Great Ocean Road Trip: Marvelous Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles and Port Fairy

Difficulty

879 km/ 547 miles km

Distance

7

Recom. Days

Adventure

Trip type

Renata Almeida
Renata Almeida

Having lived in 3 continets already, Renata is passionate about travelling and loves creating unique iteneraries.

Great Ocean Road Trip

Pick-up in
Melbourne Pick-up Center
1

Stop One: Cosmopolitan Melbourne

Your journey begins in Melbourne. Many know it as the capital of Victoria, but we think it’s also earned the title of “Brunch Capital of Australia.” There are dozens of waterfront cafes, vegan restaurants, and eclectic eateries with one-of-a-kind menus worth trying. 

Melbourne

Wandering the streets is an adventure in and of itself. Whether you enjoy exploring the nightlife scene, window shopping, or relaxing in landscaped parks, Melbourne is a scenic city perfect for jumpstarting your Australian journey to the Great Ocean Road

Visiting

Melbourne

2

Recom. Days

Main route

17km

from Melbourne Pick-up Center

25min

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Explore 38 hectares of blossoming flowers, centuries-old trees, and river views.

Melbourne Skydeck

Enjoy sweeping city views from atop the Eureka Tower, stretching 300 meters into the sky.

Shop on Chapel Street

Shop until you drop on Chapel Street. Here, you’ll find vintage stores, eclectic boutiques and some of the trendiest designer outlets you’ll ever get to visit.

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Stay at

Yarra Bend Campground

$$

This campground along the Yarra River is perfect for fishing, biking on lush natural trails, and enjoying the great outdoors just beyond the city. Includes flushing toilets, showers, and onsite laundry facilities. Prices per night range from $39 to $70.

Lakeside Tourist Park

Enjoy fresh water swims, fishing, and boating with amenities like flushing toilets, showers, onsite laundry, and even a fully-equipped campground kitchen. Prices range from $30 to $55 per night.

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Park

Immerse yourself in the Dandenong Ranges, a 49-minute drive from central Melbourne. Hike or bike the forest trails, or visit the Mount Dandenong Observatory for amazing views of plants, wildlife, and the city’s skyline. Prices start at $35 and go up to $65 per night.

Parking

Melbourne Central Car Park

RV parking is best booked in advance due to limited availability. Rates begin at $35/night.

Flinders Gate Car Park

Next to Flinders Gate Station, this car park starts at $36/night and has several RV spots available.

Galleria Car Park

Located in Melbourne’s bustling Central Business District (CBD), you can park your car or RV for $36/night. RV space is limited, so we advise booking ahead of time.

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Eat at

Huxtaburger

$

A fun burger joint that serves up a variety of unique burgers with toppings like sriracha mayo and chipotle BBQ sauce. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

The Kettle Black

$$

A refreshing cafe in a historical house serving dishes like charcoal waffles and tiramisu croffle (a fluffy croissant-waffle hybrid).

Junoon

$$$

Tandoor-cooked Indian dishes like chicken vindaloo, aloo tikki, and biryani await. There’s an impressive $60/person tasting menu that showcases the best of the menu.

2

Stop Two: Torquay

Torquay is the surf capital of Australia, and even if you don’t ride the waves, you’re bound to be mesmerized by the magnificent views of the Tasman Sea. Torquay is home to plenty of famous beaches, including one of the stops on this trip, Bells Beach. While you’re there, you may also want to explore gems like Cosy Corner and Maidencombe Beach.

Torquay

Sun, sand, and surf are the main draws to this captivating seaside town that enchants locals and natives alike. Torquay is also the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road — you’ll want to get a shot of the commemorative arch honoring the soldiers who paved the road in the first place.

Visiting

Torquay

2 days

Recom. Days

Main route

116km/ 72 miles

from Melbourne

1h15min

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Australia National Surfing Museum

Experience Australian search legends come to life in this museum featuring walls of surfboards, retro photography, and exhibits celebrating beach culture.

Bells Beach

Now you’ve made it to Bells Beach, the crown jewel of Torquay and a major destination for travelers on the Great Ocean Road. This gorgeous beach features stunning views from all angles.

Bells Beach Brewing

Sip and sample some delicious local craft beer, and purchase some cans of your favorite flavors to enjoy later on your trip. But before you take off, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful shoreline at Bells Beach.

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Stay at

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

This large park on the famous Foreshore features RV hook-up sites, a playground, swimming pool, and kitchen. Prices range from $50 to $70/night.

Jan Juc Caravan Park

Stay on one of Torquay’s most popular beaches with powered and unpowered sites, cabins, a pool, playground, laundry, and WiFi. Prices range from $45 to $65/night.

