day tour to great ocean road

1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $109

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Great Ocean Road Tour Itinerary

This 1 Day Great Ocean Road Day Tour is one of Melbourne’s most popular tours. On the spectacular Great Ocean Road Tour, experience this breathtaking coastline with pristine beaches, charming seaside towns and of course the iconic 12 Apostles .

Leaving Melbourne, we’ll stop off at a popular coastal town on the Great Ocean Road , where we will have morning tea and relax before an exciting day ahead. We visit the historic Memorial Arch to get our photo taken before passing through the quaint coastal resort towns of Lorne and Wye River.

Next up we head to the picturesque Apollo Bay  where you can grab some lunch from one of the many cafes that dot the street.

After lunch, we will enjoy a 20-minute guided bush walk to the cascades at Melba Gully. Here, you will be surrounded by dense rainforest with a winding, scenic walk.

We then arrive at the highlight of the Great Ocean Road Tour – the world famous 12 Apostles. Walk out to the lookouts for spectacular views and photo opportunities of one of Australia’s most iconic attractions.

We’ll then head back on the road and we twist and wind through Port Campbell National Park to arrive at the Shipwreck Coast.

Find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and take a walk along the beach at Loch Ard Gorge . View the Archway, The Razorback and Dumpling Pots and hear the tragic tales of the Shipwreck Coast .

For the last stop of the day, find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and take a walk along the beach at Loch Ard Gorge . View the Archway, The Razorback and Dumpling Pots and hear the tragic tales of the Shipwreck Coast .

This tour is Melbourne’s best 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour on offer! With stunning beach views, fantastic coastal towns and popular must-sees, we recommend you book your Great Ocean Road Tour now.

• The 12 Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Kennett River
• Helicopter Ride Over the 12 Apostles

Why Not Check Out Our Other Great Ocean Road Tours

Great Ocean Road in Reverse Tour $160

Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour $149

Great Ocean Road Small Group Deluxe $150

Large Coach – Great Ocean Road Tour $105

Great Ocean Road Private Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne $299

2 Day Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island Tour $495

2 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour $575

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11 Best Great Ocean Road Tours To Take In 2024

READY TO BOOK YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR?

Then you’ve come to the right article as I’m about to show you the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best things you can do in all of Australia, and there’s no better way to see the coastline than by taking a tour.

It’s one of my favourite days I’ve ever had, and I know how important it is to have a good tour, and how hard it can be to pick the good from the bad.

So that’s why I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours which I recommend.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me to keep my site up and running! Read my disclaimer for more information.

🏆 EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star reviews. Book now!

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Great Ocean Road Tour

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne ✔️ 3700+ 5 star reviews ✔️ Viator Experience Award ✔️ 14 hour tour

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour ✔️ Beat the crowds ✔️ Max 12 people ✔️ 2200+ 5 star reviews

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip ✔️ 9+ stops ✔️ All the iconic sights ✔️ Rainforest Walk

Best Great Ocean Road Tours

It can be hard to choose the good tours from the bad, that’s why I’ve handpicked the 11 best Great Ocean Road tours that are sure to give you an unbelievable experience without breaking the bank. Each one is packed with must-sees, from the 12 Apostles to rainforest walks, book any of these tours and you’re in for a great time.

1. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (3700+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 6 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The best Great Ocean Road tour is the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne which has nearly 4000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

• Spot wild koalas along the way
• Experience Great Otway National Park’s rainforest and wildlife
• See iconic rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Great Ocean Road in person? Well, you might want to try the Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne to experience one of the most scenic drives in the world. 

When booking a tour, no matter what tour it is, I always like to go with the tried and tested option. Having a 5/5 rating after nearly 4000 reviews is incredible and speaks to the standard of this tour.

I personally had the best day ever and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s more than passed the test of travellers before both you and me.

What I like about this tour straight away is that it includes hotel pickup. After picking you up from your selected hotel in Melbourne, you’ll head to the coast.

Keep your eyes peeled and try to spot wild koalas in the trees. This eco-tour is focused on observing these adorable furry creatures in their natural habitat, which is honestly, the best way to experience them.

Next, you’ll explore the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, where you might see kangaroos and wallabies hopping around. Your guide will tell you all about the plants and animals that live here, and how they adapt to the changing seasons.

I love animals and having a guide so knowledgeable on all of the wildlife in Australia was really great!

The highlight of the tour is Port Campbell National Park, where you’ll get to see the iconic Twelve Apostles and other rock formations. They really are a sight to behold. Seeing them in real life is surreal- pictures don’t do it justice.

But speaking of pictures, you’ll be given plenty of time to take photos and take in the views.

During the tour, you’ll have the chance to stop for coffee or tea breaks. You can opt to bring your own lunch like I did because I was on a budget, or the guide will also suggest some great places to eat local food along the way.

To summarise the quality of the tour, it has a Viator Experience Award , making it one of the best tours in the whole world.

Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne is a great introduction to the Great Ocean Road with a focus on the ecology of the region, and I encourage anyone looking to take a tour to book this one.

2. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want to avoid the crowds, Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is the best tour for you.

• All-day reverse beat-the-crowd tour of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
• Knowledgeable local guide sharing history and culture
• See the formations of London Bridge, the 12 Apostles, and the Great Otway

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People is also super highly thought of, with more than 2000 5-star reviews. The quality of these tours is so impressive!

This Great Ocean Road tour is a bit different – that’s because it’s in the reverse of what most other tours offer.

But going in reverse means you aren’t going to the same places at the same time as most people, and you’ll also start your tour early to beat the crowds , and by early, I mean 7 a.m.

And you have quite a personable experience on the tour too, as it’s a small-group tour, limited to 12 people. It really feels like the guide is part of the group.

There are plenty of stops along the way including the stunning London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles. You’ll also get to explore the rugged landscape of Great Otway National Park. 

As cheesy as this sounds, this is more than a tour; it’s a journey of discovery!

The National Park fees are also included in this tour price, so there are no surprises along the way. You can choose to bring a lunch with you, however, there are plenty of stops along the way for food and drink. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, I highly recommend Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 12 People as an opportunity to explore the Great Ocean Road like never before and with minimal crowds.

3. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Another really good Great Ocean Road Tour is the From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip , again with more than a thousand positive ratings!

• Small group tour along the iconic Great Ocean Road
• Spot koalas at Kennett River
• Explore the rainforest of Great Otway National Park and Shipwreck Coast
• Optional 15-minute helicopter rides offer a thrilling aerial view

Are you ready for an amazing adventure along Australia’s Great Ocean Road? If your answer is yes, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip is definitely made for you!

This full-day Great Ocean Road tour features a little bit of everything. You’ll see koalas in the wild at Kennett River, walk through a stunning rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, and visit the spectacular Shipwreck Coast – where you’ll visit the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Step.

If you’re feeling adventurous, or are celebrating a special occasion then you opt to take a helicopter ride and fly over the coast.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!

Just imagine the views you’ll get from up there! It’s a perfect example of a situation I use the quote “Money always comes back, memories are priceless.” It’s expensive, yes, but so worth it!

All of the guides for all of these tours are really friendly, but the guides on this tour even treat you to a delicious and refreshing morning cup of tea!

Your guide will also take care of everything for you from pick up and drop you off at selected hotels in Melbourne. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy this full-day immersive experience. 

If you want a deep dive into the Great Ocean Road with some unique perks, From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip this is the tour for you.

4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (1500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13.5 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 8 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re an animal-lover like me, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour just might be the tour you’ve been looking for! And guess what? Once again, it’s incredibly well-rated with over 1500+ positive reviews.

• Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines
• Go on a guided forest walk among the world’s tallest trees
• Encounter native koalas and parrots in their natural habitat

As a wildlife lover, I’m actually excited to tell you about From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour . Unlike the other tours I’ve mentioned, this one has an animal focus to it, where you’ll get the chance to see some of the best Australian wildlife up close.

You’ll start the tour by seeing some incredible sights along the way. Keep a look out for things like adorable koalas and colourful parrots in their natural home. Australia is famous for a lot of things, and wildlife is one of the main things.

What I also love is that you also get to walk through the rainforest with your guide pointing out various species as you go.

After your wildlife encounters, you’ll carry on to the stunning and infamous coastline. Here you’ll get to witness some of the country’s most impressive views.

You’ll stop off to see the famous landmarks, like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to take photos or simply sit and take in the view. 

Everything is included on this full-day tour. You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Melbourne and enjoy a refreshing morning tea before your full adventure starts. There are plenty of options for lunch during this tour. 

If you’re a wildlife buff, then From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour is a tour you don’t want to miss!

5. Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (500+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 14 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is yet another amazing Great Ocean Road Tour. The guides are some of the funniest guides in the world on this tour!

• Enjoy a road trip along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and visit the charming town of Apollo Bay on the surf coast
• Discover the iconic Shipwreck Coast, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles.
• Spot koalas, and native birds, and wander amidst the lush trees and ferns

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip covers all the classic highlights of this iconic road trip and more!

You’ll not only see stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush rainforest along this amazing route, but you’ll also visit the Shipwreck Coast, where you’ll find the 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge as well as Apollo Bay! So many bucket-list sights in just a few hours.

During this tour, you’ll also get to meet some of Australia’s cutest wildlife, like koalas and native birds. Trust me when I say that you’ll feel a special bond with nature as you walk among the tall trees and ferns of the Otway Ranges.

Taking a Great Ocean Road tour leaves you really appreciating life by the end of the day, it’s one of those types of experiences where it makes you love life.

You’ll have plenty of time to take in the vibes of Apollo Bay, a surf town with a relaxed vibe and to use ChatGPT’s favourite phrase, “a coastal charm”. You can opt to walk on the beach or soak up the local culture – the choice is up to you!

The tour includes your transportation with a knowledgeable local guide who knows everything about the area like the back of their hand. There are plenty of stops along this tour to pick up food and drink, or you could pack a picnic to have on the beach.

Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip is an excellent tour that includes all of the highlights of a Great Ocean Road trip with a few nice extras on top.

6. Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (160+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours |🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you want a really personable Great Ocean Road tour, and one that includes absolutely everything, then Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is the tour you’ve been looking for.

• Enjoy a local cafe lunch in a charming coastal township
• Travel in style with extra legroom in a premium vehicle
• Experience the convenience of a drop-off service at your central Melbourne hotel

Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is an amazing all-inclusive adventure that will surely provide a memorable experience and comfort at the same time!

You’ll travel in style and comfort in a Mercedes mini-van . These are not your average tour buses—they’re spacious, luxurious, and equipped with everything you need to relax. You’ll feel like a VIP as you cruise along the scenic route!

You’ll also get to taste the best of the region with a delicious cafe lunch in a charming coastal town. Whether you’re craving classic Australian fare, or something a little different, they’ve got you covered! And the best part is, it’s all included in the price .

Your guide will take care of everything for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. They’ll pick you up at your hote l or Southbank at the start and drop you off at the end of the tour at whichever location is more convenient for you.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience is not your ordinary tour and is the epitome of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7. Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (125+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 10 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you’re backpacking Melbourne , then you won’t find a better tour than Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 . It’s designed for younger people and solo travellers.

• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Take unlimited photo stops to capture unforgettable moments
• Experience the stunning Australian coastline and forest

Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 is exclusively designed for the young and adventurous! Tailored for anyone aged 18-35, this Great Ocean Road tour ensures a vibrant and energetic day from start to finish!

You’ll start the day with a pick-me-up cup of tea or coffee to get you ready for the day ahead. Then you’ll be transported around in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and have plenty of chances to snap some awesome photos along the way.

Also, don’t be shy to ask the driver to stop whenever you see something you want to hop out and take a photo of. If there’s one thing I know about Aussies it’s that they’re very laid back , so if there’s an unplanned stop, it’s no big deal to them.

Quite the contrast from when I visited Iceland and took a Golden Circle tour and we were told off for being 1 minute late back to the bus!

You’ll head to the Australian coastline, with its iconic rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

But that’s not all, you’ll also get to visit the rainforest where you can try to spot local wildlife that lives there. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos, so keep your eyes open!

Although the coastline is amazing, I absolutely love exploring the rainforests in the area. It’s such a diverse place, and I felt like a proper explorer walking through it.

This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip —it’s a chance to have fun, make new friends, and experience one of the world’s most famous road trips with like-minded people.

If you want to have a blast with your fellow travellers, sharing stories and laughs along the way, book the Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35 .

8. Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (350+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 13 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea is one of the tours with the most stops on this list, with at least 13 named stops. But as I said, the tours are all mostly laid back and usually have a few spontaneous stops.

• Drive along the Great Ocean Road and see the 12 Apostles from different angles, including Gibson Steps
• Encounter wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River
• Enjoy lunch in Apollo Bay and have dinner in Colac savoring the local culinary delights

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea includes incredible sights and unforgettable experiences along the way!

One of the highlights is undoubtedly the 12 Apostles, a group of massive limestone pillars rising from the ocean. Would it really be a Great Ocean Road Tour without visiting the highlight of the National Heritage Site ?

During this tour, you’ll get to see them from different perspectives , including the Gibsons Steps, where you can feel the spray of the waves and the awe of nature.

You’ll also have the chance to spot local wildlife, like koalas and parrots, at Kennett River, a stop not included in most of these tours. It’s difficult to resist seeing these adorable creatures in their natural environment, and if you’re lucky, try to get a photo with them.

Seeing all of the animals in Australia is so much better than seeing them in zoos. It creates precious memories. I remember one time I was fortunate enough to see a platypus which is quite rare to see, it was incredible.

You’ll also stop off to enjoy delicious local food in Apollo Bay and Colac, two charming towns with great options for lunch and dinner (not included in the price). You can choose whatever you like, from fresh seafood to hearty burgers.

Morning tea is provided during the tour, along with everything else you need for a comfortable and memorable experience. All you have to do is relax and have fun on this full-day excursion!

To get unreal views of the 12 Apostles, book the Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk And Morning Tea today.

9. Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 7 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

If you love guides who are passionate about storytelling, then you should book the Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne .

• Experience a day trip along the Great Ocean Road
• Explore the enchanting Otway Ranges and visit the historic Cape Otway lighthouse
• Discover the tale of the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck and wander at the majestic Twelve Apostles rock formations

If you love both landscapes and adventure, then join this full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne!

The Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne begins the day with a drive through the Otway Ranges, where you’ll see giant eucalyptus trees create a fragrant and tranquil forest. Quite the unique way to start, right?

You’ll also stop at the Cape Otway lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia  – this one definitely holds a significant history and role in guiding ships to safety. I love the atmosphere here.

Next, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, where a shipwreck in 1878 left only two survivors. Be prepared to be moved by their story and the beauty of the gorge, with its cliffs and caves. Unfortunately, you can’t actually see the shipwreck from the surface, but the story gave me goosebumps.

You’ll then continue your journey to see the Twelve Apostles, the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road. It’s difficult not be stand in awe by their mighty size and shape – you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities! They’re much more impressive in real life.

Throughout the day, the guide will make your trip fun and informative, sharing their knowledge and stories along the way. I had a guide named Red and he was amazing.

And as the name suggests, the group is small too so you really get to know the guide rather than just listen to them.

If this is your first time in the area, then Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne allows you to enjoy the best that the region has to offer.

10. Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (300+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

The penultimate Great Ocean Road tour on this list comes in the form of the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne which still has remarkable reviews. Remember, these are the best of the best out of hundreds of tours, all of these options are top-class.

• A full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Delicious lunch overlooking Apollo Bay, soaking in the famous coastal scenery
• Experience a temperate rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park and spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat

Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne features all the typical GOR highlights.

You’ll start your adventure by visiting the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, starting the day off on a high. Here you’ll see the mighty cliffs looking out over the endless ocean. I know that you’ll be amazed by these natural wonders – it’s hard not to be – and even though it’s an unforgettable view , you’ll also have plenty of time to take photos.

Next, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at Apollo Bay, where you’ll get to enjoy the local cuisine whilst taking in the tranquil coastal vibe . Trust me, you’ll love the views and the atmosphere. It’s a really quaint place, I love it there. It reminds me of being home in Northern Ireland.

Then, you’ll hop back on to your transportation, enjoying the scenic drive. That’s one of the most underappreciated things about any Great Ocean Road adventure- the drive is just as beautiful as all of the stops. Even when you’re driving for an hour, it goes so quickly.

You’ll then stop at Great Otway National Park, where you’ll walk among the ancient rainforest trees , taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

You’ll hear hundreds of birds and if you’re lucky maybe spot some local wildlife! Speaking of wildlife, you’ll also get to see some of Australia’s most adorable animals, like kangaroos and koalas.

All in all, Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne offers a day filled with bucket list experiences, that offer memories you’ll cherish forever.

11. Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12-13 hours | 🗻 STOPS: 9 or more | 🌊 BOOK NOW

Last but by no means least of these Great Ocean Road tours is the Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour and it really is a case of “last but not least” as it still has more than 100 positive reviews.

• Spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Complimentary chocolate and ice cream tastings at the renowned Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
• Spot cute koalas, and visit historical landmarks like the Memorial Arch, and the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay

Do you love adventure, nature, and… chocolate? Then you’ll love Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour .

You’ll start your day with a sweet stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where you can enjoy free samples of chocolate and ice cream. Yum!!! How many people include that on their Great Ocean Road itinerary ? Not many, but more should!

Next, you’ll see the Memorial Arch , a beautiful tribute to the people who built this incredible road. Again, another unique stop, but this is why I love this tour- it goes beyond the “must-dos”.

