2-Day Itinerary Great Ocean Road – Including Must-See Attractions

One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road offers jaw-dropping coastal scenery, charming seaside towns, and a series of natural wonders that seem almost too spectacular to be authentic. Whether you’re chasing dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, or geological marvels, this 2-day itinerary Great Ocean Road is designed to help you make the most of your time on this unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Torquay To Apollo Bay – Surf, Scenery And Seaside Charm

1/ Start: Torquay At Australian National Surfing Museum

Kick off your adventure in Torquay, the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s surfing capital. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to surf and beach culture. Established in 1993, it showcases over a century of surfing history through an extensive collection of surfboards, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.

Visitors can explore the evolution of surfboard design, view vintage surf films, and learn about legendary surfers in the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame. The museum also highlights Australia’s significant contributions to global surfing culture, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. ​

2/ Stop At Bells Beach

Bells Beach, located near Torquay on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, is a world-renowned surf destination celebrated for its powerful right-hand breaks and dramatic coastal scenery. It hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, the longest-running professional surfing competition globally, attracting elite surfers every Easter.

When making a stop here, you will often be able to see surfers out catching waves. If visiting on a cooler day be sure to wear a warm coat. It can be cold and windy on the coast.

The beach is characterized by its rugged cliffs and limited sandy areas, offering spectacular vantage points from the cliff-top car park to observe surfers tackling the waves. Beyond surfing, Bells Beach is part of the Surf Coast Walk, providing opportunities for hiking and enjoying the native flora, especially vibrant during the spring wildflower season. Whether you’re a surfing enthusiast or a nature lover, Bells Beach offers a quintessential Australian coastal experience.

3/ Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie And Ice Creamery- A Great Place To Stop For Morning Tea

A delightful stop for morning tea along the Great Ocean Road is the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, located just ten minutes from Torquay in Bellbrae. Set on 15 acres of landscaped grounds, this sweet haven offers visitors the chance to indulge in free chocolate tastings, watch European chocolatiers craft over 480 different chocolate products, and enjoy a delicious selection of house-made ice creams.

The on-site café serves a range of pastries and desserts, making it an ideal spot to relax and satisfy your sweet tooth. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with free entry, it’s a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers traveling the Great Ocean Road. Drop in, take a break, and enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate or choose something from the menu. There is also a large selection of different chocolates to choose from to purchase.

Other attractions and things to do in Anglesea

4/ Aireys Inlet Light House

After having morning tea, we continued through Anglesea to Aireys Inlet to the Lighthouse.

The Split Point Lighthouse stands as a striking sentinel over the rugged coastline of Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road. Constructed in 1891, this 34-meter-tall lighthouse has been guiding vessels through the treacherous waters of Bass Strait for over a century.

Visitors can climb the original spiral staircase (for a small fee) to the balcony beneath the lantern room, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. The lighthouse gained fame as the setting for the children’s television series Round the Twist, adding a touch of nostalgia for many.

Open daily, the Split Point Lighthouse offers a blend of maritime history, stunning vistas, and cultural significance, making it a must-visit landmark on your coastal journey.

Follow the pathway past the lighthouse to see more of the Coastline. The day we were there was a clear, sunny day, and as the photo shows, the sea was a beautiful, clear blue.

5/ Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Continuing our drive, we reached the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View (between Aireys Inlet and Lorne). It stands as a poignant tribute to the 3,000 returned servicemen who constructed the iconic coastal route between 1919 and 1932. This monumental project not only provided employment for veterans returning from World War I but also served as a living memorial to their fallen comrades, making the Great Ocean Road the world’s largest war memorial.

Erected in 1939, the original timber arch was dedicated to W.B. McCormack, the honorary engineer of the Great Ocean Road Trust. Over the years, the arch has been rebuilt multiple times due to damage from natural disasters and accidents, including the devastating Ash Wednesday bush fires in 1983.

Today, the arch not only marks the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road but also features a sculpture of two soldiers, unveiled on the road’s 75th anniversary, symbolizing the enduring legacy of those who built this remarkable route.

Visitors to the Memorial Arch can reflect on the profound history it represents while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery that surrounds this significant landmark. There is off-road parking so that you can stop and take photos. Information boards are around so that you can learn about the history of the building of part of the Great Ocean Road.

There is a track leading through the bushes down to the beach. The beach has white sand and the water was very blue the day that we visited.

6/ Stop For Lunch At Lorne

Next stop, Lorne, Victoria, a charming coastal town that makes for a perfect lunch stop on your Great Ocean Road adventure. Nestled between lush rainforest and the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay, Lorne offers a relaxed seaside vibe with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat.

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a gourmet burger, or just a good coffee with ocean views, Lorne delivers. It’s also a great place to stretch your legs with a stroll along the beach or the foreshore before hitting the road again.

