The Ultimate 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Embarking on a journey along Australia’s breathtaking Great Ocean Road is an experience that promises awe-inspiring landscapes, coastal wonders, and unforgettable adventures.

For those seeking the ultimate 3-day itinerary, this guide will take you on a remarkable voyage through stunning scenery, charming towns, and iconic landmarks.

And no exploration of the Great Ocean Road would be complete without a visit to the world-renowned Twelve Apostles.

To ensure you make the most of this natural wonder, check out this comprehensive guide dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, providing you with all the essential information for an enriching and immersive encounter with these majestic limestone formations.

Get ready for a remarkable three days of exploration, where every twist and turn of the road reveals the beauty of nature and the enchantment of the Great Ocean Road.

The 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

There is never a lack of adventure for tourists heading to the Great Ocean Road. You will find everything here, from coastlines and rainforests to pretty towns. There’s nothing like the scenic vistas and momentous getaway awaiting you here.

In fact, I have a lineup of unique places that are a must-visit and perfect for your 3-Day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Day One: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

You will find Apollo Bay amid Victoria’s spectacular coastal highway, the Great Ocean Road. Specifically between Wye River and Cape Otway. If you plan to add this destination to your itinerary, fret not because Apollo Bay is easily accessible, just 197 kilometres from Melbourne. Actually, Apollo Bay is an excellent starting point for your 3-Day Great Ocean Road itinerary.

What is more, Apollo Bay is the place to be if it is seafood you want. With a rich history as a fishing community, Apollo Bay takes pride in its devotion to seafood and its fantastic seafood festival. In fact, this incredible event happens every February.

And the fun does not stop there! Should you visit in April, a one-of-a-kind experience awaits you as well. The famed Apollo Bay Music Festival will surely liven up and complete your 3-Day Great Ocean Road itinerary. In fact, this is one of the largest festivals there is in Victoria.

Not just that, but Apollo Bay Beach will not let you down if you are yearning to have some water adventure. Apollo Bay Beach is one of the finest beaches in Australia that tourists and locals alike frequent. Imagine the breathtaking horizon and the enticing waves on the shoreline.

Best of all, this beach is indeed irresistible for swimming. Likewise, surfing beginners and experts alike would love Apollo Bay Beach’s steady waves. Please note that the waves increase in size as you move north from the Harbour.

Lorne 

Indeed, Lorne has been enticing tourists for years now, thanks to its pristine sea air, beautiful sands, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe. To understand why Lorne is a popular destination for tourists on their 3-Day Great Ocean Road itinerary, one just has to look at its location.

As a general rule, Lorne is one of those tiny towns that should be on your itinerary. During the summer months, when the population of Melbourne swells, Lorne becomes a favourite weekend hideaway for surfers. Other popular pastimes include fishing from the pier, swimming, surfing, and even camping in the woods. 

Also, take some time to stroll down Lorne’s main retail street while you’re here, whether staying for a few days or simply passing by. Shops, cellars, and restaurants line the streets of this historic district.

Torquay 

Just to let you know, Torquay is a charming beach town on the Great Ocean Road that looks out over the Tasman Sea. Torquay’s salty surf culture is guaranteed to snag your attention whether you’ve ever been by surfing or enjoying water activities. Although the beaches of Torquay are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, they also contain Cosy Corner and Jan Juc. 

In recent years, it has become a popular seaside destination hub for the worldwide surfing community. And to top it all off, many surf-related enterprises have set up shop here, making it a contender for the title of “Surf Capital of Australia.

Bells Beach

Bells Beach, a surfing mecca known worldwide, is a must-see on any trip down your 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary. Located about 100 kilometres southwest of Melbourne on the Southern Ocean, it is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike.

In fact, the cliff-top parking area is a popular hangout for visitors and residents alike, not just for surfers. This is a terrific place to see surfers of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, go for a ride.

Accommodations in Apollo Bay

Restaurant Recommendations: Apollo Bay Bakery, Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe, Sandy Feet Cafe

Hotel Recommendations: The Apollo, Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn, Seafarers Getaway

Day Two: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

As you continue your journey along this iconic Australian road, prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes and captivating experiences that await you.

From lush rainforests to stunning waterfalls, charming towns, and iconic landmarks, Day Two promises to be a highlight of your Great Ocean Road adventure. So buckle up and get ready for another day of unforgettable exploration and discovery.