After the memorial, you’ll watch the surfers in action at Lorne, a famous beach break where the ocean meets the land. 

For lunch, you’ll have some time to explore Apollo Bay, a lovely seaside town with lots of options for places to eat to suit your taste and budget. 

After that, you’ll visit the Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning site with a sad story of a shipwreck. Be prepared to be moved as your guide tells you its fascinating history. As I said earlier, the story gives me goosebumps every time.

Finally, you’ll get to visit the infamous Twelve Apostles with plenty of time to take photos before heading back to Melbourne.

What an amazing day Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) 1-Day Tour offers- it’s extraordinary.

Great Ocean Road Tours: FAQ

Below are some FAQs related to these Great Ocean Road tours along with my answer to each question.

Not at all! You can drive the Great Ocean Road on your own. This way, you have the freedom to stop wherever you want and for as long as you like. But if you don’t want to drive or plan the trip yourself, a tour can be a great choice too.

There are eight of the 12 Apostles still standing. Even though they’re called the ’12’ Apostles, there were only nine to begin with. The ocean is slowly but surely wearing them down, but they’re still an amazing sight.

Yes, a Great Ocean Road tour is worth it if you want to sit back and enjoy the ride without the stress of driving or planning. On a tour, you get to hear cool stories and facts about the places you’re seeing too. It’s also a fun way to meet other travellers.

Great Ocean Road Tours: Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete list of the best Great Ocean Road tours.

Remember, the best tour is the Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne with thousands of 5-star ratings.

But no matter which of these tours you decide to take, you’ll have the most amazing time. The Great Ocean Road does not disappoint!

Now that you’ve got one of your days planned for your trip to Melbourne, why not plan another day and take a hot air balloon tour over the city?

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

THE 10 BEST Great Ocean Road Tours & Excursions

Great ocean road tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Night Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne

2. Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

3. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour

4. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour

5. Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles Tour

6. Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour from Melbourne

7. Full-Day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour

8. Small-Group Great Ocean Road Classic Day Tour from Melbourne

9. Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour for Backpackers aged 18-35

10. Small group Great Ocean Road reverse itinerary, Include Breakfast

11. Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Day Trip from Melbourne

12. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary with 12 Apostles from Melbourne

13. Small-Group Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

14. Ride Tours 2 day Great Ocean Road Trip for 18-35 year olds

15. Half-Day or Full-Day Tour with Private Guide from Melbourne

16. Private Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

17. Private Helicopter Tour to 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road

18. 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne

19. Private One Day Great Ocean Road Tour (12 Hour)

20. Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour

21. Small Group Great Ocean Road Full Day Tour Lunch Included

22. 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne

23. Great Ocean Road to 12 Apostles plus Rainforest Melbourne DayTour

24. Small Group - 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne

25. Boutique All-Inclusive Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Rainforest Experience

26. Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Full-Day Trip from Melbourne

27. 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour

28. Full-Day Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Sunset Tour from Melbourne

29. 3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Small-Group Tour via Great Ocean Road Grampians

30. Great Ocean Road and Grampians 2 Day Short Break Escape from Melbourne

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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

The Great Ocean Road Tour offers a guided scenic drive along Australia’s stunning coastline , showcasing breathtaking ocean views and ancient rainforests . Our group day tour includes visiting the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles . Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park . Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay and have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.

• Visit the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Surf Coast beaches , seaside towns, and stunning coastal views
• Spot Australian wildlife along the the Great Ocean Road
• Enjoy lunch in the seaside town of Apollo Bay
• Rainforest walk through the  Great Otway National Park
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast Port Campbell National Park
• The world-famous Twelve Apostles Port Campbell National Park
• If time permits, we visit the Razorback, Island Archway, Salt & Pepper Shakers formations

Trip Inclusions

• All National Park entry fees
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• A professional & friendly driver/guide
• Local informative tour commentary
• Comfortable coach transportation service
• Select inner-city pick-up & drop-off locations

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s famous must-do road trip. One day we will show you the beauty of this coastal drive and take you through pristine beaches, fresh rainforest and rugged limestone rock formations.

Be wowed by the 12 Apostles – these iconic rock formations lie just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park in  Victoria . Get lost in the beauty of this natural scenery and allow our guides to regale you with the stories and history that shapes this epic coastline.

Depart Melbourne

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the  Surf Coast,  passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as  Anglesea ,  Lorne  and  Airey’s Inlet . We stop for some morning tea and breathe in the fresh sea air while spotting surfers out on the water. The proximity to Antarctica means you will learn why everyone wears a wet suit once you dip your toes into the water.

Visit the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop at the Great Ocean Road monument, which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road. After some photos at the iconic  Memorial Arch  and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course, stopping for pictures!)

Search for Australian flora and fauna

Along the journey, we will make stops to look for Koalas and other Australian wildlife on the Great Ocean Road , hanging out in the wild. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee where they will appear, but our knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to get out into the bush and spot them sleeping!

Stop to Enjoy Lunch in Apollo Bay

A welcome lunch break is taken in  Apollo Bay   (approximately 45 minutes – at guests’ own expense).  Once you have  explored Apollo Bay , grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream, you are back on the bus to the Great Otway National Park inland.

Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park

Still on the Great Ocean Road but continues into the lush green hills of the Great Otway National Park . Drive past towering  Eucalyptus trees until we arrive at a  Cool, Temperate Rainforest patch . You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and marvel at the ‘ancient relics’  Myrtle Beach trees . These provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent known as  Gondwanaland . Breathe in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive to the dramatic Shipwreck Coast !

The Twelve Apostles

Once out of the trees and back by the  Southern Ocean,  we arrive in  Port Campbell National Park , home to the iconic  12 Apostles . We will spend about 40 minutes at the  Apostles,  where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast

Also, in the  National Park,  we head down to  Loch Ard Gorge , the site of one of Australia’s most well-known shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of Tom and Eva and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. You will also find rock formations such as the Island Archway ,  Razorback , and the ‘ Salt and Pepper Shakers .

Returns to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac. Here, you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at the guests’ expense) if you wish, as we will return home in Melbourne at approximately 8:30 pm.

Pick-up Locations & TImes

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.

• 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel - 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
• 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
• 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
• 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
• 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St, Melbourne
• 7:25 -The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
• 7:35 - Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
• 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank

Great Ocean Road and Rainforest 1 Day Tour:  $150 Adult (13+), $120 Child (0 to 12)

If you’re keen on travelling to the Great Ocean Road on a private tour with just your friends or family we can help take you there. You can create your own tailor-made Melbourne trip or follow our itinerary. Contact our charters team for more information on [email protected].

What you need to bring?

• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm and cool clothing
• Rain jacket
• A sense of adventure

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Starting from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a 664 km return. Travelling via Torquay ,  Apollo Bay,  and  Port Fairy  and returning to Melbourne takes 9.5 hours to drive . The Great Ocean Road has two main starting points when travelling from Melbourne . You can turn onto the Great Ocean Road from either  Torquay  or  Anglesea . Our  1-day Great Ocean Road tours turn onto Great Ocean Road at Anglesea. From here, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline and goes to Apollo Bay. Our tours travel to the 12 Apostles before returning to Melbourne. This journey is a 504 km return to Melbourne , which takes 7hrs hours to drive. We spend 12 hours along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying many beautiful locations and stopping to explore.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay,  104km south of Melbourne . The Great Ocean Road ends  244 km  later in Allansford. However, we recommend you travel through to  Warrnambool  to visit the largest city along the  Great Ocean Road .

Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, we specialise in offering one-day trips to the Great Ocean Road, helping travellers maximise their time in Melbourne. Between April and October, hiring a car for a one-day trip to the Great Ocean Road is not recommended . This region can experience high winds and severe rainstorms. You have limited daylight and will be returning to Melbourne in the dark on less maintained roads. From Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip in a hire car is a tiring journey with approximately 7hrs of driving. We highly recommend joining a great ocean road tour and letting our experienced tour drivers ensure a fantastic day from start to finish.

How long should you take to do the Great Ocean Road?

664 km/413 miles , about  9.5 hours One of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the  Great Ocean Road is a fantastic 1-day bus tour from the capital of Melbourne  to the iconic  12 Apostles.

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends largely on what activities you plan on doing. For those who prefer warmer weather, September to April is the best time of year to visit. This period offers mostly sunny days and temperatures ranging from 16-25°C (60-77°F). During this period, you can take advantage of activities such as swimming at the beach or surfing in the ocean.

How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?

The  Great Ocean Walk  has a difficulty rating of “ moderate ” to “ challenging .” It means there will be short, steep climbs and uneven, bumpy trails. A relatively  energetic lifestyle  and some walking experience are recommended.

How long is the 12 Apostles walk?

At just over  100 kilometres , it combines Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs, the remains of various historic shipwrecks, and vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. A  walk along this route can perhaps bring a new twist at every turn .

Do you need a 4WD for Great Ocean Road?

You don’t need a 4WD drive  to travel the Great Ocean Road  to choose the cheapest rental car, and it will be just fine! If you’re travelling alone, with two people, or you don’t like the idea of planning your trip on the Great Ocean Road , you’re better off choosing a tour .

Is the Great Ocean Road worth it?

For most visitors to Melbourne, a tour-guided trip to the Great Ocean Road is a must. Like many other Australian cities, it’s always worth taking a car or bus tour and travelling outside the city.

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30 thoughts on “1 day great ocean road tour”.

My friend and I did this tour on our second day in Australia (both in our late 20s). We both had such a fantastic day and were lucky that the sunshine came out for us as well during the day. We had Tim (with long hair – there were two Tims!) as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for better. Such a friendly and knowledgeable guy, absolutely loved his stories and facts throughout the day and how his playlist linked in with the information he was telling us. I felt so lucky to see wild koalas in Lorne ( we weren’t successful in seeing any in Noosa or Magnetic Island later on during our travels so felt even luckier we had managed to see them on this trip and so early on!). Loved the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, had famous Dooleys ice cream in Apollo Bay…. we fit so much into the day, it was very worthwhile. Of course like with any daytrip /tour, I wish we could have had slightly more time in each place and to have seen even more sights rather than having to pick and choose here and there because of time constraints. Overall so happy that we decided to do this tour!

We have been in Melbourne for just 3 days . So We have chosen the 1 day Great Ocean Road and it was absolutely amazing. Had fun at Cape Patton and enjoyed the beautiful great ocean rod cost and the ‘12 Apostles’. Had a great experience with our couch tour operator. Our guide John was absolutely funny, responsible and prepared for it. Thanks for everything.

Excellent tour. Duane the driver/guide very well planned and well informed. He organised the day well, commencing with a welcome coffee break. There was a good choice of photo stops along the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay was a good place to have lunch followed by a delicious Chocolate Ice Cream at the Award winners local outlet. We enjoyed the Rainforest and had some fantastic walks at the coast as we made our way along to the Twelve Apostles. It was a beautiful sunny day so conditions were ideal for this tour. Although there was a lot to see we never felt rushed. There was also plenty of cool water on hand. It was a memorable day out. Thanks to Duane for being an excellent Guide and- Yes- I will remember: Melbourne is the greatest City in the World!!”

My two friends and I did the one day tour of the Great Ocean Road with Tim as our guide. He was awesome! We loved his music playlist on the bus – made the trip much more enjoyable! We stopped at beautiful places and got to see wild koalas and parrots. Definitely recommend this tour!

My friends and I did the reverse great ocean road with Daniel as our guide, and had the BEST time! Daniel is an awesome host and guide, if you’re lucky enough to get on his bus you’ll be in for an amazing day! We also did the optional helicopter tour which was a great way to see the “12” Apostles.

The day trip to Great Ocean Road starts early in the morning and takes 12 hours long (the whole day). Is good to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and bring a bottle of water with you.

It is a small group, no more than 20 people, and during our way, we stopped to see some wild Aussie animals as cockatoos, koalas, kangaroos.

We had lunch in Apolo Bay in a small restaurant and our guide suggested to try the famous local ice cream at Dooley`s (delicious).

We stopped to do small hiking (40 minutes) at the Rain Forest and then, we continued by car until the Twelve Apostles Lookout. The view is unbelievable and the sunset is breathtaking. We also visited some places around where is possible to go to the beaches and see the huge stones which are part of The Twelve Apostles, as well.

Our guide, Guy, is an amazing and kind person and he knows everything about the place.

It was a happy and unforgettable day. I strongly recommend it!

Seriously the Great Ocean Road should be renamed The Amazing Ocean Road!! What a journey this is full of coastal wonders, Koala encounters and the breath taking 12 Apostles. I completely recommend this tour… brilliant day!

I must commend Simon on such a brilliant tour of the Great Ocean Road. His guidance and entertaining commentary as we travelled further brought to life an already breath taking journey. Cheers Wildlife Tours

We chose this tour for its great reviews and great price and we were not disappointed. Thank you to Wildlife Tours for an amazing trip

Had an amazing 1-day Great Ocean Road- trip, with a great itenirary and fun tour-guide! We were super happy with the whole day 🙂

Amazing tour way beyond my expectations. Id like to thank Darren our tour guide. his knowledge took this Great Ocean Road Tour to another level

I joined this great ocean road day tour over the new year period and was blown away by the service and knowledge of our tour guide Brad. Really enjoyed this incredible region. Highly recommend this tour

We loved this great ocean road tour so much. Seeing Koalas in the wild and a stunning rainforest walk were surprising highlights of this beautiful tour. Great value for money I will recommend to all my friends and family.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Tim’s commentary and guidance throughout our tour. Strongly recommend.

We didn’t expected it would be such a long day, yet it was a great one. Thanks to our very experienced and passionate tour guide Darren and the excited Koala Charlie! Highly recommended!

We booked the private group with the same highlight with this day trip, everything are wonderful lunch is great, all the place are so beautiful and impressible. The best of the best is “Charlie”our tour leader and driver, he knows everything about the trip very well and entertain us along the trip, he has knowledge in dept since he worked in that forest before so real and fantastic, my daughter and son learned a lot about rain forest during walking and have fun. He is so professional tour leader and kind person, he recommended the good restaurant for dinner and managed the time perfectly. I strongly recommend all my friends to visit Melbourne and have the trip with you again. Thank again for wonderful trip. Regards Charlie’s angel

Thank you Wildlife Tours and to our Guide Darren for such an incredible experience. I will highly recommend to friends and family

Wow what can I say about this trip but another WOW! Our guide was incredible and helped create an incredible experience. The Great Ocean road is a must do if coming to Melbourne

Had a great day trip with Autopia to The Great Ocean Road & Rainforest walk. Henning, our tour guide was fantastic. Generous with his time (we are still on the bus at 9.30pm), knowledgeable, professional – and a really nice bloke! Would recommend this company and this gentleman to anyone. Hotel pick up fantastic. Thank you

Excellent day trip! Bus is a little small, but it didn’t take away from the day and the driver was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This trip is worth every penny.

We were picked up in central Melbourne and had morning tea in a little town called Colac. First landmark we saw was the London Bridge where we stopped for 15 mins to take in the view, we then went on to Loch Ard Gorge where we had longer time to walk around, really beautiful spot. Then we headed to the 12 Apostles where we had an hour, we had lunch here and there was an opportunity to go up in a helicopter for those who had pre-booked. There is a steady walk around the cliffs to take in the views of the Apostles. It is a busy place with lots of posing and selfies!

We then moved on to Mait’s rest forest tour again an easy 30 min walk the guide was entertaining and new his stuff. The trees were amazing to see.

We then had a toilet break at a seaside town and on to my favourite part of the day….Koalas! I got to see my first wild koalas on this trip. In fact one was sat on the crash barrier looking out to the ocean! Our guide said he had never seen anything like it before! At Kennett River there were also a lot of parrots which are clearly used to being fed as they were jumping on some of the other tourists.

We then drove along the rest of the Ocean Drive Road and had a photo opportunity at the Memorial Park Gates. One last stop for pizzas in Torquay and back to Melbourne for about 7.30pm all in all a very memorable day and thanks to a great driver and tour guide. Definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Melbourne and has a spare day.

What a fantastic tour we had on the 6th December with Andrea (and Rob) who was training. He will be a lovely and very approachable tour guide when he is ready.

A lot of people recommended doing great ocean road over several days. However we saw everything we felt the need to see on the day tour, it was more than sufficient.

Throughout this time we had morning tea, stopped at several bays and beaches, a wildlife park, had a lunch stop, went to viewing points, did a rainforest walk AND saw the 12 Apostles. The day went by very quickly and although there were so many stops, we didn’t feel rushed which was great.

The highlight of our tour was definitely seeing the parrots and koalas in the trees. You can feed the parrots and get some amazing photos!

We were picked up at 6.55am and didn’t return in the CBD until 8.30pm! Andrea was extremely knowledgable about everything that we did and saw. I can thoroughly recommend it as something to do in Melbourne.

This tour is not a must, but can be done if you have a day to spend and don’t know what to do. This tour takes you along different sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. It was a good tour as we got to see the 12 Apostles (now only 9 left), the Shipwreck Cove (The Loch Ard Gorge), The Maits Rest Rainforest (A small 20-25 mins walk through the rainforest) and many beautiful views along the Great Ocean Road. We also stopped in a place with some beautiful birds and koalas. It was a day well spent.

Our host for this tour was KK. She was really fun and patient (as at times we would return later than the rest of the group to the bus – apologies to everyone for that).

The tour was awesome. Got to spend time at all the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road! Tour guide was very helpful and nice. Would highly recommend as price is unbeatable.

