Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Not sure if you have time for a long journey? Have no fear! The Great Ocean Road is the perfect day adventure!

The simple answer is yes! The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal roads the whole world. Dotted with incredible wildlife, natural wonders, and charming towns, there is truly something for everyone in this Victoria highlight. To experience the diverse attractions of the Great Ocean Road is only just one day can be difficult but not impossible, with many travellers only journeying down the southern coast for a day adventure! Read our tips and tricks on how you can make the most of this one day and get ready for a trip you won’t soon forget.

How you can Travel the Road

By Car

Most of the time, the easiest option when heading to the Great Ocean Road is by driving. The entire trip from Melbourne city to the very start of the road at Torquay takes a couple of hours, and that’s only the beginning! The entire length of the Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometres, and once you factor in spots at the various attractions, the entire journey will take one jam-packed day! However, travellers who aren’t big fans of driving, or enjoy sightseeing while on the road route, may find this day too much. If that’s you, we suggest taking a tour.

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  By Tour

  Taking a tour of the Great Ocean Road can guarantee you a day that’ll be crammed full of iconic attractions and memorable activities. You’ll see the popular sights such as the Twelve Apostles and the towns such as Apollo Bay, but you’ll also get a chance for unique experiences. Travelling through the Otway’s Rainforest or seeing the koalas of Kennett River. Tours can be a great way to see a destination if you are unfamiliar with the region, but it can also be quite an overwhelming day. Starting in the wee hours of the morning and finishing well past dinnertime.

What to See along the Great Ocean Road?

Unique Wildlife

There is an endless amount of flora and fauna within the Great Ocean Road, found in the sandy shores, the lush rainforest, and even along the jagged clifftop. You can see the wonderous rainforest of the Otway’s and see giant fern trees and colourful birdlife littering the greenery. Or you can see the marine life of the region, seeing the little penguins waddling on the beach or the seals diving in the shallow shores.

Natural Wonders

Travellers are drawn to the Great Ocean Road mainly for the natural wonders it houses. Undoubtedly the most popular is the Twelve Apostles, a series of giant limestone stacks burrowed in the shallow shores of the coastline. Travellers can visit this natural attraction in three ways, either on the beachfront, the raised lookout nearby, or via a helicopter to see the stacks from a bird’s eye view.

Charming Towns

The coast is lined with charming beach towns, offering friendly locals and lively restaurants. Folk can stop in these towns for morning tea or lunch, enjoying either a sit-down meal or even fish and chips on the beach for a true Aussie tradition.

Related article: How far is the journey down the Great Ocean Road?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.