Stunning tour of the Great Ocean Road

An aerial view of the Great Ocean Road in Australia, winding along the coastline beside the deep blue ocean, with the iconic limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles rising from the waves.

Australia is a country made for road trips. Locals and tourists alike tour the Pacific Highway every year, and some people like to continue all the way to the Great Barrier Reef. On the opposite side of the country, driving up the Coral Coast brings you to the world's largest fringe reef. But when it comes to raw beauty, the Great Ocean Road is hard to beat. Hugging Victoria’s dramatic coastal cliffs and strange rock formations, it's one of the most scenic drives in the country. The 243-kilometre (151 mi) stretch of road between Torquay and Allansford was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers back from World War I. Dedicated to their fallen brethren, the Great Ocean Road is also the world's largest war memorial. Visit four cities and stop at some amazing places on the way with our Great Ocean Road Tour!

Great Ocean Road itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay (stop at Oakdene Vineyards and Queenscliff)
Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay (stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, Split Point Lighthouse, and Erskine Falls)
Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool (stop at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge)

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, with hip bars, cool cafes, world-class restaurants, and fascinating museums lining cobbled streets. Priding itself as the coffee capital of the world, any Melburnian worth their salt starts the day at a cafe. Head to the area around Flinders Street station for your caffeine fix before setting out to admire the beautiful arcades and world-class street art. There are even a few Banksies to be found! Alternatively (or after), check out the Queen Victoria Market - the largest open market in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s been running since 1878 and has everything from fresh produce to boutique shops. At the end of the day, watch the sunset at the beach or from a rooftop bar before heading to dinner. After getting a coffee from one of Melbourne’s countless cool cafes (we weren’t joking about the city living for coffee), you’ll be picked up and start the 1.5-hour drive to Torquay and the Great Ocean Road.

Oakdene Vineyards

Learn more about Australia’s booming wine scene and take a guided tasting of their excellent wines with a 60-minute visit to this converted early 20th-century homestead. Of course, Oakdene Vineyards is also the perfect opportunity to grab a few bottles to take with you on your trip down the Great Ocean Road. If you're peckish, grab a bite at the casual cafe or the award-winning restaurant (open Wed-Sun).

Queenscliff

A view of the ocean through the opening of a rocky cave, with blue waters, scattered rocks, and a tree-lined shoreline in the distance — Queenscliff was once a key defense post, but today, its hidden caves and coastal views make it a photographer’s dream Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra

Get a 60-minute teaser of the stunning coastal landscape and historical significance of the Great Ocean Road. The quaint harbor town played a major role in Australia’s defense during both World Wars - a history preserved in the Fort Queenscliff Museum. Or just meander through the beautiful beaches dotted with historical piers that give way to rocky cliffs.

Arrival in Torquay

A coastal landscape in Torquay, Australia, featuring a grassy foreground, lush green shrubs, and a sandy beach meeting the ocean, with a rocky headland and trees in the background. — orquay is the birthplace of iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver, making it a must-visit for wave lovers photo by Cristine Enero

The resort town of Torquay lives for the sea. Famous for its surf, pay a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum for the world's largest celebration of beach culture. If you prefer the real thing but aren't a rider yourself, take the Surf Coast Walk from Point Impossible Beach along the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. You can watch surfers in action at one of the famous breaks or relax on the sandy beach.

Book a car from Melbourne to Torquay

Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay

After getting your fill of sand, sun, and surf, start the Great Ocean Road proper as you head from Torquay to Apollo Bay. You’ll pass under a Memorial Arch dedicated to the World War I vets who built this scenic highway in honor of their fallen comrades.

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

Take an hour to indulge your sweet tooth with some hand-crafted chocolates and homemade ice creams. If you’re traveling with kids, give them a Willy Wonka experience (in a good way) with a special junior class where they can try their hand at being a chocolatier.

Split Point Lighthouse

A 45-minute visit to this late 19th-century structure is not only a great chance to take in views of the rocky Shipwreck Coast but also a great opportunity to learn about how lighthouses operate if you join the guided tour (30-40 minutes).