I booked the Great Ocean road day tour with an online travel agent (Travel Freedom), who got me a day tour with Wildlife tours. I had been shopping around for rates and got a good deal for our family of six, which included lunch, so I was not sure what I would be getting for less than $100 per person, while other rates go as high as $130. Our tour went very well, my family enjoyed all the beauty and wonder of this tour, and all the history and information provided by our tour guide, Craig- who is not only knowledgeable, but full of wit and humor. Will look for Wildlife Tours again when we visit Australia!

We had a truly memorable day and couldn’t believe how much we managed to cram in. I need to give special mention to our tour guide Grant who really made the day with his informative but easygoing and often amusing commentary- it’s a long time to spend on a small coach and the commentary really helped the time pass and helped us learn about our surroundings. The meal stop was also really good – better than you often expect on tours where restaurants cater for large groups converging on them. Thanks for a tremendous day that we will always remember. Best wishes, Andy and Jill

My friends and I visited 3 places during our 1 week stay in Australia and the great ocean road was the best. The tourist guide was very friendly. Lots of things to see and pictures to take. We surely had a wonderful time.

It was my first time on the Great Ocean Road and I was not disappointed. The best part of it was the photo opportunities. So many things to see on a beautiful sunny day, I recommend this trip.

What an amazing tour with Rob, he had us in stitches. The views were amazing at the great ocean road. Everyone on the tour I spoke to really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Rob

Thanks for a good time. The koalas were my favorite of the one day tour. A long drive but the tour guide made it more fun.

I had an amazing time with Darren on the Great Ocean Road tour. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best out of our cameras by taking nice photos of beautiful places.

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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour & 12 Apostles Tour

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1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most visited stretches of coastline, boasting an incredible amount of natural landmarks and magnificent sights. This tour will take you to some of the best stops en route and past breathtaking ocean views. You’ll have the chance to stroll along pristine beaches as well as learn more about the natural history of the region. In the afternoon, you'll arrive on the Shipwreck Coast where you can admire the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and more from spectacular coastal lookout points. 

Operates: Daily

Departs: 7:00am

Returns: Approx. 8:00pm to 8:30pm

Adult from: $109

Child from: $89

Child fares are available for children aged 3 - 15 years. Sorry, we don't carry children under the age of 3 years on this tour.

Unfortunately we are unable to take wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.

1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour Itinerary

After we depart the city, we’ll head straight for the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road to begin our journey along this spectacular coastal drive. We’ll stop for some morning tea where you can relax and enjoy the scenery before we head off to the Memorial Arch. Here, you can snap some photos at one of the route’s most iconic landmarks.

Lunch is in the beachside town of Apollo Bay, where you can tuck into local fare and refuel for an afternoon of incredible sightseeing. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy 20-minute guided bush walk to the Cascades of Melba Gully.

When all have returned we then head on to the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. These limestone stacks form an incredible backdrop to the sea views, so be sure to bring your camera along.

Afterwards, we’ll move on to Loch Ard Gorge, which is shrouded by impressive limestone cliffs. We’ll take a walk here and check out the local attractions, including the Archway, the Razorback, and Dumpling Pots. You’ll also get to learn about Australia’s most famous shipwreck while you’re here.

Finally, we’ll make our way back to Melbourne via the road inland, travelling through a number of country towns along the way. 

Please note: during peak periods this tour may operate in reverse. 

Keep in mind that this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! We have packed the day with lots of amazing stops, which means it’s going to be a long, but awesome day.

• Morning tea
• All park entrance fees
• Wildlife viewing
• Air-conditioned transport
• Melbourne CBD or St Kilda pick-up/drop-off
• Friendly & informative tour guide

341 reviews for 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour

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Attractions in Melbourne

• Ballarat & Goldfields
• Bay of Islands
• Churchill Island
• Gibson Steps
• Great Otway National Park
• Kennett River
• Loch Ard Gorge
• London Bridge
• Maru Wildlife Park
• Melbourne City
• Memorial Arch
• Mornington Peninsula
• Mount Buller
• Phillip Island
• Phillip Island Wildlife Park
• Port Campbell National Park
• Shipwreck Coast
• Sovereign Hill
• Summerland Beach
• The 12 Apostles
• The Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy
• The Grampians
• The Great Ocean Road
• The Nobbies
• The Penguin Parade
• Urquhart Bluff
• Victorian High Country
• Woolamai Surf Beach
• Yarra Valley

Things to Do near Melbourne

• Great Ocean Road Tours
• Phillip Island Tours
• Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Tours
• Ballarat & Goldfields Tours
• Mornington Peninsula Tours
• Grampians Tours

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Great Ocean Road Guide

Unofficial Guide to Australia's favourite Coast Road

10 BEST Great Ocean Road Tours & Day Trips

If you are short on time in Melbourne (or Australia in general!) but still want to experience Victoria’s amazing coastal road you are going to want to hop on a Great Ocean Road Day Trip. There are lots on the market but it can seem like a minefield when it comes to deciding which is the best Great Ocean Road Tour for you, and that’s where we come in. We have reviewed the top Great Ocean Road Tours on the market – from 1 day trips through to 3 day adventures and some specialty Great Ocean Road day tours thrown in for good measure ( think Trikes & Helicopters! )

Whatever the size of your group, if you are celebrating a special occasion or you simply want to get the best value for money in whatever time that you have, we are positive that you will find your perfect Great Ocean Road Day Tour (or longer adventure) from our list. So what are you waiting for – scroll down now!

Table of Contents

Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

Great ocean road small group ecotour, great ocean road sunset tour, reverse great ocean road day trip from melbourne, small group great ocean road day trip in reverse, great ocean road trike tour, great ocean road private helicopter tour, great ocean road + phillip island tours (2d1n), great ocean road + healesville sanctuary combo tour, great ocean road and grampians tour, 10 best great ocean road tours & day trips.

There’s no wonder it’s one of the top rated day tours from Melbourne.

From the sandy beaches to the rugged coastline view, you will also have the opportunity to see koala’s in the wild along the Kennett River during this tour, along with the 12 Apostles Loch Ard Gorge (and more!) and the option to add on a helicopter ride over the amazing Twelve Apostles.

Specialty Great Ocean Road Tours

You will have the opportunity to get up close with kangaroos, koalas and wombats, ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train through lush fern gullies and Eucalyptus forests. Also included within your ticket is free entry to either the Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Observation Wheel or the Melbourne Zoo via the Melbourne Attraction Pass. It’s fantastic value if you were planning to visit all these spots!

3 Day Great Ocean Road Tours

As the world’s most scenic coastal drive, we can say for certain that you will have a memorable trip no matter where you stop off along the way and we hope our selection of tours will make the perfect activities to look forward to and experience the Great Ocean Road in a unique and unforgettable way.

Which one of these Great Ocean Road day tours most appeals to you? We would love to hear from you in the comments below and if you know of anyone planning a trip to the Great Ocean Road, please be sure to share this post with them on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or grab the image below for Pinterest. And remember – sharing is charing (and we thank you in advance!)

READY MORE GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRIPS & ITINERARIES, DESTINATION GUIDES AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT FABULOUS DESTINATIONS ON THE #GOR:

• Read our Complete Guide to Driving the Great Ocean Road including tips, FAQs and a sample Great Ocean Road Touring Itinerary
• Want to see more of Oz? We’ve got the Top 100 Bucket List Experiences in Australia including Alice Springs, The Great Barrier Reef, The Blue Mountains, Arnhem Land – and a little closer to home, several Yarra Valley tours for a spot of wine tasting!
• The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Map – featuring waterfalls , viewpoints, campsites , petrol stations, beaches, spas and more!

Hi There! Thanks for reading our travel guide to the 10 Best Great Ocean Road Tours & Great Ocean Road Day Trips.   I just wanted to let you know that this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full disclosure here .

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Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Take your time to experience this majestic coastal drive on the Great Ocean Road Day Tour with Oceania Tours. Travel from Melbourne with your small group and let us show you the best hiding spots for koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Cap the day off with a visit to the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Highlights & Inclusions

• Small group touring
• Expert guide with extensive local knowledge
• Selected City Hotel pick up and drop of.

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Stay on the lookout for some very special animals including kangaroos and koalas. Your camera will get a good workout along this exciting journey where we will stop for plenty of photo opportunities.

To begin, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip.

The small group size allows more stops along the way at different lookouts, stop for a coffee, and to look for the local wildlife.

Stop at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills. It offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some lunch (not included).

Following this, we will enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges.

A truly unique day out, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Finally, your Oceania guide will transfer you back to the comfort of your hotel in Melbourne.

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof clothing

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s truly spectacular coastal drives.

This famous route begins 90 minutes from the centre of Melbourne. It continues for 400 kilometres from Torquay, winding alongside the wild Southern Ocean until Nelson on the South Australian border.

Significantly, it is the home of surfing with the International Pro Competitions each year at Bells Beach. Furthermore, the limestone spires of the 12 Apostles have helped to put this region on the world map.

In the Otways, you will find some of Australia’s best rainforest scenery. Walk amongst the towering tall trees and lush foliage.

On your Great Ocean Road tour with Oceania, you will visit a pristine rainforest paradise.

The Great Otway National Park covers the coastline from Torquay to Princetown and up into the hinterland. You will discover rugged coastlines alongside tall forests and ferny gullies.

Other tours you may be interested in...

Great Ocean Road Itinerary – 1 Day Tour

The Complete One-Day Self Drive Guide

Page Contents

One of the most popular drives in Australia, the return Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne is over 500 km, keep this in mind when planning your touring itinerary. This is our complete guide to driving the Ocean Road in a day, leaving from Melbourne.

How long will the Great Ocean Road drive take?

It’s possible to drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles in about 4.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road – non-stop. That would not be any fun though. Read on to get the best information on driving the Ocean Road route in one day.

See the driving times information below to understand how far the total road trip is and how long it takes to drive between towns and the main attractions.

This post may include affiliate links, please read our  disclaimer.

What can you expect from this 1-day itinerary?

• Discover how long the Great Ocean Road drive will take with realistic driving times between the best attractions that we recommend you do on a one-day self-drive tour.
• We’ll show you how to see everything possible in a day and get the most out of your trip.
• Find out where the best Great Ocean Road stops are and where to see fabulous views, koalas in the wild, long golden beaches, and more. See our interactive map of 50 things to see and do for even more holiday ideas.
• Discover the best views of the Twelve Apostles and nearby places to visit.
• Get all the information you need to make this drive one of the best road trips you will do in Australia . It is written by a former tour guide with years of experience driving this famous route over one and two days.

Travel tips for the Great Ocean Road Drive

• The Great Ocean Road can be done in a day, by using our suggested tour itinerary you can see as much as possible.
• Please remember that the entire Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne and return is over 500 km’s , on mostly winding, cliff-hugging roads.
• Leave as early as possible – 7 am or earlier from Melbourne is definitely recommended. Seriously, leave early!
• Driving solo may not be ideal unless you are used to long, tiring drives.
• Consider taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour if you only have one day available. We can recommend some excellent small bus tour companies.
• Check sunset times to avoid getting to the 12 Apostles area too late.
• Driving the Ocean Road in the reverse direction may be a good option, perhaps stay overnight in Port Campbell the night before, which is near the 12 Apostles, and start the day trip from there?
• How much time is ideal to see this part of Victoria? It can be done in a day, two days means getting to relax and do more walking although three days (or longer) would provide plenty of time to see and do so much more… If you can stay for more than a day, check out these unique Air BnB properties!
• Fuel- Fill up before you go, though petrol stations and food stops are easy to find along the way, keep the gas tank topped up and you’ll be ok.
• Read about what to see and do at the Twelve Apostles.

Car or Motorhome Rental

Hiring (renting) a car or campervan  is a great way to experience any road trip. Find the best rental prices using DriveNow . Vehicles can be hired from the Melbourne Airport, in the city, and in some suburban areas.

Great Ocean Road One Day Tour Itinerary

This suggested one-day self-drive itinerary is based on years of experience driving the Great Ocean Road as a tour guide .

Previously, as an owner-driver of a small 22 seat tour bus, I was able to create a guided tour that took visitors to the absolute best spots over two days, I also did one-day tours and know how exhausting it can be.

It starts from, and returns to, Melbourne but can be easily adapted if you are traveling on elsewhere, such as to Adelaide.

We did this drive, to measure driving times between stops, during the autumn/fall when the sunset was at approximately 8 pm. Please make allowances depending on the time of year you travel.

6.30 am ~  Depart Melbourne

From the Melbourne city center, it is about a 20-minute drive up and over the West Gate Bridge where our timing starts.

This first section of the drive, following Highway One (Australia’s National Highway ) , is quite straightforward and not especially interesting.

There is a 24 hour BP Petrol Station at Little River which is about 30 mins after crossing the West Gate Bridge. A good place to fill up and grab a snack perhaps.

Keep following Highway One and look for the signs to the Great Ocean Road.

Follow the road (C134) towards Anglesea, we suggest you bypass Torquay on a day trip.

( Torquay is a pretty little town and home to some lovely accommodation , good beaches as well as surf shop outlets and the National Surfing Museum . Bells Beach is close by where the Rip Curl Classic Surf competition is held annually. There is also  ‘ Narana ‘ an award-winning Aboriginal Cultural Centre offering authentic, immersive, cultural experiences).

Visit Torquay if you have more time, on a day trip it is,sadly, best to bypass this town.

Pass Through Anglesea ~ 7.50 am

Angelsea is a sweet little town, a stop here is not recommended on a day trip though, too many miles to cover still.

Soon after Anglesea, the road follows close to the ocean and miles of wonderful beaches can be seen, this region is known as The Surf Coast, for good reason.

Memorial Arch

Arrive – 8.20 a m

Depart – 8.40 am

Passing through Aireys Inlet, the long golden surf beaches continue. Look out for the ‘Pole House’ on the right. A concrete structure that has survived bushfires and is available to rent on Stayz for about $600 per night (2-night minimum stay)

Stop by the Memorial Arch to stretch your legs and read the history of the Great Ocean Road construction, take a few minutes to walk down onto the beach.

Parking for long vehicles is a bit limited here, drive a little past the arch to park with long vehicles (beside the road).

After stopping at the Memorial Arch, keep driving up and over the hills where there are a few lookout points and driveways to homes that seemingly disappear over the cliff. This is the start of the dramatic section of the Great Ocean Road.

Arrive – 9.00 am

Depart – 9.30 am

Lorne is a favorite day trip haunt for Melbourne residents and has been for many years. Art Deco style buildings, loads of accommodation options, sea baths, safe swimming, surfing and paddle boarding, a great playground, skate park, bbq’s to use as well as loads of cafes and shops.

The Lorne Visitor Centre (on the left as you enter the town and opposite the colorful lady sculptures) is worth a visit to see ‘The Great Ocean Road Story’ – a stunning display of photos and history.

Parking in peak season for long vehicles is difficult, do not try to find parking up behind Lorne as the streets are really steep.  The lower parking area opposite the petrol station is the best option.

We have allowed 30 minutes to visit this funky town on a one-day drive. Do not dawdle too long… there is still a long way to go to reach the 12 Apostles!

Could you manage 2 -3 days for this drive ? Stay overnight in beautiful Lorne! Walk the trail to the stunning Erskine Falls, swim in the sea baths, or maybe learn to surf… Discover more about what there is to see and do in Lorne…

Teddy’s Lookout

Arrive – 9.35 am

Depart – 9.50 am

Drive through Lorne and turn right at the Lorne Hotel to follow the signs up to Teddy’s  Lookout. The view from here is often seen in promotional tourism images.

It is a steep road but vehicles going up have the right of way, so you will not need to stop. Pulling a big caravan up may not be wise.

Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees around this area.

If you have towed a caravan up, maybe park by the phone towers before reaching the lookout and walk the last 100 metres as the turning circle at the end may be crowded.

Return to the Great Ocean Road the same way.

Kennett River Koala Walk

Arrive – 10.30 am

Depart – 11.00 am

Koalas in the wild! Many Australians have never seen a koala in the wild.  Kennett River is a tiny little township and is a great place to see our cute koalas, grab a cuppa maybe. Turn right towards the store and then immediately left up Grey River Road . Watch out for pedestrians, ducks, and birds on the road.

Very often a koala or two may be in the trees at the beginning of the road, park and have a walk to look for them or drive up the road one or two kilometers and look for them in the trees along the way.

Cape Patton Lookout

Arrive – 11.05 am

Depart – 11.10 am

The road continues to wind around the mountainside. Cape Patton is a good place to stop briefly, views along the coast stretch towards Apollo Bay and Cape Otway.

Arrive – 11.30 am

Depart – 12.30 pm

Apollo Bay is a relaxing little town. No high buildings, easy parking, a long golden beach, a good information and gift center, playground for kids, loads of cafes, a petrol station, a small supermarket, and plenty of awesome accommodation options .

Depart at 12.30 pm – 20-minute drive to the next stop…

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

A rrive – 12.50 pm

Depart – 1.20 pm

Maits Rest is about 20 minutes drive from Apollo Bay, on the left. Well worth stopping here for this really pretty rainforest walk. Very old Beech Myrtle trees, tall tree ferns, and an easy loop walk (no toilets).

After leaving Maits Rest ,  the road continues through the forest and open farmland before climbing up the Otway Ranges to Lavers Hill.

Lavers Hill

Arrive – 1.50 pm / 5 minute stop if needed

The top of the Otway Ranges. A few shops and a petrol station, the last toilet stop before the 12 Apostles.

