6 Days on the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Lorne, Australia · 6 days, 5 nights · mid-range · from about $2100 per person · best in January, February, November

The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most iconic coastal drive: a 243 km ribbon hugging the Victoria coast from Torquay to Warrnambool, dotted with sea cliffs, shipwrecks, and the world-famous Twelve Apostles rock formation. Base yourself in the artsy town of Lorne and explore eastward on foot and by car.

What to expect

Hike Erskine Falls through temperate rainforest to a misty 30-metre cascade
Walk among the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks at sunrise and sunset
Spot Little penguins returning ashore at dusk in Port Campbell
Explore shipwreck sites: the SS Loch Ard and buried wrecks at Gorge Beach
Swim in crystal lagoons at Loch Ard Gorge surrounded by towering cliffs

Day by day

1: Arrive Lorne & coastal orientation

Drive 2 hours from Melbourne to Lorne; check into a heritage cottage or motel in town.

Walk Lorne's main beach; explore the pier and browse local galleries and bookshops.

Dinner at a cafe overlooking the bay; stroll the foreshore at dusk.

2: Waterfalls & rainforest

Drive to Erskine Falls; hike the loop trail through dripping ferns and towering trees (2 hours).

Stop at Moggs Creek; swim in the cool pool if weather permits.

Return to Lorne; casual fish and chips by the beach.

3: Twelve Apostles & shipwrecks

Drive west to Port Campbell (90 min); arrive before noon crowds at Twelve Apostles.

Walk the clifftop trail among the limestone stacks; photographer's heaven at golden hour.

Explore Port Campbell village; dinner at the local pub with ocean views.

4: Gorge Beach & penguin watch

Hike down to Loch Ard Gorge; swim in the sheltered lagoon surrounded by cliffs.

Visit Shipwreck Coast Heritage Centre; learn the stories of wrecks buried in the sand.

Return to Port Campbell; watch little penguins waddle ashore at sunset from the beach.

5: Warrnambool & return drive

Drive to Warrnambool (40 min); visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to spot native marsupials.

Swim at Warrnambool's Town Beach; explore the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.

Drive back towards Lorne; stop at a lookout for sunset over cliffs.

6: Lorne & return to Melbourne

Final beach walk in Lorne; visit a local cafe for brunch.

Drive 2 hours back to Melbourne; stop at a beach town en route if desired.

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