Pioneer Gully Bushlands Campsite

For those that want a fully immersive experience, settle into the Australian bush. It’s not too rugged, though. There are still powered sites, WiFi, a swimming hole, and plenty of bushwalking trails. Prices range from $35 to $50/night.

Parking

Surf Coast Highway Park

You can park your RV along the coast for $20 AUD per night.

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Eat at

Ginger Monkey

$

A coastal cafe featuring delicious coffee, and food made with local fresh ingredients.

Squires Loft

$$$

A bit on the pricey side but worth the cost, get some of the best Australian steak and grilled foods here.

Blackman’s Brewery

$$

A cozy Ozzie pub with juicy burgers, homemade fries, woodfired pizza, and delicious sides.

3

Stop Three: Anglesea

Anglesea is a picturesque town in Victoria, Australia, situated on the iconic Great Ocean Road. Nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling waters of the Southern Ocean, it's a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Anglesea

With its majestic cliffs, expansive white beaches, teeming flora, indigenous fauna, and meandering coastal hiking paths and a mere fifteen-minute drive west of Torquay, Anglesea becomes a vibrant ode to coastal existence.

Visiting

Anglesea

1

Recom. Days

Main route

23km / 6.8 miles

from Torquay

15 minutes

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Coogoorah Park

Tour Coogoorah Park and spend an afternoon picnicking, hiking trails and birdwatching all in one place.

Angelsea Golf Club

If you love tee time, you’ll definitely want to visit Angelsea Golf Club. This picturesque golf course offers plenty of rolling greens to perfect your putt.

Angelsea Riverbank Market

If you happen to be in town on the first Sunday of the month, check out the Angelsea Riverbank Market. You can shop from local vendors, tasty food stalls and grab some fresh produce for the road.

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Stay at

Big 4 Angelsea Holiday Park

$$$

Enjoy family-friendly campgrounds, a heated pool, mini golf courses, and a swanky café. Prices start at $123/night.

Angelsea Beachfront Caravan Park

$$

This RV-friendly holiday park with camping grounds, playgrounds and a camp kitchen. Prices start at $50/night.

Angelsea Caravan Park

$$

Nestled along the iconic Torquay Foreshore, this campground offers plenty of scenic paths to walk while enjoying amenities like a camp kitchen, playground, swimming pool, and WiFi. Prices start at $40/night

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Eat at

McGain’s Café and Garden Nursery

$

Savory organic eats loaded with fresh veggies and plenty of spice. Their coffee tastes even better when it’s savored in McGain’s Nursery.

Angelasea Fish & Chips

$$

A fun spot with fresh seafood, and bar bites. Guests rave about the calamari.

Cliffhanger Cafe

$$$

A charming cafe has stunning beachfront views and a menu that is sure to please with burgers, salads, and plenty of seafood dishes.

4

Stop Four: Cape Otway

Our next destination is Cape Otway, home to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. This area is largely enclosed by the Great Otway National Park . If you’re looking for the best places to see koalas in Australia, you're in luck. Plenty of the furry marsupials call the park their home.

Cape Otway

Named after Captain Albany Otway, an explorer in the 1800s, Cape Otway is a beautiful coastal stop along the Great Ocean Road that offers delightful vistas, pleasant campgrounds, and charming family-owned eateries.

Visiting

Cape Otway

1

Recom. Days

Main route

101km /71 miles

from Anglesea

2 hours

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Great Otway National Park

Wander under treetops with koalas nestled among the branches, and enjoy cascading waterfalls with incredible coastline views.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Explore the completely restored former telegraph station overlooking the ocean.

Blanket Bay

A cozy spot to enjoy a picnic with low tides and a reef coastline.

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Stay at

Bimbi Park

$$

Camp under dozing koalas and enjoy a convenient park just 3 miles from the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Amenities include cabins, chalets, a pool, playground, and bushwalk. Prices range from $25 AUD to $45 AUD/night.

Parker Hill Campground

$

Great for those that want something off the beaten path, this campground features amazing views of the Otway ranges and includes powered and unpowered sites, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Prices range from $20 to $35 AUD/night.

Blanket Bay Campground

$$

Enjoy sleeping near the beautiful bay surrounded by outer reefs, close to Camp Otway National Park. With powered and unpowered sites, you can enjoy comfort in your RV along with access to bushwalks, a beach, and a boat ramp for touring the water. Prices start at $25 AUD and run up to $45 AUD/night.

Parking

Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark

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Wild dog creek car park

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Blanket Bay Day Visitor Carpark

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Eat at

Lightkeeper’s Cafe

$$

A quaint and cozy cafe with handmade pastries and picnic tables overlooking the lighthouse. Entry fees apply as part of the Lightstation Heritage Precinct.

