7-Day Itinerary for Great Ocean Road

  1. Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay
    1 hour 20 min (61.5 km) from Melbourne

    Start the Great Ocean Road journey today by driving to Torquay. Enjoy world-class surf beaches and scenic coastal views. Stop by Bells Beach to watch surfers tackle the waves. Overnight stay in Torquay.

  2. Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay
    2 hours 30 min (83.9 km) from Torquay

    Head to Kennett River for a chance to spot koalas in the wild. Continue to the Cape Otway Lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline. Drive through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park to reach Apollo Bay. Overnight stay in Apollo Bay.

  3. Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
    2 hours 10 min (89.5 km) from Apollo Bay

    Stop by the iconic Twelve Apostles and witness the magnificent rock formations. Visit Gibson Steps to take in the view from the beach. Continue to the London Arch and The Grotto for more breathtaking sights. Overnight stay in Port Campbell.

  4. Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool
    1 hour 20 min (63.6 km) from Port Campbell

    Today’s journey includes visiting the Bay of Islands and The Arch before reaching Warrnambool. In Warrnambool, visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for an opportunity to see koalas, kangaroos, and emus. Overnight stay in Warrnambool.

  5. Day 5: Warrnambool to Port Fairy
    30 min (28 km) from Warrnambool

    Visit the Narrawong Beach for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Stop by Yambuk Lake to see different species of birds. Reach Port Fairy, a charming coastal town, and explore the historic buildings, museums, art galleries, and beaches. Overnight stay in Port Fairy.

  6. Day 6: Port Fairy to Warrnambool
    30 min (28 km) from Port Fairy

    On the way back to Warrnambool, visit the Tower Hill State Game Reserve to discover more of the region's unique wildlife and volcanic history. After returning to Warrnambool, indulge in some locally sourced cheese, chocolates, and wine at the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery.

  7. Day 7: Warrnambool to Melbourne
    2 hours 55 min (269 km) from Warrnambool

    On the final day, start your journey back to Melbourne. Stop at Logan's Beach to watch the southern right whales frolic in the waves. Reach Melbourne and return your rental car.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Rental Car (7 days): $400+
  • Cape Otway Lighthouse (1-2 hours): $20 per adult, $10 per child
  • Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve (1-2 hours): Free
  • Timboon Railway Shed Distillery (1-2 hours): $20 per person
  • Total Estimated Costs: $440+

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can add stops at Loch Ard Gorge, The Bluff Lookout, and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. If you have less time, skip Port Fairy and Narrawong Beach. Make sure to pack warm clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

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