Turn left at Lavers Hill to head to the 12 Apostles (turning right takes visitors to some of the waterfalls of the Otways , but there is not enough time to do this on a day trip).

Gibsons Steps

Arrive – 2.40 pm

Depart – 3.10 pm

Just before the Twelve Apostles are Gibson’s Steps. This is one of the best beaches, in my opinion. 88 steps cut into the limestone cliff face, leading down to the beach with stunning views towards two of the famous rock stacks. Not safe to swim.

During storms or high tides, the steps may be closed off but the lookout platform is still worth stopping for.

• Parking is extremely limited at Gibsons Steps. From the nearby 12 Apostles car park it is possible to walk back to Gibsons Steps (about 20 minutes walk) if you have been unable to park, but it will impact on timings for a one day trip.

The Twelve Apostles!

Arrive – 3.15 pm

Depart – 4.00 pm

How long you spend here is, of course, entirely up to you, we have not allowed a lot of time to stop here as there is still more to see. Adding an extra 20 minutes or so if you feel you can, will be ok of course.

It is a very short, 2-minute drive to the 12 Apostles car park. Loads of free parking, plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes. Helicopter scenic flights leave from here and are highly recommended! No booking needed, just rock up.

This is a really busy time of day to be here, but still well worth visiting of course. The walk from the car park takes a couple of minutes to reach the viewing platforms.

Toilets and a basic cafe for drinks etc. The cafe and info center closes at 5 pm, all-year-round, but the viewing area for the 12 Apostles is open 24 hours a day. Dogs are not allowed in the National Park but can be left in vehicles, if safe to do so.

Read more about what to see and do at the 12 Apostles…

Loch Ard Gorge

Arrive – 4.05 pm

Depart – 4.50 pm

Loch Ard Gorge is named after one of the most famous shipwrecks along the coast. Walk to the ‘Razor Back’ formation, follow the shipwreck trail, and head down to Loch Ard Gorge beach.

Leave Loch Ard Gorge by 4.50 pm

Port Campbell

Arrive – 5.00 pm

Depart – It’s up to you!

How much time is spent in Port Campbell is dependent on your schedule, the weather, and the time of the year. It is a nice little town with some good walks around the coast, plenty of accommodation , and even a microbrewery…

During summer, when the daylight is so much longer, you could linger here a little while. If you are returning to Melbourne, check on Google maps what time your return to Melbourne will be and if it means driving in the dark. This is the most hazardous time to travel, especially after already driving hours to get here.

London Bridge, The Arch, and the Grotto

Just past Port Campbell are three more stopping points before retracing your steps back towards Port Campbell and heading home to Melbourne if you are going that way.

It is a 5-minute drive from Port Campbell to ‘The Arch’ then another short distance to see what is left of the famous ‘London Bridge’. Another very quick drive to ‘The Grotto’ which is the last of the sights recommended for a day trip. It is a lot to fit in!

Return towards Port Campbell and follow the signs to Colac, onto Highway One again and back to Melbourne. Use your GPS or maps as the drive is not direct and involves a few turns.

Port Campbell to Melbourne

2 hours 50 minutes / 230 km   This is perhaps the hardest part of the Great Ocean Road self-drive day trip.

After a spectacular drive with so much to see, the return trip is long and needs to be broken up with a few stops.

• Port Campbell to Colac involves a few turns, use a navigator if you can as it is not a direct route, but is the shortest.
• Native animals may cross the road at any time, use caution.
• During the days when daylight hours are shorter, it will involve driving in the dark.

Overnight Stay in Port Campbell?

Stay in Port Campbell or nearby and experience the 12 Apostles at sunset/sunrise and maybe walk part of the coastal trail…or experience a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles.

Port Campbell to Warrnambool

For travelers continuing on to Warrnambool and beyond, it is about a 50 minutes / 62 km drive. Passing – The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs.

• 5-Day Melbourne to Adelaide guide.
• 3-Day Guide to the Ocean Road.
• 6-Day Guide for even more things to do.

Download this itinerary as a Printable PDF (with no images)

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Great Ocean Road 1-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate GOR Day Trip

The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is a 243km stretch of winding coastal drive along Victoria’s southeastern coast, between the beautiful Torquay and Warrnambool . Because of the spectacular coastal views along the Great Ocean Road, a GOR road trip has become one of the most popular Australian road trips .

Since Torquay is relatively close to Melbourne , a trip to the Great Ocean Road is typically on the bucket list of most visitors to Melbourne.

Great Ocean Road is better visited as a 3-day road trip from Melbourne , so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the GOR drive without rushing through each attraction. However, you can also visit the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne .

Although a great deal of driving is involved on a Great Ocean Road day trip, you can still visit most of Great Ocean Road’s popular landmarks on a day trip, providing you have a compact and practical itinerary.

To help you navigate, I have put together a day trip itinerary for visiting the Great Ocean Road. Information on estimated driving time, time to spend for each attraction, and useful tips are also provided for your convenience. Hope you can find this itinerary useful.

The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Day Trip Itinerary

Since the drive along the Great Ocean Road takes almost 4 hours to complete , to make the most out of your Great Ocean Road day trip, you will need to start the trip early & plan your stops well .

For the best weather and longer daylight hours, you may also wish to plan your GOR day trip during the daylight-saving months . If you can only visit the Great Ocean Road during those colder months, you may need to skip certain attractions from this itinerary to may it more practical.

Bells Beach

Bells Beach is located in Torquay, at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne.

Bells Beach is internationally renowned for its legendary surf breaks & is the host to the annual Rip Curl Pro event – the longest-running pro surfing competition.

Although you won’t have the chance to enjoy a surf along Bells Beach on this GOR day trip, make sure you take a break at Bells Beach to appreciate this stunning beach and the wild ocean swells along the coast.

Public toilets are also available near Bells Beach carpark, which can come in handy after your long drive from Melbourne.

Split Point Lighthouse

After Bells Beach, we will drive another 25 minutes along the GOR to visit the picturesque Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. Along this drive, you would have also sighted this stunning ivory white lighthouse from afar.

Just beneath Split Point Lighthouse, you can also find a few lookout platforms offering a spectacular view of the ‘shipwreck coast’. With the beautiful lighthouse in the background, the coastline at Aireys Inlet looks even more remarkable.

A cafe can also be found next to the Split Point Lighthouse if you wish to grab a coffee and a quick bite before continuing with the day.

Apollo Bay is a charming fishing village nestled at the foothills of the Great Otway National Park & about mid-way along the Great Ocean Road . It offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, which is great for swimming and surfing.

Apollo Bay is also famous for its amazing seafood & makes the perfect spot for a lunch break along your Great Ocean Road drive. Make sure you check out the famous scallop pies from Apollo Bay Bakery and/or the freshly cooked Southern Rock Lobsters from Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op when driving by Apollo Bay.

If time allows, you may wish to also check out Marriner’s Lookout for a wonderful bird’s eye view of Apollo Bay and beyond. Alternatively, a visit to Maits Rest Rainforest Walk in the Great Otway National Park is great for getting a glimpse into the diverse landscape of the Great Otway National Park.

Gibson Steps

Gibson Steps is a set of 86 narrow steps carved on a 70-metre tall vertical cliff. It offers access from the clifftop to the pristine Gibson Steps Beach.

From the clifftop viewing platform, visitors can obtain a magnificent view of the rugged coastline along the GOR. However, I highly suggest a visit to the beachfront where possible.

From Gibson Steps Beach, you will have a better insight into how steep & grand this limestone cliff is. Make sure you also take your shoes off & have a feel of the soft white sand along this pristine beach.

In my opinion, the area between Gibson Steps and the Bay of Islands is the highlight of the Great Ocean Road drive . Make sure you plan enough time to cover this section of the Great Ocean Road. If needed, you may wish to head to the Gibson Steps directly from Melbourne via the inland drive to save some driving time (skip Bells Beach, Aireys Inlet, and Apollo Bay).

When visiting Gibson Steps, you will need to plan for at least 30 minutes if you wish to head down to Gibson Steps Beach.

12 Apostles

12 Apostles is the most well-known landmark along the Great Ocean Road. The viewing platform for the 12 Apostles is only a short drive from Gibson Steps & offers a captivating view of this rugged coastline and an impressive cluster of limestone stacks, the 12 Apostles.

Although named the 12 Apostles, there have only ever been 8 limestone stacks at this site. Because of continuous erosion, one of the 8 stacks have eventually fallen into rubbles in 2005, leaving only 7 apostles remaining .

The sight of the 12 Apostles was certainly remarkable, but I was underwhelmed to some degree. Since the 12 Apostles is the postcard child of the Great Ocean Road, I was expecting a more extraordinary view in comparison to other spots along the GOR.

However, since the 12 Apostles is one of the most iconic landmarks along the GOR, I think you are still better off visiting it. You may end up finding this spot more impressive than I did.

12 Apostles also offers one of the best visitor centres/amenities along the Great Ocean Road. Here, you can find a huge visitor car park , well-equipped public toilets , and a kiosk for visitors to grab something to eat and drink from.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is only a 5-minute drive down the road from the 12 Apostles. It is named after the most famous shipwreck along this wild coast, the Loch Ard, which crashed into nearby Muttonbird Island in 1878 and perished 52 lives.

The coastline along Loch Ard Gorge is formed by tall vertical cliffs and dotted with various limestone stacks. There are various walking tracks around Loch Ard Gorge for visitors to admire the incredible Loch Ard Gorge, Island Archway (Tom & Eva), The Razorback, and Muttonbird Island. However, during this day trip, you will likely not have time to visit them all.

My suggestion is to park at Loch Ard Gorge Carpark to visit Loch Ard Gorge, Loch Ard Wreck Lookout, The Island Archway Lookout, and The Razorback Lookout. These lookouts offer the best views around Loch Ard Gorge, with the least amount of walk involved. It should take around 1 hour to complete all these walks, depending on fitness level.

If you can manage to spare more time around this area, you may wish to also check out Thunder Cave and Muttonbird Lookout during your visit. However, these do require more time to be visited.

Another thing to note is that there is no toilets or kiosk at Loch Ard Gorge. Therefore, make sure you take the most out of your visit to the 12 Apostles before heading off to Loch Ard Gorge.

London Bridge (London Arch)

London Bridge, aka London Arch, is a natural archway along the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell. It used to be a double-arch limestone stack before the arch closer to the shoreline collapsed in 1990. Nowadays, the London Bridge has become an offshore rock stack, which is no longer accessible by visitors.

However, the views from London Bridge Lookout are simply spectacular. Make sure you take a stop to admire the wild coastline and incredible rock formations at London Bridge when driving by.

The Grotto is one of my favourite spots along the Great Ocean Road. It is a beautiful cave formation & a great spot for admiring nature’s work of art through a limestone archway and a rock pool.

The Grotto is a picturesque sinkhole cave near Port Campbell. From the bottom of the sinkhole, visitors can obtain a surreal view of the wild ocean beyond a tranquil rock pool, with a beautiful reflection of the rocky limestone archway. The serenity The Grotto offers makes it feel like a scene from a fairytale.

Access to The Grotto’s upper lookout platform is via a relative flat walkway from the carpark. From the upper viewing platform, you can capture a spectacular view of the Grotto & the surrounding rugged coastline. From the upper lookout platform, there is a set of wooden staircases to the bottom of The Grotto for visitors to appreciate this magnificent view up close.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is only a further 10-minute drive west of The Grotto along the Great Ocean Road. Unless you have skipped the first 3 stops (Bells Beach, Aireys Inlet & Apollo Bay) from this day trip itinerary, you are likely not going to have adequate time for visiting the Bay of Islands.

Each to their own, I personally would choose to visit the Bay of Islands over the attractions between Torquay and Apollo Bay. However, you may choose differently. If you have decided to visit the Bay of Islands, make sure you take the inland drive from Melbourne to Gibson Steps directly to save some driving time .

Bay of Islands is a 32km stretch of coastal reserve between Peterborough and Warrnambool. It offers a pristine coastline with endless rock stacks dotted along the coast . It is a great place to appreciate the impressive rock formations and the breathtaking Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road.

There are multiple viewing platforms and access points to the Bay of Islands. Among them, I found the area between the Bay of Martyrs and the Bay of Island Beach to be the most gorgeous and easily accessible section of the Bay of Islands.

There is a lot to see and discover around the Bay of Islands. If you are planning to visit the Bay of Martyrs and the Bay of Island Beach, you will need to plan at least 60 minutes to explore this spot .

Alternatives to a Self-Drive Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road

Guided bus tour.

Although a self-drive road trip provides more flexibility , it can also be extremely tiring , especially if you are planning to cover all the important Great Ocean Road landmarks in one day. In addition, the drive along the Great Ocean Road can be very winding , which may not be suited to drivers unfamiliar with the road.

Hence, a guided bus tour can come in handy for many visitors to the Great Ocean Road. The tour guides can also provide you with better insights into each landmark.

Multi-Day Road Trip

Another alternative to a Great Ocean Road day trip is to split it up & make it a 2-day trip or even a 3-day trip .

By doing so, you get to explore a lot more landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. You will also have more time to spare at each attraction. By splitting the driving time over 2 to 3 days, you will feel less fatigued as well.

Where to Stay along the Great Ocean Road

There are various coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road. It can be a difficult task to choose the ideal location for an overnight stay along the Great Ocean Road. From my experience:

Tips on Visiting the Great Ocean Road on a Day Trip

• Get up early & leave Melbourne by 7 am to allow adequate time for exploring the Great Ocean Road.
• Visit during the daylight saving months to allow more daylight hours for exploring the Great Ocean Road.
• Check sunset times when planning your Great Ocean Road day trip to avoid driving in the dark.
• Avoid driving in the dark on country roads . Wildlife, such as kangaroos, tend to be more active from dusk to dawn. Encounters with wildlife on the road can be fatal to both the wildlife and the passengers.
• Plan your trip ahead of time & try not to do random stops along the drive. When you first started this road trip, you will be very tempted to stop at many of the amazing spots along the drive. However, there are a lot more wonderful landmarks around the Port Campbell area, which you will likely miss out on if you don’t stick to your schedule.
• Top up your tank before embarking on your Great Ocean Road road trip. There are many petrol stations along the Great Ocean Road. However, to minimise the hassles of looking for a petrol station, filling up the tank before the road trip can be a great idea.
• For driving safety, travel with at least one companion to share the driving task if possible.

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I'm passionate about travel. I would like to use this platform to share my travel experiences. Please support me by subscribing to this blog. You can also find more travel related contents on my YouTube channel and Instagram. Thank you :)

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Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

Experience The Best Of The Great Ocean Road Including A Spectacular Sunset

An unforgettable sunset at The Twelve Apostles

Explore the Surf Coast & the famous Great Ocean Road

Admire the extraordinary beauty of Loch Ard Gorge

• Visit the beaches of Victoria’s famous Surf Coast
• Scenic journey – including photo stops – along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• Spot wild koalas while strolling in the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest
• Lunch break (own expense) in one of the Surf Coast’s charming townships
• Drive through the towering forests of the Great Otway National Park
• Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge & hear a famous tale of shipwreck survival
• Spectacular rock formations including the Razorback & the collapsed Island Archway
• View two of the Apostles from beach level at Gibsons Steps (time permitting)
• Watch the sky’s colours change as the sun descends behind the 12 Apostles 

What You’ll Do

Departing Melbourne at around 10.00 am, we enjoy panoramic views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as we cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest at just under 2.6 kilometres in length. We pass by and learn a little about Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong, as we make our way towards the Surf Coast, with its enchanting beachside towns and powerful swells.

We make a brief stop at the town of Anglesea, for a chance to walk alongside the beautiful Anglesea River, before continuing the scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road.

At the township of Kennett River, we break for lunch (at your own expense) with an opportunity to stroll among the sweetly-scented eucalyptus trees to locate local koalas in their native habitat. There is a large koala population here and numerous sightings are guaranteed. From here, we travel onwards through the Otway Ranges to the Shipwreck Coast and the iconic rock formations of the Port Campbell National Park.

Our first stop is Loch Ard Gorge where 52 lives were lost and only 2 souls survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Your guide will recount the legend of the Loch Ard, bringing the gorge to life in a way you never imagined. We take time to explore here, with more rock formations to see, including the Razorback, the Dumpling Pots and the delightful Island Archway.

We have been advised by Parks Victoria that access to the gorge at Loch Ard Gorge will be closed until some time in early 2024. The closure is due to dangerous cliff movement near the Upper Lookout, which could cause a collapse.

We will still be visiting this location, as there are many other interesting & spectacular viewpoints around the area above the gorge.

As the sun approaches the horizon we make our way to our final sightseeing destination. Prepare to be amazed by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy a genuine spectacle watching the colours of the sky and the land transform in the evening light.

We break up the homeward journey with a dinner stop (at your own expense) in the regional town of Colac. We then continue on, enjoying views of the illuminated city as we again cross the Westgate Bridge on the approach to Melbourne.

With drop off right back to your inner city accommodation, you’ll remember this day as a true highlight of your Australian holiday.

FAQs for the Great Ocean Road Tour

Do i need to bring food along on tour, or are stops made for meals, can i swim during the tour, will i see koalas and kangaroos on this tour, can i feed wildlife on this tour, do we stop for dinner on this tour, what time does the tour return to melbourne, have more questions.

Check Out Our FAQ Page!

