info
📍 Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia (Start Point: Torquay Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay VIC 3228)
🚗 From Melbourne, 1.5 hours drive to Torquay via M1 & B100. Total road trip distance approx 650km round trip.
💰 Free to drive (except tolls leaving Melbourne). Campsites $25-$45/night. Parking fees apply at Twelve Apostles ($13.60 per car).
🕐 Attractions like Otway Fly operate 9am-5pm daily. Lookouts are accessible 24/7 but best viewed at sunrise/sunset.
⏱️ 7 Days is the perfect pace to see everything without rushing.
💡 Tips & Warnings
✅ Do download the ‘Parks Victoria’ app to check site closures and book campsites in advance during peak season.
✅ Do pack swimmers, a towel, and a hoodie—you’ll likely hit the beach and chilly winds on the same day.
❌ Don’t swim at unpatrolled beaches. The rips here are notorious and bloody dangerous. Stick to flagged areas like Lorne or Apollo Bay.
⚠️ ⚠️ Watch out for wildlife on the road at dusk and dawn. Kangaroos and wombats are everywhere!
🚀 Planning your Great Ocean Road trip? Drop questions below! 🚀
#GreatOceanRoad #AustraliaRoadTrip #VisitVictoria #Stargazing #VanLifeAustralia #SeeAustralia #TravelTips
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