The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives, 240km of coastal road in Victoria. With ocean views, famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and charming coastal towns, it’s on many people’s bucket lists. But the question is—can you do the Great Ocean Road in a day?
What is the Great Ocean Road?
Before we get into the logistics let’s first introduce what makes the Great Ocean Road such a famous piece of road. 243km from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria the road has amazing views, stunning cliffs, ancient forest and famous limestone stacks like the Twelve Apostles.
Drive the Great Ocean Road in a Day
The short answer is yes you can but it will be a long and busy day. The drive itself without stops is 4.5 to 5 hours one way from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles and back via the inland route. But to really enjoy the journey you’ll need to plan your stops and time management carefully.
Pros
- Perfect for time-poor travellers.
- See the main highlights.
- A scenic and fun day trip from Melbourne.
- Experience a famous road with ocean views, lookouts and beaches.
Cons
- Long day of driving (up to 10-12 hours).
- Not enough time to go deep into each attraction.
- Can feel rushed especially in peak season.
- Miss out on hidden gems like Beech Forest and Johanna Beach.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road?
What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road? For most it is during Australian summer (December to February) when the weather is warm and the views are at their best. But spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also great for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Winter (June to August) is dramatic but fewer tourists and can be cold.
The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Depart Melbourne
Get an early start! Leave Melbourne 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM to beat the traffic and make the most of the daylight hours for this epic drive. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, book a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne and let the experts handle the logistics and planning.
First Stop: Torquay & Bells Beach
- Grab a coffee in Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
- Visit Bells Beach, famous for its surfing and coastal cliffs.
Second Stop: Memorial Arch (Great Ocean Road Sign)
- Quick photo op at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.
- 24-hour BP Petrol Station for any last minute needs.
Third Stop: Aireys Inlet & Split Point Lighthouse
- Photo op at Split Point Lighthouse.
- Scenic views over the cliffs.
Fourth Stop: Lorne & Teddy’s Lookout
- Lorne, the beautiful seaside town.
- Teddy’s Lookout for views and photo stops.
- Walk along Market Street and check out the town vibe.
Fifth Stop: Kennett River (Koala Spotting)
- Spot wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees along the Kennett River Koala Walk.
- Snack or coffee at Kafe Koala before moving on.
Sixth Stop: Apollo Bay (Lunch Break & Scenic Walk)
- Lunch at one of the seafood restaurants or bakeries in Apollo Bay.
- If time allow, short walk along Apollo Bay Beach and chill out.
- Explore the nearby surf beaches and scenery.
Seventh Stop: Otway National Park & Rainforest Walk
- Short detour into Otway National Park to walk through the rainforest, ancient trees and mossy trees.
- Rainforest floor and spot native animals among the tree ferns.
Eighth Stop: The Twelve Apostles
- One of the most famous sights in Australia! Look at these limestone stacks.
- Walk the viewing platforms for different views and perspectives.
- Helicopter ride for a once-in-a-lifetime view. The Twelve Apostles during sunset is amazing, the cliffs turn golden.
Ninth Stop: Gibson Steps & Loch Ard Gorge
- Walk down the stone steps to Gibson Beach to see the cliffs up close.
- Loch Ard Gorge, one of the most famous attractions on the Shipwreck Coast.
- Apostles car park and enjoy the views.
Tenth Stop: London Bridge & Port Campbell National Park
- See London Bridge.
- Port Campbell National Park and the coastal views.
- Port Campbell for a quick coffee stop.
Return to Melbourne
- The inland route is back via Colac and the Princes Highway.
- Dinner in Colac before returning to Melbourne.
- Fuel stops at the 24-hour BP Petrol Station.
Tips for a Successful
- Leave early: The more time you have the more time for stops.
- Rent a car: Self-driving gives you the most flexibility on this coastal route.
- Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly along the coast.
- Bring snacks & water: Food options can be limited along the way.
- Stay overnight if you can: If you have extra time stay in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay for a more relaxed experience.
- Look out for native animals: Kangaroos, sleepy koalas and Aussie animals are often spotted along the route.
- Book a helicopter flight: A helicopter scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles is amazing!
- Visit nearby attractions: If you have time check out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy, historic sites and country towns.
Final Verdict
One day is enough to see the highlights but it’s a fast trip. If you have the time a 2-3 day trip allows for more relaxation, more hikes and enjoying the towns and natural habitat. But if one day is all you have this itinerary will get you the most out of your adventure!
FAQ
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
4.5-5 hours one way without stopping but a full day trip will be around 10-12 hours with breaks.
Can I do the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne?
Yes! Many tour operators offer guided tours from Melbourne covering all the highlights.
What’s the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?
Summer (December-February) is the best for warm weather but spring and autumn are less crowded and have nice weather.
Are there wild animals along the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, you can see wild koalas at Kennett River and kangaroos and other native animals along the way.
Is it safe to drive the Great Ocean Road at night?
It’s generally safe but the road is windy and dark in some areas so daylight driving is recommended for the best experience.
