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The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic road trips, stretching along Victoria’s dramatic southern coastline from Melbourne towards Portland.
While the 12 Apostles are the headline attraction, there is so much more to see along the way — from surf beaches and coastal towns to ancient rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and the rugged Shipwreck Coast.
We travelled the Great Ocean Road by motorhome and found that 7–10 days is a great amount of time to experience the route without constantly feeling like you're driving to the next stop.
🗺️ Explore Our Great Ocean Road Map
Use our FREE interactive map to follow our Great Ocean Road route, discover the best places to stop and find our recommended accommodation, attractions, lookouts and food spots.
Click on each location to explore the places we've included and start planning your own Great Ocean Road adventure.
Great Ocean Road - Road Trip Overview
📍 Route: Melbourne → Torquay → Lorne → Apollo Bay → Otways → Peterborough → Port Fairy → Portland
📏 Distance: Approximately 450 km from Melbourne to Portland, depending on stops and scenic detours.
🗓️ Recommended Duration: 7–10 days
🚐 Best For: Motorhome and campervan road trips, coastal scenery, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife and beautiful seaside towns.
☀️ Best Time to Visit: The Great Ocean Road can be explored year-round. Summer offers warmer weather and longer days, while spring and autumn are great for hiking, sightseeing and generally avoiding the busiest summer crowds.
STOP 1: Torquay
(~ 1 Day)
Torquay is the perfect place to begin your Great Ocean Road adventure. Known as one of Australia's surfing capitals, it's home to famous surf beaches, major Australian surf brands, cafés and plenty of coastal scenery. It's also a great place to slow down for your first night before continuing along the Great Ocean Road.
Best Things to Do in torquay
Bells Beach – One of Australia's most famous surf breaks and a must-see if you're visiting the area.
Surf shops & boutiques – Torquay is home to plenty of well-known Australian surf brands, making it a great place to browse for a few road trip essentials.
Torquay beaches & foreshore – Take a walk along the coastline, relax on the beach or watch the surfers before hitting the road.
Australian National Surfing Museum – A great stop if you're interested in Australia's surfing history and culture.
Where to stay in torquay
Torquay has plenty of cafés, bakeries and restaurants, so it's an easy place to grab breakfast, coffee or lunch before continuing along the coast. There are also plenty of supermarkets and shops if you need to stock up.
Stop 2 – Lorne
(~ 1–2 Days)
Torquay → Lorne: approximately 50 km | 1 hour
Lorne is one of the most popular coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road, nestled between beautiful beaches and the lush Otway Ranges. With its relaxed seaside atmosphere, boutique shops, cafés and nearby waterfalls, it's a great place to spend a night or two rather than simply driving through.
The drive from Torquay to Lorne is also one of the most scenic sections of the Great Ocean Road, passing through coastal towns including Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos along the way like below at Devil’s Elbow!
Best Things to Do in lorne
Lorne Beach – A beautiful stretch of coastline right in the centre of town. Perfect for swimming, relaxing on the sand or enjoying a morning walk along the beach.
Lorne Foreshore – Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the ocean views and explore the walking paths around town.
Teddy's Lookout – One of the best viewpoints in Lorne, offering spectacular views across the coastline and the winding Great Ocean Road. It's a fantastic spot for photography.
Lorne's Shops & Boutiques – Wander along Mountjoy Parade, where you'll find local boutiques, surf shops, galleries and plenty of cafés.
Where to Stay in lorne
Lorne has several accommodation options, from beachfront holiday parks to hotels and holiday apartments.
If you're travelling by motorhome or caravan, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park is a convenient option, with several camping areas close to the beach and town centre. It's a great location if you want to leave your vehicle parked and explore Lorne on foot.
👉 Explore accommodation in Lorne
Stop 3 – Apollo Bay
(~2 Days)
Lorne → Apollo Bay: approximately 45 km | 1 hour
Apollo Bay is one of our favourite towns along the Great Ocean Road. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and the lush Otway Ranges, it's a great place to spend a couple of nights exploring the coastline, local shops and nearby rainforest.
