Looking for the ultimate Aussie experience? The Great Ocean Road is calling. This iconic 243-kilometre stretch along Victoria’s southwestern coastline offers a genuine glimpse into the laidback Aussie lifestyle that’s become famous worldwide.

Our 5-day Great Ocean Road itinerary contains a mixture of breathtaking natural wonders and authentic surf town experiences, with plenty of time to soak up the relaxed vibe that makes this stretch of coastline so special.

Check out our Great Ocean Road and Beyond Tour, which covers most of the spots mentioned below.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Day 1: Start Your Trip in Torquay and Visit Bell’s Beach

Are you ready? Your Great Ocean Road adventure begins in Torquay, the official starting point and Australia’s undisputed surfing capital. Home to major surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, this coastal town sets the tone for your road trip with its laidback vibe, vibrant surf culture, and postcard-worthy beaches where the world’s best surfers come to test their skills.

Things to do:

• Hit up the Australian National Surfing Museum, where interactive displays and historic boards tell the story of how surfing shaped the nation’s coastal identity. Don’t skip the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame featuring legends like Layne Beachley and Mick Fanning.
• Head to Bell’s Beach, home of the longest-running professional surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro. Even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to watch world-class surfers in action.
• Beginner surfer? Grab a lesson at one of the many surf schools – the gentle waves at Front Beach or Cosy Corner are ideal for improving your skills.
• Cap off your first day with sunset drinks and fresh seafood at one of Torquay’s waterfront restaurants. The Kyn and Doc Hughes are two of the most popular spots. Expect ocean-to-plate cuisine with incredible views to match.

Day 2: Explore Anglesea and Lorne

Both just a short drive from Torquay, spend a day exploring Anglesea and Lorne. These picturesque towns are where you’ll truly begin to appreciate the magic of the Great Ocean Road, with their relaxed surf vibe, impressive lookouts, and unique wildlife encounters.

Things to do:

• Fancy a round of golf with a kangaroo? We’re not kidding – experience a uniquely Australian experience at Anglesea Golf Club, where dozens of Eastern Grey kangaroos casually graze among golfers. Bring your camera for close-up shots of these iconic animals in a surprisingly urban setting.
• Wander through Anglesea Bushland Reserve and Ellimatta Reserve to spot colourful native birds, wallabies, and diverse flora. If you’re there in spring, the wildflower displays are particularly beautiful.
• Rent kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes and head to Anglesea River. You can easily spend a couple of peaceful hours on the waterway’s hidden corners. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
• Discover the network of boardwalks through Coogoorah Park’s wetlands, a perfect spot for a picnic among the river red gums while watching for the 80+ bird species that call this area home.
• Wind your way along the spectacular coastal road to Lorne, stopping at scenic viewpoints where the forest meets the sea in dramatic fashion. Make the short detour up to Teddy’s Lookout for what many consider the Great Ocean Road’s most spectacular vista.
• Get stuck into Lorne’s renowned surf scene. The main beach offers gentle, forgiving waves perfect for beginners, while more experienced surfers can test their skills on the challenging reef breaks at Lorne Point.
• Round off your day with a delicious meal at Brae (bookings essential). This farmhouse restaurant serves innovative seasonal cuisine using ingredients grown in their own gardens – splurge-worthy and consistently rated among Australia’s best restaurants.

Day 3: Head to Apollo Bay

Day three takes you through some of Victoria’s most pristine wilderness before arriving at the charming fishing village of Apollo Bay. Highlights include Otway National Park, gentle hikes, and some of the best seafood in the world.

Things to do:

• Venture into Great Otway National Park, where misty ancient rainforests, lush fern gullies, and towering eucalypts create an enchanting wilderness experience. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas dozing in the treetops.
• Climb to the top of Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse (1848). From here you can enjoy 360-degree views of the treacherous coastline known as the “Shipwreck Coast” – the stories of the lighthouse keepers are as fascinating as the views.
• Take the worthwhile detour deeper into the Otways to discover Triplet Falls, where three parallel cascades tumble down rocky terraces surrounded by giant myrtle beech trees and tree ferns – the 1km loop walk is suitable for most fitness levels.
• Arrive in Apollo Bay in late afternoon – this working fishing port is nestled between rolling green hills and the Southern Ocean. Spend a relaxing few hours exploring this quintessential coastal town.
• Trust us: you can’t visit Apollo Bay without chowing down on seafood. Make a beeline for the famous Apollo Bay Bakery to sample their legendary scallop pies. And finally, cap off your day with an inland visit to Forrest Brewing Company, who brew handcrafted beers made with Otway rainwater. Their Silvertop Ale and Stout are particularly celebrated.

