The Complete One-Day Self Drive Guide
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One of the most popular drives in Australia, the return Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne is over 500 km, keep this in mind when planning your touring itinerary. This is our complete guide to driving the Ocean Road in a day, leaving from Melbourne.
How long will the Great Ocean Road drive take?
It’s possible to drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles in about 4.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road – non-stop. That would not be any fun though. Read on to get the best information on driving the Ocean Road route in one day.
See the driving times information below to understand how far the total road trip is and how long it takes to drive between towns and the main attractions.
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| ROUTE | DISTANCE | TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Torquay | 104.5 kilometres/ 65 miles | 90 minutes |
| Torquay to Lorne | 46 kilometres / 28.5 miles | 50 minutes |
| Lorne to Apollo Bay | 47.3 kilometres / 29 miles | 60 minutes |
| Apollo Bay to Lavers Hill | 51.4 kilometres / 32 miles | 50 minutes |
| Lavers Hill to 12 Apostles | 40 kilometres / 25 miles | 45 minutes |
| 12 Apostles to Port Campbell | 11.2 kilometres / 7 miles | 10 minutes |
| Port Campbell to Colac | 77.6 kilometres / 48 miles | 60 minutes |
| Colac to Melbourne | 152 kilometres / 94.5 miles | 2 hours |
| TOTAL TIME | 8 HOURS DRIVING |
What can you expect from this 1-day itinerary?
- Discover how long the Great Ocean Road drive will take with realistic driving times between the best attractions that we recommend you do on a one-day self-drive tour.
- We’ll show you how to see everything possible in a day and get the most out of your trip.
- Find out where the best Great Ocean Road stops are and where to see fabulous views, koalas in the wild, long golden beaches, and more. See our interactive map of 50 things to see and do for even more holiday ideas.
- Discover the best views of the Twelve Apostles and nearby places to visit.
- Get all the information you need to make this drive one of the best road trips you will do in Australia. It is written by a former tour guide with years of experience driving this famous route over one and two days.
Travel tips for the Great Ocean Road Drive
- The Great Ocean Road can be done in a day, by using our suggested tour itinerary you can see as much as possible.
- Please remember that the entire Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne and return is over 500 km’s, on mostly winding, cliff-hugging roads.
- Leave as early as possible – 7 am or earlier from Melbourne is definitely recommended. Seriously, leave early!
- Driving solo may not be ideal unless you are used to long, tiring drives.
- Consider taking a Great Ocean Road bus tour if you only have one day available. We can recommend some excellent small bus tour companies.
- Check sunset times to avoid getting to the 12 Apostles area too late.
- Driving the Ocean Road in the reverse direction may be a good option, perhaps stay overnight in Port Campbell the night before, which is near the 12 Apostles, and start the day trip from there?
- How much time is ideal to see this part of Victoria? It can be done in a day, two days means getting to relax and do more walking although three days (or longer) would provide plenty of time to see and do so much more… If you can stay for more than a day, check out these unique Air BnB properties!
- Fuel- Fill up before you go, though petrol stations and food stops are easy to find along the way, keep the gas tank topped up and you’ll be ok.
- Read about what to see and do at the Twelve Apostles.
Car or Motorhome Rental
Hiring (renting) a car or campervan is a great way to experience any road trip. Find the best rental prices using DriveNow. Vehicles can be hired from the Melbourne Airport, in the city, and in some suburban areas.
Great Ocean Road One Day Tour Itinerary
This suggested one-day self-drive itinerary is based on years of experience driving the Great Ocean Road as a tour guide.
Previously, as an owner-driver of a small 22 seat tour bus, I was able to create a guided tour that took visitors to the absolute best spots over two days, I also did one-day tours and know how exhausting it can be.
It starts from, and returns to, Melbourne but can be easily adapted if you are traveling on elsewhere, such as to Adelaide.
We did this drive, to measure driving times between stops, during the autumn/fall when the sunset was at approximately 8 pm. Please make allowances depending on the time of year you travel.
6.30 am ~ Depart Melbourne
From the Melbourne city center, it is about a 20-minute drive up and over the West Gate Bridge where our timing starts.
This first section of the drive, following Highway One (Australia’s National Highway), is quite straightforward and not especially interesting.
There is a 24 hour BP Petrol Station at Little River which is about 30 mins after crossing the West Gate Bridge. A good place to fill up and grab a snack perhaps.
Keep following Highway One and look for the signs to the Great Ocean Road.
