Home Discover Australia Exploring the Great Ocean Road in 3 Days: An Unforgettable Journey

Exploring the Great Ocean Road in 3 Days: An Unforgettable Journey

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Exploring the Great Ocean Road in 3 Days: An Unforgettable Journey

The Great Ocean Road is one of the top trips to take when you are in Australia and it’s easy to see why. Miles upon miles of beautiful coastline stretches down from Melbourne all the way to Adelaide, though most people pick the most popular stretch of road to take. You can pick and choose how much you want to do which is great. From the surf breaks of Torquay to the historic shipwrecks near Port Campbell and the ancient rainforests of the Otways, this iconic route is a mosaic of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. If you have three days to explore the Great Ocean Road, here’s how to make the most of this unforgettable journey.

The Great Ocean Road – Day One: Torquay to Apollo Bay

Start you trip from Melbourne, capital of Victoria. There’s still a fair bit of driving along the way to Apollo Bay but you can take quite a few breaks on the way. Your first stop must be at the little surf town of Torquay – one of the best places to surf. Torquay is beautiful and it actually feels so Australian. Visit the famous Bells Beach, renowned for its world-class waves and the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. The Surf World Museum is also worth a visit to learn about Australia’s surfing culture.

Drive to Lorne, a picturesque seaside town perfect for a leisurely lunch and a stroll along the beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the majestic Erskine Falls, nestled in the lush Otway National Park, just a short drive from Lorne.

Then drive on to Apollo Bay which is the destination for your first night. The scenery is stunning and the road winds its way down south hugging the coast so you’re never short on beautiful landscapes to admire on the way. Apollo Bay is one of the main spots to stop at and one of the bigger towns on the route. The town is actually quite small nonetheless you will be able to have dinner there and set out to find a local bar.

Apollo Bay serves as a gateway to the Great Otway National Park, offering a preview of the natural wonders you’ll explore on day two.

At this point it might be good to interject with a note on accommodation. If you are travelling with limited funds remember that it’s illegal to sleep overnight in cars! There are approximately 140 hotels in town, from budget ones at 30$ to more luxury ones at 250$ per night.

The Great Ocean Road – Day Two: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Day two is the big sight-seeing day as it will include Cape Otway and the 12 Apostles which is the most famous part of the route.

Spend your morning exploring the Great Otway National Park. Walk among the ancient, towering trees at the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures or take a hike to the Beauchamp Falls for a serene experience amidst nature.

First off- definitely go to Cape Otway! It’s a detour off the main route but well worth it. As you drive down the road keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of koalas. Or more accurately keep your eyes peeled for the group of tourists who are standing and pointing at them. Also at the end of the road is a nice lighthouse. You can go inside and right to the top of it and get a great view of the coast.

Then continue on to the Twelve Apostles – a misleading name if ever there was one. The name relates to the standing stacks of rock in the ocean that were cut off from the mainland. But there’s only five there now. The best place to view them is from the little beach to the left of them. You can access it by walking down the steps beside the cliff. It’s worth going to the official viewpoint as well to take some photos. And there’s a handy shop selling ice creams down the road so you have snacks sorted too.

After this go to see the Bay of Islands. It is even better than the 12 Apostles. The best time to go is at sunset as the whole bay looks like it’s going up in fire. You can sit on the beach and watch the sun go down. Another great picnic spot amongst the thousands on the route.

Stay overnight in Port Campbell, a charming fishing village near the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy the local hospitality and prepare for the final day of your journey.

The Great Ocean Road – Day Three: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

Start your day exploring the Shipwreck Coast, home to over 600 shipwrecks. Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks, and learn the tales of survival and tragedy at the Shipwrecked Sound and Laser Show in Warrnambool.

In the afternoon, drive to the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcano now teeming with Australian wildlife. Here, you can encounter koalas, emus, kangaroos, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Conclude your Great Ocean Road adventure in Warrnambool. Reflect on your journey with a relaxing evening at the beach or explore the town’s vibrant dining scene.

Alternative choice: For the last day you can decide to go back through the Grampian National Park even though in hindsight it is quite ambitious. There’s only so much sight-seeing you can take in over a few days. The Grampians are very different landscape-wise to the Great Ocean Road which will definitely be a nice change. Do the walk to a waterfall at Halls Gap.

Great Ocean Road – Practical Infos

How to get there

You can reach the Great ocean road from either Melbourne or Adelaide. It is best to drive the road in your vehicle and to plan 2 or 3 days for it. For those who do not have much time, you still have the opportunity to get a glimpse of the Great Ocean Road in a 1-day tour from Melbourne.

Camping

There are different spots along the road. To find them, use the Camps guide or WikiCamps. You also find caravan parks.

Tours

There are also organized tours of 1 to 3 days from Melbourne or Adelaide. A day tour costs about $140 / person.

Rent a vehicle

For van rentals you can compare offers on www.motorhomerepublic.com
For car rentals: www.airportrentals.com

Advice

The ideal season to visit this region is from September to February. But be warned that the place gets packed during school holidays.
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