Your ultimate weekend itinerary in the Great Ocean Road.
So you’ve got the weekend to spend in the Great Ocean Road? A weekend is a great amount of time to spend in the Great Ocean Road, because it means you can stop and enjoy seeing the sights along the way.
Here’s our ultimate guide to spending the weekend on the Great Ocean Road, starting from Melbourne. Doing the Great Ocean Road over a weekend is a great idea, because the more time you have, the more you can see!
As it’s the capital of Victoria, most travellers start and end their trip in Melbourne.
Here’s what we would recommend doing from Saturday morning to Sunday…
Saturday: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
On day one, you’ll travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay.
Morning stop: Torquay
Start from Melbourne in the morning and head to Torquay. This is about a 1.5 hour drive. If you need to make a stop along the way, then Geelong is a good halfway point to pick up supplies.
Torquay is the popular surf town at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. It is your perfect introduction and gateway to your road trip. It’s a small bustling surfy town with a chilled, friendly atmosphere filled with locals and holiday makers alike.
Get breakfast and a coffee in Torquay (The Salty Dog serves up a great cup of coffee!) and check out the beach.
If the water is tempting you, then take a dip in the sea (but remember winters can be cold!) Or rent a board and plunge in the water for a surf, if that’s your thing!
If you’d rather stay dry, stroll along the beach in Torquay and soak up your first dose of the Great Ocean Road.
Morning second stop: Bells Beach
Take a quick detour to see this famous surf beach! As one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world, Bells Beach is renowned for its surf culture. This beach is home to a pro annual surf competition (Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach) held on Bells Beach.
As you continue onwards, don’t forget to make a quick stop at Split Point Lighthouse for a photo, and check out the Great Ocean Road Arch!
The Great Ocean Road Arch is an iconic part of the road trip.
Lunchtime stop: Lorne and Erskine Falls
Stop at Lorne for a snack/lunch, and walk around this beachside town. There are an array of different restaurants and eateries where you can stop for lunch in this pretty town. Grab an award-winning steak pie from Grandma Shields’ bakery! Don’t forget to check out Teddy’s Lookout for a fantastic view.
Your road trip wouldn’t be complete without grabbing an Aussie pie – it’s tradition when it comes to Aussie road trips!
Go for a waterfall hike in Erskine Falls to soak up some of the Aussie bushland.
There are plenty of different waterfalls in the area that you can walk around and explore. The ferny rainforests offer some gorgeous natural surroundings filled with beautiful cascades.
There are plenty of hikes which meander around the waterfalls. There are different hikes all around the waterfalls depending on how much you want to hike!
Afternoon stop: Kennett River
When you’re all waterfall’d out, check out Kennett River to spot some wild koalas and parrots. This is one of the best places in Victoria to spot koalas! Take the koala nature trail to spot them relaxing in the eucalyptus trees. No binoculars needed.
Afternoon stop 2: Cape Patton Lookout
For the most stunning bay across the whole Great Ocean Road, be sure to check out the Cape Patton. The vistas on this viewpoint are arguably the best you’ll see on the entire journey, so make sure you bring your camera! If you’re in luck, you might even see whales!
Dinner time: Apollo Bay
Enjoy your dinner in Apollo Bay! There are plenty of delicious restaurants along the seafront in this charming fishing town. Get your seafood fix or head out for a casual meal at one of the town’s local pubs.
If you’ve still got some energy, then head down to the beach for a sunset stroll before heading to bed.
Day 2: Apollo Bay – 12 Apostles
Try and set off early to get ready for your big day of sightseeing!
Morning: Maits Rest
Go for an early morning walk through the pretty rainforest in Maits Rest. This is only a short walk, but you’ll feel immersed in the gorgeous greenery. It is a magical rainforest with pretty ferns and 300-year-old trees. Don’t forget to get a photo with the tree with the huge hole in the trunk!
Morning Second Stop: 12 Apostles
Make a stop at the most famous part of the Great Ocean Road. The 12 Apostles are an iconic set of rocks which stand alone in the middle of the ocean.
They are iconic to the Great Ocean Road, so this is a key stop!
Head to the top of the Gibson Steps for some great views. If the tide/wind allows, you can walk onto the beach and see the rock formations up close. Try and arrive there early if you’re keen to avoid crowds.
Head round to Loch Ard Gorge for a view of the dramatic cliffs from a slightly different angle.
Lunchtime: Port Campbell
There are some lovely eateries and stops you can make in Port Campbell. It is a picturesque seaside town with plenty of restaurants that offer a sea view. Munch on your lunch with a backdrop of the gorgeous scenery, as you tie up your Great Ocean Road trip.
Time to head back to Melbourne! If you’re keen to take a shorter route, the inland road from Port Campbell to Melbourne is far shorter, but less scenic.
Your Great Ocean Road Tour
If you want to spend the weekend on the Great Ocean Road without the hassle of organising, then check out our two-day Great Ocean Road tour! You’ll see all the best bits, without having to touch the wheel.
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.