The Great Ocean Road

Leaving Melbourne, you’ll follow the Princes Freeway before joining the Great Ocean Road near Torquay. The journey unfolds with spectacular clifftop drives, sandy surf beaches, and charming coastal towns. By the time you reach Apollo Bay, you’ll be ready to relax in a village that blends sea and forest.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Torquay Beach & Bells Beach – Visit Australia’s surf capital and explore the famous surf shops or watch the action at Bells Beach, known for its dramatic swells. The area is perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in coastal energy.
   
   

2. Lorne & Teddy’s Lookout – Stop in the bustling seaside town of Lorne for lunch and wander the beach. A quick drive up to Teddy’s Lookout rewards you with panoramic views of the sweeping coastline.
   
   

3. Kennett River Koala Spotting – Pull over near Kennett River, where koalas are often spotted dozing in the eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for colourful parrots that will happily greet you.

Where To Stay

Apollo Bay Holiday Park – This beachside spot offers powered sites just minutes from the beach. Facilities are modern, and the location makes it easy to stroll into town for dinner.

This drive takes you deeper into the Otways before emerging onto the dramatic Shipwreck Coast. Expect lush rainforest walks followed by breathtaking coastal rock formations carved by time and tide. By evening, you’ll arrive in Warrnambool, a bustling town known for its maritime history and whale watching.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – Just outside Apollo Bay, step into an enchanting rainforest filled with ancient trees, lush ferns, and boardwalk trails. It’s a short, magical detour that showcases the Otways’ beauty.
   
   

2. The Twelve Apostles – No trip along the Great Ocean Road is complete without visiting this world-famous collection of limestone stacks. Watch as the changing light transforms the sea and cliffs throughout the day.
   
   

3. Loch Ard Gorge – Just minutes from the Apostles, explore this sheltered beach and learn the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck. Towering cliffs and turquoise waters make it one of the coast’s most beautiful stops.
   
   

Where To Stay

Surfside Holiday Park Warrnambool – A second night located right by the beach with powered sites and easy access to the town centre. It’s an ideal base for exploring both the coastline and Warrnambool’s attractions.

Spend a relaxed day uncovering Warrnambool’s blend of culture, history, and natural wonders. From maritime stories to dramatic coastal walks, there’s plenty to keep you busy without needing to drive far. This day offers the chance to recharge while still diving deep into the local atmosphere.

Things To Do in Warrnambool

1. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village – Step back in time at this recreated 19th-century port village. With shipwreck relics and interactive displays, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Victoria’s seafaring past.
   
   

2. Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform – If visiting between June and September, this is one of the best places in Australia to spot southern right whales nursing their calves close to shore. Even outside whale season, the views are stunning.
   
   

3. Thunder Point Coastal Reserve – Take a short walk to this rugged headland for spectacular ocean views and dramatic sunsets. It’s a great place to enjoy the wild power of the Southern Ocean.
   
   

Where To Stay

Surfside Holiday Park Warrnambool – Remain at Surfside Holiday Park, giving you comfort and convenience for a second night. The relaxed setting ensures you’ll be well-rested for the next leg of your journey.

Today’s drive is short but scenic, taking you west along the coast to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to linger in small towns and enjoy coastal detours. Once in Port Fairy, you’ll find historic cottages, a working harbour, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Things To Do In The Park

1. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – Stop at this ancient volcanic crater, now a haven for native wildlife including emus, kangaroos, and koalas. The visitor centre provides cultural insights into the area’s Aboriginal heritage.
   
   

2. Port Fairy Wharf Stroll – Wander along the wharf lined with fishing boats and historic buildings. It’s a perfect place to pick up fresh seafood or simply enjoy the peaceful harbour views.
   
   

3. Griffiths Island Walk – A short nature walk takes you to the Port Fairy Lighthouse and through a colony of shearwater seabirds (seasonal). The scenery is both tranquil and picturesque.

Where To Stay

Gardens Caravan Park – A pleasant holiday park, located near the river and beach. It’s an easy walk into town and offers powered sites surrounded by leafy grounds.

The return journey to Melbourne takes you inland via Hamilton and Ballarat, offering a change of scenery from the coastal roads. Expect open farmland, historic gold rush towns, and opportunities to pause for heritage experiences. By evening, you’ll complete your loop back in Melbourne, filled with memories of the Great Ocean Road.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Hamilton Gallery & Botanic Gardens – Explore art exhibits in the gallery and wander through the gardens designed by William Guilfoyle, curator of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a cultural and natural highlight in one stop.
   
   

2. Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) – Step into Australia’s gold rush era with costumed characters, underground mine tours, and traditional gold panning. It’s one of Victoria’s most immersive historic attractions.
   
   

3. Lake Wendouree (Ballarat) – Stretch your legs around this scenic lake, popular for rowing and birdwatching. Cafés along the waterfront make it a great lunch stop before the final drive.
   
   

Where To Stay

BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park – You may want to return your campervan when you arrive in Melbourne. However, if you’d like a final overnight stop before drop-off, this BIG4 holiday park offers convenient facilities close to the city.

Timing your trip

The best time to drive the Great Ocean Road is between late spring and early autumn (November to April), when the weather is warm, the days are long, and conditions are ideal for swimming, hiking, and sightseeing. In summer (December–February), temperatures along the coast usually sit between 20–30°C, making it the most popular season for beach stops, while autumn (March–April) is slightly cooler and less crowded. 

Winter (June–August) brings cooler weather, with coastal temperatures averaging 10–15°C and crisp winds, but it’s also the prime season for whale watching. Southern right whales migrate close to shore around Warrnambool’s Logan’s Beach from June to September, offering a spectacular natural highlight. Spring (September–October) is mild, with temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F), wildflowers blooming, and fewer crowds, making it another great option if you don’t mind cooler evenings.

To book a Britz campervan today, or let us help answer any campervan related questions, contact us today!