5-Day Ultimate Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Adventure

Day 1: Melbourne City Tour

Melbourne, Australia on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy a delicious French-style breakfast at this popular Melbourne cafe known for its creative dishes and great coffee. It's open from 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Federation Square

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub with modern architecture, galleries, and the ACMI museum. It opens at 10am, but the open square and shops are accessible anytime.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Take a relaxing walk through the beautiful gardens spanning 94 acres, offering diverse native and exotic plants. The gardens open at 7am.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Try vibrant Southeast Asian flavors at this popular and lively restaurant on Flinders Lane, known for its bold dishes.
AUD40, 1h

1:45pm

Explore National Gallery of Victoria

View an impressive collection of Australian and international art at the NGV, open from 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

3:45pm

Walk along Southbank Promenade

Stroll beside the Yarra River, featuring restaurants, public art, and great views of the city skyline.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Meat & Wine Co

Savour premium steaks and an excellent wine list at this renowned riverside restaurant, open until 10pm.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mornington Peninsula to Torquay

Mornington Peninsula & Torquay, Australia on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cherryhill Cafe

Start early with a hearty breakfast at this charming local cafe in Mornington Peninsula, open from 7am.
AUD25, 1h

8:30am

Visit Peninsula Hot Springs

Relax in natural mineral hot springs surrounded by serene scenery. The springs open from 7am to 9pm.
AUD45, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Torquay

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive heading west along the coast towards the famous surf town of Torquay.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Pond Cafe Bar

Light lunch with great local produce and views of the park, located near the Torquay foreshore.
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Surfboards and beach walk

Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum and enjoy a walk along Torquay’s famous beaches such as Bells Beach.
AUD10, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Bar & Bistro

Relax with a casual dinner featuring modern Australian dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Great Ocean Road Drive

Torquay to Apollo Bay, Australia on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Strand Cafe

Enjoy a fresh and wholesome breakfast close to the beach before starting the scenic drive, open from 7am.
AUD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive along Great Ocean Road

Experience stunning coastal views as you drive west towards Apollo Bay, stopping at Lookouts and Surfers Paradise.
Free, 3h

11:30am

Visit Split Point Lighthouse

Tour this iconic lighthouse at Aireys Inlet and enjoy spectacular ocean panoramas. Open from 10am to 4pm.
AUD15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe

Treat yourself to fresh local seafood overlooking the harbour, open from 11am to 3pm.
AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Walk in Great Otway National Park

Explore rainforest trails and waterfalls in the national park near Apollo Bay, open year-round.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Apollo Bay Beach

End the day with a peaceful walk along the sandy shores or watch the sunset.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Bimba

Enjoy a cosy dinner featuring local produce and wines in this well-recommended Apollo Bay restaurant.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: 12 Apostles & Port Campbell

Apollo Bay to Port Campbell, Australia on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Beech Forest Cafe

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast before departing, open from 7am.
AUD20, 45m

8:15am

Drive to 12 Apostles

Early morning drive to the iconic limestone stacks for fewer crowds and stunning photography opportunities.
Free, 1h15m

9:30am

Visit 12 Apostles Lookout

Experience the breathtaking views of these majestic rock formations rising out of the Southern Ocean.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Loch Ard Gorge

Walk through this dramatic gorge with historic shipwreck stories and magnificent coastal views.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Port Campbell Lunch at Forage on the Foreshore

Enjoy locally sourced dishes in a relaxed setting, perfect for a mid-day meal.
AUD35, 1h

12:45pm

Drive back to Apollo Bay via coastal vantage points

Take the scenic route back stopping for photo opportunities and small walks at key lookouts.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Relax at Apollo Bay

Rest and refresh after the drive with time to enjoy local shops or a coffee.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas

Dine on premium cuisine with ocean views, excellent for a special evening out.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Melbourne

Apollo Bay to Melbourne, Australia on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Apollo Bay Eco YHA Cafe

Have a quick and fresh breakfast at this eco-friendly venue, open from 7:30am.
AUD20, 45m

9:00am

Drive via Geelong

Drive back to Melbourne stopping in Geelong to explore the waterfront and museums.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Geelong Waterfront and Tug Boat Gallery

Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and visit the unique Tug Boat Gallery (open 10am-3pm).
AUD10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Little Creatures Brewery

Relax with casual dining and craft beer at this popular brewery, open daily from 11:30am.
AUD35, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Melbourne

Final leg of your journey back to Melbourne city, about 1 hour’s drive.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Relax or explore more city spots

Free time for shopping, visiting cafes or museums before dinner.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

End your trip with a memorable fine dining experience offering panoramic city views, reserving in advance is recommended. Open until 11pm.
AUD150, 2h
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