It’s fair to say that most road trips are about the destination. But things are different when it comes to the Great Ocean Road. This is a road trip where the journey itself is all part of the experience, and when you organize campervan hire in Melbourne, it becomes easier than ever to ease into this iconic drive without worrying about accommodation or fixed schedules.
You’ll need some sort of plan for this drive, though. And that’s what you’ll find here. This is your ultimate Great Ocean Road trip guide, starting in Melbourne and taking you to some of the most unmissable stops, creating an itinerary that focuses on enjoying the road just as much as the destinations along it.
Torquay
Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Torquay is where the Great Ocean Road officially begins. A stop at Bell’s Beach is the perfect way to kick things off, where you can stand on the clifftops and watch the surfers take on the rolling waves. In fact, you’ll notice a dominant surf culture throughout Bell’s Beach, so it’s ideal if you’ve been longing to escape the city and head out onto the water.
You don’t need to be an avid surfer to enjoy Torquay, though. Back in town, Torquay Beach is ideal for a gentle walk along the sand or a coffee with an ocean view. There’s also the Surf Coast Walk to explore, which takes you through some of Torquay’s most beautiful scenery and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
Lorne
As you leave Torquay behind, the Great Ocean Road takes you on a journey winding along the coastline with spectacular views. You’re now making your way to Lorne, which is under an hour from Torquay, and as you drive, you’ll find spots like Point Addis and Teddy’s Lookout, where you can pull up and admire the coastline below.
Arriving in Lorne, the beach sits right alongside town, making it easy to park and wander around without any real plan. However, just behind town, you’ll find Erskine Falls and its short walking trail that leads to a shaded waterfall ideal for escaping the summer heat.
Apollo Bay
Next up is Apollo Bay, which is around an hour from Lorne and sits between the Otways and the ocean. A walk along the Apollo Bay Foreshore is a good place to start, with views back to the Otways and plenty of space to stretch your legs after the drive. You can also head to Marriners Lookout, where you’ll get more incredible views across the entire bay.
There are plenty of local bars and restaurants to choose from in Apollo Bay, too, so it’s ideal if you want to break free from your campervan’s kitchen for a night or two. Mostly, though, it’s a relaxed town that is often overlooked on a Great Ocean Road trip, but one that is definitely worth visiting.
The Shipwreck Coast
From Apollo Bay, you’ll take a 90-minute drive to the Shipwreck Coast. The must-see here is the Twelve Apostles, best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light softens and the crowds thin out a bit. You can also take the Gibson Steps right down onto the beach to stand at sea level and see the cliffs above from a completely different perspective.
Loch Ard Gorge is another must-stop while you’re in the Shipwreck Coast, and nearby viewpoints like London Arch and The Grotto give you the chance to take some amazing photos and see how the ocean has shaped this stretch of coastline over time.
Port Fairy & Warrnambool
You’ll end your trip along the Great Ocean Road with the longest drive of the itinerary, taking around two and a half hours to reach Port Fairy and Warrnambool. But, as with any part of this road trip, the drive is far from boring, and you’ll still be treated to spectacular views along the way.
When you arrive in Port Fairy, wandering around the historic wharf and along Griffiths Island is a great way to explore the many coastal walks and lighthouse views on offer here. Meanwhile, in Warrnambool, you can head to the Flagstaff Maritime Village to learn more about the shipwreck stories you’ve encountered along the coast, and get the chance to spot whales during the migration season.
Final Thoughts
Starting in Melbourne gives you an easy entry point to the Great Ocean Road, but it’s the mix of small towns and ever-changing landscapes along the way that really defines the experience. However long you plan to spend on the drive, slowing things down and stopping whenever something catches your eye is what turns it into a journey that feels genuinely personal, and one you’ll want to return to again.