We stopped and had a meal at the Hotel near the pier. It is a beautiful, white 3-storey building with outdoor seating that overlooks the Ocean, you are able to have a relaxing lunch overlooking the sea. There is plenty of car parking in front of the Hotel.

After lunch, head across the road and take a stroll out to the pier. When we were there, just as we started the walk out, we spotted 2 sting rays swimming around in the shallow water. It was an amazing sight, and we spent a bit of time watching them swim around. At the end of the pier, there were some locals fishing, and they told us that they often swim there.

7/ Kennett River – Spot A Koala

Stop at Kennett River, a small coastal town. Park near the general store and head down the nature walk. Keep an eye out for koalas in the gum trees along the road, also birds and other native animals.

As we walked along the road, a group of other tourists were looking up and pointing at koalas up in the trees. Once we were at the spot, it still took a while to pinpoint where they were sitting in the trees. They are very good at hiding themselves amongst the leaves.

Along the road, we also came across an echidna crossing. As well as seeing kangaroos, there are a lot of birds and other animals along the trip. So keep an eye out for them, as it is always nice to see these animals in their natural environment.

8/ Parking Bay Stops Along The Great Ocean Road

Traveling along the Great Ocean Road, there are opportunities to pull off the road into a parking bay. These are often stops with some significance or a photo opportunity for the ever-changing coastline. If you have time to stop, you will often see something different, or just smell the fresh sea air.

9/ Over Night Stop At Apollo Bay

Spending the night in Apollo Bay is a delightful way to break up your Great Ocean Road journey. This picturesque seaside town offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas, perched above the town with stunning ocean views and an on-site restaurant renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

If you prefer a beachfront location, the Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn provides comfortable rooms steps from the sand. For families or those seeking a more casual atmosphere, BIG4 Apollo Bay offers well-equipped cabins and family-friendly amenities. We have stayed here and it is a great family park, with the beach across the road.

When it comes to dining, Apollo Bay doesn’t disappoint. Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op, where you can savor fresh, locally caught seafood right by the harbor. This is a very popular place and the seating overlooking the bay fills quickly, but the fish and chips are well worth the wait. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of craft beers, the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

We had a lovely evening meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel, where you can choose to eat inside or outside. It is a popular place to eat, we were there out of holiday time and during the week, and it was still reasonably busy. After our meal, we crossed the road and went to Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream, where they make their ice cream with a lot of different flavours.

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious retreat or a cozy beachfront stay, Apollo Bay provides a welcoming stopover with excellent dining options to enhance your Great Ocean Road adventure.​

Day 2 Apollo Bay To Port Campbell

1/ Maits Rest Rain Forest Walk

Just a short 15-minute drive west of Apollo Bay, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk offers an enchanting detour into the heart of the Great Otway National Park. This 800-metre self-guided circuit trail winds through a cool temperate rainforest, showcasing ancient myrtle beech trees, lush fern gardens, and moss-covered logs that create a fairy tale-like atmosphere.

The well-maintained boardwalk and gravel paths make it accessible for most visitors, providing a serene 30-minute stroll amidst towering trees that are up to 300 years old. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including swamp wallabies and a variety of bird species unique to the Otways. For a truly magical experience, visit at dusk to witness the glowworms that illuminate the forest floor.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on the trail, and there are no toilet facilities available. There is free parking, but when busy, you might have to wait for a park, this didn’t take long, as people were coming and going frequently.

2/ Stopped For Lunch At Lavers Hill

Lavers Hill, perched at one of the highest points along the Great Ocean Road, is an ideal spot to pause for lunch amidst your journey. The town offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes.

For a refined dining experience, The Perch at Lavers Hill serves contemporary Australian cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Their lunch menu features dishes like hay-smoked crayfish and abalone tortellini, and house made Portuguese tarts for dessert. The restaurant’s setting provides panoramic garden views, enhancing the dining experience.

If you’re seeking a more casual meal, Yatzies Licensed Café offers a selection of meat pies and desserts, catering to travelers looking for a quick bite. Alternatively, The Shop provides a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian choices, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lavers Hill’s dining establishments not only offer satisfying meals but also a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings before continuing your Great Ocean Road adventure. We stopped by Yatzies Cafe for lunch and tried their delicious sausage rolls, before heading to explore the 12 Apostles.

3/ Gibson Steps Great Ocean Road

You can stop at the top of the Gibson steps in the car park. On busy days, this car park can fill up quickly, so consider continuing to the 12 Apostles car park and walking back, a distance of just over 1km on a well-maintained track.

The Gibson Steps down to the beach are quite steep and narrow, but wide enough to meet people going the opposite way in single file. It is well worth the walk down onto the beach, with the white sand watching the waves and looking up the coastline towards the Twelve Apostles. From the beach, you can see the viewing platform for the 12 Apostles.