Pick up 9am-11am (seasonal)

• Scenic journey – including photo stop s – along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
• Watch the sky’s colours change as the sun descends behind the 12 Apostles

FAQs for the Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour

What’s the difference between the sunset tour and the day tour.

• Pickups are between 7 am – 8 am
• Morning tea included
• Includes rainforest walk at Maits Rest
• Arrives back in Melbourne between 9 pm – 9:30 pm

Great Ocean Road Sunset tour:

• Pickups are between 9 am – 10 am (April-October) and 10 am – 11 am (November-March)
• No meals are included but we make stops along the way for you to buy food
• Does not include rainforest walk at Maits Rest
• Arrives at the 12 Apostles at sunset for an amazing photo opportunity
• Arrives back in Melbourne between 9 pm – midnight depending on the month

What time does this tour return to Melbourne?

• Nov – Feb: midnight
• March: 11:30 pm
• April: 10:30 pm
• May – Aug: 9:30 pm
• September: 10:00 pm
• October: 11:00 pm

Are meals included?

Trip details.

• High-Quality Vehicles
• Small-Group Tours
• Passionate, Expert Guides

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Great Ocean Road 2-Day Itinerary: The BEST Self Drive Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: April 9, 2024

Are you planning a 2-day Great Ocean Road itinerary, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

The Great Ocean Road is one of those dream destinations that you always hear about but never think you could actually visit one day, kind of like Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef.

My Australia trip was all about ticking off dream destinations from my travel bucket list, and considering my best friend was based in Melbourne for 6-week for an internship, how could we not explore the Great Ocean Road?

We did a weekend road trip on the Great Ocean Road since she then had to be back at work Monday morning, and found it to be the perfect amount of time to see all the main stops on the Great Ocean Road.

This Great Ocean Road 2-day itinerary will show you all the best things to do and the best places to stop at when you do a Great Ocean Road self-drive road trip.

• 1 Our Great Ocean Road self drive itinerary
• 2 Great Ocean Road road trip – self drive or with a tour?
• 3.1 Set off from Melbourne early
• 3.2 Stop in Torquay
• 3.3 Visit Bells Beach
• 3.4 Great Ocean Road sign
• 3.5 Stop in Lorne for lunch
• 3.6 Erskine Falls
• 3.7 Sunset at the Twelve Apostles
• 3.8 Sleep in Apollo Bay
• 4.1 Hopetoun Falls
• 4.2 Triplet Falls
• 4.3 Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
• 4.4 Gibson Steps
• 4.5 Loch Ard Gorge
• 4.6 Sunset at Bay of Islands
• 4.7 Have dinner in Peterborough
• 4.8 Drive back to Melbourne
• 5 Some road trip essentials

Driving on the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Our Great Ocean Road self drive itinerary

Before jumping straight into the explanation of the best places to stop at during this road trip, I wanted to include a map of our Great Ocean Road self-drive itinerary and of the key attractions.

The geographer in me sometimes makes a come back and finds it easier to make sense of a trip or location if I have a map to look at.

The whole length of the Great Ocean Road is 664km, drivable in around 9.5 hours if you were to do it without stops. The itinerary I have outlined will take 2 days and is optimal for weekend trips.

| READ MORE: YOUR PERFECT AUSTRALIA BUCKET LIST |

Map of the Great Ocean Road attractions and our road trip route

Great Ocean Road road trip – self drive or with a tour?

I know this is a Great Ocean Road self-drive itinerary, but before diving into the meat of the itinerary, I wanted to give you some options for popular tours you can join.

Self-drive road trips aren’t for everyone. Whether you don’t like driving or don’t like having to plan itineraries, guided tours are a very common choice amongst many travellers.

Hence why there are so many Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne. I have listed below some of the most popular, which I recommend joining if you don’t fancy driving.

From Melbourne: Ultimate 2-Day Great Ocean Road Tour   – This would be my top choice if I was joining a tour. It covers all the main stops in this itinerary, and includes accommodation during the trip.

You don’t have to worry about getting around, booking accommodation or where to eat. Everything is arranged for you, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Great Ocean Road!

Click here to see prices and availability for a 2-day Great Ocean Road tour!

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip – Personally, I recommend spending at least one night on the Great Ocean Road, as there are so many cool things to do.

However, if you don’t have long in your Australia itinerary, you can also discover it on a day trip. This is the most popular and highly reviewed one online, so you can trust they know what they’re doing.

Click here to book your Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne!

Getting up close to Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park, Australia

Great Ocean Road itinerary – Day 1

Set off from melbourne early.

We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning, as we had to pick up our rental car in Melbourne first and we knew it could take some time.

Once we had all the paperwork sorted we hit the road with our rental car, excited to finally be enroute to the Great Ocean Road.

Stop in Torquay

Torquay is a small seaside town that is also the official start of the Great Ocean Road. We drove through the town and went straight to the esplanade to enjoy the beach vibes.

We were there in April, which is the Aussie autumn so the beaches weren’t too busy, however if you’re visiting in summer be ready to find them packed with surfers and beach goers.

I would have loved to do a surf class somewhere along the Great Ocean Road, but it wasn’t really the right season and we were a bit short on time.

If you’re visiting in summer and want to spend more time by the sea than chasing waterfalls inland, definitely add some surf time to your itinerary.

Click here to book your surf class in Torquay!

Epic views along the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Visit Bells Beach

Pretty soon after you set off from Torquay you will come across Bells Beach, a world famous surfing spot.

Bells Beach hosts every year since 1962 the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest running surfing competition. It’s a pretty big destinations for surfers basically.

For non surfers you can walk along the edge of the cliffs on the wooden walkways and watch the surfers on the waves far below, or head down the steep steps and walk along the beach.

Even if you don’t surf it’s still a very scenic beach and a lovely spot for a walk.

Bell’s Beach, Australia

Great Ocean Road sign

Because an iconic road trip wouldn’t really be quite as iconic without a big sign to point it out right? 

The Great Ocean Road is often considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world , and it’s easy to see why! After this sign, you officially start your road trip along this iconic road!

There’s a small parking area close to it, I guess they knew people would want photos of it and prepared accordingly!

There’s also a path that will take you to the beach if you want to go for a dip in the sea or just walk on the beach.

The Great Ocean Road sign

Stop in Lorne for lunch

Lorne is a small town along the Great Ocean Road and the perfect spot to stop for lunch after a morning of driving.

Along the Great Ocean Road and seaside you will find a row of cute coffee shops, restaurants and pubs with outdoors seating space.

We parked close to the sea and wandered around for a bit until eventually settling on a classic Aussie burger for lunch.

If you’re not in a rush you can spend some more time wandering around the town and shops before hitting the road again.

Erskine Falls

Wherever I go, if the location allows it, I love to go waterfall chasing. The areas that surround the Great Ocean Road are full of forests, national parks and waterfalls that you can explore.

Since we only had two days we decided to focus on the ones that we thought seemed most spectacular. For our first day on the Great Ocean Road we went to Erskine Falls; a 30-metre waterfall that cascades into a deep gully.

There are two viewing platforms, one at the top of the falls that gives you a view over the falls and river below, and the other at the base.

The walk to the base is pretty steep but not unreasonably long, we found that it wasn’t too challenging physically.

We were there in dry season so unfortunately there wasn’t much water falling, but it was a pretty stunning surrounding nonetheless.

Erskine Falls in Australia

Sunset at the Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are probably one of the most iconic sights in Australia and on the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are huge limestone formations just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.

Their proximity to each other and the coast is what makes it so particular and attractive to the hundreds of tourists that come every day to visit it. It’s an especially popular sunset spot.

Since we left Erskine Falls quite late and were afraid we would miss the sunset we actually decided to drive inland and not on the Great Ocean Road (not the most coherent decision for a Great Ocean Road trip!) but the road is considerably shorter and saved us loads of time, allowing us to arrive in time for sunset.

Sunset at the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park, Australia

There is a parking lot just by the Twelve Apostles from which you can then easily walk to the viewing platforms.

There is a long wooden walkway dotted with viewing decks so that you can enjoy the view from different parts of the coast.

It was extremely busy when we visited so if you want to get a good spot to take photos, make sure to get there well before sunset.

If instead of doing a self-drive overnight trip you decide to join a tour, make sure to join a tour like this Full-Day Sunset Tour . Sunset at the Twelve Apostles is one of the highlights of this road trip, you don’t want to miss it!

Click here to book your Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Tour from Melbourne!

Sleep in Apollo Bay

Once the sun was done we set off and drove back on the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, where we stayed for the night.

Apollo Bay is one of the most popular stops and main towns on the Great Ocean Road so you will find a lot of other backpackers and road trippers like you at the pubs and restaurants.

The town itself isn’t huge, with only one main road of bars and restaurants, which makes it easy to find somewhere to stop for dinner.

There are lots of great AirBnbs on the Great Ocean Road , which are perfect if you’re travelling with friends. We slept at the BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park .

We had a cute little bungalow with an outdoors patio area. The bungalow was spacious, clean and in a great location to continue our Great Ocean Road adventures. It’s perfect also for families.

Check out the latest prices and availability at the BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park!

Great Ocean Road itinerary – Day 2

Hopetoun falls.

We set off from Apollo Bay early in the morning as we had another packed day ahead of us.

We made it to Hopetoun Falls, the first stop of our day, by 8AM and were pleasantly surprised to find we were the only ones there.

The walk from the parking lot is pretty steep but it’s an easy trail, with wooden steps in the steepest parts.

When you make it to the bottom you will find a viewing platform from which you can look up and admire the three jets that form this waterfall.

Hopetoun Falls is probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen, and the fact we were the only ones there added to the beauty of it.

Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park, Australia

Triplet Falls

As you may have imagined by now, we kind of had a thing for waterfalls on this trip.

A short 15-minute drive from Hopetoun Falls you will find Triplet Falls. Triplet Falls, as the name suggests, is a group of three waterfalls that you can visit in the Great Otway National Park.

There is a walking trail that starts at the parking lot, takes you to see all the three waterfalls and return via a loop to the parking lot.

The whole walk is very picturesque, even when you’re not approaching the waterfalls but just walking through the woods. The whole walk will probably take you around one hour.

Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park, Australia

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

There isn’t too much driving involved this morning, since after visiting these two epic waterfalls you can head straight to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures , a short drive away from Triplet Falls.

This is an area of the Great Otway National Park where you can see up close the treetops of this rainforest, whether it’s with the treetop walk or with a zipline tour.

We settled for the treetop walk as we didn’t have time for the full zip-lining tour (it lasts 2.5 hours).

We did the rainforest and treetop walk which is around 2km and takes around 1 hour to complete. The entry ticket is 25 AUD.

The treetop walk at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, Otway Natural Park, Australia

All throughout the walk there are signs with information about the local flora and fauna, while they are geared more towards children they are still interesting to read while doing the walk.

The walkway goes up to 25m getting you up close to the tree tops, if you’re a bit scared of heights you might not want to look down!

There is also a coffee shop where you can have lunch after all the walking around of the morning and before you hit the road again.

Click here to book your discounted zip-line experience at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures!

The treetop walk at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, Great Otway National Park, Australia

Gibson Steps

Gibson Steps is one of those spots where you can get off the cliffs and down to the beach. There are 86 steps that descend the 70m of the cliffside.

The steps are quite steep and narrow but it’s not a particularly challenging walk down (the walk up on the other hand is slightly tougher).

Even if it was too cold to swim in the sea (and with waves that big I would have avoided it regardless) the beach is very pretty and with the towering cliffs behind it makes for a very picturesque location for a walk on the beach.

Going down the famous Gibson Steps

Loch Ard Gorge

After the Twelve Apostles one of the most famous stops on the Great Ocean Road is Loch Ard Gorge. We drove there straight from Gibson Steps which are a short 5-minute drive away along the sea.

From the parking lot of Loch Ard Gorge there are multiple wooden walkways that take you to different spots along the coast so that you can enjoy the view over the cliffs from different angles.

My personal favourite was the walk down to the beach inside Loch Ard Gorge, since being at the base of these huge cliffs really has a way of making you feel small.

The view over Loch And Gorge from the viewing platforms, Australia

Inside Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Australia

Sunset at Bay of Islands

Since one epic sunset over the sea and staggering cliffs isn’t enough, I figured it was best to add another one in this weekend itinerary.

The Bay of Islands isn’t as famous as the Twelve Apostles however it has nothing to envy to its more popular neighbour.

The Bay of Islands is still a part of the Port Campbell National Park and is a short 30-minute drive away from Loch Ard Gorge along the Great Ocean Road.

From the parking lot it’s a short walk to the viewing platforms, which you’ll find considerably less busy than the Twelve Apostles.

There’s a whole trail set out with wooden boards that you can walk along to enjoy the sunset from different spots along the coast.

Sunset over the Bay of Islands, Australia

Have dinner in Peterborough

The sun has set and it’s time to get ready for heading back home, but not before one last stop on the Great Ocean Road.

We stopped for dinner in Peterborough as it’s very close to the Bay of Islands and has lots of good choices for restaurants and pubs.

The town is also very picturesque with a chilled vibe if you want to walk around and explore after dinner.

Drive back to Melbourne

We chose to drive back to Melbourne via the inland route, as it’s considerably quicker than on the Great Ocean Road along the coast.

We figured since we’d spent the weekend road tripping along the Great Ocean Road and we’d seen all the main highlights, we could avoid the scenic route on the way back.

If you’re trying to get back to Melbourne at a reasonable time on Sunday night so that you can go to work on Monday morning, I would recommend this approach and itinerary.

If you’re not in a rush to get back to Melbourne and want to explore more of Australia, you can easily continue your road trip to South Australia!

Just continue driving on to the Limestone Coast and continue your Aussie adventure!

Exploring the Great Otway National Park, Australia

Some road trip essentials

Before ending this post I thought I’d include some information to help you plan a road trip in Australia and essential items that I like to bring on every road trip with me (or just any trip in general).

Some essentials that never miss from my suitcase include:

Fast drying towel : I like to carry a fast drying towel with me because whether I decide to go for a surf and swim in the sea, or the hostel doesn’t provide one I prefer to have one always on me.

They dry super quick and take up little space so they’re easy to carry around.

Reusable water bottle : There’s a lot of walking around involved in this itinerary, so you want to make sure you stay well hydrated throughout the two days.

Since tap water is drinkable in Australia you’re better off taking a reusable water bottle with you and refilling whenever you have the chance. Bottled water isn’t expensive but when you add them all it can save you a fair bit.

Power bank :   Yes I spend too much time on my phone, there’s no denying that. That’s why I always travel with a power bank.

I like to say it’s my job to be on my phone but really, when a sunset looks as good as the one at the Twelve Apostles did, you can’t help but take all the photos, boomerangs and videos that battery will allow.

Gibson Steps seen from the beach

Final thoughts on my Great Ocean Road self drive itinerary

Have you been on a road trip on the Great Ocean Road? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

The Great Ocean Road is an iconic road trip, similar to doing a Road to Hana one day itinerary . It’s one of those bucket list destinations. For me, seeing the sunset at the Twelve Apostles was a bucket list dream come true.

Alongside Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef , it’s one of those sights I just had to see in Australia.

If you’ve done other stops on the Great Ocean Road that I haven’t included let me know, I’d love to expand this list with all the must-see spots on the Great Ocean Road.

This is the exact 2-day itinerary that we followed on our trip, I hope you will find it useful in planning your own Great Ocean Road driving itinerary.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration for weekends away from Melbourne, check out the best things to do in Echuca .

Looking for more Australia travel inspiration? Check out these guides:

• Discover the most beautiful walk in Sydney!
• Are these the prettiest rock pools in Australia?
• How to spend 3 days in Fraser Island
• The ultimate Sydney 3-day itinerary
• The most beautiful spots in Sydney
• Day tour to Blue Mountains from Sydney
• Daintree Rainforest tour from Cairns
• Is doing a day trip to the Whitsundays worth it?
• The ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary
• 7 epic Cairns day trips
• Discover the Australian outback
• What to pack for a trip to the Australian outback

Enjoyed reading my Great Ocean Road 2-day driving itinerary? Pin it!

Abbie Evans

Wednesday 21st of November 2018

Some great advice and notes. Thank you for the tips :) - made planning my trip so much easier!

Saturday 24th of November 2018

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you found it useful! :)

Chloe Southern

Friday 9th of November 2018

Thank you! I have wrote lots of notes for our road trip! Will report back on how we get on!

Thanks, glad you found it useful! Let me know how you find it! :)

Backpacking Australia ~ DIVE.in

Thursday 13th of September 2018

[…] to find work in Australia. One of the most scenic routes between the two cities would be via the Great Ocean Road, one of the most popular journeys tourists take Down Under. Just ensure you set aside a few days […]

Solo Travel Story

3 Day Itinerary & Spend For Your Great Ocean Road Tour

Picture this: I sit at CrossEatery in Sydney and my pre-planned itinerary is slowly coming to its end. I’m pondering over a granola bircher where I should go next on my travels and it pops into my head: why not go on a Great Ocean Road tour ?

The Great Ocean Road is on many travellers’ bucket lists as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is continuously rated as a top road trip due to its historic & cultural significance and outstanding natural beauty.

I must admit, driving along the Great Ocean Road wasn’t on my initial list of things to do in Australia. But then, there was something beautiful in having this spontaneous intuition that drew me to do it. In hindsight, I wish I had invested a bit more time in researching the area and spent a few more days there. So if you consider going on an epic Great Ocean Road tour, here’s my original itinerary. It covers a budget breakdown and additional activities that I wished I had done to get the most out of my road trip.

