Great Ocean Road Itinerary 2025: 4-Day Self-Drive Trip from Melbourne

1st Day : The Surf Coast & Arrival in Lorne (Drive: ~2 hrs)

• Melbourne to Torquay (1.5 hrs): Pick up your rental car and head out. Don’t just snap a pic at the Great Ocean Road arch and leave.

  • Do This: Grab a coffee at The Pond Cafe (a local institution) and explore the Surf World Museum—even if you’re not a surfer, the history is fascinating.

  • Photo Op: Drive down to Bells Beach. Even if the surf’s not pumping, the view from the cliff is epic.

• Torquay to Lorne (45 mins): This is where the views truly begin. Take it slow.

  • Lunch: Stop in Anglesea or head straight to Lorne for a famous burger at The Bottle of Milk.

  • Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. I love the Sandridge Motel for its location and value.

  • Sunset Mission: Drive up to Teddy’s Lookout. It’s a 2-minute walk from the car park to one of the most dramatic views on the entire coast. Trust me on this.

2nd Day : Rainforests & The Heart of the Coast to Apollo Bay (Drive: ~1.5 hrs)

• Morning: Before leaving Lorne, take the 10-minute drive to Erskine Falls. The walk down to the base is steep but worth it.

• Lorne to Apollo Bay: This stretch is stunning. Stop at lookouts like Cape Patton.

  • Hidden Gem: Don’t miss Marriner’s Lookout in Apollo Bay. It’s an unsealed but drivable road up a hill (follow Wynn Rd). The 360-degree view of the town, ocean, and hinterland is arguably the best on the trip. This is a drone pilot’s dream.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Great Otway National Park. The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is an easy 30-minute boardwalk loop through a magical, fairy-tale fern forest.

  • Dinner: Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op for ridiculously fresh and cheap fish and chips. Eat them on the pier.

3rd Day : The Iconic Shipwreck Coast & The Twelve Apostles (Drive: ~1 hr)

• Apollo Bay to Princetown: The drive inland through the Otways is a beautiful change of scenery.

• The Main Event: You’ve arrived. Most people go to the main Twelve Apostles lookout. Here’s how to beat them:

  1. Go to Gibson Steps first. Walk down onto the beach (check tide times!) to stand at the base of these giants. It’s a perspective you can’t get anywhere else.

  2. Then, visit the main Twelve Apostles lookout. It will be busy, but you’ve already had your intimate moment.

  3. Crucial Tip: The light is best at sunset. But for sunrise, the Apostles face east and are beautifully lit. Most tour buses aren’t there at dawn.

• Loch Ard Gorge: Just 2 minutes down the road. Explore every path here—the Blowhole, Razorback, and the beach itself where the shipwreck occurred. The history is palpable.

• Stay: Base yourself in Port Campbell. Anchors Port Campbell is a fantastic luxury option, but book months ahead.

4rth Day : Beyond the Crowds to Warrnambool & Port Fairy (Drive: ~1 hr)

• Morning: Explore the stretches past Port Campbell. 95% of tourists turn back. Don’t.

  • The Grotto: A stunning natural rock formation that acts like a window to the ocean. A short, easy walk down.

  • London Bridge & The Arch: More incredible rock formations.

  • Bay of Islands: In my opinion, this lookout is just as beautiful as the Apostles and you’ll often have it all to yourself.

• Warrnambool: If you’re visiting between June and September, stop at Logan’s Beach for a chance to see Southern Right whales and their calves from the dedicated lookout.

• Final Stop: Port Fairy: This historic fishing village is the perfect end to your trip. Wander the streets, visit Griffiths Island, and have a final meal at Coffin Sally for amazing pizza.

• From Here: You can drive back to Melbourne (~3.5 hrs) or continue your road trip onward to Adelaide.

Crucial Great Ocean Road Travel Tips for 2025

• Driving Direction: Always drive east to west (Melbourne to Port Fairy). This puts you on the ocean side of the road, making pull-offs for photos infinitely easier and safer.

• Driving Time ≠ Exploring Time: Google Maps might say the drive is 5 hours. It is not. It will take you at least 2 full days to drive it properly with stops. Our 4-day itinerary is ideal.

• Book Everything in Advance: This is not a last-minute trip. Accommodation in tiny towns like Port Campbell sells out incredibly fast.

• Fuel & Connectivity: Fill up in Torquay, Apollo Bay, or Colac (if you go inland). There are no major petrol stations on the core stretch. Telstra has the best coverage, but assume you’ll have no signal for large parts. Download your Google Maps offline.

• Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn (March-May) offer the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds. Summer (Dec-Feb) is busy but fantastic for beach weather.

Where to Stay: A Quick Guide

• Budget: Surfside Backpackers (Torquay), YHA Eco Beach (Apollo Bay)

• Mid-Range: Sandridge Motel (Lorne), Captain’s at the Bay (Apollo Bay)

• Luxury: Anchors Port Campbell, Drift House (Port Fairy) – Book very early.

• Unique Stay: Chris’s Beacon Point Resort (near Apollo Bay) for incredible views and amazing Greek food.

Photography & Content Creation Tips

• Shoot sunrise at Gibson Steps and sunset at the Twelve Apostles for golden hour magic.

• Use a drone where permitted for breathtaking aerial footage of the coastline.

• Focus blog content on specific stops (e.g., “A Guide to Apollo Bay”).

Eco Travel Tips for the Road

• Carry reusable water bottles and containers.

• Avoid single-use plastics at rest stops.

• Support local eco-lodges and eateries.

• Always stick to marked trails in national parks.

Key Planning Links for Your Great Ocean Road Trip (2025)

Conclusion: Drive Less, See More

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is more than just a drive; it’s a journey through stunning nature, charming culture, and coastal drama that will stay with you long after the trip is over. memories that will last a lifetime.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your keys, and get ready for your own pilgrimage along Australia’s most spectacular coast.