An iconic spot in Australia, the Great Ocean Road has earned its place as one of the most well-known road trips not only in the country but in the world.

 The Great Ocean Road is a 250km stretch of coastal road that meanders around some of the most gorgeous coastal spots in Australia.

This windy bitumen road curves around some gorgeous white sandy surf beaches and bustling little tourist towns. On a sunny day, your road trip views are painted with endless blue skies, coastal cliffs and a turquoise ocean.

And if you’re visiting Melbourne, it’s possible to experience the beauty of the Great Ocean Road in one day.

Your trip to the Great Ocean Road will involve lots of driving, so make the most of your day trip by planning which places you’ll stop at.

We recommend doing Melbourne or Torquay to the 12 Apostles along the coastal road, and if you’re shorter on time then return via the inland route.

Make sure you wake up early to maximise the full day! Here’s how you can spend a day on the Great Ocean Road.

Must see highlights of the Great Ocean Road

The whole coastal route is about 5 hours of driving in total so anchor your drive with some essential stop-offs.

To do this in one day, it’s a good idea to visit…

  • Torquay

  • Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet

  • Lorne

  • Apollo Bay

  • 12 Apostles

Torquay

If you’re coming from Melbourne, make sure you check out Torquay first! It’s a small little coastal town that has all the essentials you’ll need mid-morning. Grab a coffee and take a quick walk to the beach to drink in some of the views.

Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet

For coastal views from an iconic Aussie lighthouse, check out the coastal landmark of Aireys Inlet – Split Point Lighthouse!

On a good day during whale migration, you might even get to spot whales!

Lorne

A pretty coastal town peppered with cockatoos, and a pier that offers a view of the whole beach from the side.

Pick up an award-winning chunky steak pie from Grandma Shields Bakery.

If you’re making good time, take the 15-minute drive to Erskine Falls carpark and take the 120 steps down to the pretty waterfall below!

Apollo Bay

The bustling little fishing town of Apollo Bay is your gateway to the 12 Apostles! Stop here for a bite to eat before getting to the 12 Apostles.

12 Apostles

Don’t have the resources to do the Great Ocean Road in one day? Get on board with One Stop Adventures and climb aboard our tour bus for a tour that takes you to the Great Ocean Road!

Welcome to one of the main photo points of your trip! The 12 Apostles are perhaps one of the most iconic parts of Victoria. Beige sandstone rock formations jut impressively out of the water, creating memorable rock formations that look as though they’ve been pinched from the NGV art gallery.

Get a snap of the view from the top of Gibson Steps. If the weather permits, take a walk down the steps.

Port Cambell is the nearest town to the 12 Apostles if you’re looking for somewhere for dinner and a place to sleep.

It’s a long drive…

Why not let a tour take care of the driving to see all these must-see spots in Melbourne?