Setting off along the Great Ocean Road is an adventure not to be missed if you visit Melbourne. If you have the time, take five days to discover the magnificent scenery and diverse landscape of the picturesque coastline whilst indulging in some great food and wine.
On your first day, travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay via Torquay and Lorne. The road between Lorne and Apollo Bay hugs the coastline, with magnificent coastal views on one side and the lush Otway National Park on the other.
After an overnight stay at Apollo Bay, spend the next day travelling to Port Fairy, where your journey starts with a drive through the Otway National Park. Don't forget to stop at the famous 12 Apostles at Port Campbell. Before you reach Port Fairy, you will pass through Warrnambool, where you can explore the southwest coast's maritime history.
At Port Fairy, spend time on your third morning getting to know the charm of this historic fishing village. You can then travel to Halls Gap via Dunkeld, where the roads will take you through some stunning National Parks. After staying overnight in luxury at Halls Gap, Ballarat is only 2 hours away. On arrival, check out the food and wine scene and get to know the story of the Ballarat gold rush at the Sovereign Hill outdoor museum.
On your last day, you will have plenty of time to explore Ballarat in the morning before making your way back to Melbourne. You may wish to make a detour via Hepburn Springs to experience the relaxing spas and mineral springs.
This five-day trip covers approximately 850 kilometres, and along the way, you will have seen many highlights that the southwest coast has to offer.
On your first day, travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay via Torquay and Lorne. The road between Lorne and Apollo Bay hugs the coastline, with magnificent coastal views on one side and the lush Otway National Park on the other.
After an overnight stay at Apollo Bay, spend the next day travelling to Port Fairy, where your journey starts with a drive through the Otway National Park. Don't forget to stop at the famous 12 Apostles at Port Campbell. Before you reach Port Fairy, you will pass through Warrnambool, where you can explore the southwest coast's maritime history.
At Port Fairy, spend time on your third morning getting to know the charm of this historic fishing village. You can then travel to Halls Gap via Dunkeld, where the roads will take you through some stunning National Parks. After staying overnight in luxury at Halls Gap, Ballarat is only 2 hours away. On arrival, check out the food and wine scene and get to know the story of the Ballarat gold rush at the Sovereign Hill outdoor museum.
On your last day, you will have plenty of time to explore Ballarat in the morning before making your way back to Melbourne. You may wish to make a detour via Hepburn Springs to experience the relaxing spas and mineral springs.
This five-day trip covers approximately 850 kilometres, and along the way, you will have seen many highlights that the southwest coast has to offer.
