Australia has gifted me countless stunning landscapes—from the dusty red centre to the shimmering white sand of the Whitsundays—but nothing quite rivals the sheer cinematic drama of the Great Ocean Road. As a travel writer living in Melbourne, I’ve driven this legendary route more times than I can count. And still, every single time, it stirs something in me: awe, joy, humility. That blend of surf, rainforest, cliffs, and sky is truly unforgettable.
So today, I’m sharing my ultimate one-day self-drive itinerary from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, I promise this guide will help you squeeze the best into one big, glorious day.
🚗 Pre-Departure Planning: What You’ll Need
Start Early: You must hit the road before 6 AM if you want to beat the tour buses and see everything without rushing.
✅ Essentials to Prepare:
- Car hire: Book via DriveNow, Rentalcars.com or JUCY
→ Tip: Get a fuel-efficient vehicle. Look for deals where insurance is bundled. - Offline maps: Download Google Maps for offline use or try HERE WeGo
- Snacks & coffee: I grab mine at a 24h Coles Express before leaving the CBD
- Fuel cost: Approx. AUD \$90–100 for the full round trip
- Distance: Around 550–600 km return
🌅 6:00 AM — Depart Melbourne
Put on your road trip playlist. Melbourne’s skyline fades quickly into green countryside as you head southwest. Once you pass Geelong, the excitement truly begins.
🏄♂️ 7:15 AM — Stop 1: Torquay
📍 ~100km from Melbourne
The first real breath of ocean air on this journey hits as you roll into Torquay—the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and, fittingly, Australia’s surfing capital. You know you’ve arrived when the scenery shifts from farmland to waves, and everyone around seems to carry a surfboard or be wearing boardshorts and sunnies, even in winter.
Despite the early hour, Torquay is already humming. Locals jog along the foreshore path, cafés are open, and the salty breeze brings a sense of freedom that only coastal towns can provide.
🏖️ What To Do:
Bells Beach Lookout
Just a 10-minute drive further south, Bells Beach is a must. Even if you don’t surf (like me), you can’t help but be awed by the sheer drama of the cliffs and the way the waves roll in with purposeful force. This legendary surf break hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, and the energy here is almost spiritual.
I climbed down the wooden stairs and just stood there, watching a few early risers paddling into waves with steely focus. It’s wild, rugged, and beautifully Australian.
Australian National Surfing Museum
Back in Torquay town, this small but well-curated museum surprised me. For just AUD \$12, I wandered through decades of surf history, from vintage boards to wetsuit innovation. They even had a mini theatre playing documentaries on surfing culture. It’s interactive, informative, and a perfect intro to what this coastline is all about.
☕ Breakfast:
After a salty breeze and surf history, it was time to fuel up. The Salty Dog Café sits right by Fisherman’s Beach and has outdoor tables facing the water. I ordered their avocado toast with lemon-dressed rocket, heirloom tomatoes, and dukkah (AUD \$22)—fresh, generous, and full of flavour. Their espresso, made with local beans, was just the jolt I needed to power through the day.
🎁 Souvenir Tip:
Before leaving, swing by the Surf City Plaza outlet strip on Surf Coast Highway. You’ll find heavily discounted Rip Curl, Quiksilver, and Roxy gear. I picked up a classic Rip Curl tee and a trucker cap—authentic, affordable souvenirs that remind me of this iconic starting point every time I wear them.
🌊 8:30 AM — Stop 2: Anglesea & Aireys Inlet
📍 20 minutes from Torquay
Leaving Torquay behind, the road quickly begins to wind. The views become more dramatic, and the eucalyptus forests thicken. As I drove past Anglesea, I nearly kept going—but I’m glad I didn’t.
Anglesea is laid-back and peaceful. Kangaroos are known to graze right on the local golf course, which sounds like an Aussie cliché until you actually see it with your own eyes. I took a quick stop at Anglesea Lookout, and the early morning light made the ocean shimmer like polished glass.
But the real hidden gem? Aireys Inlet, just another 10 minutes down the road. It’s small—blink and you might miss it—but don’t.
🌟 Highlights:
Split Point Lighthouse
This red-capped beauty is iconic. Fans of the old Aussie TV show Round the Twist will instantly recognise it. Even if you’re not nostalgic, the scenery alone is worth the stop. You can join a short 15-minute guided tour for AUD \$10, where you climb to the top and soak in 360-degree views of cliffs, Southern Ocean, and bushland.
I took the lower path to shoot the lighthouse from beneath—trust me, that angle with the white tower piercing the sky and sandstone cliffs in the background? Insta-gold.