Follow the road (C134) towards Anglesea, we suggest you bypass Torquay on a day trip.
(Torquay is a pretty little town and home to some lovely accommodation, good beaches as well as surf shop outlets and the National Surfing Museum. Bells Beach is close by where the Rip Curl Classic Surf competition is held annually. There is also ‘Narana‘ an award-winning Aboriginal Cultural Centre offering authentic, immersive, cultural experiences).
Visit Torquay if you have more time, on a day trip it is,sadly, best to bypass this town.
Pass Through Anglesea ~ 7.50 am
Angelsea is a sweet little town, a stop here is not recommended on a day trip though, too many miles to cover still.
Soon after Anglesea, the road follows close to the ocean and miles of wonderful beaches can be seen, this region is known as The Surf Coast, for good reason.
Memorial Arch
Arrive – 8.20 am
Depart – 8.40 am
Passing through Aireys Inlet, the long golden surf beaches continue. Look out for the ‘Pole House’ on the right. A concrete structure that has survived bushfires and is available to rent on Stayz for about $600 per night (2-night minimum stay)
Stop by the Memorial Arch to stretch your legs and read the history of the Great Ocean Road construction, take a few minutes to walk down onto the beach.
Parking for long vehicles is a bit limited here, drive a little past the arch to park with long vehicles (beside the road).
After stopping at the Memorial Arch, keep driving up and over the hills where there are a few lookout points and driveways to homes that seemingly disappear over the cliff. This is the start of the dramatic section of the Great Ocean Road.
Lorne
Arrive – 9.00 am
Depart – 9.30 am
Lorne is a favorite day trip haunt for Melbourne residents and has been for many years. Art Deco style buildings, loads of accommodation options, sea baths, safe swimming, surfing and paddle boarding, a great playground, skate park, bbq’s to use as well as loads of cafes and shops.
The Lorne Visitor Centre (on the left as you enter the town and opposite the colorful lady sculptures) is worth a visit to see ‘The Great Ocean Road Story’ – a stunning display of photos and history.
Parking in peak season for long vehicles is difficult, do not try to find parking up behind Lorne as the streets are really steep. The lower parking area opposite the petrol station is the best option.
We have allowed 30 minutes to visit this funky town on a one-day drive. Do not dawdle too long… there is still a long way to go to reach the 12 Apostles!
Could you manage 2 -3 days for this drive? Stay overnight in beautiful Lorne! Walk the trail to the stunning Erskine Falls, swim in the sea baths, or maybe learn to surf… Discover more about what there is to see and do in Lorne…
Teddy’s Lookout
Arrive – 9.35 am
Depart – 9.50 am
Drive through Lorne and turn right at the Lorne Hotel to follow the signs up to Teddy’s Lookout. The view from here is often seen in promotional tourism images.
It is a steep road but vehicles going up have the right of way, so you will not need to stop. Pulling a big caravan up may not be wise.
Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees around this area.
If you have towed a caravan up, maybe park by the phone towers before reaching the lookout and walk the last 100 metres as the turning circle at the end may be crowded.
Return to the Great Ocean Road the same way.
Kennett River Koala Walk
Arrive – 10.30 am
Depart – 11.00 am
Koalas in the wild! Many Australians have never seen a koala in the wild. Kennett River is a tiny little township and is a great place to see our cute koalas, grab a cuppa maybe and feed the birds too. Turn right towards the store and then immediately left up Grey River Road. Watch out for pedestrians, ducks, and birds on the road.
Very often a koala or two may be in the trees at the beginning of the road, park and have a walk to look for them or drive up the road one or two kilometers and look for them in the trees along the way.
Cape Patton Lookout
Arrive – 11.05 am
Depart – 11.10 am
The road continues to wind around the mountainside. Cape Patton is a good place to stop briefly, views along the coast stretch towards Apollo Bay and Cape Otway.
Apollo Bay
Arrive – 11.30 am
Depart – 12.30 pm
Apollo Bay is a relaxing little town. No high buildings, easy parking, a long golden beach, a good information and gift center, playground for kids, loads of cafes, a petrol station, a small supermarket, and plenty of awesome accommodation options.
Depart at 12.30 pm – 20-minute drive to the next stop…
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Arrive – 12.50 pm
Depart – 1.20 pm
Maits Rest is about 20 minutes drive from Apollo Bay, on the left. Well worth stopping here for this really pretty rainforest walk. Very old Beech Myrtle trees, tall tree ferns, and an easy loop walk (no toilets).
