Canberra to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road

Day 1: Departure & Journey to Melbourne

Morning: Depart Canberra early and drive through the scenic Goulburn Plains, stopping for a coffee break at the historic Goulburn Railway Museum. The journey to Melbourne takes about 7 hours total.

Afternoon: Continue south, crossing the Hume Highway and enjoying the rolling countryside of Victoria. Arrive in Melbourne and check into your accommodation.

Evening: Explore Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, dine at a rooftop restaurant, and stroll along the Yarra River for a relaxed night.

Day 2: Melbourne to Torquay – Start of the Great Ocean Road

Morning: Visit the iconic Federation Square and enjoy a quick breakfast at a local café before heading west.

Afternoon: Drive to Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, and watch surfers at Bells Beach. Have lunch at a seaside eatery.

Evening: Check into a beachfront B&B in Torquay, walk along the Torquay Foreshore, and enjoy a sunset dinner.

Day 3: Torquay → Lorne → Apollo Bay

Morning: Depart Torquay and stop at the scenic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, then continue to the charming town of Lorne, where you can explore Lorne Beach and the Erskine Falls trail.

Afternoon: Drive through the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, arriving in Apollo Bay for a fresh seafood lunch at the harbor.

Evening: Relax on the beach, visit the Apollo Bay Harbour, and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local fish-and-chips shop.

Day 4: Apollo Bay → Twelve Apostles → Port Campbell

Morning: Set out early to the breathtaking Loch Ard Gorge, then continue to the world‑famous Twelve Apostles for spectacular cliff‑side views.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby formations of London Bridge and The Grotto, and have lunch in the coastal village of Port Campbell.

Evening: Stay overnight in Port Campbell, stroll the cliff‑top walkways at sunset, and dine at a local pub.

Day 5: Port Campbell → Mount Gambier → Adelaide

Morning: Depart Port Campbell and drive east through the rugged coastline, stopping at the striking Robe Jetty for a quick photo stop.

Afternoon: Cross the border into South Australia, visit the volcanic crater lake at Lake Bonney near Mount Gambier, and sample wines in the Coonawarra region.

Evening: Arrive in Adelaide, check into your hotel, and enjoy a celebratory dinner at a restaurant in the bustling Rundle Mall area.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Goulburn Railway Museum – 1 hour – $10
• Melbourne city centre (Federation Square, Yarra River) – 3 hours – $0 (free)
• Bells Beach (Torquay) – 2 hours – $0
• Erskine Falls (Lorne) – 1.5 hours – $5
• Great Otway National Park (Apollo Bay) – 2 hours – $0
• Loch Ard Gorge – 1 hour – $0
• Twelve Apostles – 1.5 hours – $12 (parking)
• London Bridge & The Grotto – 1 hour – $0
• Port Campbell village – 2 hours – $0
• Lake Bonney (Mount Gambier) – 1 hour – $0
• Coonawarra wine tasting – 2 hours – $25 (tasting fees)
• Rundle Mall (Adelaide) – 2 hours – $0
• Total Estimated Cost – $52

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in Melbourne to explore its museums and hidden laneways, or extend your stay in the Coonawarra region for a deeper wine experience. For a shorter trip, skip the detour to Mount Gambier and head straight from Port Campbell to Adelaide, focusing on the coastal highlights of the Great Ocean Road.