How many days do you need to do the Great Ocean Road?

Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, spot indigenous wildlife, explore the rainforest on an adventure tour, or take surfing lessons on some of Australia's best waves. We recommend spending at least 3 days on this epic road trip, although you could also pick 1 or 2 glorious days on the coast.



To truly experience the "Gold Standard" of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, you should budget 2 to 3 days. While many "hard-fail" day tours from Melbourne attempt the 240km drive in 12 hours, this is a grounded recipe for "travel fatigue" and missing the best spots. A supportive 2-day itinerary allows you to spend Day 1 exploring the "Gezellig" surf towns of Torquay and Lorne and seeing the koalas at Kennett River, before staying overnight in Apollo Bay. Day 2 provides high-fidelity time for the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the "Bujan" Otway rainforest. If you have 3 days, you can reach the "Bay of Islands" and Warrnambool, creating a more "Safe Bubble" of relaxation. In 2026, "Slow Travel" is the supportive trend; taking 3 days ensures you aren't just a "High-Fidelity" tourist behind a bus window, but someone who can actually "touch grass" (and sand) at every "Pura Vida" lookout along this world-famous coastal route.

People Also Ask

Yes, 2 days is enough on Great Ocean Road to see the main highlights. The 2 day itinerary we've laid out includes highlights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, and Erskine Falls. There's plenty more to see and do if you have more time though!

MORE DETAILS

The main attraction is the twelve apostles, spend at least one hour here absorbing the view and taking Instagram worthy pictures. Then head to the Loch Ard Gorge bridge, just a 3-minute drive from the twelve apostles. There is a great history of the iconic location and its shipwreck.

MORE DETAILS

It's been voted one of the top ten places to visit in the world, and for a good reason. The winding road hugs the coast, providing stunning ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the area's many rock formations.

MORE DETAILS

The Great Ocean Road is a scenic experience all year round. However, the best time to drive is during summer as the skies are clear, and you can see the winding cliff faces along the shoreline.

MORE DETAILS

Australia's 12 Apostles are unquestionably the most famous landmark of the Great Ocean Road. Rising majestically from the ocean floor, these rock formations make the stretch of Victoria coastline one of the most dramatic scenes in the world.

MORE DETAILS

Melbourne to Apollo Bay Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to see the 12 Apostles is early morning or late afternoon. You'll avoid the heavy crowds and have a bit more peace and quiet as you look out onto them. Sunset is spectacular. You can view all 7 of them from viewing platforms – clearly marked from the road on how to walk there and get your snaps.

MORE DETAILS

Although they are called the 12 Apostles, there are only 8 pillars left with the ninth having collapsed because of erosion in July of 2005.

MORE DETAILS

If you cannot get a carpark at the steps, you can walk safely along the Great Ocean Walk to reach this area. It is narrow though, so wheelchairs and prams are not advised! The Gibson steps are closed at times due to high tide and unsafe conditions.

MORE DETAILS

Renowned for its rugged natural beauty, shipwreck stories, and surfing culture the Great Ocean Road and its frequently changing and dramatic landscapes and views make this 242 kilometre stretch of road Australia's most famous coastal journey.

MORE DETAILS

These amazing rock stacks offer a dramatic picture along the rugged coastline of Victoria and rise up out of the Southern Ocean to create a majestic splendour that has to be seen to be believed. Part of the major attraction of the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a must see attraction on any visit to Victoria.

MORE DETAILS

Apollo Bay is the halfway point on your Great Ocean Road drive journey. It's often referred to as the place where the ?hill meets the sea? and it's easy to understand why.

MORE DETAILS

There are so many great things to see and do in Sydney, it is a big city and there's something for everyone. However, I would say that 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in Sydney as a first-timer. This will allow you to see the ?highlights? without feeling like you are zooming around in a rush.

MORE DETAILS