Table of Contents

Why Is The Great Ocean Road Famous?

The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage that stretches 300km on the southern edge of the continent. It is first and foremost the world’s largest war memorial commemorating the fallen soldiers of WW I. It crosses through wild terrain of outstanding natural beauty. The countless points of interest & outdoor activities call for every adventurer’s heart.

The road stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool. It boasts coastal views, endless beaches, and wild vegetation. Ancient rainforests offer a lot of activities and exploration, whereas the sea-side impresses with natural sandstone formations. The drive can easily be done in two to three days but I would advise spending at least five days to cover everything and truly take it all in.

How Do I Plan A Great Ocean Road Trip?

You’ve come to the right place because I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a Great Ocean Road Tour. Know that along the way I ran into a couple of mishaps and my three-day Great Ocean Road itinerary includes alternative activities and improvements. It’s important to research as much as possible and consult different sources. The more you read on the Great Ocean Road tour, the more you’ll know what to expect. There will be activities that everyone recommends, and then there will be less known activities along the way. A good variety is key when planning a Great Ocean Road tour so you won’t miss out or feel you’ve rushed the trip.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (approx. 200km)

Points of Interest : Aireys Inlet, Split Lighthouse, Fairhaven Beach, Memorial Arch & Eastern View, Koala spotting at Kennett River, wildlife, Lorne, Beech Forest, Hopetoun Waterfalls Accommodation : Apollo Bay, The International but alternative Mantra, Lorne Costs : £30 car, £50 accommodation, £30 food/on the road supply

I arrived at Melbourne airport in the early morning and picked up my rental car from Europcar. This time I decided against local brand Jucy because I wasn’t too impressed with their car from my previous East Coast road trip. The pickup at Melbourne airport was smooth & hassle-free. My companion, a Hyundai i30, was top!

Leaving Melbourne behind, my first stop was Torquay – the starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is often referred to as the birthplace of Australian surfing and has a rich culture. Particularly Bells Beach is listed on every major travel site as a particular point of interest. However, when I got there, I found the beach underwhelming. Maybe I was too spoilt by the pristine QLD & NSW beaches, but Bells Beach didn’t do it for me. I lost a good amount of time hanging around Torquay stacking up on supplies and having a quick lunch. My tip would be to skip the town completely and get onto the Great Ocean Road as soon as possible. There are much more impressive views to see and adventures awaiting.

Tip : Skip Torquay and get straight onto the Great Ocean Road. There are much more points of interest and impressive views waiting for you. Accommodation is pricey on the Great Ocean Road with an average spend of £50 per night for a hotel. Private accommodation is often way more expensive than a hotel. I would recommend booking in advance and comparing prices in nicer towns such as Lorne or Port Campbell.

The drive got more interesting after Torquay. Aireys Inlet is worth a stop. Here, I walked up to the Split Lighthouse and caught a first glimpse of the rough coastal sand formations meeting turquoise waters. It is a stunning view like I’ve never seen before. It was one of those moments that made the long journey to Australia worth it. I remember I was so impressed by the rough nature and views over the nearby beach.

Further down the road is Fairhaven Beach – a dreamy never-ending beach with wild waves and golden sands. Do plan some time for a stroll and watch the waves. It follows along the road for a good while until you get to Eastern View .

I definitely recommend a break here, as the Memorial Arch marks an official start that you are on the epic Great Ocean Road. Memorial Arch used to be a toll point. The money collected from travellers was then used to cover the costs of building the road. Apparently, the wooden arch burnt down a few times over the years. The current one standing is its fourth version. There’s also a commemorative plaque honouring the 3000 servicemen that built the road from 1919 to 1932.

Always keep your eyes open for wildlife . It happened that I drove past a spikey creature that had caught my eye. I stopped, walked back up the road, and checked out the little guy. It happened to be my first sighting of an Echidna! I had no idea what this little fella was, so once I got back to the car, I googled “spiky hedgehog Australia” and managed to identify it.

Be prepared to stop after every bend and turn as there are various viewpoints dotted along the meandering road. This part of the Great Ocean Road coastline is impressively rough whilst it contrasts with untamed Australian bush. I must have made little progress in one hour because I was in awe and stopped every 5 minutes.

After a while, I drove through a pretty seaside town called Lorne . It is a very nice and neat settlement with cute shops, restaurants, and a country club. It was lively and busy, and I deeply regret that I didn’t stop there. Because I had wasted so much time in Torquay, I needed to get to my checkpoint in Apollo Bay before dusk. Lorne would have made an excellent spot for a coffee break or even as a base.

Tip : Stop in Lorne for a coffee break or even make it your base for a night or two. It’s a lovely and lively beach town.

I continued to Apollo Bay and reached the village in the evening. Apollo Bay was an anti-climax to lively Lorne. I felt it was dead and outdated. Luckily the beach was big and offered unspoiled views over the ocean. I enjoyed an incredible moon rise over the water. Other than that, I wished I had stayed in Lorne.

There weren’t many cafés or restaurants in Apollo Bay so I had to end the day without dinner. Accommodation in Apollo Bay is average and very pricey for what it is. I was shocked by the state of the first place I had booked and had to quickly find an alternative. This is definitely not something you want to deal with after a long day and drive. In the end, I found a room at The International which I reluctantly had to take as it got dark and I didn’t fancy sleeping in the car.

Alternative Day 1

If I would do a Great Ocean Road tour again , I would do Day 1 differently. There’s quite a lot to see on the first part of the tour so I would invest two days here. Day 1 is already packed with driving and many impressions. Instead of staying in Apollo Bay, I would cut the drive short and stay over in Lorne. The Australian chain hotel Mantra would be my choice for accommodation as it is modern and affordable located in a lively area. After a long day of driving, I missed the companionship of other people and Lorne would have provided that.

On the second day, I would explore the area. There are hiking trails in the surrounding bush. I sadly missed out on the clifftop views and Koala spotting at Kennett River which I would recommend for you to consider. Further inland is a Beech Forest which is home to giant Californian Redwoods . Another point of interest for me would be the Hopetoun Waterfalls before ending the day back in Lorne.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool (approx. 220km)

Points of Interest : Cape Otway, coastal hiking path, Cape Otway Light station, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, 12 Apostles, The Razor-Back, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Gibson Steps, Bay of Martyrs, Bay of Islands, Port Campbell, Peterborough Accommodation : Warrnambool Elm Tree Motel, but alternative Port Campbell or Peterborough Costs : £30 car, £40 accommodation, £55 Otway Zipline Tour (online)    Optional : £10 Cape Otway Light station

My Day 2 was just as jam-packed as Day 1. It started way before sunrise – partly because I had lots planned and I didn’t sleep much at The International in Apollo Bay. I was glad the night was over and so, made a quick move towards Cape Otway where I would spend the entire morning.

Leaving Apollo Bay behind, the landscape changed from wild bush to lush, rolling hills. The road to Cape Otway is slightly off the beaten track but it leads through a magnificent forest. I got out of the car a few times and enjoyed the peaceful nature and its sound. I came across wallabies and watched the forest waking up. It was a magical moment and worth the early get-up.

Passing through the forest led me onto an open field and I stopped again to watch a mob of kangaroos. From a distance, I was able to see them in the wild and enjoying their breakfast. The kangaroo king had a watchful eye over his females and now and again, I made out a pair of lanky legs from a joey hanging out of the pouch.  Following down the road, there’s also a hidden backpacker hostel and at its very end, one can find Cape Otway Lighthouse – Australia’s most important lighthouse.

Built in 1848, Cape Otway is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia. It opens daily at 9 am and sadly, I couldn’t stay for that long. I had booked an activity further inland of Cape Otway and had only an hour to spare at the lighthouse. I spend my time exploring the sea cliffs where the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide. There are narrow coastal hiking paths meandering along the cliffs, which was very adventurous. The paths are covered under thick and dense brushwood which gave exploring a mysterious touch. You can definitely spend an entire day here hiking, taking in the views, and listening to the sea. Unfortunately, I had to make a move and drove back inland to the Otway National Park .

Top Tip : Don’t miss out on the Otway Fly Treetop adventure during your Great Ocean Road Tour. The flight on a zipline, 10 meters above ground through the Australian bush is unforgettable. Tickets costs £55pp (online).

About an hour later I reached Otway National Park. Here, visitors can fly on a zipline through the rainforest and climb up a treehouse. It has a serious “I’m a Celeb” vibe! An absolute must! The zipline flight through the rainforest was fun and different.

Due to the early days of Covid, there weren’t many visitors and I had the tour guide to myself. He was hilarious! We were doing all sorts of silly moves and screams whilst speeding through the trees – irritating the wallabies and other visitors below on the ground. What an adventure! This experience plus a walk around on the tree walk took at least 3h. PLEASE DO NOT MISS THIS and book your Otway Fly Treetop Adventure . 

But there was more to come.

The highlight of every Great Ocean Road tour is the 12 Apostles and other coastal formations shaped by the rough Tasmanian Sea. This part of the road trip is overwhelming (in a good way!) and intense. Again, you will get in and out of the car every ten minutes and it is pretty tiring at the end of the day. I would say to fully enjoy and appreciate this natural wonder, you have to add another day to your Great Ocean Road plan.

The order of coastal formations is as followed :

12 Apostles, Gibson Steps The Razor-Back Loch Ard Gorge The Arch London Bridge The Grotto (fewer visitors) Bay of Martyrs Bay of Islands (new formations)

All of these are stunning and offer walks and trails to explore. The main formations are, of course, The 12 Apostles. There’s a visitor centre and paths down to viewing platforms are neatly laid out and widely spaced out. Nearby are The Gibson Steps which were unfortunately closed on the day I went. Usually, visitors can ascend to the beach and walk along the water. Loch Ard Gorge also leads you down to a beach whereas, at London Bridge , the beach is closed off. It is a breeding ground for penguins hence why there’s no access.

The Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands are newly created formations, but they are towards the end of the Great Ocean Road. It tends to be quieter down there, as most visitors are only interested in the first six locations. Day tours from Melbourne also cut timings at each location very short, so I was glad, that I had my own rental car and was flexible with my time. My personal favourite was The Grotto . It’s a sinkhole where the limestone cliffs have fallen away and expose a receding cliff line. It is beautifully carved by nature as a “frame” but is partially a cave, too.

And that is pretty much it. The Great Ocean Road ends with the final two bays. Those are less spectacular as the formations are not fully carved by nature yet but worth having a quick look around. At the Bay of Islands, you can ascend to the beach and have a stroll on its pristine sand.

The final kilometers of the Great Ocean Road tour to Warrnambool are unspectacular. Warrnambool itself was ok. It is after all an industrial town and good enough for a place to rest. I stayed at Elm Tree Motel before returning to Melbourne the next day. Again, it has been a long, impression-heavy, and eventful day.

Alternative Day 2

If I did a Great Ocean Road tour again , I would include two more days in this area. Following up on the alternative itinerary from Day 1, I would leave Lorne early on Day 3. Explore the lighthouse, hike the Cape Otway area and do the Otway Tree Adventure. That would be a great Day 3 before finding my base in Port Campbell or Peterborough . Both are much nicer towns than Warrnambool plus they are located directly on the Great Ocean road.

On Day 4 I would drive back to the 12 Apostle and dedicate the entire day to exploring the coastal formations. This is doable nice and early as the daylight of an Australian Day covers roughly 7 am to approximately 5:30 pm.

Day 3: Warrnambool to Melbourne (approx. 266km)

Points of Interest : Grampians National Park (this will add another 100km if you decide to include a hike in your Great Ocean Road tour) Accommodation : QT in Melbourne Costs : £30 car, £30 full tank, £120 accommodation, £20 food

On my final day, I felt very tired and exhausted. The impression heavy yesterday was too intense. Again I wished I had factored in a few more days for my Great Ocean Road tour. The drive back to Melbourne took approximately 3h and led over flat rural countryside.

I refueled the car in Geelong, a town a few kilometers outside of Melbourne. Petrol was cheaper in that area. Once I got back to the airport I dropped off the car and made my way into central to relax from the trip.

Tip : It might be tempting but please don’t do an espresso experience as I did. In hindsight, I cramped way too much into a short amount of time. I felt sometimes rushed and at the end of the day shattered from impression overload. In the end, I had to leave out The Grampians simply because of tiredness. Take a rest and plan rather a day or two more for your Great Ocean Road tour.

Alternative Day 3

Following up on the alternative itinerary from Day 2, I would spend Day 5 exploring The Grampians . This National Park is approximately 150km North of Port Campbell. The area is a natural reserve known for its sandstone mountains and rich wildlife. Near the village of Halls Gap is the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. I would have loved to see this as I’m interested in Aboriginal culture and heritage. The centre allows insights into local life, Aboriginal history & art. There are numerous hiking trails and vantage points, such as MacKenzie Falls and The Balconies .

Overall Budget Breakdown for My Great Ocean Road Tour

My three-day Great Ocean Road tour cost* me the following:

*Costs exclude flights to Australia

Do’s & Don’ts For Your Great Ocean Road Trip

Finally, I’d like to share with you my personal dos & don’ts when planning a Great Ocean Road tour.

FAQs For Your Great Ocean Road Tour

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about planning a Great Ocean Road tour. You can always come back to any section of my itinerary and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip.

How long does it take to drive the whole Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool over 300km. If you drive the whole distance without stopping, you can easily manage the distance within a couple of hours. However, why would you rush? The Great Ocean Road is a beautiful part of our world and deserves enough time to be fully appreciated. Therefore, I would suggest at least five days for your Great Ocean Road tour.

Can You Do the Great Ocean Road in One Day?

You can, but then you won’t have seen much or got much out of the experience. There are day trips from Melbourne which drive tourists to the main attraction on the Great Ocean Road. But can you really say you’ve been on the Great Ocean Road by only seeing the 12 Apostle? This is one of the most stunning road trips one could do in their lifetime, so I would advise taking some time and factoring in a day or two more. Five days on the Great Ocean Road sounds ideal to me.

Where Should I stay When Visiting the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road has many accommodation options available along the way. However, I personally found hotels very expensive. Private accommodation often surpassed the costs of a hotel room. There are some rundown motels and hard-to-reach hostels, especially along the Cape Otway area. I, therefore, suggest making towns such as Lorne or Port Campbell your base for a day or two and then exploring the Great Ocean Road from there.

Thanks so much for reading. Do get in touch if you need help planning your Great Ocean Road tour or have done the trip in the past.

If you enjoyed the post and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via  Buy Me a Coffee .

Till next time, Carolin

More solo travel stories from Australia:

• The Best Brunch Cafes In Brisbane & Where To Find Them

About SoloTravelStory

Blogs about her travel adventures in the world from her London home.

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24 comments.

Paul (Paul Passing Through)

I learned two things here (always a plus with a good post!). I didn’t realize that this road was a memorial to WWI soldiers and I had absolutely no idea that California redwoods grew outside of America. Anyways, good, informative post. I like that you included the alternative plans right after each day instead of at the very end.

SoloTravelStory

Thank you so much for your kind words Paul, very much appreciated. Guess what, there are even two redwoods growing in Scotland. But I do feel gutted I’ve missed out on the Californian ones in Australia 🙁

This is such a great post! Apart from being super informative, I love the way you’ve set it out, it’s really visually pleasing to read which you don’t get much these days.

Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad

Great post! I’m so mad that we missed the Great Ocean Road (not deliberately – we just assumed we’d be back in Melbourne later and then we weren’t!). I never knew much about the places outside of the famous viewpoint, so this was interesting to read. AND YOU SAW AN ECHIDNA!!!

Absolutely loved reading this, so full of good info, tips and “how to”. I have haerd of this route from another blogger who did it and said it was stupendous. However your guide is so much better. I love the little “tips” section – it really highlights good points and I love that you give hotel info and prices. That’s something I would need as I intend to drive it the same way as you (I’ll be literally following in your footsteps!), but as you advise, spending more time Pica ar wonderful too – you had good weather it seems. Love the story of seeing the mob of kangaroos in the natural setting and seeing a little joey with them. The zipwire through the forest would definitely be something I would want to do – so different and fun. The aboriginal centre would entice me in too to learn more. I also never knew the route is a Memorial Road. What a great way to remember those brave souls. I’m bookmarking this for when I get to Oz to drive this route and keep your info at hand.

This looks like such an epic drive, there’s just so much blue! I love all the ocean views, just mesmerizing. I would also absolutely love to see an echidna, I can see why this trip is a big bucket list adventure

Your photos are stunning. It’s great to see a post that packs so much in but is also honest about what you would have done differently, so people can enjoy the trip even more when they plan it. What a gorgeous driving adventure

This looks like a beautiful adventure – some gorgeous sights and some great activities. A mix of everyone too with outdoorsy stuff, places to eat, adventurous activities and museums.

I like your actual versus what you’d do next time itinerary. Hope you get to go back one day and explore things fully!

Wow, this sounds like an amazing and beautiful road tour to take! This is the sort of thing I love to do, driving through some beautiful, scenic, and sometimes historic areas and see what they have to offer! One day, when I make it to Australia, I’d like to visit these locations to see them in person!

Who doesn’t love a good road trip, especially one that offers epic coastline views. Start the car! I love how you found some hidden gems along the 300-km adventure. Not to mention, finding a Echidna! I too would have googled “spiky hedgehog Australia” to find out what it was.

Gus Feliciano

We love road trips and this sounds like a freaking awesome time! Australia is 100% on our list once we can fly there again and think we will need to see if we can add this to our list. Such amazing view points!

