Fancy a road trip with stunning rock formations, beautiful ocean views and rugged cliff edges? 
Well, you are in for a treat with this long stretch of road.
This itinerary will break down the best attractions to see or do over a 3 day period on The Great Ocean Road.

3 Days on THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Start the day early as you have an hour 20 minute drive from Melbourne to Torquay.

The first point of call from here is Bells Beach. 

Next, move on to Point Addis Beach Lookout. A quiet spot with multiple lookout platforms.

Then head to Split Point Lookout and Lighthouse. 

Have you REALLY done The Great Ocean Road without taking a photo at The Memorial Arch at Eastern View?

Bells Beach is not only a beautiful beach but it is also known for being Australia’s surf capital. It is most famous for its annual World Surf League and as a result, it attracts crowds all year round. 

The view from the lookout point is stunning. You can see gorgeous ocean views as well as greenery surrounding the lighthouse. You can go to the top of the lighthouse but be aware that it is $10 per adult for this. If you are like us and prefer to see this from a drone perspective, make sure to move away from the lighthouse area as it is a no-drone zone.

Whilst here, do make sure to take some time to read up on the history of the route.

As you continue your journey towards the last spot of the day, pull over into one of many lay-bys along the road. One that is particularly good to stop at is Devil’s Elbow. If you miss the sign, do not worry, as all along this road, there are plenty of opportunities to see amazing ocean views. 

Lastly, spend the late afternoon in Lorne. 

Day 2 starts with an incredible lookout. A short but steep drive to Teddy’s Lookout.

Continuing down the coast, spend an hour or two looking at the beauty that is Wye River. Wye River does not offer a lot but it does have a stunning beach and a pub - so for us, it is a winner.

The next two stops are over 1 hour away, along the coast and inland to Beech Forest. Here you will see; Hopetoun Falls and The Redwoods Otways.

Both locations feel miles away from the coast, tucked away in the depths of the national park, in the centre of the rainforest. Honestly, the drive itself is even worth the detour inland.

Hopetoun Falls is a pretty waterfall with only 200 steps to the bottom platform. From here, you can take in the views with minimal crowds and enjoy the surrounding sounds.

The Redwoods Otways are as good as you think. Walking through the plantation, you are just in awe at the height of these trees, and with Aire River adjacent, you feel like you have been transported to a fantasy world.

Travel back towards the coast and see Marriner's Lookout before ending the evening in Apollo Bay.

Today is a big one. It is the day you see the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles, as well as the majority of the West Coast. 

On the way, there are two locations that you must see first; The Gables and Wreck Beach.

Coming off the Great Ocean Road and onto Moonlight Head Road, you will come to a split road to either attraction. The Gables is on the left and Wreck Beach is on the right. Do be aware that although a 4-wheel drive is not necessary, it is very bumpy. 

Heading to the Gables, park up and take a short 10 minute walk along a woodland path where you will arrive at a platform looking out onto The Gables. This is a gorgeous lookout with a small chance of sharing it with someone else.

After arriving at Wreck Beach, you can view the beach from the top, or venture down the 380 stairs to see the beach from below. Note that the 380 stairs back up is a killer. 

Now, onto the Twelve Apostles. 
This is a massive attraction with a huge car park, gift shop and helipad. So, expect crowds.

The Twelve Apostles are a collection of rock stacks that stand up to 45 metres. After being subjected to harsh water, wind and rain, these once limestone cliffs, are now isolated rocks.

From here, get back in the car and drive 5 minutes up the road to arrive at Loch Ard Gorge. To drive a further 5 minutes to get to The Bakers Oven.

London Bridge looks relatively similar to yesterday’s Loch Arc Gorge but this is not what it always looked like. The reason it was called London Bridge was it used to have a bridge connecting the now two singular formations. Similar to the Twelve Apostles, after thousands of years this cliff has eroded to what we see today.

With places such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Arch Gorge and London Bridge, which are highly recommended by tourist centres and blogs, it is understandable that some places are forgotten about. Halladale Point, situated on the edge of Peterborough, is a cliff surface that you can safely walk on viewing the coastline from several perspectives. 1000% recommend.

Onto Bay Of Islands. Better than the Twelve Apostles. There I said it!

Eventually, arrive at your final spot of the day Stingray Bay, before ending the trip at your final destination, Warrnambool.

Disclaimer: All prices are as of April 2024 and may change based on season and availability.

Cumberland River Holiday Park - $45 for 2 guests and 1 night

Pros - good wildlife and nestled between a river, the ocean and cliff-hills

Cons - no powered sites and small toilet/shower block

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve - $35 for 2 guests and 1 night 

Pros - on the river (slot dependent) and close to town

Cons - multi-use site and unwelcoming staff

Pros - close to the beach and great facilities

Discovery Parks Warrnambool - $45 for 2 guests and 1 night

Check our Instagram to see photos, stories and reels on your chosen location

3 Days on THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Buy to unlock full guide