Many tourists attempt to drive the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne and back in a single day. This is a terrible idea that results in fatigue and rushing through world-class scenery. Dedicating a 2-day weekend to the Torquay-to-Port Campbell stretch transforms a stressful commute into a proper road trip.
Why This Route?
By giving yourself two days, you can afford to stop at the lesser-known lookout points, take a detour into the dense rainforest of the Otway Ranges, and time your arrival at the Twelve Apostles for sunset, rather than mid-day when the tour buses are shoulder-to-shoulder.
Day 1: Torquay to Apollo Bay (approx. 55 miles)
Begin your drive in Torquay, the surf capital of Victoria. The first section of the road is carved directly into the cliffs and winds tightly along the Bass Strait. Stop in Lorne for brunch; it's heavily populated with cafes and cockatoos. As you push on towards Apollo Bay, the road hugs the coastline tightly. There are numerous turnouts—use them. Arrive in Apollo Bay by late afternoon, a perfect coastal town to rest for the night.
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (approx. 60 miles)
Today the scenery shifts dramatically. Leaving Apollo Bay, the road cuts inland away from the coast and winds up into the Great Otway National Park. The environment changes from coastal scrub to towering mountain ash trees and damp fern gullies. Stop at the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk for a quick stretch.
As you emerge from the Otways, you hit the Shipwreck Coast. This is where you'll find the headline acts: the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and finally, the Twelve Apostles. Because you are on a two-day schedule, you can wait out the peak bus crowds and photograph the limestone stacks in the fading evening light before resting in Port Campbell.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- World-class coastal engineering and views.
- High chance of spotting koalas in the wild (Kennett River).
- Diverse scenery: surf beaches, rainforests, and limestone cliffs.
Cons
- Can be extremely crowded on summer weekends.
- Strictly enforced speed limits with hidden cameras.
- The road is winding and can cause motion sickness for passengers.
Practical Information
| Detail | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Go | March to May (Autumn). Stable weather, fewer peak-summer tourists. |
| Vehicle Choice | Any reliable car. The road is fully sealed and well-maintained. |
| Wildlife Warning | Do not drive at dawn or dusk outside of towns due to extreme kangaroo hazard. |
| Return Trip | Take the inland A1 highway back to Melbourne on Sunday for a fast return. |