Wanderingkellers

Great post in all ways. This trip seems amazing and also seems like 5-6 days could be spent exploring it all. I agree with Paul I never thought to look for California redwoods outside of the US.

Jen Nilsson

I’m sold. I must do this tour. Your pictures are absolutely unreal. Thank you for this inspiration!

I’ve always wanted to do this – so definitely saving it for when I get back to Australia. I love that you added the “don’ts” to this post – some things are on the ‘top things’ lists that really aren’t worth the time if you don’t have an extended amount of time – so it’s great to learn from others!

Driving the Great Ocean Road is very high on my list! It looks so amazing. Thanks for this great itinerary.

Chalk and cheese travels

Great in depth guide to this beautiful drive i did many years ago. Your photos are fantastic some great memories

This is so informative and looks absolutely amazing!! Your photos are gorgeous. Adding this to my travel bucket list!

Bernie and Jess Watt

Great read and adventure. It’s a beautiful part of the world and your photos very much do it justice. When I was young, there were several more of the 12 Apostles and I remember family trips to my great uncle’s at Apollo Bay where my great grandparents once ran the hardware shop. Random side note: I toured along here with a band in the early 2000s and we tried to take a shortcut and ended up on about 20km of dirt road through beautiful forests and missed half the ocean road.

Peggy Zipperer

Great post! Great Ocean Road was on my agenda in March 2020 when my trip was canceled. I was so looking forward to it. I thought I had done my research really well but this post has so much advice that I hadn’t heard before. By far the best blog I’ve read on the subject so thank you. I’ll be saving this for when I finally get my trip rebooked!

Wendy White

We only did part of the Great Ocean Road, as far as Apollo Bay, as we just stuck it on the end of popping to Melbourne to see friends. I completely agree with you about missing Bells Beach out, we didn’t like it either. Will keep this post for when the WA border opens and we can freely travel again.

Laura Elizabeth

Ugh the Great Ocean Road is so high up on my bucket list, and these photos just made me want to go even more. Great post Carolin, thanks for sharing!

Jamie Boucher

This post is so well written, and so informative. The layout makes it so easy to read and take key information from. No wonder my Great Ocean Road post isn’t on page one of Google haha.

Can’t wait to see more of your travel posts in future!

Kellye Hefner

What a wonderful trip and amazing photos, Carolin! We will probably never get to Australia, though we would love to, and we enjoyed tagging along on your journey! The rock formations, pristine beaches, and crisp blue water are stunning. If we ever do get to go, your post will serve as our guide! Since we mainly travel in the US, we will enjoy following your blog. Happy travels.

Chalkandcheesetravels

Absolute brilliant guide on the fantastic Great Ocean Road. Very well detailed and visually really sells the dive. We did nearly 10 years ago but this certainly makes me want to return

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2 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD ITINERARY

Our 2 two-day Great Ocean Road Itinerary takes you on one of the most iconic drives in Australia. The jewel of the journey, the 12 Apostles, is the third most famous natural site in Australia after Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s not surprising that over 2 million people visit the area each year.

This trip is 48 hours of jaw-dropping beauty, with both coastal and hinterland views to keep your camera busy. The area also boasts some of the state’s best spots for meeting local wildlife. To top that off, some talented local food producers mean any calories burnt walking and climbing stairs are quickly found again.

Frequently asked questions about the 12 Apostles

Day one – coastal views and wildlife, pitstop – great ocean road memorial arch, where to stay at port campbell, day 2 cliffs, waterfalls, and a redwood forest, 2 day great ocean road itinerary map.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy  for more information.

While you can cover this distance in 10 hours return (please use two drivers if you do!), this trip is much better if you allow an overnight stop or two or more!

The Great Ocean Road officially begins at Torquay and ends 243km (151mi) later just outside of Warrnambool

Spending the night at one of the small towns near the 12 Apostles will allow you the joy of both sunset and sunrise, both of which you will remember for a very long time!

If you don’t have time for an overnight stay, I highly recommend letting a specialist handle the driving and book one of these small group tours.

How much do you know about these stunning rock formations? We have tried to cover the most popular questions, but if you have one we have missed, pop over to our FB group and ask us!

How old are the 12 Apostles?

These limestone stacks are believed to be over twenty million years in the making.

Why are they called the 12 Apostles if there are only 7 of them?

Until the 1960s, the rock formation was known as Sow and Pigs. The Sow was Muttonbird Island, and the stacks her piglets. In the 1960s, a marketing campaign saw them renamed from Sow and Piglets to the 12 Apostles even though there were not technically 12 visible. There were nine at one point, but two have collapsed; one in 1995 saw two visitors trapped on the stack away from the shore.

When is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

If you are flexible, we strongly recommend you do not visit between Dec and mid-February – these are Australian school summer holidays, and prices are at a premium, as is the crowd. It detracts from the experience. Other dates to avoid include the Falls Festival and the Bells Surf Classic. We think the best time to visit is after Easter or between September and November.

Advice about driving on the Great Ocean Road

Do not drive at night – Australian country roads attract Kangaroos at dusk and dawn, and accidents are not uncommon. The road is only one lane in each direction, so be careful, particularly when overtaking. It’s a good idea to watch your speed with it changing between 50kph and 100kph quite regularly. Read our guide to driving in Australia if you are an international visitor.

Accidents are sadly not infrequent. When stopping to admire a view, please only use the official areas. If you are flying in from interstate and this is your primary destination, consider a flight to Avalon Airport in Geelong. It will save about an hour of your travelling time, and you can arrive car collection here.

Where are the best places to see on the Great Ocean Road?

In two days, you won’t have time to stop everywhere, so you will need to make a few tough choices. In our itinerary, we made the following cuts:

• We skipped the Torquay – Australian National Surfing Museum , and surf shopping
• Instead, we stopped at the Split Point Lighthouse
• Erskine Falls – near Lorne – a popular stop but we decided to leave it out to make the day a little less rushed.
• Lorne for lunch or Kennett River Reserve for a Koala spotting picnic you don’t have time for both?

Here’s how we spent our two days on the Great Ocean Road.

We left Melbourne at 6 am, having collected our car the night before. We knew we wanted to be on the road before they opened, so we decided the extra expense of having the vehicle one extra night was worth it.

The total driving time on day one is 4 hours and 30 minutes, not allowing for stops.

The first section of road to Cape Otway is the Surf Coast, from here to Port Fairy is the Shipwreck coast.

Stop 1. Bells Beach

Bells Beach is best known for its annual Easter surf competition, the world’s longest continuously running pro surfing event. The drive here from the centre of Melbourne will take about 75 minutes if you get away early. A late start will add up to 30 minutes to the trip. Is it a must-see? For me, probably not, but it is nice to stretch the legs.

On a previous visit with our daughter, we had stopped in Torquay, where you will find a bunch of wholesale surf shops – this is a popular stop if you are interested in shopping and you have left late enough in the morning for them to be open.

We spent about 10 minutes here – literally a photo, and away we go.

Stop 2. Aireys Inlet

When we arrived at Aireys Inlet, we were ready to stretch our legs, and there was no way we could miss The Round the Twist Lighthouse, aka Split Point Lighthouse .

There are two options if you want to go inside the lighthouse. The guided tour takes 45 minutes and costs $15. For $10, you can do the express tour, which is probably enough unless you are really into lighthouse history. You get to climb the four levels to take in the view at the top. Even if you don’t fancy a lighthouse visit, the outlook from this point is lovely.

We spent about 45 minutes here, including a quick run up to the top of the lighthouse and time for photos.

Great Ocean Road QR Trail combines augmented reality, film and art to tell the story of the road

Just before you reach the memorial, keep your eyes peeled for the Pole House

In August 1918, work began on a road designed to serve as a memorial for the servicemen who lost their lives in World War 1.

The Great Ocean Road is the world’s biggest war memorial.

The road took 13 years to build, and over 2300 servicemen made up the 3000-strong workforce. It was completed in 1932.

A museum details the history and construction of the road at 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

Decision time – a sit-down lunch or a walk to a waterfall with a sandwich along the way?

Stop 3. Lorne or Kennett River

Lorne is one of the most significant towns along the GOR, and it’s tempting to stop here for lunch. It’s not a bad decision, there is some excellent food here, but we decided we would prefer to see more and eat less, so we kept driving to Kennett River Coastal Reserve. We did make one detour to stop at Teddy’s Lookout; it’s a short walk from the car park to the viewing platform to where St George River meets the ocean.

We regret missing is Erskine Falls – a 20km round trip detour – if you have more than two days be sure to add it!

The reserve is best known for the many Koalas found in the gum trees here. It’s called Koala Walk and is one of the best places in Australia to see Koalas in the wild. When you arrive at the Koala Kafe, head along Grey River Road, I suggest going past any tour buses a further km or so till you find some space. Koalas are not fans of noise, so while there may be some near the crowds, you will likely see more further down the road.

We spent about an hour here, including Koala viewing and a takeaway lunch from Koala Kafe.

Stop 4. Apollo Bay

From Kennett River, it’s about 25km to your next stop Apollo Bay the midway point on your drive to the Apostles. It’s now time to take stock. You want to be on the lookout a good 30-45 minutes before sunset, and it’s just under 2 hours drive from here, so depending on how you are going for time, you might need to limit your stop here.

Did you know you can walk the Great Ocean Road? The Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km trail that follows the coast from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles.

One view not to miss is Mariners Lookout; you will find it about 3km before you reach the town centre at Apollo Bay. We spent about 30 minutes on this detour and only had a quick drive through town as we wanted to get to our destination in time to stop at the visitor’s centre before sunset.

We spent about 30 minutes at the lookout and 15 minutes in town grabbing coffee.

Once you hit Cape Otway, you are on the “Shipwreck Coast”. Over 50 boats are thought to have been shipwrecked here, and commemorative plaques mark the coastline from here to Port Fairy. Explorer Matthew Flinders said he had never seen a more fearful section of coastline anywhere in his travels, and he circumnavigated the country!

The next part of the drive is through the Cape Otway National Park – If you follow our itinerary, you will be spending tomorrow afternoon here, so resist the urge to stop.

However, if you are making good time and fancy another lighthouse, make the side trip to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Built in 1848, it is the oldest surviving on the Australian mainland. It keeps watching over the southernmost tip of Australia, where the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean meet.

Apollo Bay is the starting point for the Great Ocean Walk which is the next multi-day walk we want to tackle

This detour will add about 25km return to your travel time, but I think it’s well worth it. Along the road down to the cape, you will see Mannagum Drive (follow the signs for Otway Ebikes), which is another excellent spot to see Koalas.

Stop 5. 12 Apostles Visitors Centre

Stop in at the official visitors centre and pick up some maps for tomorrow morning’s sightseeing. If you arrive in time, take a walk down Gibsons Steps to Gibson Beach – from here, you can feel how mighty these limestone “stacks” are. The 86 steps down are not too difficult for anyone with average fitness, and your effort is well rewarded. Once on the beach, you are at eye level with two small stacks known as Gog and Magog – they are not part of the official Apostle group. Please don’t swim here. The tide can be quite dangerous. Gibson Beach stairs are closed in rough weather.

There are two parks on this part of the coast, The Port Campbell National Park and about 30km further along, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. Be sure to pick up a map of the various walks in both parks and spend some time this evening choosing a couple for tomorrow. You can download a PDF here if you like to plan.

Sunset at the Twelve Apostles is the main highlight of the day, but shortly after sunset, keep your eye on the beach for the fairy penguins who are returning to sleep. There are two viewing platforms where you are likely to spot them, one here and one at London Bridge. From Loch Ard Gorge, you can also spot mutton birds returning home each evening in season (Sept-April).

Photographers may want to make this a 3-day itinerary to allow time for bad weather and to shoot the other rock formations along the way.

Another popular nighttime activity for those who spend the night on the Great Ocean Road is shooting the Milky Way.

The prime choices for your overnight stay are:

• Princetown – 6km before the Apostles
• Port Campbell – 12km from the Apostles
• Peterborough – near London Bridge 30km from the 12 Apostles

We chose Port Campbell itself and stayed at a small motel called the Port of Call. When I next go back, I would like to book something self-contained and spend a few more days in the area.

We suggest you spend the morning exploring Port Campbell National Park and the afternoon taking in some of the waterfalls in Otway National Park. There are 21 stops marked on today’s map, but several are in the same location, so don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it sounds. If the budget will stretch and you are not scared of heights, a chopper ride is worth every cent.

Stop 1. A 12 Apostles sunrise

The main reason to base yourself here for at least one night is to experience a Great Ocean Rd sunrise. Try to get to the lookout about 30min or so before the sun comes up for some fantastic light. If you sleep in, don’t fret, the light is excellent for the first few hours of the day, and the crowds are much thinner than at sunset with fewer tour buses around.

Despite their name, according to Parks Vic. there have never been more than 8 “Apostles” the 8th collapsed on July 3, 2005, leaving us with just seven today.

Today there is a fair bit of jumping in and out of the car. You can minimise this by choosing fewer lookouts to cover and perhaps adding a couple more walks. There is a well-reviewed discovery 3.8km walk at Port Campbell that will take you about 90 minutes to complete. We decided against this, as we wanted to be on the road to Otway before midday. The total driving time between your starting point at the 12 Apostles Lookout and the Bay of Islands National Park is only 35 mins (36km). Still, I would allow 2-3 hours to cover all of these viewpoints depending on how long you spend walking to the various tracks and composing your photos.

Stop 2. Loch Ard Gorge

This spot commemorates the Shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Only two people, Irish teenagers, survived the wreck, and the nearby Tom and Eva Lookout are named for them. While we were walking on this beach, a wave came from nowhere and almost drenched us. The ocean here can sneak up on you so take care, and please resist the temptation to swim here. There are several lookouts off this car park, including Tom and Eva, my favourite view at this stop. You will also find Razorback, a very detailed rock, Island Arch, Muttonbird lookout, and Thunder Cave. You can park at Loch Ard car park and walk to all lookouts, each less than a km return except Thunder Cave, which is a little longer. There is a car park closer if you prefer to drive to this one.

Check out some professional shots of these locations to help you decide where to stop

Stop 3. Port Campbell breakfast

Port Campbell is the biggest of the towns along this stretch of the road and an excellent choice for breakfast. We stopped at Forage on the Foreshore and can highly recommend it. Their all-day breakfast features some great local cheese and plenty of healthy options. They open at 9 am, so if you are still too early, you could switch this and the next stop.

Stop 4. The Arch, London Bridge, and The Grotto

This next bit has you in and out of the car every few minutes, and by now, you may be starting to tire of lookouts no matter how pretty. The Arch and The Grotto are similar formations, with The Grotto being superior, so perhaps consider skipping the Arch.

The Arch is impressive though, as it is a chance to see how their erosion forms these stacks over time. London Bridge was once a double arch but has had a couple of collapses. Until January 1990, you could walk across it, but it collapsed, leaving two visitors needing helicopter rescue. These days it is referred to as London Arch. If you walk to both viewing platforms, allow about 30 minutes.

The Grotto is a cave and sinkhole; the best view is from the lower platform. It is recommended that you stick to the paths and stairways here. The ground can be unstable. Allow about 20 minutes here.

Stop 5. The Bay of Islands Coastal Park

This coastal park covers 32km between Peterborough and Warrnambool. The two bays we stop at today are every bit as pretty as the Port Campbell National Park, and they attract far fewer visitors. If you enjoyed the 12 Apostles but thought it felt like a bit of a circus, then this park will delight you. The stacks are smaller, but there are quite a lot of them, and you may find you have the whole place to yourself. First up is the Bay of Martyrs, Home to Massacre Bay and Massacre Point; sadly, its history is as dark as its name suggests. Many of the original inhabitants of this land, the Karrae-Wurrong people, were said to be herded off the cliffs into the ocean to their death by the newly arrived Europeans, decimating the local population to almost nil.

The Bay of Islands is just a few km down the road,

Stop 6. Cape Otway Waterfalls

This afternoon it’s all about the waterfalls .

Great Otway National Park has a lot to offer, but its biggest draw cards are its waterfalls and old forest, including a section of Californian redwoods. The area gets decent rainfall year-round, and the waterfalls are almost always flowing. Download this guide to all the walks and waterfalls in the park for your planning. Unless you have made good time this morning, you will find seeing all the main sites here in one afternoon wildly rushed. I suggest you pick one section, either Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly or Hopetoun/Beauchamp Falls and Redwoods. However, if you want to see it all, put your skates on! Triplet Falls are only 3km away from the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and the first spot you see reach when you enter the park from the south. The walk-to-view Triplet Falls is a 1.8km circuit on a raised boardwalk that is relatively easy and can be completed in one hour. We read that the best route was to do it clockwise, which worked for us.

Otway Fly Treetop Walk – The big attraction of this canopy walk is the 600-meter-long, 25-meter-high elevated walkway, the longest and tallest elevated walk in the world. There is also a 47-meter high tower and a 1.9km rainforest walk. Adrenalin junkies can sign up for the zipline adventure.

From here, you are about a twenty-minute drive to Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls – It’s a 15-minute trip from Beauchamp to Hopetoun Falls. The first lookout is 20 metres from the car park and looks over the falls from the top. You can take a 1km walk to the lookout at the bottom of the falls, but there is no official access to the fall’s base. The trip is 20 minutes to return. From here, it’s a 5-minute drive to the next stop. Californian Redwoods – I had no idea you could see redwoods in Australia, did you? Only a few minutes drives from Hopetoun Falls, this detour is a must. It’s less than a 500m return to the car, so it won’t add much time to your day. These forests were planted by a local ranger back in 1936. Beauchamp Falls (pronounced Beechum)- to reach the lookout at the base of this fall requires a bit of effort. The round trip will take you an hour, and you need a decent fitness level. The walk is quite steep and a little challenging. There is no access directly under the falls.