Great Otway National Park – The Redwoods

Adventure and Instagrammable photos await you at the Redwoods. Here you can wander and trail the colossal trees. And the good news is that, although the car park is not ideal for big cars or caravans, it is easily accessible on foot.

In detail, The Redwoods is a magnificent plantation of California Redwood trees nestled in the Otway woodland surrounding Apollo Bay. Although this plantation is not native to the Great Ocean Road, it certainly adds to its allure.

The Otway Redwoods, which are still in their early stages of growth, might one day become the tallest trees in the world. This is a must-include in your 3 Days Great Ocean Road adventure. The gigantic trunks lining the river give a unique sense of wonder that should not be skipped.

To add more fun, this is also an easy trail to trek. You will not have to work your feet and muscles up just to enjoy the place. 

Hopetuon Falls

Picture the Aire River on one side and rich flora on the other. Being a nature lover, you will have a great time discovering the lush ferns and native trees. Indeed, this is a small enclave of natural splendour you would love to immerse and bask in.

From the car park, it is a one-kilometre return trip to reach the lower platform or approximately 200 stairs leading to the base of the falls.

Stevenson Falls

You may have a pleasant stroll to Stevensons Falls, no matter what the weather is. During the hottest months of the year, take a stroll through the woods and watch a smaller waterfall cascade over it. If you visit during the autumn or winter, be sure to bring a raincoat so you can see the thunderous falls in all their glory. These falls are well worth returning to throughout the year.

The walk actually takes just 10 minutes to complete at a reasonable jog. However, the signpost at the beginning claims that it would take 15-30 minutes to complete the circuit. Basically, it’s a 500-meter roundtrip trek. 

Otway Treetop Adventures

Enjoy breathtaking views from the Otway Treetop Walk. Safety measures and qualified guides are in place, making this an “extreme” experience that can be enjoyed safely. This high-tech flying fox experience takes place 30 meters above the forest’s bottom, with riders strapped into wire harnesses for the ride.

The Otway Treetop Walk is only a short distance from the Triplet Falls picnic and parking area. To get to the stunning triplet falls, there is a 2 km circle trail on an elevated boardwalk through the Celtic rainforests. 

Cape Otway Lightstation

It’s not enough to just admire the sight of a lighthouse perched atop a gorgeous bluff. It served as a beacon for sailors who had been at sea for a long time, indicating that they were nearing the shore. Because of the dramatic setting they create, lighthouses make for a compelling photo.

Accordingly, the Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest remaining lighthouse in Australia and the most noteworthy. Every traveller planning their 3-Day Great Ocean Road itinerary should not miss out on this top attraction. For breathtaking vistas and fascinating stories of tragic shipwrecks on this remote and rocky coastline, stroll out onto the Lighthouse Balcony and listen to knowledgeable guides.

Pro tip: When photographing a lighthouse, it’s best to use a wide-angle lens to catch the entire skyline or ocean in the background. Make sure you have a wide enough lens to see all of the action in the shot.

Gibson Steps

Spend some time admiring the view from the limestone cliffs before making your way down Gibson Steps to the beach and soaking soaked with the sea breeze. You’ll feel like an ant compared to the towering Gog and Magog limestone stacks, so take in the breathtaking scenery around you! Straight from the countryside, these stairs lead to the beach.

Also, fret not because modern safety equipment has been installed on the stairs to protect the safety of visitors. The Gibson Steps, like many other sights along the Great Ocean Road, has a long and colourful past. Before descending the 86-chiselled stairs to the beach below, take a minute to appreciate the breathtaking vistas.

12 Apostles

There is nothing quite like this drive to the 12 Apostles’ spectacular cliffs formed out of the sea and its breathtaking vistas of lush and turquoise seas. As you reach the golden sands of Port Campbell, you’ll get a better look at Victoria’s most well-known rock formations.

The granite stacks are known as the 12 Apostles because they tower above the beach. However, despite their title as the “12 Apostles,” just 8 of them remain throughout the years.

Nonetheless, these incredible rock stacks give a striking image of the rough coastline of Victoria. They rise up out of the Southern Ocean to produce a spectacular splendour that needs to be seen to be really appreciated. As a matter of fact, no list of a 3 Days Great Ocean Road itinerary would be complete without visiting the Twelve Apostles.

12 Helicopters

Skip the hassle if you have a budget to spare! Besides the convenience it would bring, riding a helicopter to tour the Great Ocean road promises new horizons to discover and a unique aerial adventure. It is a known fact that the Great Ocean Road may become congested during the high season because of its popularity.