Day 4: Marvel at the Twelve Apostles and Explore Port Campbell

Today is all about the iconic limestone stacks that have made the Great Ocean Road famous worldwide. Get your camera ready; you’re about to witness some of Mother Nature’s most impressive work.

Things to do:

• Start off early to catch the golden sunrise light at the Twelve Apostles. Fewer crowds and spectacular photo opportunities make the early wake-up absolutely worth it.
• Explore Loch Ard Gorge, minutes from the Twelve Apostles, where you can follow three short walking trails that reveal the area’s shipwreck history and unique geology.
• Don’t forget to marvel at The Razorback and Island Archway nearby – these equally impressive rock formations often get overlooked but offer their own stunning viewing platforms.
• After a morning well-spent, head to the charming fishing village of Port Campbell for lunch. Expect plenty of local cafés serving fresh seafood and regional produce with ocean views.
• Check out The Grotto, a unique half-cave, half-blowhole formation where the ocean surges through a window-like opening, creating one of the coast’s most photogenic spots.
• Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands – these less-visited coastal formations offer equally spectacular scenery without the crowds.
• Stretch your legs on Port Campbell’s Discovery Trail, a gentle 1.4km walking path offering beautiful views of the town, harbour, and surrounding cliffs.
• Did somebody say ice cream? Finish your day with a detour to Timboon Ice Creamery, where locally-sourced ingredients influence gourmet flavours. Think whisky cream, strawberry basil, and passionfruit meringue.

Short on time? Book a One-Day Twelve Apostles Tour from Melbourne.

Day 5: Visit Warrnambool and End in Port Fairy

Spend the final day exploring a couple more of Victoria’s most charming coastal towns: Warrnambool and Port Fairy. These historic fishing ports, with their bluestone buildings and tree-lined streets, transport you back to the 1800s when European settlers first established communities along this stretch of coast.

Things to do:

• Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool to explore over 40 historic buildings and catch the “Shipwrecked” sound and laser show about the Loch Ard disaster.
• Spot Southern Right whales and their calves from Logan’s Beach viewing platform (June-October) – sometimes just 100 metres from shore.
• Take a dip at Lady Bay Beach in Warrnambool or capture stunning sunset photos at Thunder Point Coastal Reserve.
• Drive to Port Fairy (30 mins) to explore Australia’s fairytale town with its historic centre, heritage cottages along Sackville Street, and boutique shops housed in 19th-century buildings.
• Stroll along East Beach’s 5.8km stretch of pristine sand, perfect for beachcombing and spying on local fishermen.
• Cross the causeway to Griffiths Island, home to a colony of muttonbirds (short-tailed shearwaters) that migrate annually between Australia and Alaska. During breeding season (September-April), stay until dusk to witness thousands of muttonbirds returning to their nests. 
• Complete your Great Ocean Road adventure at the Port Fairy Lighthouse on Griffiths Island.

Great Ocean Road Tours

Need a helping hand? Whether you’ve got a day or two to spare or want to spend multiple wonderful days exploring some of Australia’s coolest surf towns, check out Tampopo Travel’s tours along the Great Ocean Road:

1-Day Great Ocean Road (Twelve Apostles) Tour. Head out on an incredible day trip from Melbourne. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the You Yangs and spot native wildlife before cruising through charming coastal towns like Anglesea and Lorne. Other highlights include the Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles, and the stunning Loch Ard Gorge.

2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour. Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of Victoria on a two-day adventure. Day one explores the famous Great Ocean Road, from sweet treats to rainforest walks and the dramatic Twelve Apostles. After an overnight near the Grampians, day two sees you venture into the national park – expect stunning viewpoints and wildlife encounters.

4-Day Great Ocean Road and Beyond Tour. Discover the Great Ocean Road and its surrounds on this immersive four-day tour. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles at sunset and exploring formations like Loch Ard Gorge. You’ll also visit Tower Hill for wildlife and Aboriginal culture, and enjoy getting to soak up the charm of Port Campbell and Port Fairy.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary Tips

Before you set off on your Great Ocean Road adventure, here’s what you need to know:

When to visit: The Great Ocean Road is a year-round destination, though it’s particularly beautiful in summer (but very busy). We recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons (March – May or September – November) for the best mix of crowds and temperatures. Try to hit the major attractions midweek as the crowds at spots like the Twelve Apostles are much lower.

How long to spend there: While technically drivable in a single day (albeit a very long one), rushing the Great Ocean Road defeats its purpose. Spend at least 3 days, if possible – this gives you time to truly appreciate Aussie camper life and the cool surf towns along the way.

How to explore: You have two main options: book a tour or rent a car/van. For the classic Great Ocean Road experience, nothing beats a campervan – though our tours are excellent if you’re short on time or don’t fancy sorting the logistics yourself.