Erskine Falls

While the coast gets all the attention on the Great Ocean Road, people sometimes forget that the inland area is lush rainforest. Take an hour to admire the 30-meter-tall Erskine Falls. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the carpark through the dense canopy of trees and fern-filled gully!

Arrival in Apollo Bay

A scenic coastal view of Apollo Bay, Australia, featuring turquoise waters, a sandy shore with scattered rocks, and rolling green hills beneath a partly cloudy sky. — Apollo Bay is known as the "Paradise by the Sea" and is a gateway to the lush rainforests of the Otways through the lens of Sierra Burtis

This sleepy fishing village is a prime destination to enjoy the natural beauty of the Otways in a laid-back setting. Relax on the white sand beach backed by green hills, go surfing, or rent a kayak to see the local seal colonies up close. Then, close the day with the catch-of-the-day at one of the local cafes or restaurants.

Book a ride from Torquay to Apollo Bay

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

From Apollo Bay, you’ll head to Warrnambool for the last, and arguably most breathtaking, leg of the Great Ocean Road.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

If the beautiful scenery and delicious food haven’t been thrilling enough, take a 3-hour stop to experience rainforest flora and fauna from ground level to the canopy in the world's highest treetop walk. Afterward, get your heart pumping with the adrenaline-inducing zip line tour through the canopy.

Cape Otway Lightstation

For a dose of natural beauty and Australian history, take an hour to visit the Cape Otway Lightstation. Built in 1848, it’s the oldest and most important lighthouse in the country. Take in fantastic views of the coast from its balcony, and then learn about everything from shipwrecks to secret WWII operations to aboriginal culture. On the walk to the lighthouse, you might even spot some koalas!

12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

A dramatic coastal gorge with golden sand, towering limestone cliffs, and ocean waves rushing through, set against a colorful sunset sky at Loch Ard Gorge, Australia — Named after a famous shipwreck, Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most breathtaking stops along the Great Ocean Road captured by Vince Russell

The most iconic view on the Great Ocean Road, and one of the most beautiful in all of Australia, the sheer white cliffs and string of sea stacks standing out from rolling waves at the 12 Apostles are a stunning sight from every angle. The nearby Loch Ard Gorge is another standout, where sheer cliffs form a bay around a sandy beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and, again, photography.

Arrival in Warrnambool

A sandy beach in Warrnambool, Australia, with shallow waves lapping at the shore, two rugged rock formations rising from the turquoise water, and a partly cloudy sky above. — Warrnambool is a prime spot for whale watching, with southern right whales often visiting its shores taken by Jayne Harris

A former whaling and sealing station, Warrnambool is now a favorite destination for whale watching. Between June and October when southern right whales come here to calve and raise their newborns. The rest of the year you can still enjoy the city’s heritage buildings, beaches, gardens, and tree-lined streets. Don’t miss Flagstaff Hill, a recreated 19th-century seaport built from authentic materials with interactive displays and great views!

Book a car from Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

Extra Day 5: Warrnambool to Portland

While you could return from Warrnambool to Melbourne, and revisit your favorite sites along the way, why not continue on from Warrnambool to Portland? You'll be able to get in another amazing natural wonder, and visit the oldest settlement in Victoria!

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Meet Australia’s diverse indigenous wildlife in the lake-filled crater of an extinct volcano! You can even sign up for a guided tour (90-120 minutes) for a more in-depth explanation of the landscape, reclamation project, and wildlife.

Arrival in Portland

Founded in 1854 as the first European settlement in Victoria, Portland is still home to over 200 19th-century buildings. The best way to experience the city’s charms is by hopping on the Portland Cable Tram. This heritage system of replicas or restored historic cars stops at all the major monuments and museums. Be sure to visit the Maritime Discovery Center for its excellent exhibits on shipwrecks and Portland's whaling history. There's a sperm whale skeleton, giant squid, and some of the best views in town. If you haven’t had enough coastal beauty, head to the Point Danger Gannet Colony - the only colony on the mainland.

Book a ride from Warrnambool to Portland

Ready to book your Great Ocean Road tour?

If you're ready to hit the Great Ocean Road, here are the links to book each leg. You can customize to your liking, and if you ever need help, just contact Daytrip customer service!