The ultimate Great Ocean Road itinerary: 5 secret stops (and when to visit them)

"I was NOT expecting the Great Ocean Road to have places like this... We literally slept right next to the 12 Apostles!"

The 12 Apostles at 9am: Tour buses. Selfie sticks. Queues for the viewing platform.

The 12 Apostles at 6:30am: Silence. Golden light. Limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean - like they're yours alone.

This is the Great Ocean Road like it was 50 years ago - before the crowds & the chaos.

How? A motorhome unlocks it: the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, sleep where the magic happens, and create adventures hotel-based itineraries can't touch.

But this is just the start. Imagine staying in a free campground beneath a waterfall - in rainforest so ancient it's literally Jurassic. Penguin spotting on remote beaches at twilight. Waking up with kangaroos grazing outside your door - ten minutes from the iconic 12 Apostles.

Most people drive straight past the Great Ocean Road's most magical experiences. Here are 5 you can't miss - and how to do them right.

TL;DR: The essential info for your Great Ocean Road itinerary

• Camp 10 minutes from the 12 Apostles at Princetown Recreation Reserve - arrive before 7am, beat the crowd and see the pinnacles in total serenity. Plus, kangaroos graze outside your van at night.

• Free waterfall campground in the Otways - Beauchamp Falls has clean facilities, campfire rings, and feels like Jurassic Park. The region's best hidden gem.

• Wilson's Prom's viral Skull Rock - speedboat tour through seal colonies to one of Australia's most internet-viral natural wonders. Camp inside the national park to maximise your time.

• See penguins after sunset at London Bridge - skip the sold-out Phillip Island Parade. Stay past twilight and watch them waddle up the beach. Plus five-minute walk to wild koalas at the conservation reserve.

• End at Muteng Hot Springs - hot tubs bathing overlooking the lake with no time limits. Andrea's mother-in-law: "I couldn't have asked for a better ending."

• Find your dream Great Ocean Road RV hire on Camplify - Andrea's motorhome came with a ukulele, wine, fresh bread, and locally-sourced honey. Hiring from a local beats corporate rentals every time.

Meet your Great Ocean Road itinerary guide: Andrea from @Lavidadownunder

After moving from Spain to Australia in 2023, Andrea has thrown herself into every corner of the country for her growing following at @lavidadownunder.

When Andrea's parents-in-law flew in from England, Andrea faced a challenge: how do you pack the Great Ocean Road's most iconic experiences into 10 days - without exhausting everyone or sacrificing comfort?

The answer? A motorhome. But although the flexibility to cover ground and sleep where the magic happens sounded perfect on paper, Andrea's parents weren't immediately sold.

"In the beginning when we said we're thinking of doing a road trip, they were a little bit like, 'Oh, but is it going to be comfortable for us?'"

The reality? "It's the best trip of my life," her mother-in-law declared at the end - proving comfort and adventure aren't opposites.

Follow Andrea on Instagram at @lavidadownunder to stay up to date with more of her travel adventures.

How Great Ocean Road RV hire changes everything

"Most of the places that we saw, unless you do it in a campervan, it's pretty much impossible."

Andrea's biggest challenge? Finding an RV that felt comfortable enough for first-time vanlifers in their sixties, yet compact enough to go anywhere.

"What I love about Camplify is that flexibility - you can really choose from an incredible range of vehicles," Andrea explains.

Out of the 11,000 custom vans available to hire on Camplify in Australia, Andrea chose this 5-berth Toyota Camroad motorhome that hit the sweet spot perfectly.

"We wanted to make sure we got a van that was comfortable enough for my parents, but also that it wasn't so big that it would constrain the places we were able to go to - or make it difficult to park," Andrea notes.

The result? "This motorhome was perfect… the local owners had really decorated it, and it even had a ukulele - which was funny because my family love playing."

That's the Camplify difference. You're not collecting a cookie-cutter rental van from a depot. You're borrowing someone's lovingly-curated home on wheels - often with thoughtful touches commercial fleets could never provide. Andrea's owners went further: "They left us wine, fresh bread, locally-sourced honey… it felt like someone's home, not a rental."

The 5 stops that feel like secrets

Stop 1: Princetown Recreation Reserve → The 12 Apostles (before the world wakes up)

Everyone sees the 12 Apostles. Almost nobody sees them like this.

"It was magical," Andrea says simply. "It's more than what I expected. You see the pictures and it looks amazing, but the feeling of being there is just huge."

The secret isn't the destination - it's the timing and positioning. Princetown Recreation Reserve sits just 10 minutes from the 12 Apostles viewing platform. Book a powered site, and you've just unlocked what tour groups from Melbourne can never access: sunrise without crowds.

"We literally slept right next to the 12 Apostles," Andrea explains. "We got there at sunrise and it was just us."

Compare that to mid-morning: "We came back later because we had a surprise for my brothers-in-law - we did a plane flyover to see that part of the coast. And it was packed." She laughs. "I was like, 'Oh god - I'm so glad we did it at sunrise.'"