Where to Stay – Apollo Bay Holiday Park
We stayed at Apollo Bay Holiday Park, a great base within walking distance of the beach, main street, cafés and harbour. It's a convenient location for exploring the town without having to move your motorhome.
👉 Check accommodation availability in Apollo Bay
Best Things to Do in apollo bay
Apollo Bay Beach – Enjoy a walk along the sandy beach or relax by the ocean.
Apollo Bay Harbour – Wander around the fishing harbour and watch the boats coming and going.
Marriners Lookout – One of the best viewpoints in Apollo Bay, offering panoramic views across the town, coastline and surrounding hills.
Shops & Boutiques – Explore the main street, local shops, cafés and galleries.
Coastal Walks – Enjoy the walking paths along the foreshore and surrounding coastline.
Where to Eat in apollo bay
Apollo Bay Hotel, Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay Hotel – A great spot for a drink and classic pub meal.
Apollo Bay Bakery – One of our must-do food stops! They have a huge selection of pies and pastries, but don't leave without trying their famous scallop pie.
💡 Motorhome Tip – Marriners Lookout
The access road and small car park at Marriners Lookout aren't suitable for larger motorhomes or caravans. You'll need to find suitable parking further away and allow extra time for the uphill walk.
Our Tip: We'd recommend spending at least two nights in Apollo Bay. It's a great place to slow down, explore the coastline and stock up on groceries before heading into the Otways.
Stop 4 – The Otways
(~ 1–2 Days)
Apollo Bay → Otways: approximately 30–50 km depending on your stops
Heading inland from Apollo Bay, you'll enter the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park, one of the most beautiful parts of the Great Ocean Road! With towering trees, giant ferns, waterfalls and scenic walking trails, it's a completely different experience from the coastline.
We'd recommend allowing at least one or two days to explore the main attractions.
Where to Stay – Otways Tourist Park
We stayed at Otways Tourist Park, a convenient base for exploring the rainforest, waterfalls and surrounding attractions. The park offers powered sites, cabins and facilities for motorhome and caravan travellers.
👉 Explore accommodation in the Otways
Best Things to Do in the otways
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – An easy 800 m circuit taking approximately 30 minutes through ancient rainforest, towering trees and giant ferns. One of the best short walks in the Otways.
Otways Redwood Forest – Wander beneath enormous Californian redwood trees surrounded by lush greenery. A beautiful spot for photography and one of our favourite stops in the region.
Hopetoun Falls – An impressive 30-metre waterfall surrounded by dense rainforest. Enjoy the views from the upper lookout or take the steep walk down to the lower viewing area.
Great Otway National Park – Explore more rainforest walks, waterfalls and scenic drives throughout the national park.
Spot Wild Koalas – Keep your eyes up in the trees, particularly around Kennett River, where koalas are often spotted in the surrounding eucalyptus trees.
Cape Otway Lighthouse – Visit Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean. Enjoy spectacular coastal views and learn about the area's maritime history.
The Perch at Lavers Hill
A great spot to stop for lunch while exploring the Otways, with delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful rainforest surroundings. (Tons of mini rainforest walks!) Perfect for a break between visiting the Redwood Forest and nearby waterfalls.
💡 Motorhome Tip
Some roads leading to the Redwood Forest and Hopetoun Falls are narrow, winding and unsealed, with limited parking for larger vehicles. Check road conditions and vehicle access before visiting, particularly if you're travelling in a large motorhome or towing a caravan. ARRIVE EARLY, it gets busy very quickly.
Don't rush through the Otways! The Redwood Forest and Hopetoun Falls are two of the most impressive places along the Great Ocean Road, and we'd definitely recommend making time for both.
Stop 5 – Peterborough & the Shipwreck Coast
(~ 2 Days)
Otways → Peterborough: approximately 100 km | 1 hr 30 mins
The Shipwreck Coast is one of the most spectacular sections of the Great Ocean Road, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, rugged coastline and incredible rock formations. This is where you'll find some of Victoria's most iconic attractions, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Islands.
We'd recommend spending at least two days exploring this section, as there are plenty of scenic lookouts and coastal stops along the way.
