I am SO excited for you to experience the Great Ocean Road!! As someone who has driven this iconic stretch of coastline, I can tell you – it is absolutely breathtaking and one of the best day trips you can do from Melbourne!
This Great Ocean Road day trip itinerary is going to take you from Melbourne all the way to the famous Twelve Apostles, with incredible stops along the way including wild koalas, jaw-dropping cliff formations, and some of the most beautiful coastline in the entire world. We’re talking about one epic day packed with the best of Australia’s most scenic drive!
This Great Ocean Road itinerary 1 day guide is perfect for anyone who is short on time but still wants to see ALL of the highlights. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne and want an unforgettable day trip, or you’re a local who still hasn’t done the drive (no judgment here!), this guide has got you covered!
In this one day itinerary, I will answer a popular question on if a tour is needed, a downloadable map of all the listed stops, outline all of the stops that I would recommend for a Great ocean road day trip, and many more FAQ’s! Let’s dive in!
Be sure to check out my 14 day Australia Itinerary & Yarra Valley Day trip itinerary as well! 🙂
There is a chance this guide contains affiliate links, which means I might make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats!
Instagram: @MyPerfectItinerary
Great Ocean Road Day Trip Overview
Morning: Leave Melbourne early, drive through Torquay & grab breakfast, scenic coastal drive
Mid-Morning: Memorial Arch & Kennett River Koala Walk – see wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees!
Lunch: Apollo Bay for a delicious lunch by the water
Afternoon: Loch Ard Gorge, Razorback & Island Archway
Sunset at Twelve Apostles
Evening: Drive back to Melbourne via the inland highway (much faster!)
+ TONS OF TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO’S DONE IT!
Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is a legendary 243-kilometre / 151 mile coastal highway carved along the wild southern edge of Victoria, Australia—starting in the surf capital of Torquay (just 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne) and stretching west to Allansford near Warrnambool. This iconic route hugs the rugged Southern Ocean, weaving through the lush Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks, where limestone cliffs and the famous Twelve Apostles rise straight out of the sea.
If you are from the USA like myself, this road trip is very comparable to the famous Big Sur road trip in central California, except for California doesn’t have wildlife like koalas and kangaroos! 😉
If you are doing a full Australia itinerary, it would be recommend to be originating in Melbourne for this day trip itinerary. Be sure to check out my 14 day Australia Itinerary & Yarra Valley Day trip itinerary as well! 🙂
Before You Go – Important Tips for Your Great Ocean Road Day Trip!
Getting There, Driving Tips, & When to leave Melbourne?
The Great Ocean Road starts about 1.5 hours southwest of Melbourne in Torquay. From Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles (the furthest point on this itinerary), it’s about 4 hours of driving along the coastal route. I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me – the drive itself IS the attraction! You’ll be winding along cliff edges with insane ocean views the entire way.
Most people begin this day trip from Melbourne, a popular destination in Australia. I loved my short time in Melbourne and we squeezed in not only this day trip, but also a Yarra Valley Day trip to go wine tasting. Melbourne is a great hub for exploring this area of Australia because they have a major airport, great city with tons to do, and centrally located between many fun day trip destinations.
TIP: Depending on the season, you will want to leave your accommodations in Melbourne roughly 8 hours prior to sunset to give yourself enough time to see all the sights and be at the twelve apostles at sunset! If you do not care about seeing sunset at the twelve apostles, then earlier the better to beat the crowds!
For your drive back to Melbourne, do NOT take the Great Ocean Road back. Instead, take the inland highway (M1/Princes Freeway) from Port Campbell back to Melbourne. It’s only about 3 hours and is mostly straight highway, which is exactly what you want after a long day of scenic driving! If you are using Google Maps, it will automatically direct you the inland route.
Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road?
Honestly, the Great Ocean Road is beautiful year-round! Spring (September – November) and Autumn (March – May) are my favorite times because the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the lighting for photos is absolutely stunning. Personally, I went in May and the weather could not have been more perfect. It was a bit chilly, so keep in mind if you are expecting warm beach weather, but perfect for site seeing!
Summer (December – February) is peak season with warm weather and long days, which means more daylight for your Great Ocean Road day trip! The downside is bigger crowds at all the major stops. Like I mentioned before, I drove the Great Ocean Road in May.. the crowds were still pretty big. I cannot imagine how much worse they would be in peak season!