That said, say hello to flying overhead on a thrilling helicopter flight. Witness Australia’s most scenic coastal drives up the sky and land at your lineup of destinations. 

You can make the most out of your 16 minutes tour as it takes you to unique landmarks such as the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch and The Sentinel. Not to mention, the live onboard commentary will surely entertain you and fill you with knowledge.

The Razorback

This location is one of the most visited Great Ocean Road destinations (most especially by photographers!). However, a fair warning is that you should be cautious of strong winds. The weather in this area is continuously shifting.

Besides that, the cliffs in the vicinity are precarious. For that reason, staying on the marked trails is strongly advised. Also, preparing gear and necessities for your trip here will do you good.

For instance, the effect of sea spray is particularly apparent on this site. The high winds prevail in the area. You should bring a towel and a microfiber cloth to keep your lenses clean. Likewise, bring a flashlight if you shoot in the early morning or late evening.

Nevertheless, the view that will welcome you here at the Razorback is worth it. The trail to the Razorback viewpoint divides into a loop. Thus, follow the left fork to get to the best vantage point for sightseeing while you are approaching.

As you spend a few minutes observing the waves smashing against the coast, you will spot another cave growing in the rock face, eventually shaping into a blow hole or perhaps another arch.

Port Campbell Accommodation 

Restaurant Recommendations: Grassroots deli cafe, Forage on the Foreshore, 12 Rocks Cafe and Beach Bar

Hotel Recommendations: NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park, Loch Ard Motor Inn, Sea Foam Villas 

Day Three: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

Welcome to Day Three of our remarkable 3-day Great Ocean Road itinerary. This leg of the adventure will take you through a captivating blend of coastal beauty, enchanting wildlife, and cultural experiences. Prepare to be spellbound as you witness the crashing waves at Logans Beach and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of Port Fairy.

Loch Ard Gorge

The Loch Ard Gorge is another spectacular rock structure along the Great Ocean Road that you must not miss. It is a well-liked rest station along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Located in the Port Campbell National Park and is only three minutes from the iconic Twelve Apostles structure. High-gloss bays and bright blue waters are found in the gorge’s beautiful scenery. 

Inside, Loch Ard Gorge seems to be a peaceful place to be. In most tidal and ocean conditions, the beach may be reached with precaution, thanks to a moderately steep dune. Access to the gorge’s eastern side was also made possible thanks to a walkway built there. There are also various memorials, a small museum, a rest area, and a cemetery where many of those who perished are buried.

London Bridge and The Grotto

Visit London Bridge’s top western or lower easter platforms for a bird’s eye view of the vast Southern Ocean below. London Bridge was formerly a natural archway and tunnel in an impressive offshore rock structure till it collapsed in 1990. 

The eroding water has carved out several coastal features in the region, making it a beautiful place to visit. Rather than being limited to one or two destinations, tourists may stop at spots like The Grotto and enjoy the serene and relaxing ambience while taking in the paths and attractions.

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

As a continuation of the more well-known Port Campbell National Park, the less-frequented Bay of Islands Coastal Park is just as beautiful. Many consider the sunset vista over the Bay of Martyrs to be one of Australia’s most beautiful coastline panoramas. There are fewer people on the island stacks than on any of the Twelve Apostles. Still, it makes the experience even more spectacular if you ask me.

Located between Peterborough and Warrnambool, this 32-kilometre stretch of Victoria’s coast provides breathtaking views of the ocean and various interesting rock formations. There are cliffs and rock piles galore, and the surrounding heathland is bursting with vibrant wildflower displays, so take your time and take it all in.

Whale watching at Logans Beach 

The chance to witness the world’s biggest mammal is irresistible, and you won’t want to pass it up. Logans Beach in Warrnambool is a must-see whilst in the area. The ocean’s view and how the wind hits your face are even more exciting.

Additionally, you’ll be able to gaze out over the city and the port. What could be better than spending a day out in the fresh air and engaging in a pastime you enjoy? 

Specifically, the whales often come within 100 feet of the coast. It is possible to see them from an elevated vantage point in the sand dunes or from the shore. To top it all off, the platform is entirely free to use and accessible at any time.

Griffiths Island Lighthouse Walk, Port Fairy

Port Fairy is a walker’s dream location. This is because the place offers several enjoyable ways to stroll along the rough coastline or the gentle beach. Not to mention, this is one of Victoria’s oldest settlements.