Cape Otway Brewery

$$

Delicious selection of Australian beers, along with tasty pub eats like pizza, burgers, and classic fish and chips.

Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

$$$

Craft beers, great steak and burgers, and modern vegetarian cuisine are in ample supply at this simple lounge.

5

Stop Five: Twelve Apostles

Nothing can quite prepare you for seeing the Twelve Apostles in person for the first time. These magnificent geologic structures only grow more magnificent against the backdrop of the Tasman Sea. 

You’ve made it to New South Wales, Australia, and you should take your time enjoying these 45-foot-tall limestone formations. While you’re there, enjoy walking through the Loch Ard Gorge, discovering the history behind one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks.

Visiting

Twelve Apostles

1

Recom. Days

Main route

72 km/ 45 miles

from Cape Otway

1 hour

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Gibson Steps

Climb the 86-step structure in Port Campbell National Park to get a phenomenal view of the Twelve Apostles and breathtaking shoreline.

Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park

Pet dingoes and fawn over adorable Australian wildlife that call the park home just 15 minutes from the Twelve Apostles.

Island Arch Lookout

Take in sweeping views of the coast and enjoy this fun walking track near Lord Ard beach.

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Stay at

Princetown Recreation Reserve and Camping

$

Enjoy sighting wild kangaroos hopping nearby as you camp under the stars for $5 AUD/night. Amenities include a BBQ, communal shower, tennis court, playground, boat ramp, and pet-friendly stays.

Lakes and Craters Holiday Park

$$

Hike or cycle local trails, and enjoy powered and unpowered sites with a camp kitchen, grills, and unisex toilets (wheelchair accessible). Rates start at $28/night.

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

$$$

Great beach and river access with free parking, barbeque facilities, WiFi, a game room, kids’ games, camp kitchen, and rentable villas. Costs range from $36 AUD to $71 AUD/night.

Parking

Twelve Apostles Visitor Center

Free parking with easy access to the attraction.

Lord Ard Gorge

Easy parking with great walkability to the Twelve Apostles and Lord Ard attraction.

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Eat at

Grassroots Deli Cafe

$

Tasty gourmet cafe sandwiches, fresh coffee, lattes, and more in a relaxing, laid back atmosphere.

12 Rocks Cafe and Beach Bar

$$

Right across the foreshore, enjoy fresh oysters, burgers, and decadent desserts.

Waves Cafe Bar and Restaurant

$$$

Enjoy an intimate and relaxing eatery with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

6

Stop Six: Port Fairy

In the last stretch of your Great Ocean Road trip, you’ll visit Port Fairy, a lovely mariner town with interesting emu residents. Behold these beautifully unique birds, and spot some koalas and kangaroos if you’re lucky. 

This historic town looks like it leapt out of a postcard, and you’ll feel immediately at ease as you navigate the family-friendly beaches and tour local attractions.

Enjoy spending time on the beach and resting up for the return drive to Melbourne.

Visiting

Stop Six: Port Fairy

1

Recom. Days

Main route

99 kms/ 62 miles

from Twelve Apostoles

1h10min

drive

You can rent our campervans in more than 40 different destinations across Ireland and Europe

Visit

Griffiths Island

Spend time on this placid animal sanctuary where wild birds roam, and beautiful Australian native plants thrive by the water.

Pea Soup Beach

If the interesting name isn’t enough to make you want to go, then visit this tranquil beach for its peaceful atmosphere and lovely views

Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre

Get to know more about the history of Port Fairy and discover its main attractions from knowledgeable, passionate locals.

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Stay at

Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park

$$$

RVs welcome in powered and unpowered sites with an indoor pool, playroom, WiFi, and mini golf, and a pump track. Prices start at $81/night

Port Fairy Holiday Park

$$$

Park at a powered site and enjoy amenities like an indoor heated pool, tennis court, playground, and private gardens for privacy and connection with nature. Rates start at $79/night.

Gum Tree Caravan Park

$$

Enjoy a pet-friendly, family-friendly getaway destination featuring a kitchen, powered sites, and self-contained cabins. Prices start at $33 AUD/night.

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Eat at

Coffin Sally Pizza Bar

$$

Enjoy traditional Italian pizzas made-to-order and specialty cocktails in this eccentric pizza bar.

Lemongrass Thai Port Fairy

$$

Experience bold Thai flavors in a warm atmosphere with dishes like satay prawns, tom yum soup, and spicy pad kee mow noodles.

Bottega Toscana

$$

A classic-style Italian restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and delicious pasta, bruschetta, and excellent cheesecake.

Drop-off in
Melbourne Pick-up Center

283 km/ 176 miles

from Port Fairy

3h20min

drive