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Great Ocean Road: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Great Ocean Road curls along Victoria's surf coast, past sleepy beach towns and forests where koalas doze overhead. The build-up matters, because the payoff is the Twelve Apostles rising out of the Southern Ocean spray. Stretch it over lazy days rather than rushing it in one.
Great Ocean Road is a 350 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 3–5 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for March, built from 75 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go
4
days
363 km
distance
6.0 h
driving
17
curated stops
Day 1 Melbourne → Torquay
🌡 12.0–31.9°C · 🌧 ~6 rain days · ☀ 12.3h light
09:00
Bay Trailbeaches & cliffshiking
Enjoy coastal breezes and beachside vibes around Port Phillip Bay.
50 min · Melbourne
09:50
Yarra River Trailhiking
Stroll along the Yarra's calm waters winding through the city.
50 min · Melbourne
10:40
Capital City Trailhiking
Cycle through bustling suburbs and lively city streets.
50 min · Melbourne
Day 2 Lorne → Apollo Bay
🌡 12.1–30.9°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 12.3h light
09:58
Great Otway National Park
Hike through lush, adventurous trails in a scenic park.
50 min · Lorne
11:40
Marriner’s Lookoutbeaches & cliffshiking
Panoramic coastal views await at the town's northern overlook.
50 min · Apollo Bay
12:30
Marriner’s Fallshiking
Discover lush ferns and moss near powerful waterfall cascades.
50 min · Apollo Bay
13:20
Maits Resthiking
Walk through a glowing rainforest and maybe spot rare insects.
50 min · Apollo Bay
14:10
Shelter Cafecoffee & bakes
Savor a hearty breakfast indoors or out at this popular cafe.
60 min · Apollo Bay
Overnight: Apollo Bay
e.g. Eco Beach YHA Apollo Bay · Beachfront Motel and Cottages
Day 3 Port Campbell
🌡 8.3–37.6°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 12.3h light
10:39
Port Campbell National Parkbeaches & cliffs
Marvel at dramatic rock formations and rugged coastal beauty.
90 min · Port Campbell
18:30
12 Rocks Café and Beach Barbeaches & cliffscoffee & bakescraft beer & pubs
Savor meals with panoramic bay views on a spacious deck.
75 min · Port Campbell
Overnight: Port Campbell
e.g. Southern Ocean Motor Inn · The Port O Call, Port Campbell
See the remaining 1 days of the 4-day plan →
Route map
Similar journeys
- Western Australia's Coral Coast — Perth → Exmouth · 7–10 days
- The Red Centre — 1,150 km loop · 5–7 days
- Tasmania Loop — 1,020 km loop · 5–9 days