After leaving Maits Rest, the road continues through the forest and open farmland before climbing up the Otway Ranges to Lavers Hill.
Lavers Hill
Arrive – 1.50 pm / 5 minute stop if needed
The top of the Otway Ranges. A few shops and a petrol station, the last toilet stop before the 12 Apostles.
Turn left at Lavers Hill to head to the 12 Apostles (turning right takes visitors to some of the waterfalls of the Otways, but there is not enough time to do this on a day trip).
Gibsons Steps
Arrive – 2.40 pm
Depart – 3.10 pm
Just before the Twelve Apostles are Gibson’s Steps. This is one of the best beaches, in my opinion. 88 steps cut into the limestone cliff face, leading down to the beach with stunning views towards two of the famous rock stacks. Not safe to swim.
During storms or high tides, the steps may be closed off but the lookout platform is still worth stopping for.
- Parking is extremely limited at Gibsons Steps. From the nearby 12 Apostles car park it is possible to walk back to Gibsons Steps (about 20 minutes walk) if you have been unable to park, but it will impact on timings for a one day trip.
The Twelve Apostles!
Arrive – 3.15 pm
Depart – 4.00 pm
How long you spend here is, of course, entirely up to you, we have not allowed a lot of time to stop here as there is still more to see. Adding an extra 20 minutes or so if you feel you can, will be ok of course.
It is a very short, 2-minute drive to the 12 Apostles car park. Loads of free parking, plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes. Helicopter scenic flights leave from here and are highly recommended! No booking needed, just rock up.
This is a really busy time of day to be here, but still well worth visiting of course. The walk from the car park takes a couple of minutes to reach the viewing platforms.
Toilets and a basic cafe for drinks etc. The cafe and info center closes at 5 pm, all-year-round, but the viewing area for the 12 Apostles is open 24 hours a day. Dogs are not allowed in the National Park but can be left in vehicles, if safe to do so.
Read more about what to see and do at the 12 Apostles…
Loch Ard Gorge
Arrive – 4.05 pm
Depart – 4.50 pm
Loch Ard Gorge is named after one of the most famous shipwrecks along the coast. Walk to the ‘Razor Back’ formation, follow the shipwreck trail, and head down to Loch Ard Gorge beach.
Leave Loch Ard Gorge by 4.50 pm
Port Campbell
Arrive – 5.00 pm
Depart – It’s up to you!
How much time is spent in Port Campbell is dependent on your schedule, the weather, and the time of the year. It is a nice little town with some good walks around the coast, plenty of accommodation, and even a microbrewery…
During summer, when the daylight is so much longer, you could linger here a little while. If you are returning to Melbourne, check on Google maps what time your return to Melbourne will be and if it means driving in the dark. This is the most hazardous time to travel, especially after already driving hours to get here.
London Bridge, The Arch, and the Grotto
Just past Port Campbell are three more stopping points before retracing your steps back towards Port Campbell and heading home to Melbourne if you are going that way.
It is a 5-minute drive from Port Campbell to ‘The Arch’ then another short distance to see what is left of the famous ‘London Bridge’. Another very quick drive to ‘The Grotto’ which is the last of the sights recommended for a day trip. It is a lot to fit in!
Return towards Port Campbell and follow the signs to Colac, onto Highway One again and back to Melbourne. Use your GPS or maps as the drive is not direct and involves a few turns.
Port Campbell to Melbourne
2 hours 50 minutes / 230 km This is perhaps the hardest part of the Great Ocean Road self-drive day trip.
After a spectacular drive with so much to see, the return trip is long and needs to be broken up with a few stops.
- Port Campbell to Colac involves a few turns, use a navigator if you can as it is not a direct route, but is the shortest.
- Native animals may cross the road at any time, use caution.
- During the days when daylight hours are shorter, it will involve driving in the dark.
Overnight Stay in Port Campbell?
Stay in Port Campbell or nearby and experience the 12 Apostles at sunset/sunrise and maybe walk part of the coastal trail…or experience a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles.
Port Campbell to Warrnambool
For travelers continuing on to Warrnambool and beyond, it is about a 50 minutes / 62 km drive. Passing – The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs.
READ MORE:
- 5-Day Melbourne to Adelaide guide.
- 3-Day Guide to the Ocean Road.
- 6-Day Guide for even more things to do.
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