Updated on October 31, 2026
What to expect: A Virtual tour of the Great Ocean Road
This virtual tour of the Ocean Road aims to provide travelers with an idea of what to expect on a self-drive itinerary of the Great Ocean Road.
Join us on a self-drive trip along Australia’s most famous coastal drive. To discover more of the area, high up in the Otway Ranges, read about the waterfalls and camping areas.
More videos are being created, bookmark our page and please return for more adventures…
Part 1: Melbourne to Lorne
The drive from Melbourne to Geelong is fairly ordinary, nothing too exciting by any means. Once past Geelong, the road heads south towards Torquay, through Aireys Inlet and Anglesea to the famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.
Tip: When you reach the Memorial Arch, drive on past a couple of hundred metres and park. Then walk back along the fabulous beach to the famous sign to snap a few souvenir pics. The beach at this point is often quite empty, apart from crashing surf! Its a lovely spot to have morning tea, but bring your own as no cafes are here, just the raw beauty of the coast line and a small number of homes perched on the other side of the road.
From the memorial arch, the adventure begins, winding around the cliffs of the Otway Ranges with steep drop-offs down to the ocean below. Lorne is an ideal place to stop to stretch your legs and have a snack… or stay overnight as there is plenty to do.
Part 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay
This section of the drive takes approximately an hour, add more time for lookout stops and koala spotting along Grey River Road at Kennett River! A number of decent parking bays are dotted along this stretch, they are ideal for people towing caravans.
Part 3: Apollo Bay to Triplet Falls
Heading up into the Otway Ranges again, passing by the well-known Maits Rest Rainforest walk and the road down to Cape Otway, this section is gorgeous too. There’s only a few Ocean vistas, but the forests and farmlands provide plenty of interest.
For people with the time available, an Otways waterfalls circuit drive from Apollo Bay is a stunning day out!
Part 4: Triplet Falls to the Twelve Apostles
- A New Video is coming!
- 1 hour / 60 kms
- A straight forward drive which passes through more farmland and forest before dipping down to the famous 12 Apostles.
Part 5: Loch Ard Gorge and Walking Trails
Loch Ard Gorge is worth spending a couple of hours to see, walk along the trails and enjoy the rugged coastline, visit the little cemetery and read the history of the Loch Ard shipwreck.
Personally, this area is my favourite section of the Port Campbell National Park. So much to see, plenty of walking trails and less crowds.
New Video coming soon!
Part 6: The Arch, London Bridge & The Grotto
Just past the little fishing village of Port Campbell, the famous ‘London Bridge’, now called London Arch after the span connecting it to the coast collapsed. The Arch and The Grotto are worthy inclusions in this trip.
New Video coming soon!
Bay of Islands
Continuing on beyond Port Campbell, The Bay of Islands is yet another fabulous stop to make. Too far on a day trip, but for people with time on their hands…
Driving Itineraries
- 1-day self-drive trip planner with a PDF download link.
- 2-3 day self-drive trip planner.
- 6-day self-drive planner with time to hike and visit more areas
- Bus tours – day and overnight tours along the Ocean Road by bus, departing from Melbourne or Adelaide.
- Melbourne and Adelaide – 5 Day touring route itinerary.
- Great Ocean Road map of attractions and points of interest.