Thus it is rich in history and features vibrant art and music scenes. On top of that, the arrival of the migrating mutton birds, or short-tailed shearwaters, at sundown on Griffith Island is one of Port Fairy’s most stunning summer spectacles. This usually takes place at the end of September every year. 

Moreover, Port Fairy will not disappoint you if you are into photography. Get your camera ready to take beautiful landscape or portrait photos.

You can also have fun while relaxing here. Activities like renting a bike to visit the ancient Port Fairy Lighthouse are a great way to leisurely spend time. You will also love strolling the walking road to the point of Griffiths Island.

With that said, this place has joy in store for everyone; come all year. Not just that, but this place houses the most significant fishing fleets along the coast.

The Wreck

Should you find yourself looking for a thrilling activity, you can head to Wreck Beach for a challenging yet rewarding trek. In detail, the hike to Wreck Beach descends over 350 feet and brings you to the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji anchors. However, take this hike only at low tide and be cautious of high sea surges for your safety. 

This is one of the most in-demand places along the Great Ocean Road, Australia. It houses two famed shipwreck anchors, providing a great picture under appropriate conditions.

In detail, Wreck Beach is accessible through a walking route from a parking space at the end of a dirt trail that splits off Great Ocean Road near Moonlight Head. To reach this destination, the most direct route is via car. 

The ideal time to visit Wreck Beach is when the weather is mild. The chilly and rainy weather might derail any efforts to get some excellent photographs.

On that note, booking your trip here from late spring to early autumn would benefit you. So, to fully capture the beauty of the scenery and the renowned anchors, another tip from photographers is to shoot during sunrise and dusk.

Warrnambool Accommodation

Restaurant Recommendations: Bohemia Cafe and Bar, Clovelly Restaurant and Bar, Hotel Warrnambool Restaurant

Hotel Recommendations: Quest Warrnambool, Lady Bay Resort, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

About the Great Ocean Road

The beautiful Great Ocean Road comprises beaches, rugged cliffs, and steep bluffs bordered by lush green farmlands and rainforests. All locations along the Great Ocean road also feature remarkable vistas. Tourists and locals flock to various destinations here because of the diverse and unique itineraries.

Here, you can surf to your heart’s content and immerse yourself in nature and wildlife. You can also conquer hiking sites and biking routes. To say the least, there is always something fun or fulfilling to do.

More importantly, it is better to be prepared to make the most of your 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary. Have you ever heard of the weather phenomenon in Melbourne? If so, brace yourself that you might experience four seasons in one day during your trip.

I advise that whatever time of year you will be touring the Great Ocean Road, bring the right clothes and necessities. Doing so will help you keep up with the ever-changing weather here.

To make your getaway comfortable and safe for you and your companions, prepare everything from bathing suits to jackets to waterproof or water-resistant clothing. It will be best to bring sunblocks, umbrellas, sunglasses, and first-aid kits as well.

Likewise, since wildlife abounds in the Great Ocean Road destinations, be alert and mindful of their presence. In particular, tourists and locals often spot koalas, kangaroos, etc. So please, drive slowly and safely so you and the animals will not be in harm’s way. 

Getting Around the Great Ocean Road

Before you hit the road on your 3-day Great Ocean Road itinerary, here are a few reminders to help you prepare for your best outdoor adventure. To start off, the Great Ocean Road stretches from Torquay and extends west to Allansford. In detail, it is 243km or 148 miles long. Some even argue that it spans up to the South Australian border.

From the name itself, it mostly follows the coast, passing through renowned places. This includes famed tourist destinations like the Otway Rainforest Canopy and the Great Otway National Park in the middle of the famed Apollo Bay and Princetown. 

Therefore, to fully enjoy and maximise your great ocean road day trip adventure, it is best to hire a car throughout your journey. DiscoverCars will help you find your ideal car at an unbeatable and cheap deal.

What is more, travelling from the Central Business District of Melbourne will take you about 104.5km or 65 miles via personal vehicle or a tour bus. However, depending on the traffic, it would take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Another vital thing to consider is fuel for your vehicle. Be it a campervan, caravan, or car, please note that petrol stations along the Great Ocean Road charge higher rates due to their remote locations.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary FAQs

The Wrap-Up: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Embarking on a 3-day Great Ocean Road itinerary guarantees a memorable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and enchanting wildlife encounters.

From the towering Twelve Apostles to the serene beauty of Warrnambool, this coastal drive will leave you awe-inspired at every turn. Follow our expertly crafted itinerary, allowing ample time for exploration and relaxation, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal routes, the Great Ocean Road.