Winter (June – August) is the quietest time and you might get dramatic stormy skies that make for incredible photos at the Twelve Apostles. Just pack extra layers because it gets COLD and windy along the coast!
Must-Pack Items for this specific itinerary
- A windproof jacket – even on a sunny day, the wind at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge is NO joke!
- Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be walking on dirt paths, wooden boardwalks, and beach stairs throughout the day.
- Sunscreen packets – the Australian sun is no joke, even on cloudy days! These little packets are so nice to stick in your purge when you are on the go for re-applying!
- Snacks & water – there are stretches of road with nothing around, so stock up!
- Portable charger – There is minimal service on this stretch of coastline, which means your phone will die very quickly! Plus you will be taking photos and using maps. You will want to make sure you have a good backup charger so your phone is never dead!
Tour or no tour?
Ahhh, a tricky question! There are so many pros and cons to doing a tour versus driving yourself. Personally, I opted for a tour because being from the USA, I am not used to driving on the opposite side of the road. Also, I really only had one day to devote to this road trip since we were already jam-packing our 14 days in Australia with so many other destinations (You can read my 14 day Australia itinerary here).
Let’s talk tour first.. Honestly, if you are day tripping from Melbourne, it will be nice to sign up for a tour because it is a LONG day. To see all the spots listed here is roughly a 10 hour day with time to stop for pictures and food. The exact tour I signed up for was this one from GoWest! All of the tours are ultimately the same, but some miss out on the best and last stop, The 12 Apostles. For me, I am passionate about photography so I opted in for the 12 Apostles sunset tour, so you got to watch sunset over the viewpoint (truly could not recommend it enough!!).
As for no tour… tours obviously take longer than necessary because there is so much time spent picking everyone up from their hotels, rallying everyone up every stop and dropping everyone off at their hotels at the end of the night. If you do not do a tour, you will have more time to spend at the stops that are a higher priority to you, or even travel deeper into the road trip to see more spots! However, you will need to budget your time well enough to ensure you are seeing all the spots.
TIP: Make sure you avoid driving at night. The roads are quite windy and dark and kangaroos try crossing the roads. If you are not used to driving in these conditions are tired after a day full of adventure, you might want to opt in for staying a night in a hotel along the route and driving back with fresh eyes the next morning.
Sunset at the 12 Apostles
The Itinerary – Your Perfect Great Ocean Road Day Trip From Melbourne!
Because I want you to have the most stress free and fun day on the Great ocean road, I created this handy google map with ALL the locations listed so you can save and use for your upcoming trip.
CLICK HERE FOR MY GOOGLE MAP WITH ALL OF THESE SPOTS LISTED!
Stop 1: Torquay – Fuel Up Before the Drive!
Your Great Ocean Road day trip officially begins in Torquay, which is the starting point of the Great Ocean Road! This is a super cute surf town and home to the famous Bells Beach (yes, the one from Point Break!).
TIP: Depending on the season, you will want to leave your accommodations in Melbourne roughly 8 hours prior to sunset to give yourself enough time to see all the sights and be at the twelve apostles at sunset! If you do not care about seeing sunset at the twelve apostles, then earlier the better to beat the crowds!
Before you hit the road, grab breakfast and a coffee here to fuel up. I’d recommend stopping at one of the local cafes in town – The Salty Dog Cafe is a great spot for your morning brew. If you’re more of a bakery person, there are plenty of options for a quick pastry and coffee too! Once you get onto the Great Ocean Road, the food options get very sparse.
Spend about 30–45 minutes here grabbing food and snapping some photos, then it’s time to hit the road!
Stop 2: Memorial Arch / The famous Great Ocean Road Sign
Did you know that the road itself is a WWI memorial masterpiece?! The Great Ocean Road was hand-built by 3,000 returned soldiers between 1919–1932 to honor those who did not make it home. It also gave work to many people when they returned home from battle.
This historical sign shows some of the history of creating this road and a great photo opp for the start of your adventure!
Stop 3: Kennett River Koala Walk – Wild Koalas!!
Okay, this stop is going to be one of the highlights of your entire Great Ocean Road itinerary 1 day adventure!! Kennett River is about 45 minutes past Lorne, and it is THE best place to see wild koalas on the Great Ocean Road. And before you ask – yes, they are wild and free, this is NOT a zoo!
