Great Ocean Road Day Trip: Complete Guide to 12 Apostles & Coastal Wonders

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most iconic drives, stretching 243km along Victoria's stunning coastline. Built by returned soldiers between 1919-1932, it's both a memorial and a masterpiece of engineering. The route offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, rainforests, and the world-famous Twelve Apostles—limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. It's a UNESCO-listed site and consistently ranked among the world's best coastal drives.

Leave Melbourne by 7:00 AM (earlier in summer). Drive 1.5 hours to Anglesea for coffee and breakfast (8:30 AM). Continue to Lorne (30 min) for a beach walk or brunch at one of the excellent cafes. Visit Erskine Falls (15 min inland from Lorne) for a 30-minute rainforest walk. Drive to Apollo Bay (1 hour) for lunch around 1 PM. Continue to Twelve Apostles (1.5 hours), arriving by 3:30 PM for afternoon light. Visit Loch Ard Gorge (5 min from Apostles) for sunset around 6 PM. Return via inland route (3 hours) to Melbourne by 9 PM. Total driving: 6-7 hours.

Twelve Apostles: The iconic limestone stacks are best viewed in afternoon light. The visitor center offers excellent facilities. Gibson Steps (2km before Apostles) allows beach access for unique perspectives—check tide times. Loch Ard Gorge tells the story of the 1878 shipwreck with dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. London Bridge (near Port Campbell) is another stunning formation. The Grotto offers a unique rock window to the ocean. Each stop needs 20-30 minutes minimum.

Anglesea: Perfect first stop with great coffee shops and ocean views. Lorne: Charming town with excellent cafes (The Bottle of Milk, Lorne Beach Pavilion), art galleries, and a beautiful beach. Apollo Bay: Best lunch stop with fresh seafood, bakeries, and the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. Port Campbell: Small town near Twelve Apostles with cafes and the Port Campbell National Park visitor center. Each town offers public restrooms and parking.

Best light at Twelve Apostles: 4-6 PM (afternoon) or sunrise (6-7 AM in summer). Morning fog can add atmosphere but reduces visibility. Loch Ard Gorge is stunning at sunset. Bring a wide-angle lens for Apostles, telephoto for wildlife (whales June-September). Drone use requires permits in national parks. The viewing platforms get crowded—arrive early or late for better shots. Weather changes quickly—check forecasts but be prepared for all conditions.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm (20-25°C) but busiest. Long daylight hours (6 AM-9 PM) perfect for day trips. Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May): Mild temperatures (15-20°C), fewer crowds, beautiful wildflowers in spring. Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool (10-15°C) but dramatic storm watching. Whale watching season is June-September. Avoid school holidays and long weekends when roads are congested. Weekdays are quieter.

Road is winding and narrow in sections—drive carefully, especially in wet weather. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk (kangaroos, koalas). Fuel up in Geelong or Apollo Bay—limited stations on the road. Mobile coverage is patchy—download offline maps. Bring layers—coastal weather changes rapidly. Sunscreen essential—UV is high even on cloudy days. Public restrooms at major stops. Book accommodation in advance if staying overnight.