5-Day Great Ocean Road Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day with a delicious brunch at Hardware Société, famous for its French-inspired café fare and delightful pastries.
From your hotel in Melbourne, take a short walk or tram to Hardware Société.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Royal Botanic Gardens Visit

Stroll through the vast Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoying the diverse plant life and tranquility.
Drive or take public transport to the Gardens, approximately 15 minutes from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at South Melbourne Market

Enjoy a casual lunch at the bustling South Melbourne Market, sampling fresh produce and local delights.
Drive to the market, around 10 minutes away.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Torquay

Hit the road towards Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, taking in scenic views along the way.
Take the M1 from Melbourne to Torquay, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
AUD20 (petrol), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Beach Time at Torquay

Relax and unwind on the sandy shores of Torquay Beach, renowned for its surf culture.
The beach is a short drive from the town centre, only 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fisho's Torquay

Indulge in fresh seafood at Fisho's, a local favourite located with ocean views.
A quick drive or walk from the beach.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll

Conclude your day with a peaceful evening stroll along the beachfront, enjoying the sunset.
The beach is right outside the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Surf & Nature

Torquay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Collective

Fuel up with quality coffee and hearty breakfast options at The Coffee Collective.
Located within Torquay, just a short drive or walk.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Surfing Lessons

Take a surfing lesson at Torquay's famous Surf Beach, ideal for beginners.
Walk to Surf Beach in about 10 minutes.
AUD90, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Torquay's Front Beach

Grab a bite at a beachside café with stunning ocean views.
Just a quick walk from Surf Beach.
AUD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Lorne

Depart for Lorne via the scenic Great Ocean Road route, taking in breathtaking views.
Follow the Great Ocean Road for around 30 minutes.
AUD15 (petrol), 30 minutes

2:15PM

Visit Erskine Falls

Explore the beautiful Erskine Falls, a short hike will reward you with a stunning view.
Drive for about 10 minutes to the falls' car park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Lorne Hotel

Savour dinner with stunning ocean views at The Lorne Hotel's restaurant.
Drive back into Lorne, about 10 minutes.
AUD45, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Relax at Lorne Beach

Enjoy a leisurely evening at Lorne Beach, perfect for night strolls.
The beach is a short walk from the hotel.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Coastal Towns

Lorne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lorne Beach Pavilion

Start your day at Lorne Beach Pavilion with oceanfront views and fresh produce.
The pavilion is along the beach, easily walkable.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Lorne Art Trail

Walk the Lorne Art Trail, featuring unique sculptures and stunning coastal views.
The trail starts near the hotel and is easily navigated on foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Apollo Bay

Continue on to Apollo Bay with breathtaking coastal views en route.
This is about a 45-minute drive along the Great Ocean Road.
AUD20 (petrol), 45 minutes

12:15PM

Lunch at Attack Fish and Chips

Grab some of the best fish and chips around at the local favourite Attack Fish and Chips.
Located centrally in Apollo Bay, a short walk from the beach.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Great Otway National Park

Spend the afternoon at Great Otway National Park, amidst beautiful rainforests and walking trails.
Drive to the park, about 15 minutes from Apollo Bay.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Marriners Lookout

Drive up to Marriners Lookout for panoramic vistas of Apollo Bay and the coastline.
Only a 10-minute drive from the national park.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant

Relish dinner high above Apollo Bay at Chris’s, famous for its locally-sourced menu.
Drive back into Apollo Bay, about 15 minutes.
AUD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Iconic Landmarks

Apollo Bay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Apollo Bay Bakery

Start the day with a pastry or a hearty breakfast at Apollo Bay Bakery, known for its freshly baked goods.
Located in the main street of Apollo Bay.
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to the Twelve Apostles

Embark on an early trip to see the Twelve Apostles, one of Australia's most breathtaking sights.
A scenic 1-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road.
AUD15 (petrol), 1 hour

10:15AM

Explore Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre

Learn about the history and geology of the Twelve Apostles at the Visitor Centre.
Located at the main viewing area.
AUD15, 1 hour

11:15AM

Walk the Scenic Viewing Trail

Take in the stunning views along the walking trails that lead to the cliff-edge lookouts.
The trail begins right outside the Visitor Centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:45PM

Lunch at Twelve Apostles Café

Enjoy lunch at the café with great views of the Apostles.
Situated conveniently near the Visitor Centre.
AUD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Loch Ard Gorge

Discover the incredible history and natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, just a short drive away.
Drive for about 10 minutes from the Twelve Apostles.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Port Campbell Hotel

Savour a comforting meal at Port Campbell Hotel, a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s adventures.
About a 15-minute drive from Loch Ard Gorge.
AUD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Scenic Return

Port Campbell, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Old Mill

Enjoy breakfast at The Old Mill, with a lovely view and great coffee, perfect to start your day.
Just a short walk from your accommodation in Port Campbell.
AUD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit London Bridge

Take a short trip to see the natural rock formation of London Bridge, well worth the visit.
A 15-minute drive from Port Campbell.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive back towards Melbourne

Start your drive back towards Melbourne, relishing the picturesque coastal views once more.
Follow the A1 road heading back to Melbourne.
AUD20 (petrol), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Indulge your sweet tooth with delicious treats at The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie.
Located just before Geelong, about 15 minutes detour from the main route.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Arrival in Melbourne

Conclude your Great Ocean Road adventure as you arrive back in vibrant Melbourne.
Head back to Melbourne from the Chocolaterie, about a 1-hour drive.
Free, 1 hour
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