Here’s the deal: the “Kennett River Koala Walk” is actually a dirt road called Grey River Road. You’ll see the Koala Kafe right at the turnoff – park here and start walking up the road. Most tourists stick to the first 200 metres right near the café, but I’d recommend walking a bit further in (up to about 1 km) for less crowds and more koala sightings that feel really special and wild!
I couldn’t believe how many koalas we spotted just sitting up in the eucalyptus trees, munching away without a care in the world! It was honestly one of the coolest wildlife experiences I’ve ever had. We saw SO many wild koalas and even some colorful king parrots flying around!
TIP: The koalas are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so hitting this stop mid-morning (around 9:30–10:00 AM) is perfect timing! Look UP into the trees – they blend in really well. Move slowly and quietly for the best chance of spotting them.
Give yourself about 45 minutes to an hour here. The Koala Kafe has food, drinks, and restrooms if you need them. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s your only option in the area!
Stop 4: Apollo Bay – Lunch By the Ocean!
After your koala adventure, continue the drive along the coast for about 35 minutes until you reach the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay. This is the perfect lunch stop on your Great Ocean Road day trip!
Apollo Bay is this adorable little coastal town with a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, and it has some seriously good food options, especially known for their fish n chips. Here are my top picks:
- Apollo Bay Bakery – Famous for their incredible pies and pastries! Their scallop pie is iconic and they even have gluten-free and vegan options. Perfect for a quick and affordable lunch!
- Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – Fresh fish and chips right by the harbor! You can’t get more Aussie than fish and chips by the sea.
- Fish by Moonlite – If you want to elevate your fish and chips game, this place has arguably the best potato cake in Victoria! Seriously good.
TIP: Don’t linger too long at lunch! You’ve still got the best part of the drive ahead of you and you want to reach the Twelve Apostles with plenty of afternoon light for photos. I’d say 45 minutes for lunch is perfect.
Stop 5: Loch Ard Gorge, Razorback & Island Archway – Jaw-Dropping Beauty!
YES, you will be driving past the famous twelve Apostles. NO, you will not be skipping it! The reason for this is because the famous Twelve Apostles is a MUST during sunset time. Watching the sky light up over this viewpoint will be engrained in my brain forever. So you will be doing stops 5 & 6 while you wait patiently for golden hour / sunset.
The drive from Apollo Bay is roughly 1.5 hours. This one parking lot area you will be able to walk around and see a few famous sites: Loch Ard Gorge, Razorback & Island Archway. Loch Ard Gorge is going to be the main event here, so be sure you head their first to make sure you have plenty of time to see it.
The gorge is this stunning narrow inlet with towering cliff walls on both sides and the most crystal-clear turquoise water. You can actually walk down the steps to the beach at the bottom of the gorge and stand right on the sand – it feels like you’ve walked into a movie scene!
The gorge is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard that was shipwrecked here in 1878. Of the 54 people on board, only two survived – a young sailor and a passenger. There are informational signs throughout that tell the story, and it really adds an emotional layer to the already stunning scenery.
The Razorback is this impossibly thin, crescent-shaped sliver of limestone rock jutting out of the ocean. It’s called the Razorback because of its jagged, narrow shape and it is SO cool to see in person!
The lookout is part of a short walking loop (about 900 metres on a crushed rock path) that also takes you to the Island Archway viewpoint, so you can knock out both in one go!
Between Loch Ard Gorge, the Razorback, and the Island Archway, give yourself about 1–1.5 hours to explore this whole area. It’s all within walking distance and well worth taking your time!
TIP: The coastal weather here can be super unpredictable. Even if it was warm and sunny at the Twelve Apostles, the wind at Loch Ard Gorge can be fierce! Keep that windproof jacket handy. Also, stay well back from cliff edges – the limestone is unstable and can crumble without warning.
Stop 7: The Twelve Apostles – The Main Event!!
THIS IS IT!! The moment you’ve been waiting for on your Great Ocean Road day trip! The Twelve Apostles are about 1.5 hours from Apollo Bay, and the drive through the Great Otway National Park and along the Shipwreck Coast is absolutely stunning.
The Twelve Apostles are a collection of massive limestone pillars rising dramatically out of the Southern Ocean. Fun fact – there were never actually twelve of them! At last count, there are eight remaining stacks, and they’re constantly being shaped by the wild ocean and weather. They’re estimated to be around 20 million years old. Let that sink in!
