7 Days: Great Ocean Road to the Otways
Drive one of the world's greatest coastal roads, stopping at hidden beaches, thundering waterfalls, and weathered rock formations. This trip suits adventurous drivers who want drama without flying—dramatic without feeling rushed.
What to expect
- Walk among the Twelve Apostles' golden limestone stacks at sunset.
- Swim in the cool pools of Hopetoun Falls inside temperate rainforest.
- Stop at Cape Byron lighthouse and explore tide pools at Bells Beach.
- Drive through the Otways' towering mountain ash and mountain blackwood.
- Watch surfers at Winki Pop and Fairhaven's rugged beach breaks.
- Hike to Sherbrook Falls through fern gullies near Belgrave.
Day by day
Pick up a rental car in Melbourne; drive towards the Dandenong Ranges.
Stop at Sherbrook Falls for a short rainforest walk, then continue to coastal Lorne.
Settle into beachfront accommodation in Lorne; dinner at a local café overlooking the bay.
Drive to Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet; walk the headland trails.
Explore Fairhaven's rock pools and watch surfers at Fairhaven Beach.
Return to Lorne for sunset cocktails at a clifftop bar.
Depart early for the Twelve Apostles; arrive before crowds for photography.
Walk the Grotto and London Bridge lookouts; drive through Pebble Beach.
Camp or lodge at Port Campbell; watch the light fade on the cliffs.
Drive inland to Hopetoun Falls; swim in the cool pools at the falls' base.
Walk among the tallest mountain ash trees at Beauchamp Falls near Beech Forest.
Return to Lorne via the scenic ridge roads; rest and resupply.
Head east to Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro Surf Competition.
Visit Point Addis for more dramatic headland views; explore Winki Pop.
Dinner in Torquay (the surf capital); browse surf shops and galleries.
Return west via the Otway National Park roads; stop at Maits Rest fern gully.
Walk to Phantom Falls or Marie Falls through dense temperate rainforest.
Final sunset from Lorne's beach; pack for departure.
Leisurely drive back to Melbourne; final stop at the Dandenongs if time permits.
Return rental car in Melbourne by mid-afternoon.
Rest or explore inner-city neighbourhood before departure.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
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