Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay – Start of the Great Ocean Road
Distance: ~105 km (~1.5-hour drive)
Start your adventure in Melbourne, picking up your rental car and heading southwest towards the beginning of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Bells Beach – Famous surf beach, known for the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition.
- Torquay Surf World Museum – Learn about Australia’s surf culture.
- Point Danger Marine Sanctuary – A great snorkeling and diving spot.
Where to Stay in Torquay:
- Luxury: RACV Torquay Resort – Ocean views and a golf course.
- Mid-range: Wyndham Resort Torquay – Modern, comfortable stay.
- Budget: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park – Beachfront cabins and camping.
Where to Eat:
- The Salty Dog Café – Great for breakfast with ocean views.
- Growlers Torquay – A local favorite for casual dining.
Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay – Coastal Marvels
Distance: ~90 km (~1.5-hour drive)
Today, you’ll drive the most scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road, stopping at famous landmarks.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch – Iconic entrance sign.
- Lorne & Erskine Falls – A beautiful 30m waterfall in the rainforest.
- Kennett River – One of the best places to spot wild koalas.
- Apollo Bay & Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – A stunning, easy nature walk.
Where to Stay in Apollo Bay:
- Luxury: Chris’s Beacon Point Villas – Amazing ocean views.
- Mid-range: Captains at the Bay – A boutique stay.
- Budget: Apollo Bay Eco YHA – Backpacker-friendly.
Where to Eat:
- La Bimba – Seafood-focused fine dining.
- The Fishermen’s Co-op – Fresh fish and chips by the harbor.
Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell – The Twelve Apostles
Distance: ~100 km (~2-hour drive)
Continue along the rugged Shipwreck Coast, stopping at stunning limestone formations.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Walk through a rainforest canopy.
- Twelve Apostles – The most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road.
- Loch Ard Gorge – A historic shipwreck site with stunning cliffs.
- Gibson Steps – Walk down to the beach and see towering limestone cliffs.
Where to Stay in Port Campbell:
- Luxury: Anchors Port Campbell – Stylish apartments with scenic views.
- Mid-range: Southern Ocean Villas – Comfortable self-contained stays.
- Budget: Port Campbell Hostel – Affordable and centrally located.
Where to Eat:
- Forage on the Foreshore – Great seafood and ocean views.
- Grassroots Deli Café – A cozy spot for breakfast.
Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool – Wildlife & History
Distance: ~70 km (~1-hour drive)
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Bay of Islands & The Grotto – Stunning rock formations.
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – Spot emus, kangaroos, and koalas.
- Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village – A reconstructed 19th-century port.
Where to Stay in Warrnambool:
- Luxury: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs – A relaxing stay with natural hot springs.
- Budget: Warrnambool Beach Backpackers – A social and affordable option.
Where to Eat:
- Proudfoots by the River – A historic boathouse with excellent seafood.
Day 5: Warrnambool to The Grampians – Mountains & Hiking
Distance: ~160 km (~2-hour drive)
Head inland to Grampians National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- MacKenzie Falls – One of Victoria’s most spectacular waterfalls.
- The Balconies & Boroka Lookout – Panoramic views over the Grampians.
- Halls Gap Zoo – Meet native Australian wildlife.
Where to Stay in Halls Gap (Grampians):
- Luxury: DULC Cabins – Beautiful eco-friendly stays in the bush.
- Budget: Grampians Eco YHA – A great option for backpackers.
Where to Eat:
- Spirit of Punjab – Unusual but excellent Indian cuisine in Halls Gap.
Days 6-7: The Grampians to Ballarat – Historic Goldfields
Distance: ~140 km (~2-hour drive)
Visit Ballarat, known for its gold rush history and Sovereign Hill, a living museum.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Sovereign Hill – Step back in time to the 1850s gold rush.
- Lake Wendouree – Perfect for a relaxing walk.
Days 8-10: Ballarat to Adelaide via the Limestone Coast
Distance: ~500 km (~6-hour drive)
Drive across to Adelaide, stopping in Mount Gambier to see the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole.
Where to Stay in Adelaide:
- Luxury: Mayfair Hotel – Elegant and central.
- Budget: Adelaide Central YHA.
Where to Eat:
- Africola – A top-rated dining experience in the city.
Days 11-12: Return to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road
Distance: ~725 km (~8-hour drive split over two days)**
Take the coastal route back, stopping in Port Fairy and Anglesea.