There’s a well-maintained boardwalk and multiple viewing platforms so you can see the Apostles from different angles. Make sure you walk to ALL of the lookout points because the view changes dramatically from each one!
TIP: If you can time it so you arrive in the late afternoon, the golden hour lighting on the Twelve Apostles is absolutely unreal. The limestone stacks glow this warm honey color and it makes for the most epic photos! This is why I say leave Melbourne EARLY – so you have this flexibility.
Entry to the Twelve Apostles is completely FREE! There’s a large car park and visitor center with restrooms. Give yourself at least an hour to walk around, take photos, and soak it all in.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram: @MyPerfectItinerary
The Drive Back to Melbourne
After an absolutely EPIC day on the Great Ocean Road, it’s time to head back to Melbourne. Like I mentioned earlier, do NOT drive back along the Great Ocean Road – it will take forever in the dark and the winding roads are much trickier at night.
Instead, head north from Port Campbell to Colac and jump on the M1/Princes Freeway. This inland route takes about 3 hours and is a much easier drive when you’re tired from a big day of exploring. You’ll be back in Melbourne by evening!
Bonus Ideas for Your Great Ocean Road Day Trip
If you have a little extra time or want to swap out one of the stops, here are some bonus ideas:
- Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet – A gorgeous red-capped lighthouse right on the cliffs! Great for photos.
- Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne – An elevated lookout point with panoramic views of the coast and rainforest.
- Gibson Steps – Just before the Twelve Apostles, you can walk down a steep staircase to the beach and see the rock stacks from sea level. Incredible perspective!
- Great Otway National Park – If you want to stretch your legs, there are beautiful short rainforest walks through towering ash trees between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles.
- Extend it to 2 days! – If you have an extra day, stay overnight in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell and take everything at a slower pace. You won’t regret it!
Great Ocean Road Day Trip Q&A’s
Is a Great Ocean Road day trip worth it?
1000% YES! Is it a long day? Absolutely. But the scenery is world-class and you get to see so much in just one day. The Great Ocean Road is one of those drives that is truly once-in-a-lifetime and I promise you will not regret it!
Can you drive the Great Ocean Road in one day?
Yes, you can! This entire Great Ocean Road itinerary 1 day guide is designed to be done as a day trip from Melbourne. The key is leaving early (by 7 AM!) and taking the faster inland highway on your way back.
Should I rent a car or take a tour?
This is a tough one! Having your own car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, spend as much time as you want at each stop, and go at your own pace. Tour buses have strict schedules and you might not get enough time at the places you love most. Plus, the drive itself is half the experience!
On the other hand, if you are from the USA, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road. This can be a little daunting for most people, including myself. Honestly, if you are day tripping from Melbourne, it will be nice to sign up for a tour because it is a LONG day. To see all the spots listed here is roughly a 10 hour day with time to stop for pictures and food. The exact tour I signed up for was this one from GoWest!
How far is the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne?
The Twelve Apostles are about 275 km (170 miles) from Melbourne. Via the scenic Great Ocean Road route, it takes about 4 hours. Via the faster inland highway, it’s about 3 hours.
Is the Great Ocean Road safe to drive?
Yes, but take it easy! The road has a lot of tight curves and can be narrow in places. Keep to the speed limits (they’re there for a reason!), use the pull-off bays to let faster traffic pass, and be extra cautious if it’s raining. If you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road, take it slow and you’ll be just fine!
Do you need to book anything in advance?
Nope! All of the stops on this Great Ocean Road day trip are free and don’t require bookings. Unless you are opting in for a tour, then you will need to book that in advance. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Razorback, Island Archway, and Kennett River Koala Walk are all free to visit. Just show up and enjoy! The only thing I’d suggest is having a restaurant in mind for lunch in Apollo Bay, but even walk-ins are usually fine outside of peak holiday periods.
That’s a Wrap!
I hope this Great Ocean Road day trip itinerary was borderline too informative! This drive is seriously one of the most beautiful things you can do in Australia, and I want to make sure you get the absolute most out of your one day.
From the wild koalas at Kennett River to the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Razorback, and the Island Archway – you are going to have the BEST day. Just remember: leave early, pack a jacket, bring snacks, and prepare to have your mind blown by this incredible coastline!
If you are planning to explore other areas of Australia, be Be sure to check out my 14 day Australia Itinerary & Yarra Valley Day trip itinerary as well! 🙂
If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to DM me on Instagram or leave a comment below so I can help out!
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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