7 Days: Great Ocean Road to the Grampians
Drive the legendary Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Port Campbell, spotting the Twelve Apostles and seal colonies, then turn inland to hike through the rugged sandstone ridges of the Grampians. Perfect for those wanting dramatic seascapes, wild camping, and winding roads in one trip.
What to expect
- Drive the 243 km Great Ocean Road, stopping at Lorne and Apollo Bay.
- Walk the Trail to the Twelve Apostles at sunrise from Port Campbell.
- Hike Halls Gap loop in the Grampians to peaks with 360° views.
- Spot little penguins returning to Warrnambool at dusk.
- Explore the Bells Beach coast and limestone cliffs at Anglesea.
Day by day
Collect rental car in Torquay; swim at Bell Beach, Australia's most famous surf break.
Drive 1 hour west to Lorne; walk Erskine Falls through cool rainforest.
Dinner at a beachfront café in Lorne overlooking Bass Strait.
Coastal drive via Anglesea and Point Addis; stop at limestone cliffs near Moggs Creek.
Reach Apollo Bay (1.5 hours); walk Maits Rest rainforest loop for towering ferns.
Fish and chips by the beach; watch the sunset over the bay.
Drive to Port Campbell (2 hours); check into a clifftop lodge.
Walk Gibson Beach and the Twelve Apostles trail; photograph the limestone stacks.
Return before dark; dinner at a local pub in Port Campbell village.
Early walk to Twelve Apostles at sunrise; fewer crowds, golden light.
Drive 90 minutes to Warrnambool; visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.
Head to the penguin-return viewing platform at Hopkins Lake near sunset.
Drive inland 2.5 hours to Halls Gap, gateway to the Grampians.
Check in; short walk to Edina Falls waterfall in cool mountain air.
Dinner at a local winery restaurant in Halls Gap village.
Full hike: Halls Gap loop to Boroka Lookout (6 km); panoramic views of ridgelines.
Hike to Sundial Peak; spot native parrots and wildflowers in season.
Return to Halls Gap; pack a picnic dinner and watch sunset from a ridge.
Visit Brambuk Cultural Centre for Indigenous Grampians stories.
Drive 2.5 hours back to Torquay; return rental car.
Rest in Torquay with a swim and fresh local seafood.
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