A Guide to Taking a Full-Day Trip Along the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne

Are you looking to indulge in some of Australia’s most stunning coastal views, right here in Melbourne? Then you’ve come to the right place! The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal vistas, boasting captivating views of the productive Southern Ocean coastline and the surf-pounded volcanic cliffs. With its many (650!) twists, turns and bends, it provides an opportunity to explore the wild and rugged coastline on a full-day expedition.

Getting there

The Great Ocean Road starts just south of the sleepy beachside town of Torquay and covers a distance of around 243 kilometres along the southeastern coast of mainland Australia. It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive from Melbourne via the M1, so it’s an easy trip for those looking for an escape from city life.

Road Tripping Along the Great Ocean Road

This full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road covers some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Because you’re dealing with a long journey—it usually takes around 6 to 8 hours—it’s important to plan your stops and sightseeing along the way in advance. Here are a few suggested attractions (depending on your interests) that are definitely worth checking out along this iconic landscape:

The Twelve Apostles

Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, these natural limestone rock formations are among the most visited attractions along the Great Ocean Road. The Towering rock stacks are the perfect backdrop for beautiful photography and the surrounding colony of Australian Fur Seals and Sea Lions provide plenty of entertainment for those interested in marine life.

Port Campbell National Park

Port Campbell National Park is filled with dramatic cliff faces, spectacular rock formations, gorgeous bays and beaches, as well as dense coastal bushland. It’s also home to some of Australia’s most treasured wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos and birds.

Loch Ard Gorge

Named after an 1878 ship wreck, which left only two survivors, Loch Ard Gorge is one of the many beautiful sights situated along the Grand Ocean Road. The gorge is believed by some to be a symbol of hope and new beginnings, and is filled with bathing areas, picturesque walking tracks and high vantage points—all of which offer incredible views of the surrounding rocks and cliffs.

The Otway National Park

If you’re looking for dramatic waterfalls and ancient forests, then The Otway National Park is just for you. This vast rainforest features tall eucalyptus, cypress and melaleuca trees, as well as giant ferns and unusual tree ferns—which all create a stunningly lush atmosphere.

London Bridge

London Bridge is one of the more unique sites that the Great Ocean Road has to offer. It’s an arch formation that was once an island connected to two shorelines via a natural land bridge—until one day, it collapsed!

Know Your Way Around – Map Time

To help you get a better sense of the journey, here is a map that highlights some of the major attractions along the Great Ocean Road:

What About Accommodation Along The Great Ocean Road?

As far as accommodation goes there are plenty of options available along the road, ranging from high-end resorts to camping grounds. The Princetown Caravan Park & Holiday Retreat, which is situated near Port Campbell National Park, offers a variety of options: such as family cabins and self-containment units. Many of these caravans have BBQ facilities as well as full kitchen facilities, so you can rest assured that there’s something to suit every need and budget.

Things to do Along The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road isn’t just about sightseeing – there are plenty of things to do both on shore and under water. Adventure activities such as surfing, diving and kayaking offer plenty of opportunity for thrill-seekers seeking an adrenalin rush. Alternatively visitors can enjoy horseback rides, four-wheel-driving or even helicopter rides for those looking to get off the beaten track.

Best Time to Visit

As with any part of Australia, weather plays a huge role in when it’s best to visit The Great Ocean Road. Generally speaking, the summer months (December-February) are the busiest time but if you’ve missed out on those dates then autumn (March-May) offers equally beautiful scenery but with a little less people. Obviously winter (June-August) can get quite windy so visitors should bear this under consideration when planning their trip.

What About Food?

Melbourne itself may not be known for its food but along The Great Ocean Road, you can find plenty delicious options that offer authentic local delicacies. Many of these restaurants have been around for generations so they make sure that the quality is impeccable. Some of our top picks include: Nelson’s at Aireys Inlet, Manna Café & Bar at Torquay, Melody Seafood Restaurant & Bar at Apollo Bay, Buckley’s Restaurant at Wye River and Seadrift Cafe & Bar at Princetown.

Final Thoughts & Tips

Taking a full-day trip along The Great Ocean Road is definitely a must-do experience while visiting Melbourne. It offers a diverse range of sights: from wild coastal beaches and untamed forests to limestone stacks and ancient shipwrecks—all set against a breathtaking backdrop offering some of Australia’s best offshore views. It definitely pays to plan ahead when visiting as there are plenty of underrated attractions that may not make it into your itinerary!

Finally, why not make your day out extra special by booking an amazing Great Ocean Road tour? With no guesswork and no need to worry about transportation or accommodation costs, it’s definitely worth it to give GetYourGuide a try and book your day out today. Happy travels!