As the premier southern touring route in the country, most people take between 2-4 days to complete the coastal drive. In doing so they enjoy plenty of iconic Great Ocean Road experiences such as waterfall chasing, wild koala & kangaroo spotting, relaxing on beaches and dining out in cute holiday towns (to name a few!)

While you can drive the Great Ocean Road in a single, very long day trip from Melbourne, it is highly recommended to take three days to truly appreciate the landscape. On a one-day trip, you spend about 8 to 10 hours in a vehicle and only get 15–20 minutes at the major sites like the Twelve Apostles. A three-day itinerary allows for a much better pace: Day 1 can be spent exploring the surf towns like Torquay and seeing the koalas at Kennett River; Day 2 is perfect for the Otway Rainforest and reaching the Apostles at sunset (when the light is best for photos); and Day 3 allows you to continue to the "Bay of Martyrs" and return to Melbourne via the inland highway. In 2026, the road has become even more popular, and traffic can be slow during peak Australian summer (December–January), so having multiple days ensures you aren't rushed and can find parking at the most iconic lookout points without stress.