The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s classic coastal journeys, officially stretching about 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford near Warrnambool. Although the road can be driven in a day, a trip of two or three days is far more enjoyable, allowing time for beaches, rainforest walks, waterfalls and the famous limestone formations of the Shipwreck Coast.
Quick Trip Planner
| Question | Practical answer |
| How long is the road? | About 243 km from Torquay to Allansford. |
| How long is the drive? | Allow roughly 4 to 5 hours without stops. From Melbourne, a return day trip to the Twelve Apostles is commonly 11 to 13 hours and feels rushed. |
| Ideal trip length | Two days for the highlights; three days for a relaxed pace. |
| Best overnight bases | Apollo Bay for the Otways and dining; Port Campbell for the Twelve Apostles; Lorne for beaches, cafés and waterfalls. |
| Recommended direction | Travel west from Torquay so most coastal lookouts are on your side of the road. |
| Best general seasons | Spring and autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds during peak season. Summer offers longer daylight but requires early bookings. |
Suggested Two Day Itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
- Torquay: Begin at Victoria’s surf capital and browse the surf shops.
- Bells Beach: Stop at the viewpoints on the cliffs to watch the surf.
- Anglesea: Take a beach or river break.
- Aireys Inlet: Walk to Split Point Lighthouse and enjoy coastal views.
- Lorne: Pause for lunch, the beach and, if time permits, Erskine Falls.
- Memorial Arch: Photograph the historic gateway and learn about the returned servicemen who built the road.
- End in Apollo Bay: Check in, walk along the foreshore and enjoy a seafood or pub dinner.
Day 2: Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and Melbourne
- Great Otway National Park: Take a short rainforest walk at Maits Rest or visit a waterfall; allow extra time if detouring to Cape Otway Lightstation.
- Gibson Steps: View the limestone coast from beach level when access and conditions permit.
- Twelve Apostles: Follow the main lookout trail for panoramic views of the sea stacks.
- Loch Ard Gorge: Explore the lookouts, shipwreck story and linked trails. Check current access because geological conditions can close individual paths or steps.
- Port Campbell: Stop for lunch or an early dinner.
- Optional western stops: Continue to The Arch, London Bridge and The Grotto before returning to Melbourne via the inland route.
Where to Stay
- Lorne: Best for a lively seaside atmosphere, cafés, beach access and nearby waterfalls. Choose from resorts, motels, apartments and holiday parks.
- Apollo Bay: The best overall overnight base for first time visitors, with easy access to the Otways, a useful range of shops and a strong choice of casual dining.
- Port Campbell: The most strategic base for sunset or sunrise near the Twelve Apostles and other Shipwreck Coast formations.
- Warrnambool: Best for travellers continuing west, families wanting more facilities, or visitors exploring viewpoints during whale season.
- Budget travellers: Look for caravan parks, hostel rooms, pub accommodation or cabins with their own facilities.
Booking tip: Reserve early for summer, Easter, school holidays and long weekends.
Where to Eat
- Torquay: Start with a café breakfast or bakery stop; the town also has breweries and resort dining.
- Aireys Inlet: A good choice for a quieter brunch or modern restaurant meal.
- Lorne: Ideal for lunch, with beachfront cafés, bakeries, fish and chips, and pub meals along Mountjoy Parade.
- Apollo Bay: Try locally caught seafood, casual pub fare or a craft beer venue. The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and Apollo Bay Hotel are convenient central options.
- Port Campbell: Choose from cafés, pubs and casual restaurants; dining choices are fewer than in Lorne or Apollo Bay, so check hours and reserve when possible.
- Food detour: Explore local produce, breweries, wineries and farms along the Otway Harvest Trail or 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail.
Attractions on the Way and Nearby
| Area | Highlights |
| Surf Coast | Torquay, Bells Beach, Point Addis, Anglesea River and Split Point Lighthouse. |
| Lorne and surrounds | Lorne Beach, Teddy’s Lookout, Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls and the Memorial Arch. |
| Apollo Bay and Otways | Maits Rest rainforest walk, Cape Otway Lightstation, waterfalls, coastal viewpoints and short sections of the 110 km Great Ocean Walk. |
| Shipwreck Coast | Gibson Steps, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Razorback, The Arch, London Bridge and The Grotto. |
| Further west | Bay of Islands, Warrnambool, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and historic Port Fairy. |
Important Tips for Travellers
- Start early: Leave by about 8 am to enjoy quieter lookouts, easier parking and enough daylight for unplanned stops.
- Do not rush: Choose three or four priority attractions each day and allow time for short walks, meals and scenic viewpoints.
- Book ahead: Reserve accommodation and popular activities early for summer, Easter, school holidays and long weekends.
- Plan fuel and facilities: Fill the tank in larger towns such as Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell or Warrnambool. Toilets and food options are limited at smaller lookouts and within some park areas.
- Prepare for changing weather: Carry sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
- Keep plans flexible: Strong wind, rain, fire risk, flooding or geological conditions can affect roads, beaches and walking tracks. Check VicTraffic and current park alerts before departure.
- Stay connected: Download maps before leaving larger towns, carry a phone charger or portable battery and tell someone your route if taking longer walks.
- Respect wildlife: Watch animals from a safe distance, never feed or touch them, secure food and drive carefully around dawn and dusk.
- Protect the coast: Stay on marked paths, obey barriers, take rubbish with you and never enter a closed track or beach.
- Check access needs: Major visitor areas may have sealed paths and accessible parking, while beaches, waterfalls and cliff walks can include steps, slopes or uneven ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the Great Ocean Road in one day?
Yes, but a Melbourne return trip to the Twelve Apostles is a very long day and leaves limited time at each stop. Two days is the practical minimum for a holiday by car.
Where is the best place to stay for one night?
Choose Apollo Bay for the most balanced itinerary and access to the Otways. Choose Port Campbell if your priority is seeing the Twelve Apostles at sunset or sunrise.
Do I need a vehicle with four wheel drive?
No. The main route and major attractions are accessible by a standard vehicle. Follow signage and avoid unsealed detours in poor weather unless you have checked conditions.
Is the route suitable for children?
Yes. Beaches, short lookouts, rainforest walks and holiday parks make it suitable for families. Plan frequent breaks, supervise children closely near roads, cliffs and water, and use the legally required child restraint.
Are dogs allowed?
Rules vary. Dogs are generally prohibited in national parks and at some beaches, while certain towns and accommodation providers welcome pets. Check the rules for every stop before travelling.