If you are not used to walking up and down stairs, be prepared for the next day to have sore calf muscles, or the tops of your legs may be sore.

4/ The Twelve Apostles

Standing tall along Victoria’s dramatic Shipwreck Coast, the 12 Apostles are one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. These towering limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean, carved over millions of years by the relentless forces of wind and water. A visit to the 12 Apostles, especially at sunrise or sunset, is nothing short of breathtaking, as the golden light dances across the cliffs and ocean swells crash below.

Located within the Port Campbell National Park, the site offers well-maintained boardwalks and viewing platforms, giving visitors multiple vantage points to soak in the scenery. Whether you’re road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road or stopping in from nearby towns like Port Campbell or Apollo Bay, the 12 Apostles are a must-see highlight that captures the raw beauty of Australia’s southern coastline.

5/ Loch Ard Gorge

Just a few minutes from the 12 Apostles lies Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning coastal treasure steeped in natural beauty and dramatic history. Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard, which tragically wrecked nearby in 1878, the gorge is flanked by towering limestone cliffs and features a sheltered beach with turquoise waters. It’s an awe-inspiring place to explore, where the story of shipwreck survivors Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael comes to life through informative signage and walking trails.

Visitors can stroll along the clifftops, peer into Thunder Cave and the Blowhole, and admire the ever-changing coastal landscape sculpted by the wild Southern Ocean. With its mix of natural wonder and human drama, Loch Ard Gorge is a must-stop destination along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

6/ Razorback Rock

Razorback Rock is one of the most striking formations along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean like the spine of a prehistoric creature. Shaped by relentless wind and waves over millions of years, this narrow limestone ridge stands isolated and windswept, showcasing the raw power of coastal erosion.

The viewing platform offers a jaw-dropping perspective, especially at sunset, when the golden light casts deep shadows along its jagged edges. A stop at Razorback Rock is a must for photographers and nature lovers exploring the Port Campbell National Park. Even photos don’t fully capture this amazing coastline, compared to if you are there and looking at these amazing rock formations.

7/ Port Campbell

Tucked along the iconic Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell is a charming coastal village that punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty. Surrounded by the towering limestone cliffs and rock formations of Port Campbell National Park—including the famous Twelve Apostles—this laid-back town offers the perfect base for exploring one of Australia’s most dramatic coastlines.

With its sheltered bay, scenic clifftop walks, and friendly cafes serving up local seafood, Port Campbell invites visitors to slow down and soak up the salty sea air. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, coastal adventures, or a cosy place to unwind, Port Campbell delivers it all with small-town warmth and stunning ocean views.

We stopped and checked into our accommodation, had a coffee and a rest. Our plan was then to continue down the Great Ocean Road to visit the Grotto. Then come back towards Port Campbell to see London Bridge. The reason we did this was to watch the fairy penguins returning at dusk. By the time they returned, it was too dark for us to see them.

8/ London Bridge

Visiting London Bridge along the Great Ocean Road is like stepping into a dramatic chapter of Australia’s coastal story. Once a natural double-arched rock formation, the “bridge” famously partially collapsed in 1990, leaving two tourists stranded on the newly formed island—thankfully rescued by helicopter!

Today, what remains is a stunning single span jutting out into the crashing Southern Ocean, framed by golden cliffs and turquoise water. The viewing platform offers sweeping vistas and a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing nature of this rugged coastline. It’s a must-see stop for those chasing the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Ocean Road.

9/ The Grotto

Tucked away off the Great Ocean Road, The Grotto felt like a hidden coastal secret we were lucky enough to stumble upon. As we followed the steep, winding path down the cliffside, a quiet stillness surrounded us, broken only by the distant crash of waves.

At the bottom, we found ourselves gazing through a natural limestone arch that perfectly framed the ocean beyond—like nature’s own picture window. The water pooled in the rock basin at our feet was crystal clear and calm, in stark contrast to the wild Southern Ocean just metres away. It was one of those magical spots where you could stand still and feel the raw beauty of nature all around you, completely removed from the world above.

Day 3- Return Home

Before leaving Port Campbell, we went down to the bay for breakfast. Several places offer breakfast, either inside or outside.

We then started the journey back home, heading inland towards Colac. At Colac, we stopped for morning tea at a cafe overlooking the Lake. It was also next to the Botanical Gardens, which is a nice leisurely walk.

Wrapping Up Itinerary Great Ocean Road

Our 2-day journey along the Great Ocean Road has been nothing short of spectacular. From dramatic coastal cliffs and iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles, to charming seaside towns and lush rainforest walks, this scenic drive offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Whether you’re chasing breathtaking views, exploring hidden beaches, or soaking in local charm, the Great Ocean Road delivers unforgettable memories at every turn. As you wrap up your trip, you’ll no doubt leave with a full camera roll and a heart full of wonder, already dreaming of your next visit.