Great Ocean Road: 6-day local insider itinerary

Looking to experience one of Australia's most iconic coastal drives but want to avoid the tourist crowds? This detailed Great Ocean Road itinerary takes you beyond the typical tourist stops to discover hidden gems, local secrets, and the best times to visit popular attractions crowd-free. Last updated: January 2025

From the world-famous Twelve Apostles to secluded beaches and charming coastal towns, this 6-day adventure combines the highlights of the Great Ocean Road with the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Whether you're chasing epic ocean views, seeking the perfect surf break, or wanting to sample regional wines, this carefully crafted route delivers an unforgettable Victorian road trip experience.

Getting started on your Great Ocean Road adventure is simple with Camplify, Australia's leading van-sharing platform. Just browse our available vans in Melbourne, Geelong, or along The Great Ocean Road, then book without any upfront payment. You'll get comprehensive insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and direct communication with your local van owner who'll provide a thorough handover and insider travel tips. Learn more about how Camplify works and start planning your journey today.

Your 6-day itinerary:

• Day 1 : Melbourne / Geelong to Lorne - Surfing and coastal views

• Day 2 : Lorne to Apollo Bay - Rainforest and lighthouse

• Day 3 : Apollo Bay to Port Campbell - Twelve Apostles

• Day 4 : Port Campbell to Sorrento - Ferry and beaches

• Day 5 : Sorrento to Safety Beach - Wine tasting

• Day 6 : Return to your starting point

Day 1: Melbourne > Torquay > Bells Beach > Lorne

Driving time: 2 hours

Leave the bright lights of Melbourne in your rearview mirror as you skirt Port Phillip Bay and head towards the pretty seaside town of Torquay, the spiritual home of surfing in Australia.

If you’re looking to master the southern breaks on your trip, load up on all the gear you’ll need here, with Surf City Plaza offering a range of outlets to get your adventure started. If the start of the trip has already got you famished, head to Gypsy Burger, where local beers and award-winning burgers can be enjoyed in their outdoor dining area.

The Great Ocean Road officially starts from Torquay , so we want to start out while the sun’s still high to make the most of the epic coastal views heading our way. Before we go too far though, we’re stopping off at one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations, Bells Beach . Bells is the home of the annual Rip Curl Pro, and the large swells here attract surfers from all across the world. Whip your board out or just hop in the water to soak up some rich surfing history as we kick start our adventure.

Once you’ve had your fill of the waves, keep heading down the coast to marvel at the onset of one of our favourite Australian drives. With the highway hugging the hilly coastline, you’re treated to expansive views across the waters on one side, and the impassive might of the high-reaching land on the other. Lorne is our final destination for the day, where we’re resting up for the night at Queens Park Caravan Park on the southern headland of town. The sparkling ocean views as the moon rises is the perfect backdrop to whip up a fabulous first night meal.

Day 2: Lorne > Cape Otway National Park > Apollo Bay

Driving time: 1½ hours

Start the day with a refreshing swim at Lorne Beach , followed by breakfast at The Bottle of Milk - a retro-style café with ocean views. Their renowned coffee and extensive menu will fuel your day's adventures.

In the afternoon, venture inland to explore the majestic Cape Otway National Park. Don't miss:

• Otway Redwoods : Walk among towering Californian redwoods

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: Ancient ferns and towering trees

• Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest mainland lighthouse

End your day at Apollo Bay Holiday Park, just minutes from local restaurants. Don't miss dinner at Apollo Bay Fishermans Co-op for the freshest seafood (closes 7pm)

Day 3: Apollo Bay > Port Campbell

Driving time: 1 ½ hours

We’re up bright and early on our third day to hit the road and make the most of the most famous stretch of the Great Ocean Road as one of Australia’s premier landmarks comes into view, the Twelve Apostles. The road cuts inland after Apollo Bay , spending time amongst the rich green of the Victorian interior, before dipping back to the ocean after Princetown.

Stop off at the Twelve Apostles Viewpoint to take the classic shot of the offshore rock formations. Although there are only 8 still standing, they still offer a momentous view.

Must-see stops:

• Gibson Steps: Descend to the beach for a ground-level view of the limestone stacks

• Loch Ard Gorge: Dramatic shipwreck history and stunning rock formations

• The Grotto: Often overlooked but equally spectacular

Stay at Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, a budget-friendly campsite near town. Enjoy dinner at Port Campbell Hotel while watching the sunset over the harbor.

Day 4: Port Campbell > Sorrento

Driving time: 2½ hours

Start the day right, because we’re doing a little more driving today to head towards the Mornington Peninsula. Grab a coffee and head over the bridge at Port Campbell Creek , where a short hike will take you to an awesome lookout across the waters. With your exercise done for the day, get back behind the wheel, boot up your favourite playlist, and see Victoria from another angle as we head inland to Queenscliff, our jetting off point for the Peninsula.

The car ferry from Queenscliff - Sorrento only takes 45 minutes, and costs $120 for 2 adults with a motorhome or campervan under 6 metres. (Check Searoad Ferries for more info and timings) Spend the afternoon in Point Nepean National Park , a gorgeous spot for a relaxing picnic and a swim at Portsea Surf Beach as the sun sets.

After spending some quality time in nature, head back to the picturesque town of Portsea, a quiet seaside haven where you’ll have only a handful of dinner choices, but you can’t go wrong with the Portsea Hotel. Working our way back down the peninsula to stay the night at Sorrento Foreshore Camping, you’ll wake up only metres from the beach.

Day 5: Sorrento > Flinders > Safety Beach

Driving time: 1 hour

After marvelling at the natural beauty greeting you as you wake, gather your wits about you as we head back up to Portsea for a delicious breakfast at Le Capucin, munching on French pastries on the suspiciously European patio out the front.

Crossing the Peninsula, next we’re checking out Flinders on the southernmost coastline, where the choice is yours of how you’d like to spend your final full day. Hike around Tea Tree Creek , have a well-deserved swim at Cairn Beach , or check out Flinders Blowhole. Or hit all three for a rip-roaring tour of the region.

The Mornington Peninsula is famous for the wines produced in the area, so we’re not going to miss out on visiting at least one vineyard on our trip. Our personal favourite is Montalto, a beautiful winery in Red Hill set amongst a few acres of lush green countryside. Grab a few tasters (you’re driving, remember!) and amble through the sculpture walk around the property, feeling like a very, very cultured person.

Our final night of our road trip will see us cross back over the peninsula to Safety Beach, a quaint little town straddling Port Phillip Bay with views back towards Melbourne. But first we’ll pause for a quick stopover in Dromana Beach for dinner at Zero95, where authentic woodfired pizzas meet authentic Aussie beaches. A match made in heaven.

Finally, head back to Safety Beach to find your home for the night, Halcyon Caravan Park, a 2-minute walk to the water so you can make the most of your last morning of the trip.

Day 6: Safety Beach > Melbourne

Driving time: 1 hour

It’s over already? That’s alright, there’s always next time. This week has only seen us explore a tiny portion of Australia’s countryside , and there’s so much more lying out there waiting to be explored.

As you make the drive back into the Victorian capital, have a think about where’s next. A tropical jaunt through Queensland? An outback adventure through South Australia? Or what about a wild journey across Tasmania? Wherever it’s going to be, you’ll find a Camplify van nearby.