There’s also a cute tearoom just near the lighthouse if you fancy a second coffee or snack—Willow’s Tea House. Their scones are rustic and buttery, perfect with a jammy dollop and fresh cream.
🌄 9:15 AM — Stop 3: Lorne
📍 45 minutes from Torquay
Lorne is peaceful, artsy, and surrounded by the lush Otway Ranges.
🥾 What To See:
- Teddy’s Lookout – Just a few minutes from the main street. The sweeping curve of the Great Ocean Road from here looks like a postcard.
- Erskine Falls – 15 minutes inland, in a fern-drenched forest. Free parking. Short walk.
🍩 Morning Snack:
The Bottle of Milk – Lorne’s burger hotspot also does a mean donut and coffee combo. Expect \$15–20.
Quick tip: Fill up your water bottle here—there are clean public taps.
🦐 10:45 AM — Stop 4: Apollo Bay
📍 1 hour from Lorne
Apollo Bay always feels like the soul of the Great Ocean Road. It’s a working fishing town with zero pretension and a whole lot of flavour.
🍽️ Lunch Stop:
Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – Right on the pier. Get the calamari and chips (AUD \$24). Unbeatable.
🌳 Optional Walk:
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – 15 minutes past Apollo Bay.
- 800m loop, flat, serene. Towering myrtle beeches and cool mossy paths. Free entry.
Tip: Bring a raincoat just in case—it’s wetter on this side of the ranges.
🌊 12:30 PM — Stop 5: Cape Otway Lightstation
📍 30 minutes from Apollo Bay
If you love maritime history, this is a must. It’s the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.
🎟️ Entry: AUD \$21.50 (Adults)
- Climb the tower for panoramic views of Bass Strait.
- Explore the keeper’s cottages and WW2 radar bunkers.
Wildlife: I’ve spotted koalas along Lighthouse Road every single time—slow down and look up!
🪨 2:00 PM — Stop 6: 12 Apostles & Port Campbell
📍 ~1 hour from Cape Otway
And here it is—the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road.
📸 Twelve Apostles:
- Location: Just outside Port Campbell
- Cost: Free (national park site)
- Best viewpoint: The main platform + Gibson Steps for ground-level views
- Fun fact: Only 7 of the “apostles” remain, but they’re magnificent.
Activity idea: Helicopter ride with 12 Apostles Helicopters (\$165 per person for 15 minutes)
🧡 3:00 PM — Loch Ard Gorge
📍 5 minutes from 12 Apostles
A site of shipwreck history, towering cliffs, and turquoise water. This might be my favourite stop emotionally. Fewer people, deeper story.
🌊 Why Visit:
- Named after a tragic shipwreck in 1878.
- Paths lead to blowholes, caves, and Tom & Eva Lookout.
Souvenir idea: The tiny local museum in Port Campbell sells books and posters of shipwreck history—great gifts.
🧭 4:00 PM — Return Drive via Colac (Inland Route)
📍 About 3 hours back to Melbourne
After all that beauty, you’ll want a smoother, quicker ride home.
🍽️ Dinner Stop Suggestion:
Fusion Restaurant in Colac (great wood-fired pizza, ~\$25)
Or head straight back and stop in Geelong for a waterfront dinner if you prefer a slightly larger town.
💡 Helpful Tips for First-Time Drivers
🚘 Driving Reminders:
- Drive on the left
- Roads are windy—take breaks to rest
- Fuel up in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell before the inland leg
🕐 Total Timing Breakdown:
| Activity/Stop | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Melbourne → Torquay | 1hr 15min |
| Torquay → Lorne | 45min |
| Lorne → Apollo Bay | 1hr |
| Apollo Bay → 12 Apostles | 1hr 15min |
| Sightseeing stops | 3–4 hours |
| Return via Colac | 3hr |
| TOTAL | ~12–14 hours |
🧳 Booking Platforms I Recommend
🚗 Car Hire:
🏨 Accommodation (if you extend to 2 days):
🍴 Restaurant & Food:
🎟️ Tours & Tickets:
🎁 My Recommended Souvenirs
- Hand-crafted soaps from Lorne
- Surf gear from Torquay
- Koala-themed local honey at Apollo Bay market (weekends only)
- A small print or photo book from 12 Apostles Visitor Centre
❤️One Day, a Lifetime of Memories
Even though I’ve done the Great Ocean Road dozens of times, each trip feels like the first. It’s a road that humbles you, inspires you, and shows you just how wildly beautiful this corner of the world really is.
If you only have one day in Victoria to spare, this self-drive itinerary is my heartfelt recommendation. Pack your curiosity, a charged camera, and a good playlist—and let the road carry you.
