We didnt bother stopping in Torquay where the Great Ocean Road officially starts, but you might want to visit if youre interested in surf wear. (I would have liked to stay longer but we were getting hungry for lunch as it was after 2pm). Victoria
They have cheaper compact cars and you can drive the route in any vehicle. The ocean views are incredible and we could have happily spent all day curled up on the window seat with the fire roaring watching the waves crash down below.
If you have more energy than us (or an extra night), the final stops we would have visited were Childers Cove, an uncrowded beach (30 minutes from Port Campbell), and Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform (1 hour from Port Campbell) where you have the chance to see whales in the winter. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. (Seriously!) There are more motels than boutique hotels in the area. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. The Twelve Apostles are reached by a five-minute walk from the car park, where theres also a visitor centre, toilets, and a kiosk (which doesnt open until 10am).
Great Ocean Road
Itll take longer than you think due to the many curves and places youll want to stop to take a photo or visit an attraction. We visited two stops in the tiny town of Timboon for lunch and fitted in a couple more on our way back to Melbourne the next day.
If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. With your own car however youll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure. Dinner, stay over night. One day we had frost on the car in the morning but by the afternoon were eating ice cream in the sun with 20C temperatures. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Reserve your spot here. We sampled a few of their offerings (the raspberry liquorice is unusual and delicious) and enjoyed a delicious dark mint hot chocolate in the sun overlooking the farm. You can hike, surf, ride helicopters, follow gourmet food trails, wander seaside towns, and much more. Start early, drive Melbourne > Geelong > Colac > 12 Apostles; this inland route is much faster. If you have limited time you could skip this one (we preferred London Bridge), but its only a quick stop. Just down the road is Hopetoun Falls. But it has a strange beak and is one of the few mammals that lay eggs.
Its a casual, diner type place on the seafront strip thats known for its burgers. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:22 pmdrive for about 15 minutes, 2:37 pm Great Ocean Road The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. The ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide roadtrip along the Great Ocean Road and taking in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Mount Gambier and Victor Harbour. Great Ocean Road 2-Day Itinerary: The BEST Self Drive Itinerary There arent many eating options up here so bring a packed lunch or theres a cafe at Otway Fly and a few options further along in Lavers Hill. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. drive for about 15 minutes 2:37 pm Great Ocean Road stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pm drive for about 24 minutes 4:01 pm arrive in Lorne driving 2 hours Change your route From: To: Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Melbourne to Lorne.
melbourne to lorne via inland route