Kangaroos, lakeside views & powered sites - just a 10 minute drive from the iconic 12 Apostles? Say less!

The bonus? "I'm obsessed with kangaroos," Andrea admits. "And the best part is there's plenty of kangaroos at the campsite… you're literally parked in front of them."

Don't miss: Arrive at the viewing platform just before sunrise. The light hits differently in those early minutes - golden, soft, transforming the limestone stacks from tourist icons into something primordial. Stay through the golden hour, then return to your van for breakfast while tour buses start rolling in around 9am.

Van advantage: Hotels in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell are 30-45 minutes away. From Princetown? You wake up, brush your teeth, and you're standing at one of the world's natural wonders before your coffee gets cold.

Stop 2: London Bridge - Penguins after sunset (no ticket required)

Beautiful during the day, the London Bridge arch comes alive with penguins after dark.

Andrea's original plan was the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. She went to book months ahead. Still sold out.

"I didn't know it would be that fully booked," she admits. "I think this time of year, if you want to do that activity, you need to book the year before."

Disappointed? Only until she discovered London Bridge - just 10 minutes down the road from the 12 Apostles.

"You can see penguins right here as well," Andrea reveals. "At London Bridge, if you go for sunset - you can see penguins walking back to their little burrows. It's so cute."

The beach is protected, so no one can walk on it. But from the viewing area above, you watch little penguins emerge from the surf as twilight deepens. They waddle up the sand, shaking off seawater, heading back to their burrows after a day of fishing.

Zero crowds. Zero tickets. Just patience and the right timing.

Hang around for dusk - and you might spot the locals.

Unlike the Phillip Island Penguin Parade with its grandstands and pre-booked time slots, London Bridge offers something more intimate. You're witnessing a completely natural wildlife moment - the penguins have no idea you're watching. The viewing platform sits high enough that you don't disturb them, but close enough to see their little waddles and hear the ocean breaking below.

Don't miss: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim your spot at the viewing area. The penguins start emerging about 15-30 minutes after sunset as the light fades. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warm - the coastal wind picks up at twilight. Stay at least 45 minutes after sunset for the full show.

Van advantage: London Bridge is only 10 minutes from Princetown campground. You can watch sunrise at the 12 Apostles in the morning, explore the coast during the day, then return for sunset penguins - all from the same base. Hotels in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay can't offer this level of flexibility.

Stop 3: Beauchamp Falls & the Otways Forest - Where Australia becomes Jurassic Park

Although the grandeur of the 12 Apostles took Andrea's breath away - it was the Otways which proved to be her favorite part of the entire road trip.

A free camp in ancient rainforest, steps from a waterfall that looks hand-painted. No bookings. No crowds. Just moss-covered trees, the rush of falling water, and campfire rings ready to light.

"It feels like you are in Jurassic Park," she explains, still marveling. "You have the incredible vegetation all around, and then you have the waterfall. It just looked like it's been painted."

The walk to Beauchamp Falls itself is spectacular - ancient beech forest that feels untouched by time. But the real secret? The free camp at the trailhead.

"It's one of the best campsites we've ever seen - even better than some of the ones we paid for," Andrea notes. "Toilets were super clean. It didn't have showers - but hey, because we had a motorhome with a shower, it was all sorted."

This is where the magic happens - the kind that only exists when strangers become neighbors.

"We spent the whole day there," Andrea recalls, "and became friends with a girl doing a solo road trip from Melbourne. She also had a campervan and a lot of firewood - so gave us some for our own campfire."

Beauchamp Falls Campground - one of Victoria's best free camps & a true hidden gem.

Andrea's family did what they love most: "My family-in-law love singing and playing the guitar." So as the stars came out, they pulled close around the fire - guitars strumming, voices rising through ancient trees, the road delivering exactly what you didn't know you needed.

Don't miss: The walk down to Beauchamp Falls takes about 20 minutes through beech forest cathedral-like in its stillness. Go midday when dappled light filters through the canopy. Swimming beneath the falls is cold but glorious on warm days.

Van advantage: Andrea's Toyota Camroad had rooftop access. "For sunset, we just went up to the roof and watched it for a little bit. It was great."

Stop 4: Wilson's Promontory - "Absolutely spectacular"

Home to some of Australia's most internet-viral attractions, Wilson's Prom rivals Australia's best coastlines.

Andrea makes it clear: although most Great Ocean Road itineraries miss it - it's a must visit.

"100% - if you haven't been, do it, because it's spectacular," she insists. "It really reminded me a lot of the coastline of Esperance."

Sprawling across Victoria's southernmost peninsula, Wilson's Promontory National Park is a beach-lover's dream: with everything from dramatic coastal hikes to wildlife encounters that feel unscripted. "There's one particular trail that is incredible - the short hike to the top of Mount Oberon. It's spectacular."

