Great Ocean Road 3 Day Itinerary

A question I get asked a lot is - “how many days do you need to explore the Great Ocean Road?”

The answer - “as many as possible, but it can be done in 3 days”.

Here's how!

This road trip is fit for a Queen (or King), so it’s fitting that it’s in the state of Victoria.

This rugged coast truly holds a new adventure around every corner as you travel on one of the world's top coastal road trip routes.

From jaw dropping views off high cliffs, to lush forests teaming with wildlife, this is where the mountains meet the sea with an alluring contrast of nature's best tones along this 670 km route. While best explored slowly, you can see the highlights of this world famous coastal roadie across a long weekend, which I was lucky enough to have done.

I’ve included the stops I made along with some others I found out about after my trip had finished to give you plenty of options for your own adventure on this amazing road trip.

The Great Ocean Road is a stunning road trip route, which also means it can get quite busy.

We recommend booking accommodation and experiences in advance to avoid missing out on some amazing memories.

Being one of the most popular coastal road trips in the world, experiences can book out, especially over the summer so it's a good idea to book early to avoid missing out.

Book the Top Experiences on the Great Ocean Road HERE

Day 1 - Melbourne to Lorne (2 hrs, 30 min, 150 km)

Melbourne to Geelong (1 hr 15 min, 74 km)

The famous city of Melbourne is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, so we will start our itinerary there, with the first stop at the vibrant city of Geelong, known for its art-deco boardwalk and beautiful waterfront esplanade. If you want to take an early dip, head to Eastern Beach.

Things to To in Geelong

Geelong - Torquay (30 min, 22 km)

Torquay is a well known surf area and is the official start of the Great Ocean Road. Home to the annual Rip Curl Pro, Bell’s beach is where the best surf can be found if you’re looking to get your board out.

Torquay - Memorial Arch (35 min, 36 km)

Stop off for a quick walk and photo at the gorgeous Aireys Inlet Split Point lookouts before it’s time for your iconic shot at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Erected in honour of the soldiers who built this world famous road after WW1, there is also a large statue built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their work.

Things to do in Torquay

Memorial Arch - Lorne (20 min, 13 km)

Lorne marks a great place to grab a bite to eat and is actually a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to wildlife spotting;

• Pop down to Lorne Beach for an alfresco picnic with the local wild cockatoos who will keep you company.
• Pop in to the Sheoak picnic ground and see the Sheoak falls, and stay till after dark to see the glowworms
• Head to Teddy’s lookout and look out and up! You can spot whales off the coast and Koala’s in the gum trees

Make sure you pop out to the wonderful Erskine Falls

Things to do in Lorne

Where to Stay in and around Lorne

Day 2 Lorne - Port Fairy (2 hrs, 25 min, 186 km)

Lorne - Apollo Bay (45 min)

The drive into Apollo Bay is quite spectacular, as you cruise around the cliff tops taking in the panoramic views of the coast scenery. Make sure you enjoy the lookout spots for some amazing instagrammable views, with the Mount Defiance Lookout a must-stop.

Make sure you stop off at the Kennet River Koala Walk, it’s a great opportunity to spot these little tree bears in the wild. Koala’s do sleep a lot, so first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon is your best chance to catch them up and about while they’re having a snack! Make sure you grab some bird feed from the shop too, as the local parrots and cockatoos love coming out for a nibble!

Apollo Bay was traditionally a fishing village and still maintains its links to the past, making it an ideal palace to enjoy local seafood at lunch.

You can get great panoramic views of the sweeping coastline from Mariners lookout at Apollo Bay Head or try your luck at spotting the elusive platypus in the wild at Lake Elizabeth.

Things to do near Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay - Great Otway National Park (15 min, 4 km)

As the name suggests, there are a lot of world class coastal views on this roadie, but one inland spot is not to be missed - Great Otway National Park and its 200 hectares of lushness! It’s only a short 15 min detour inland and it houses a lush rainforest with loads of iconic places to visit including;

• The Redwoods: Find some of the world's tallest trees on this woodland walk
• Hopetoun Falls): Feel the spray on your face from this 30 m high waterfall as it plunges into the Aire River
• Melba Gully: Known as the “jewel of the Otways’, this lush rainforested gully is packed with tree and fern species and is also known for its glow worms which can be seen after dark. The forest giants are best explored on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk as you stroll along the highest and longest walk of its kind in the world.

Watch the sunset dip below the horizon on the Great Ocean Road as friendly nocturnal creatures come out to play on this exclusive after hours tour of the Wildlife Wonders animal sanctuary in Apollo Bay. Taking place at dusk, join conservationist guides for a mezze plate and a glass of wine or beer before embarking on a gentle evening walk in the Otways.

Things to do at Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park - 12 Apostles (40 min, 40km)

If you thought the views have been spectacular, hold onto your camera because the best is coming up!

The stretch of coastal road including Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles is quite unforgettable.

As you take the Gibson steps to the viewing area, you will find yourself stopping at every viewpoint, with each one even better than the last, with views of the stunning rock stacks known as the 12 Apostles (4 have been destroyed by erosion so now there are 8). If you have time, complete the Great Ocean Walk that leads you down to the beach to see these behemoths from sea level.

After, head off for the up close views of the caves and inlet at Loch Ard gorge - this coastline is truly spectacular.

Things to do near the 12 Apostles

12 Apostles - Warrnambool (1 hr, 73 km)

Continue along the Great Ocean Road with stops at the London Bridge and the Grotto before heading to the region's maritime capital of yesteryear at Warrnambool. Take a visit to its whale viewing platforms to catch a glimpse of its other visitors - whales (winter is the best time to see southern right and blue whales with their young). Pop down to Logan’s Beach viewing platform to see whales, but also penguins as they use it as a breeding ground in Autumn.

Continue on your way towards Port Fairy where you will take a short detour to Tower Hill. Here you can pick from a variety of walking tracks in search of local wildlife including ; kangaroos, emus, koalas and a variety of bird life who call this extinct volcano home.

The area is steeped in first nations history, so a pop in to the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre to learn more about the local aboriginal culture and their legends of the area.

End the day with dinner at Port Fairy - we recommend the Merrijig Inn - the oldest inn in all of Victoria.

Things to do around Warrnambool

Where to Stay in and around Warrnambool

Day 3 Port Fairy - Melbourne (3 hrs 30 min, 287 km)

Port Fairy - Colac (1 hr 40 min, 135 km)

Pop down for a visit to the Port Fairy wharves and take a stroll across the bridge to Griffiths Island, a local haunt for coastal bird watching and it has a scenic lighthouse that you can walk to.

Port Fairy is also a great spot to book some local scuba experiences, so it's a great place to add on some time on your trip before you return to Melbourne via the faster inland route via Colac.

Colac is known for its variety of tastes and two craft breweries in the area stand out. Otway Estate and the Forrest Brewing Company are both nestled on the edge of The Great Otway National Park and provide a great spot to refresh.

Things to do at Port Fairy

Colac - Melbourne (2 hrs, 152 km)

After Colac, it’s an easy drive back to Melbourne via the M1.

Alternatively, you can continue on from Port Fairy to Adelaide (6 hrs 30 min, 581 kms) or jump on to another road trip route - “the Great Southern Touring Route '', via Dunkeld and visit the mighty Grampians!

As with every road trip, you can have the adventure you want to have!

If you're looking to keep the adventure going, here are the top experiences and the best places to stay in Melbourne, often rated as one of the worlds best cities!