From Melbourne's western suburbs to the limestone cliffs of the Twelve Apostles — here's how to do one of Australia's greatest drives properly.
The Great Ocean Road is one of those trips that gets talked up so much you'd be forgiven for expecting it to disappoint. It doesn't. The 243km coastal drive from Torquay to Allansford delivers dramatic ocean cliffs, ancient rainforest, charming surf towns and some of the most photogenic geography in the southern hemisphere.
We did it with our 21-foot New Age caravan last February and came back with 1,400 photos and an immediate desire to turn around and do it again.
Before You Go: Practical Considerations
The Great Ocean Road is not a highway. It's a narrow, winding two-lane road with sections that will genuinely test your towing confidence. If you're new to caravanning, this is not a beginner route.
Van length: We'd recommend nothing longer than 24 feet. Longer vans will struggle at some of the tighter hairpins and won't fit in several campgrounds.
Time of year: February to April is golden — warm weather, lower crowds than December/January. Avoid the Christmas school holiday period if you can.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Torquay to Lorne (56km)
Start your trip at Torquay and give yourself a full morning to explore the surf culture — Bells Beach is a 10-minute drive. The Surf World Museum is genuinely excellent.
The drive to Lorne hugs the coast and delivers your first proper ocean views. Camp at Erskine River Camping Reserve right in town — book well ahead.
Day 3: Lorne to Apollo Bay (45km)
This is one of the most scenic days. The road climbs through the Otway Ranges and the views looking back at the ocean are incredible. Stop at Teddy's Lookout before descending.
Apollo Bay is a proper working fishing town. Get fish and chips from the Co-op.
Day 4: Otway Rainforest Day Trip
Leave the van at the Apollo Bay Camping and base yourself for a day in the Otway National Park. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is 30 minutes and stunning. Triplet Falls is worth the extra 20-minute drive.
Day 5: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (100km)
The highlight day. The road heads inland through the Otways before emerging back at the coast near Princetown — and suddenly, the Twelve Apostles appear.
Go at sunrise or sunset. Midday is crowded and the harsh light flattens everything.
Day 6: Port Campbell & Surrounds
The whole Shipwreck Coast deserves a full day. Loch Ard Gorge is arguably more impressive than the Apostles and gets a fraction of the visitors. The Arch and London Bridge are both worth the walk.
Day 7: Port Campbell to Warrnambool (66km)
Finish in Warrnambool, which has a legitimate whale nursery (May–September) and excellent dining. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a brilliant evening out.
Campgrounds We Recommend
| Site | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Erskine River Camping | Lorne | Book 6 months ahead |
| Apollo Bay Camping | Apollo Bay | Good facilities, central |
| Princetown Recreation Reserve | Princetown | Best base for the Apostles |
The Great Ocean Road deserves more than a rush job. Give it seven days and you'll barely scratch the surface — but you'll remember it forever.
Part of the Camplify Xchange editorial team, sharing expert RV advice for Australian adventurers.