Where to Stay – Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
We stayed at Great Ocean Road Tourist Park in Peterborough, a great base for exploring the Shipwreck Coast. Located close to the beach and within easy driving distance of the main attractions, it's a convenient option for motorhomes and caravans.
The park offers powered sites, cabins and useful facilities, making it a comfortable place to stay while exploring the coastline.
👉 Check availability at Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Best Things to Do in peterborough
12 Apostles – The most famous attraction along the Great Ocean Road, with enormous limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Visit at sunrise or sunset for beautiful light and generally fewer crowds.
Loch Ard Gorge – Discover the dramatic cliffs and fascinating history of the Loch Ard shipwreck in 1878. Explore the designated lookouts for incredible views of the coastline.
London Bridge – An impressive limestone formation that was once connected to the mainland before part of the natural bridge collapsed in 1990.
Bay of Islands – One of our favourite sections of the Shipwreck Coast. Often quieter than the 12 Apostles, with equally spectacular limestone formations and coastal viewpoints.
Gibson Steps – Walk down the steep staircase to the beach for a completely different perspective of the towering limestone cliffs and offshore rock stacks. Access depends on weather and sea conditions.
The Grotto – A beautiful natural rock formation featuring a circular opening that frames the ocean beyond.
Bay of Martyrs – A stunning stretch of coastline near Peterborough, with dramatic cliffs, rock formations and fewer crowds than some of the main attractions.
💡 Tip
The Shipwreck Coast attracts very large crowds, particularly around the 12 Apostles, and parking can be limited for larger motorhomes and caravans. We'd recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest periods. You'll also enjoy softer lighting for photos and a more relaxed experience at the lookouts.
Optional Stop – Warrnambool & Deep Blue Hot Springs
Peterborough → Warrnambool: approximately 50 km | 40 minutes
Before reaching Port Fairy, consider stopping in Warrnambool to visit Deep Blue Hot Springs, a geothermal bathing sanctuary with outdoor rock pools, mineral-rich thermal waters and a peaceful coastal setting.
It's a lovely place to relax after several days exploring the Great Ocean Road, particularly if you've been doing lots of hiking and walking.
👉 Explore Deep Blue Hot Springs
Our Tip: Book your bathing session in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Stop 6 – Port Fairy
~ Short Stop
Peterborough → Port Fairy: approximately 70 km | 1 hour
Port Fairy is a charming historic seaside town along the Great Ocean Road, known for its beautiful beaches, heritage buildings and relaxed coastal atmosphere. It's a lovely place to stop for a few hours before continuing towards Portland.
Best Things to Do in port fairy
Griffiths Island – Walk the approximately 3 km loop to the historic lighthouse, with beautiful coastal views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Historic Town Centre – Wander through the streets lined with heritage cottages, boutique shops and cafés. Very cute!
Moyne River & Wharf – Enjoy a scenic walk along the river and watch the fishing boats.
East Beach – A beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a quick coastal walk.
Gibson Steps
Peterborough, Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is about so much more than the 12 Apostles.
From the surf beaches of Torquay, to the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, the ancient rainforest of the Otways, the dramatic Shipwreck Coast and the rugged coastline around Portland, this is a road trip where the journey really is the destination.
Travelling by motorhome makes it even better because you can slow down, stay longer in the places you love and explore at your own pace.
If you can, give yourself 7–10 days for this Melbourne to Portland itinerary. Don't rush it, take the scenic detours, stop when something catches your eye and keep looking up in the Otways — you never know when you'll spot a koala!
Ready to plan your Great Ocean Road adventure?
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Hannah & Sam
Australia Travel Creators & Jayco RV Correspondents
Hi, we’re Hannah & Sam! Australian travel content creators and bloggers sharing road trips, destination guides, and real travel experiences across Australia.
As Jayco RV Correspondents, we travel full-time, exploring life on the road and documenting detailed itineraries, hidden gems, and practical tips through our social channels & blog to help you plan your own adventure!
These are all our honest recommendations and tips, all based on real first-hand experience. We’re here to make planning your next trip easier, more enjoyable, and full of experiences for those chasing adventure and freedom on the road!
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