7-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

7-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Great Ocean Road

7-day caravanning itinerary - Great Ocean Road

Embark on an unforgettable journey along one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives. This 7-day caravanning itinerary is designed to help you experience the very best of the Great Ocean Road, from the surfing capital of Torquay to the dramatic limestone stacks of the Shipwreck Coast. The itinerary is paced for a relaxed and immersive adventure, allowing ample time to explore charming towns, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks. This guide provides daily plans, activity suggestions, and recommended caravan parks to make your road trip seamless and memorable.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne to Anglesea

  • Route: Melbourne → Torquay → Anglesea
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 125 km
  • Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Your Great Ocean Road adventure begins! After departing from Melbourne, your first stop is Torquay, the official start of this legendary route and Australia's surfing heartland. Spend some time exploring the surf culture before making the short drive to Anglesea to set up camp for the night.

Morning: Depart from Melbourne and travel to Torquay. Afternoon: Arrive in Torquay and visit the National Surfing Museum and Surf City Plaza. Take a walk along the beach and watch the surfers at Bells Beach. Evening: Drive to Anglesea and check into your caravan park. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps spotting kangaroos at the Anglesea Golf Club before settling in.

Accommodation: BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park. This family-friendly park offers excellent facilities, including an adventure playground, and is just a short walk from the beach, making it an ideal first-night stop.

Day 2: Anglesea to Lorne

  • Route: Anglesea → Lorne
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 45 km
  • Driving Time: 1 hour

A short drive today allows for a full day of exploration in and around the picturesque town of Lorne. Nestled between the Otway Ranges and the ocean, Lorne is a vibrant hub known for its stunning natural beauty and artsy vibe.

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Anglesea before making the scenic drive to Lorne. Afternoon: Hike to the beautiful Erskine Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Otways. Afterwards, head to Teddy's Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views. Evening: Settle into your caravan park and then explore Lorne's main street, filled with boutique shops and cafes. Enjoy dinner with a view of the ocean.

Accommodation: Great Ocean Road Parks Lorne. Its prime beachside location provides easy access to the town and its main attractions.

Day 3: Lorne to Apollo Bay

  • Route: Lorne → Apollo Bay
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 45 km
  • Driving Time: 1 hour

Today's journey takes you along one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Ocean Road. The road winds through lush forests and offers stunning coastal views as you make your way to the beautiful seaside town of Apollo Bay.

Morning: After breakfast, continue your drive towards Apollo Bay. Stop at Kennett River for some guaranteed koala spotting in the wild. Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the ancient, cool-temperate rainforest at Maits Rest Rainforest Walk. This 30-minute walk is an enchanting experience. Evening: Arrive in Apollo Bay and check into your holiday park. Take a stroll along the foreshore and consider a fresh seafood dinner.

Accommodation: BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park. Highly recommended by fellow travelers, this park offers stunning ocean views and a range of accommodation options.

Day 4: Apollo Bay to Cape Otway

  • Route: Apollo Bay → Cape Otway
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 50 km
  • Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Today is all about exploring the rugged beauty and maritime history of the Cape Otway region. The drive takes you inland through the heart of the Great Otway National Park.

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning in Apollo Bay before heading towards Cape Otway. Afternoon: Visit the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia's oldest working lighthouse. Climb to the top for incredible views and learn about shipwreck history. Evening: Settle into your unique bush camping experience. Enjoy a campfire under the stars and listen to the sounds of the Australian bush.

Accommodation: Bimbi Park. This family-owned park is a favorite among caravanners for its authentic bush setting and proximity to the Cape.

Day 5: Cape Otway to Port Campbell

  • Route: Cape Otway → Port Campbell
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 90 km
  • Driving Time: 2 hours

Prepare for the most iconic day of your trip as you arrive at the world-famous Shipwreck Coast. This section of the road is home to the majestic Twelve Apostles.

Morning: Depart from Bimbi Park and drive towards Port Campbell National Park. Your first major stop is the Twelve Apostles. Afternoon: Descend the 86 Gibson Steps to walk along the beach. Afterwards, explore the tragic and beautiful Loch Ard Gorge. Evening: Check into your caravan park in Port Campbell. Return to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform for a spectacular sunset.

Accommodation: NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park. Located in the heart of the town, this park is the perfect base for exploring the Shipwreck Coast.

Day 6: Port Campbell National Park Exploration

  • Route: Local exploration
  • Driving Distance: Minimal (<20 km)
  • Driving Time: <1 hour

With a full day dedicated to the Port Campbell area, you can explore the lesser-known but equally stunning natural attractions at a relaxed pace.

Morning: Visit The Grotto, a unique sinkhole-like formation. Then, head to the impressive London Bridge rock formation. Afternoon: Explore The Arch and take a scenic drive along the Bay of Islands. The coastal scenery here is just as spectacular, but with fewer crowds. Evening: Enjoy a final evening in Port Campbell. Consider a celebratory dinner or a relaxed BBQ at the caravan park.

Accommodation: Continue at NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park.

Day 7: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

  • Route: Port Campbell → Warrnambool
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 65 km
  • Driving Time: 1 hour

On the final day, you'll travel to the maritime city of Warrnambool, with a focus on wildlife and history.

Morning: Drive to Warrnambool and head to Logan's Beach Whale Watching Platform (May-Oct for whales). Afternoon: Visit the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcano crater that is a haven for emus, kangaroos, and koalas. Evening: Your official Great Ocean Road itinerary concludes. From here, you can extend your trip or begin your journey back to Melbourne (a 3-hour drive inland).

Accommodation Summary

  • Day 1 (Anglesea): BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park
  • Day 2 (Lorne): Great Ocean Road Parks Lorne
  • Day 3 (Apollo Bay): BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
  • Day 4 (Cape Otway): Bimbi Park
  • Day 5 & 6 (Port Campbell): NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
  • Day 7 (Warrnambool): Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Practical Tips for Your Trip

  • Book in Advance: The Great Ocean Road is extremely popular. Book your caravan park sites well in advance, especially during school holidays and summer.
  • Drive Safely: The road is winding and narrow in sections. Drive to the conditions, use pullover bays to let faster traffic pass, and be vigilant for wildlife.
  • Travel Direction: This itinerary runs from east to west. For the best passenger-side views, consider running the itinerary in reverse.
  • Fuel & Supplies: Stock up in the larger towns like Torquay, Apollo Bay, and Warrnambool, as prices are better.
  • Pack for All Seasons: The weather along the coast can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and sun protection.