I guarantee the time you spend in the Otways this afternoon will have you planning a return visit before you leave.

So by now, you are probably exhausted – time to head home; we recommend going via Colac. The drive should take you about two and a half hours. If you are spending more time in Melbourne, you might like some of these walks .

If all this has you exhausted and you would prefer someone else to worry about the timing, these tours are worth considering.

Want more road trip inspiration? Check out these ideas :

• Adventures in Lightning Ridge
• The Must-See Stops on the Waterfall Way
• Visit Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid-North Coast

Save your Great Ocean Road Itinerary and map for your trip.

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

1 thought on “2 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary”

Gosh, you had me from that very first picture of the 12 Apostles! This looks like the most incredibly beautiful journey. When we can travel again, I might have to consider a “boy’s gone to uni, so I can travel more freely” trip to Australia 🙂

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2 Day Private Great Ocean Road Tour

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Our Inspiration

A private Great Ocean Road 2 day tour is packed full of stunning coastal walks, the world famous twelve apostles and Australian wildlife encounters. Take your time on Australia’s most famous road. This tour covers all the sights and places of our private Great Ocean Road Day Tour but also takes you to some hidden secrets that are only possible with extra time and on a private tour.

Depending on your focus of interest we can visit waterfalls within the rainforests of the Otway Ranges, follow the foodie trail visiting L’Artisan Cheese Factory, Timboon Distillery, Apostle Whey Cheese to name a few, or explore further along the Great Ocean Rd towards The Bay of Martyrs, The Bay of Islands and Port Fairy.

There’s also the chance to talk to real local people and truly appreciate one of the quaintest coastal towns in Australia at Apollo Bay, our over night stop. We can recommend many options for places to stay depending on your budget.

– Enjoy the slow pace to truly absorb all the Great Ocean Rd has to offer.

– Experience the chance to visit places that cannot be covered on the One Day Great Ocean Rd tour.

– Stay overnight in charming Apollo Bay and sample some tasty local food.

– Option to visit some of the local food producers.

What You Will Love

• Customised Itinerary
• Wild Kangaroos
• Secluded Great Ocean Road Lookouts
• Stay Overnight in Apollo Bay
• Local Foodie Tastings
• Visit A Rainforest
• Gibson Steps
• The 12 Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Bay of Islands
• Your Private Guide - Simon Greenland

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Experience the ultimate Great Ocean Road adventure with our customised two-day private tour. Packed full of stunning coastal walks, world-famous twelve apostles, and Australian wildlife encounters, this tour is the perfect way to take your time on Australia's most famous road. Our private tour covers all the sights and places of our One Day Tour but also takes you to some hidden secrets that are only possible with extra time and on a private tour. Depending on your focus of interest, we can visit waterfalls within the rainforests of the Otway Ranges, follow the foodie trail, or explore further along the Great Ocean Rd towards The Bay of Martyrs, The Bay of Islands, and Port Fairy. With our customised itinerary, you'll have the chance to talk to real local people and truly appreciate one of the quaintest coastal towns in Australia at Apollo Bay, our overnight stop. We can recommend many options for places to stay depending on your budget. A sample itinerary on day one includes visiting the Surf Coast, Bells Beach, the famous 'golfing' kangaroos of Anglesea, Split Point Lighthouse, the Memorial Archway, Lorne - Victoria's most premier coastal resort town, guaranteed sightings of wild koalas, and an exceptional local dining experience at Apollo Bay.

Day 2: Twelve Apostles to Melbourne

On day two, we take you to the Ship Wreck Coast, Gibson Steps, the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Razorback, Island Archway, Bay of Martyrs, and Bay of Islands. If you want to extend your Great Ocean Rd experience, we can add an extra day in the Grampians National Park. The options are endless, and we can customise any itinerary for any group. Book your private 2 day tour today and experience the Great Ocean Road like never before.

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Motorcycle Road Trips: Top 10 Destinations Every Biker Should Visit

T here's nothing quite like the feeling of anticipation when setting off on a motorcycle road trip. From planning your itinerary to choosing your equipment, strapping down your bike, and donning your protective gear, the excitement builds as you rev your engine and pull away into the great unknown. The combination of the open road, the surrounding scenery, and the hum of the engine is an immersive experience that all bikers appreciate. Add to this the element of adventure, and the draw is irresistible.

Good preparation is vital to enjoying a successful motorcycle road trip. Make a checklist that includes all essentials and safety items so nothing gets left behind. It is a good idea to check local regulations and weather conditions, and safety should always be your top priority, so wear appropriate gear and ensure that your bike is in good working order before you depart.

Motorcycle road trips are an exhilarating way to explore new places and experience your natural surroundings. It's easy to pull over and take a break, grab a bite to eat, admire the scenery, and take a few photos whenever you feel like it. Here, we have selected locations with proper thoroughfares accessible to all motorists but well suited to bikers for their scenic views and serpentine twists and turns. Every biker should consider the following 10 fantastic destinations for their road trip adventures.

Read more: The 10 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Made

Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

Whether you are headed north or south, the Pacific Coast Highway promises a spectacular experience. Known for its breathtaking coastal views, the highway occupies around three-quarters of the California coastline on California State Route 1. It offers bikers a relaxed cruise of around 655 miles, but if you are feeling adventurous, you can join Route 101 at its northern terminus, which will take you to the Canadian border. Head south, and you can merge with I-5, which terminates at the Mexican border. However, the highway itself has plenty to offer and deserves a few days to experience it properly.

The PCH has a storied history as it was built using labor from Folsom and San Quentin prison inmates, who were paid the miserly sum of 35 cents per day for their backbreaking efforts. It formed after the consolidation of roads linking Los Angeles and San Francisco with other coastal settlements and finally opened in 1937. Throughout your trip, you'll pass through delightful towns like Big Sur and Carmel, experience the natural wonders of the giant Redwood forests and the Oregon Sand Dunes, and enjoy stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

The roads are well-paved throughout the Pacific Coast Highway, and the trip could best be described as leisurely, with plenty of places to stay and sightseeing opportunities along the route. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes and a daypack for essentials when you're not on the road, and bring wet-weather gear, especially if you are thinking of riding in the fall or winter months. Temperature ranges can vary widely in the state of California, so you should also consider appropriate clothing while planning your trip.

Scottish Highlands (Scotland)

The Highlands of Scotland are a little off the beaten track, even by European standards, but the rewards are most certainly worth it. Using Edinburgh's hilly, granite capital as a jumping-off point, you can enjoy the nightlife and historic attractions and even rent a motorcycle before embarking on a trip that could take you over a thousand miles into the Scottish interior and its stunning islands. The rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes make it an excellent destination for motorcycle touring, and you'll get to explore historic castles and lochs (home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster) as you ride through the remote and sparsely populated countryside.

You'll find plenty of campsites across the country if you're traveling in the summer months (which is highly recommended, given Scotland's unpredictable temperate climate), as well as an assortment of hotels and B&Bs if you aren't keen on "roughing it" — although these can be pretty expensive. Roads are generally well-paved but are almost exclusively single-lane country thoroughfares, and speed limits are understandably low, leaving you plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery as it passes by. Livestock outnumbers people significantly, so be wary of sheep and the odd Highland cow as you navigate rural areas.

Points of interest might include John O' Groats (mainland UK's most northerly point), the Isle of Sky, with its dramatic scenery, the stunning A87 roadway, the Cairngorm Mountains, Loch Ness, and the North Coast Road. Don't forget to pack mosquito repellant, especially during summer, and expect to get rained on at any time of year. Remember, there are many remote destinations in Scotland, and due care should be taken on your motorcycle, especially if traveling alone.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (South Dakota, USA)

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has become a Mecca for motorcyclists, especially those who favor the great American brands. Every year, the biking community descends upon this small town in South Dakota's Black Hills for 10 days and nights. Here, it partakes in several scheduled bike tours, live music, events, competitions, and plenty of food and drink at this celebration of life on two wheels.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been around for a while, established in 1938 as a series of racing and stunt-riding events. It has since grown into an internationally recognized festival that regularly attracts over half a million attendees. A choice of accommodation is available, including hotels, cabins, RVs, and camping options. Once settled in, participants can enjoy several planned bike tours, including the Mayor's Ride, Police Chief's Ride, and Veteran Warrior Ride, which require registration or a donation to join.

Each pass by various local landmarks and points of interest, such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Devil's Tower, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you'd rather go solo or travel in a small group, numerous circuits, as outlined in official ride maps, can be completed over a few hours.

If you plan on heading to the Sturgis Rally, plan in advance and book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. As with all festivals, it's never a bad idea to stick to a daily budget and reserve money for unexpected expenses. As the rally takes place in early August, the weather is usually pleasant in Sturgis at this time of year, but always plan for the worst-case scenario and include a rain jacket along with your sunblock.

Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Italy has so much to offer its visitors, including Renaissance artworks, fine food and wine, museums, café culture to rival that of France, and stunning scenery. Of course, it is also a top motorcycle destination and home to venerated brands Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, and Aprilia.

The country's Amalfi Coast provides a dramatic coastal ride with cliffside roads overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea that makes up part of the Mediterranean. Here, you'll explore charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello along the way, with balconied houses overhanging their winding streets. These open up to well-paved roads that meander through scattered vineyards, with mountainous hillsides lined with Cypress trees inland.

To tour the Amalfi coast, you could start in Rome, where motorcycle rental shops are abundant, and cruise south through the Campania region before arriving in Naples. This is the jumping-off point for most Amalfi coast trips and is home to Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii a bit further south for some unforgettable sightseeing. Afterward, head south and travel from Sorrento to Salerno, taking in all the wonders of the Amalfi Coast along the way. You can take the highway back to Rome from Salerno in just a few hours to complete your tour, which can take as little as two days, depending on your schedule.

Italy is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is early or late summer to avoid searing temperatures. Bring some Euros in cash to pay for tolls getting to and from the Amalfi Coast, and perhaps most importantly, relax and don't rush the experience, as there is much to see and do over its short 50-kilometer distance.

Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)

Eastern Europe offers some fantastic travel opportunities as part of a more extensive motorcycle tour, with cities like Prague, Budapest, and Bucharest boasting stunning architecture and culture at far more affordable prices than their Western European counterparts. The latter of these, Bucharest, is the point of departure for most people embarking on a bike tour of the Transfagarasan Highway. This mountain pass in the Carpathian Mountains offers a varied and beautiful ride, taking you through some dramatic scenery and passing through many tunnels and hairpin turns at elevations of up to 6,700 feet.

Jeremy Clarkson, formerly of "Top Gear," once described the Transfagarasan Highway as possibly the best road in the world, and for once, he may not have been exaggerating. The number of serpentine twisties and steep descents that cut through the mountain passes make this the perfect road for bikers, and as a relatively new road created as a military thoroughfare during the last days of Communist Romania, it is well maintained. The Transfagarasan Highway spans the historical provinces of Wallachia and Transylvania, home to the fictional Count Dracula and his real-life inspiration, Vlad the Impaler, who lived at Poenari Castle, which you can visit along the way.

The Highway is closed for much of the year, between October and June, so plan your trip accordingly. Adverse weather conditions can strike year-round, resulting in road closures, so check information boards in towns and online before departure. Heavy rain and poor visibility are common throughout the high passes, so make sure you travel with a rain suit and treat your visor with anti-fog spray or use a Pinlock for improved vision while you ride.

Ruta Cuarenta (Argentina)

Ruta Cuarenta, or Ruta 40, is a vast 3,000-mile road almost the length of Argentina. This iconic highway runs alongside the Andes, offering riders a chance to experience the country's diverse landscapes, from the deserts of Patagonia in the south to the wine country of Mendoza in the north and plenty of wonders in between. You will encounter 27 mountain passes that can reach over 13,000 feet, the vast Patagonian Steppe, 18 large rivers, and 20 national parks as you enjoy this famed bucket list motorcycle trip.

Any biker attempting to undertake such a trip should already be aware of the amount of planning required. Essentials should include comprehensive protective gear, warm and cool weather clothing, and practical bike repair and medical items. There can be 200 miles between fuel stops on the Patagonian Steppe, so know your bike's limitations and plan to carry extra gas. The roads here are mostly unpaved, so use appropriate tires with off-road capabilities.

The best time to travel on Ruta Cuarenta is in the Argentine spring between November and December. Leave it any later, and winter encroaches upon the south, so bear this in mind when planning your schedule. As one of the longest overland thoroughfares in the world, you should expect your trip to take at least a couple of weeks, and cellphone coverage is sparse outside of populated areas.

Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Australia is one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, and it offers some serious adventure destinations across its vast and varied landscape, as well as plenty of exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife, much of which is unique to the continent. The Great Ocean Road runs along Australia's southern coast and offers stunning ocean views, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, 12 limestone stacks jutting from the ocean.

The Great Ocean Road is situated just south of Melbourne, and it is well-paved throughout, making this route well-suited to all two-wheelers, whether you ride a 105cc Australian Postie Bike or a BMW R 1250 GS. Leaving Melbourne early, you can make it to Port Campbell in a day, with plenty of stops for pictures and rests. The town is just past the Twelve Apostles and at the road's furthest point, so you can take in a stunning sunset at the landmark and head for some good food and accommodation for the night before heading back to Melbourne the next day.

While the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's more relaxed motorcycle tours, it is not without its hazards. The steep hillsides often leave scattered rocks and debris on the road. Bear this in mind, especially as you enter corners. There are many corners along the road's length, with extreme cambers and hairpins. Wherever you ride on the continent, you should watch for wildlife on the road and monitor your speed to avoid collisions. As is typical when biking, humans pose one of the greatest threats, so watch for tourists driving erratically, especially when pulling in and out of viewpoints or picnic areas along the route.

Tail Of The Dragon (North Carolina/Tennessee, USA)

While it may be the shortest motorcycle road trip listed here, the Tail of the Dragon is among the most exhilarating. This 11-mile stretch of US Route 129 traverses the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a magnet for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially sport bike riders, with 318 curves, making it one of the most challenging and technical riding roads in the United States.

Running almost parallel to Calderwood Lake, the Tail of the Dragon twists through dense forest as it slices through the mountains and past the Cheoah Dam, the location of Harrison Ford's daring leap in "The Fugitive." While the scenery and surroundings are impressive, this stretch of road is all about the ride as you grip the handlebars and negotiate its curves as safely as possible. Many riders have met their deaths at the Tail of the Dragon, and it is essential that you know your limits, know your bike's capabilities, and pay attention to the weather and road conditions as you ride.

The best time to attempt the Tail of the Dragon is either in the summer or fall, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and stay the night in the surrounding area. Ensure you perform maintenance on your motorcycle before setting off, including checking your brakes and tire pressure, to help avoid any spills on the road.

[Featured image by Washuotaku via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Canada has a shorter riding season relative to destinations nearer the equator. Still, with its many picturesque, well-maintained, sparsely-populated highways, it is among the most rewarding countries to travel by motorcycle. The Cabot Trail is a scenic road that winds through the Cape Breton Highlands, offering sweeping ocean views, lush forests, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose and bald eagles. The trail is 186 miles long and hugs the Atlantic coast of Cape Breton Island in a well-paved circuit.

The Cabot Trail takes you up and down in elevation and through shade and light. You will experience many changes in temperature along the way, so bring appropriate clothing. There are plenty of places to stop for breaks and sightseeing, but make sure you buy a $10 Park Pass if you want to take a break at any point, or you will incur a fine if checked.

The best time to visit the Cabot Trail is from early May to late September, and the general consensus is that counter-clockwise is the preferred direction of travel. It's best not to ride in the evening to avoid moose and fill up gas at a larger town, as those further down the trail may not sell the premium fuel that our cherished bikes prefer.

Himalayan Circuit (India)

For an epic adventure, consider riding through the Himalayas. As the tallest mountain range in the world, this barrier separating the Indian Subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau is steeped in mystery, Buddhist spirituality, geological wonders, and breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks.

Ride north from New Delhi, or take the bus to Manali. You can rent motorcycles in either of these locations, usually a native Royal Enfield model, such as the aptly named Himalayan. From Manali, spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude (6,398 feet) in preparation for much higher elevations later. Set off through the foothills and scale the Rohtang La (13,051 feet). Refuel in Keylong (the next gas station is over 200 miles away!) and stay the night in a tent in Sarchu camp. The next day, you will head to the remote city of Leh with its palaces, ancient monasteries, and stupas, via challenging terrain, high mountain passes, such as Tanglang La (17,480 feet), and the 21 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops.

From Leh, you can spend a few days touring. Head north to the Nubra Valley, East to Pangong Lake, or continue your voyage west to Kashmir, passing through lush green valleys, the 11th-century monastery at Lamayuru, and the city of Kargil. Once you reach Kashmir, stay on a traditional houseboat in Srinagar with a local family and drink in the incredible scenery before completing your circuit.

The high passes are closed for much of the year, and it is best to travel the Manali–Leh Highway between June and September. Clothing and additional fuel are essential, as is plenty of money in cash. Permits are required for some locations (arrange with a local tour guide) and prepare to be amazed by this unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

Read the original article on SlashGear .