Ready for a 2-day adventure along the Great Ocean Road? For a weekend full of natural beauty and sightseeing, check out this two-day itinerary!
Whether you’re into surfing, great wine, food, coastal views, or hiking (or all of the above), there are plenty of places you can go and see on the Great Ocean Road!
Ready for a 2-day adventure along the Great Ocean Road?
If you’re driving from Melbourne to Port Cambell, we reocmmend going the inland route. The drive there is about 3 hours inland. The return drive is about 5 hours, but you will be doing lots of stops along the way – and this is where all the best scenic bits happen!
Here’s your ultimate two-day itinerary if you are heading from Melbourne to Port Campbell on a loop circuit trip. Our itinerary covers all the best highlights of the trip, such as the 12 Apostles, the surfy coastal towns, Split Point Lighthouse, and the Great Otway National Park.
We’d recommend starting the trip from Port Campbell. If you’re coming from Melbourne, you can take the inland drive to Port Campbell, which takes around 2.5 hours. Then you can enjoy the beauty of the Great Ocean Road as you make your return from Melbourne.
Day 1: 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park
A morning in Port Campbell
Begin your big adventure in Port Campbell! Enjoy a morning in Port Campbell before your big day of sightseeing. Grab a coffee from one of the local cafes and soak up the views of the ocean from the Port Campbell Public Park Memorial Ground – view the rugged cliff tops from Prady’s Lookout.
Loch Ard Gorge
After you’ve been to Port Campbell, head over to Loch Ard Gorge to see some fascinating natural scenery to start your day off right. If you get there early enough, you will avoid the crowds!
12 Apostles
Then, head over to the 12 Apostles. If the weather permits, take a walk down the Gibson Steps and stroll along the beach to enjoy the sandstone stacks up close.
Spend a bit of time at the 12 Apostles and soak up the gorgeous, rugged scenery. There are some great scenic walks around the 12 Apostles! Stay around 2-3 hours for a good look at this natural scenery up close.
An afternoon in the Great Otway National Park
The Great Otways National Park is a great spot for hiking, birdwatching and immersing yourself in nature. If you feel like seeing some classic Aussie flora and fauna, venture into the Great Otway National Park. You can even spot Californian Redwood Trees towering over the ferns!
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Head over to the southern point of Cape Otway Lighthouse to see the oldest lighthouse in Australia! This lighthouse is truly impressive, and you won’t be disappointed with this incredible view of the dramatic cliffs.
Apollo Bay
End your first day in Apollo Bay and stay overnight in this cute fishing town. Grab dinner from one of Apollo Bay’s many eateries.
If you’ve been blessed with great weather, then you might catch a sunset at Apollo Bay.
Day 2: Apollo Bay, Airey’s Inlet, Lorne, Torquay, Melbourne
Start your morning off in Apollo Bay and get yourself started with a relaxing walk around Apollo Bay. It’s a very picturesque little town with heaps of character.
Aireys Inlet
Head over to Aireys Inlet to sample the views of the iconic Split Point Lighthouse. Here you’ll be able to see some of the best views of the Great Ocean Road. The Split Point Lighthouse is well known in Australia thanks to the iconic kids’ TV show ‘Round the Twist.’
Lorne
Head to Lorne and explore the pretty beach here. The town is populated with tourists, surfers and locals! With pretty beachside restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops and a large stretch of grass that stretches out beside the ocean, you won’t be short on outdoor space to relax.
Don’t forget to visit the Memorial Arch and snap a photo with the gorgeous scenery in the background!
Torquay
Check out the pretty coastal town of Torquay! Explore this chilled, laid-back town. Take a dip in the ocean if the weather permits, or get yourself a surf lesson! If you have time, check out Bells Beach along the way to see the annual famous Rip Curl competition.
Melbourne
Head back to Melbourne at the end of your trip! The journey from Torquay to Melbourne isn’t too long, and there are a few different lookout points dotted along the way, so you can break up your journey. Go back through Geelong, and you can be back in the CBD quickly.
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.