Great Ocean Road Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world, and three days is a perfect amount of time to soak in its beauty. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that balances sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation!

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Morning:

• Start Early: Grab a hearty breakfast in Melbourne before hitting the road. A café in the city like Hardware Société is a great choice!
• First Stop - Torquay: About an hour from Melbourne, stop at Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia. Check out the surf shops or take a stroll along the beach.

Midday:

• Bells Beach: Just a short drive from Torquay, stop at Bells Beach for some iconic views. If you’re lucky, you might catch some surfers in action!
• Lunch in Anglesea: Head to Anglesea for lunch. The Anglesea Hotel has a lovely bistro with great views.

Afternoon:

• Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch: Snap a photo at this iconic landmark as you officially enter the Great Ocean Road.
• Lorne: Continue to Lorne, a charming coastal town. Take a walk along the beach or visit the Lorne Pier.

Evening:

• Apollo Bay: Arrive in Apollo Bay and check into your accommodation. There are plenty of cozy options, from motels to beachside cabins.
• Dinner: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants, like the Apollo Bay Seafood Café. Don’t forget to try the local fish!

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Morning:

• Great Otway National Park: Start your day with a visit to the Otway Rainforest. Take a short walk to see the beautiful waterfalls, like Hopetoun Falls or Beauchamp Falls.
• Breakfast: Pack a picnic breakfast or grab something from a local café before heading out.

Midday:

• 12 Apostles: Drive to the iconic 12 Apostles. Spend some time walking along the boardwalks and taking in the breathtaking views. It’s a photographer’s paradise!
• Lunch at Port Campbell: Head to Port Campbell for lunch. The Port Campbell Hotel has a great menu with local flavors.

Afternoon:

• Loch Ard Gorge: Just a short drive from the 12 Apostles, visit Loch Ard Gorge. Explore the stunning rock formations and learn about the shipwreck history.
• London Arch: Stop by London Arch (formerly London Bridge) for more spectacular coastal views.

Evening:

• Sunset at the 12 Apostles: If you can, return to the 12 Apostles for sunset. The colors are simply magical!
• Dinner in Port Campbell: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, like the 12 Apostles Hotel and Bistro, where you can savor some delicious local cuisine.

Day 3: Port Campbell to Melbourne

Morning:

• Breakfast in Port Campbell: Start your day with breakfast at a local café. The local bakeries often have fresh pastries!
• Bay of Islands: Before heading back, take a detour to the Bay of Islands for more stunning coastal views.

Midday:

• Timboon: On your way back, stop in Timboon for lunch. This quaint town is known for its local produce and cheese. The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is a great spot to sample some local spirits!

Afternoon:

• Return Drive: Take your time driving back to Melbourne. You can stop at any spots you missed or revisit your favorites.
• Geelong: If you have time, stop in Geelong for a stroll along the waterfront and check out the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Evening:

• Back to Melbourne: Arrive back in Melbourne in the evening. Celebrate your adventure with dinner at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants. Maybe try Chin Chin for some delicious Thai food!

And there you have it! A delightful three-day itinerary along the Great Ocean Road, filled with breathtaking views, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your trip! 🌊🚗✨