Hop in for a ripper 5-day drive along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, a 150-mile stretch from Torquay to Allansford that’s all about epic cliffs, surf beaches, and the famous Twelve Apostles. You’ll cruise through rainforests, spot koalas, and chow down at local joints. It’s a proper coastal adventure with views that’ll knock your thongs off. Here’s the plan, with wildlife tips and walks to keep you stoked.
Day 1: Torquay to Lorne
Kick off in Torquay, the surf capital, just 60 miles from Melbourne. Grab a coffee and a brekkie roll at a local café—bacon and egg’s the go. Hit the road west on the Great Ocean Road (B100), a 30-mile jaunt to Lorne. Stop at Bells Beach for a peek at where pro surfers shred. No need to paddle out; just soak in the vibe.
In Lorne, take a 2-mile walk to Erskine Falls, a waterfall tucked in lush forest. It’s an easy trail, but the steps can be slippery, so watch your step. For wildlife, swing by Kennett River—koalas hang out in the eucalyptus trees along Grey River Road. Look up and move slow; they’re sleepy buggers. Grab fish and chips at a Lorne takeaway for dinner—nothing beats eating by the beach. Camp at Cumberland River Holiday Park; it’s got showers and river views.
Pro tip: Book campsites early, especially in summer—this stretch gets chockers.
Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay
Drive 28 miles to Apollo Bay, a chill coastal town. Stop at Teddy’s Lookout for a quick 10-minute walk to a clifftop view—ocean and forest in one hit. If you’re keen for a longer walk, try the Great Otway National Park’s Mait’s Rest trail, a 1-mile rainforest loop with giant ferns and glow worms if you linger till dusk.
Apollo Bay’s great for a swim—Marengo Beach is calm and family-friendly. Keep an eye out for seals bobbing offshore. For lunch, hit a local bakery for a meat pie or sausage roll—classic Aussie tucker. Camp at Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve; it’s got decent facilities and is close to town. If you’re not cooking, try seafood chowder at a pub for dinner.
Oops: Forgot to mention, the road’s narrow in spots—watch for tour buses hogging the lane.
Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Head 60 miles west to Port Campbell, the heart of the Twelve Apostles region. Stop at Cape Otway Lightstation for a dose of history and a chance to spot whales (May-Sep) from the lookout. The 3-mile Otway Fly Treetop Walk is nearby—cool if you wanna stroll above the rainforest canopy, but it’s a bit pricey.
Hit the Twelve Apostles at sunset; those limestone stacks glowing orange are unreal. The viewing platform’s right off the road, no hiking needed. If you’ve got time, walk the 2-mile Gibson Steps trail to get down to the beach for a closer look. Camp at Port Campbell Holiday Park; it’s got hot showers and BBQs. Grab dinner at a local café—think grilled barramundi or a parma (chicken schnitzel with sauce).
Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool
Drive 40 miles to Warrnambool, stopping at the Shipwreck Coast’s highlights. Check out Loch Ard Gorge, where a shipwreck story adds drama to the cliffs—1-mile loop trail gives you all the angles. The Arch and London Bridge (another rock formation, not the UK one) are quick stops nearby, each with short walks under a mile.
In Warrnambool, visit Logan’s Beach for whale watching (Jun-Oct); southern right whales come super close to shore. If you’re up for a walk, the 3-mile Foreshore Promenade’s a chill way to see the coast. Dinner’s at a local pub—try a steak with pepper sauce, washed down with a cold beer. Camp at Warrnambool Holiday Park; it’s got good facilities and ocean breezes.
Pro tip: Gas up in Apollo Bay; stations are thin on the ground after Port Campbell.
Day 5: Warrnambool to Allansford and Backtrack
Finish the route with a short 8-mile drive to Allansford, the official end of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Childers Cove for a hidden beach—quiet, with cool rock formations. It’s a short 10-minute walk from the carpark. If you’re into cheese, swing by a local dairy for tastings—cheddar’s their thing.
Backtrack to Melbourne (160 miles) or stay in Warrnambool for one more night if you’re not rushed. If heading back, stop in Colac for a quick coffee and a 1-mile walk around Lake Colac to stretch your legs. Drop the car in Melbourne and hit a city pub for a farewell burger—add beetroot, it’s the Aussie way.
Wildlife Spotting Tips
Koalas: Best at Kennett River or Cape Otway. Look high in eucalyptus trees at dawn or dusk; bring binoculars.
Whales: Logan’s Beach (Warrnambool) or Cape Otway in winter months. Check from lookouts; no boat needed.
Birds: Otway rainforests are full of parrots and cockatoos. Early mornings are best—listen for their squawks.
Seals: Marengo Beach or Twelve Apostles coastal areas. Don’t get too close; they’re wild and grumpy.
Practical Tips
Car Rental: A standard car’s fine—Toyota Corolla or similar. 4WD’s overkill unless you’re detouring off-road. Get full insurance for peace of mind; kangaroos can jump out.
Budget: Plan $60-100/day for fuel, food, and campsites. Cooking saves cash—bring a cooler for snags and veggies. Eateries are pricey near tourist spots.
Camping: Sites fill up fast in summer (Dec-Feb). Pack a sturdy tent; coastal winds are no joke. Most camps have BBQs and showers, but bring coins for hot water.
Driving: The road’s twisty but sealed. Watch for cyclists and roos, especially at dawn/dusk. Speed limit’s 80 km/h max in most spots—cops are keen.
Traveler’s Tale
Did this trip with my partner last winter, and it was a bloody cracker. Spotting koalas at Kennett River felt like finding treasure—they’re so chill, just munching away. The Twelve Apostles at sunset were magic, though we got soaked by a random rain squall. Best feed was a fish and chips night in Apollo Bay, eating on the beach with seagulls eyeing our chips. The Great Ocean Road’s like a love letter to the coast—pack a raincoat and go for it.