One of Australia’s most famous coastal drives the Great Ocean Road runs along the southern coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford. It’s got stunning views and beautiful towns so it’s a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re going for a day or multiple days you need to know how long it takes to drive the road and what you can see along the way and how to make the most of this epic trip.
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Why Drive the Great Ocean Road?
Driving the Great Ocean Road is not just a road trip. It’s an immersion into Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. There’s so much to do on this drive: green hills and gum trees rolling away forever, dramatic cliffs over golden beaches, and wild sea shores of the Shipwreck Coast that give insight into Australia’s history. The Great Ocean Road has famous surf beaches, rainforests and iconic sites like Cape Otway Lightstation and London Bridge, each with its own wow factor.
Coastal Views and Landscapes
The coastal views and diversity of landscapes are what make the Great Ocean Road famous worldwide. Start at Bells Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro surf comp is held, then experience a string of amazing natural wonders. The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks are a testament to the power of the Southern Ocean, Childers Cove has calm beaches, and the Shipwreck Coast has cliffs that are rough and impressive. This drive takes you through ancient rainforests in the Great Otway National Park, where you can walk the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk or Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. The falls include Triplet Falls and Beauchamp Falls, each with its own charm and wow factor.
Length of the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road itself is 243km long, but the ocean is more than just a road. With so many scenic detours and attractions along the way, the time it takes to make this epic trip can vary. If you’re going to do the Great Ocean Road in one day, you’ll need to choose your highlights: the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the surf beaches. For a more leisurely pace, a two-day itinerary might be better, and you can take in the key sites: Apollo Bay Port Campbell and Port Campbell National Park. Three days, and you can also allow extra time at places like Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, the beautiful village of Port Fairy, or Lavers Hill’s green hills. If you have more time, you can do a four-day trip or longer and take in the best of the Great Ocean Road: the inland route and other stops like Cape Otway Lightstation and Myrtle Beech’s green hills.
Beautiful Towns on the Great Ocean Road
There are charming seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road, each one different. We start in Torquay, which is famous for its surf schools and Rip Curl Pro comps. Apollo Bay is another key town along the way, with beautiful beaches and plenty of eateries. Port Campbell is the entry point to the stunning Apostles rock formations. Port Fairy and Warrnambool further have their own attractions, from historic sites to cultural scenes. These towns are great for a light lunch, beach time and a taste of local life.
How Long it Takes to Drive
One Day
If you’re in a hurry; you can drive the entire Great Ocean Road in one day. This will cover the main spots like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the rugged coastline etc. But you’ll be rushing past many beautiful spots where you could have stopped to look at scenic views or walked some nice walking tracks. Plan for a full itinerary with lots of stops focussing on the main attractions.
Two Day Drive
A two-day schedule allows for a more leisurely pace and visits to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, Erskine Falls and Cape Otway’s coastal views, etc. The scenic drive can be savoured, and you can stop at local restaurants and stay overnight in any of the beach towns. You can also fit in other activities like koala watching at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve or Beauchamp Falls.
3 Day Trip along Great Ocean Road Itinerary
The best way to fully experience this iconic road trip is to take three days off work so you can enjoy it all without feeling rushed. Day 1 starts in Torquay and heads to Apollo Bay via Bell’s Beach, Eastern View and other points of interest like Memorial Arch. Day 2 can be spent in Otway National Park, which includes Hopetoun Falls and Cape Otway. Day 3 can focus on Shipwreck Coast, which is famous for its dramatic cliffs, including the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Port Campbell National Park. This allows for more time to explore and relax.
4 Days or More on Great Ocean Road
If you have extra time and can stretch it beyond four days, then it’s worth going deeper into all the region has to offer. Apart from the main attractions, there are also off-the-beaten-track places like Johanna Beach, Myrtle Beech hidden away, or Stevenson Falls waterfalls that are just amazing. Go as far as Mount Gambier to see Blue Lake or head inland, and you’ll find green hills and old rainforests. So, more days mean less rush, and you can stop at different spots like snorkelling sites or take longer walks to enjoy more of Great Ocean Road and its surroundings.
Extra Things to See and Do on Your Great Ocean Road Drive
Apart from the main attractions, Great Ocean Road has a few extra things to make your trip even better. Walk the beautiful walking tracks at Maits Rest, do a Treetop Walk at Otway National Park, or drive through Lavers Hill in slow motion. If you want some light meals, look for local cafes in town or take one of the coastal routes and find things most tourists miss, like the golden beaches at Eastern Beach or the views from Battery Hill. Wildlife lovers should also check out koalas at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Australian wildlife around Port Fairy.
If you’re interested in cultural heritage then visiting Memorial Arch and historical shipwreck sites will give you an insight into the maritime history of this area. Having lunch at local cafes like Bottle of Milk or going down the coast route at Childers Cove makes it even better. There are many surf spots for thrill seekers, lookouts and places for peace loving beach lovers on The Great Ocean Road.
What if I Don’t Have a Car?
You can still experience Great Ocean Road even without a car, as public transport and guided tour services are available. Some tour operators offer day trips/ multi-day Great Ocean Road tours that take visitors around the main attractions and provide transportation along this route. Otherwise, bus/train services are available in towns like Apollo Bay/Port Campbell, and visitors can then join local tours.
Summary
Great Ocean Road is an iconic drive with natural beauty, cultural heritage and experiences to remember. Whether you’re making a quick trip or taking several days to laze around on your road trip, planning how long you’ll be on the road means you can enjoy every bit of coastal views, historical milestones marked by landmarks and some of the small towns by the water’s edge are best seen if you stay for a few days. From the towering cliffs of Shipwreck Coast to the rainforests of Otway National Park, this is a trip of a lifetime for all travellers.
FAQ
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road in one day?
You can drive the Great Ocean Road in one day but you will need to hurry. Allow 8-10 hours with no time to stop in towns or attractions along the way including the big highlights like Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge.
Best places to stay while driving the Great Ocean Road?
Torquay, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are the best places to stay when driving this route. They have hotels and motels, and restaurants nearby to suit all budgets, so are great places to base yourself while you explore local attractions.
What are the must-see sights on the Great Ocean Road?
Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Cape Otway and Shipwreck Coast are some of the things you can’t miss along The Great Ocean Road as each offers a different view along the way.
Can I drive the Great Ocean Road without a car?
Public transport is an option for tourists who want to visit The Great ocean road; others can also join guided tours.Trip operators also make sure they include trips to key attractions along this route in their daily itineraries.
What to do on the Great Ocean Road?
On this trip, you can go to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and see waterfalls like Hopetoun Falls, Bells Beach with its beachy vibes, and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for wildlife spotting. Plus, hike, surf or eat locally.