But Andrea's highlight? Skull Rock - one of Australia's most shared attractions on social media, capturing the fascination of thousands around the globe.

A speedboat tour of Australia's most viral ocean site: Skull Rock is essential for Great Ocean Road itineraries. Video by @lavidadownunder

"There's this boat cruise - it's quite fun because it's also a speedboat," she explains. "They take you through all these little islands covered in seal colonies. And then they take you to see this massive rock that looks like a skull. It's huge, and very cool."

The boat tour departs from Tidal River and navigates to one of the southeasternmost points of mainland Australia, weaving through islands that feel primordial - all granite and spray and seabirds wheeling overhead.

Don't miss: Plan the Mount Oberon hike for late afternoon. The 3.5km return climb is manageable but rewarding - 360-degree views across islands, beaches, and granite headlands. For the Skull Rock cruise, morning departures offer calmer seas.

Van advantage: "You have to drive quite a lot to get to the different key spots," Andrea notes. "There's campsites within the national park, so if you can stay there, definitely the best. Otherwise, it's pretty much impossible - or you'd have to do just a day trip."

Stop 5: The Phillip Island detour - Koalas you'll want to take home

Phillip Island delivered another surprise: wild koalas, five minutes from Andrea's campsite.

"There's a great reserve you can visit," Andrea explains. "I don't like going to places that feel like zoos. I like seeing animals in the wild. But here, it's literally like they are in the wild."

The reserve exists because koala populations are declining. Rangers monitor the colony, but the koalas roam freely through eucalyptus groves. "It was very close to our campsite at Park Lane Phillip Island. Five minutes walking, literally."

Don't miss: For London Bridge penguins, arrive 30 minutes before sunset and stay 45 minutes after. Bring binoculars - the viewing area sits above the beach. For the reserve, early morning offers the best chance of spotting koalas actively feeding rather than sleeping.

Van advantage: Both experiences require specific timing that doesn't work from Melbourne day trips. Camping on Phillip Island means you can chase sunset penguins, wake up for koala spotting, and move at nature's rhythm instead of checkout times.

Bonus stop: Metung Hot Springs - The perfect ending

After days of hiking, wildlife spotting, and sleeping in a different place each night, Andrea knew her family needed one thing: recovery.

"I just thought it would be a great end to the holidays - just relax a little bit with my parents-in-law, my brothers-in-law, before we started the trip back to Sydney," she explains.

Metung Hot Springs sits in Victoria's High Country, a landscape of rolling hills and moody lakes. "They have these cute barrels overlooking the lake that is beautiful," Andrea describes. "We went on a bit of a moody day, but still it was amazing."

The setup is perfect for road-trippers: pay an entrance fee, then stay as long as you want. No time limits, no additional charges. Just mineral-rich thermal pools and mountain views that shift with the weather.

"Everyone loved that," Andrea says. "My mother-in-law was saying, 'I couldn't have asked for a better ending.'"

Don't miss: Book the barrel tubs if you can - they're private, overlook the lake, and hold 2-4 people. If they're booked, the main thermal pools are still excellent. Go midweek to avoid crowds, and plan for at least 3-4 hours to properly unwind.

Van advantage: Metung sits about 90 minutes from Melbourne, making it an awkward stop for anyone on a tight hotel-checkout schedule. With a campervan? It's a leisurely morning soak before the drive home. No rush, no stress.

Creating your Great Ocean Road itinerary: Andrea's insider tips

How long do you need to road trip the Great Ocean Road?

"A couple of days minimum," says Andrea, though she wishes they'd had more. "I always come back with the same feeling, thinking, 'Oh, I wish we'd spent another couple of weeks road-tripping and just spending more time in each of the sites.'"

Her recommendation: Budget 4-5 days minimum for the route from Melbourne through the 12 Apostles & the Otways. For the full route including Wilson's Prom and Phillip Island, she'd recommend closer to 10 days. This gives you time to actually be in places, not just see them.

When to visit the Great Ocean Road?

Andrea went over the Australian summer holidays (late December/early January). The weather was "very, very nice" - though she noted some campsites in Victoria book out well in advance during this peak period.

"For Victoria, especially this time of year, if you're the kind of personality that prefers to have everything planned, maybe better to book in advance just for peace of mind," she advises. Spring or autumn would offer similar weather with fewer crowds.

Ready to create your own Great Ocean Road itinerary?

Andrea's Toyota Camroad - complete with rooftop access, solar panels, and yes, that ukulele - is available to book on Camplify: View Andrea's Van

Or browse hundreds of locally-owned RV's in Melbourne perfect for a Great Ocean Road itinerary, from couples' adventure rigs to family-friendly motorhomes with all the comforts of home.

The 12 Apostles at sunrise are waiting. So are waterfalls that look painted, penguins waddling up moonlit beaches, and koalas dozing in branches just minutes from your bed.

The only question: which secret will you discover first?

More Victoria road trip inspiration

Planning a Victorian adventure? These guides will help:

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