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You are here: Home / Travel / Oceania / Australia / Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 4 Days Loop – Melbourne with Inland Return

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 4 Days Loop – Melbourne with Inland Return

Last Updated: April 17, 2025 // by Rhonda Albom // 94 Comments
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Twelve Apostles is one of several stunning sites along the Great Ocean Road in southern Australia

Billed as one of the world’s most spectacular road trips, the Great Ocean Road itinerary runs from Torquay to Allansford along Australia’s southern coast in the state of Victoria.

Despite its name and impressive coastal views, much of the drive is inland through temperate rainforest, offering wildlife spotting opportunities.

Unlike many of the long stretches of Australian roads, following a Great Ocean Road itinerary should be done slowly, savouring it like a fine wine.

From Melbourne, we took two days along the coast, then two additional days to return through an inland route that took us into the Grampian mountains and through several fascinating towns.

Below, we highlight the stops on this Great Ocean Road itinerary.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. We added a few tour options from Melbourne below.

Memorial Arch at Eastern View on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia
Memorial Arch as seen on day 1 of our Great Ocean Road itinerary

Highlights of the Great Ocean Road itinerary 4 days

Day 1 Highlights: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

  • Bells Beach
  • Point Addis Marine Reserve
  • Split Point Lighthouse
  • Memorial Arch at Eastern View
  • Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout

Day 2 Highlights: Apollo Bay to Point Fairy

  • Great Otway National Park
  • Cape Otway Lightstation
  • The Twelve Apostles
  • Loch Ard Gorge
  • Razorback
  • The Arch
  • The Grotto

Day 3 highlights: Point Fairy to the Grampians

  • Explore Grampians National Park, including Boroka Lookout
  • Brambuk Cultural Centre
  • Broken Falls

Day 4 highlights: the Grampians to Melbourne

  • J Ward (former lunatic asylum)
  • Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
  • Explore the town of Ballarat

Map highlighting our Great Ocean Road itinerary

Map of our Great Ocean Road itinerary and Grampians loop before returning to Melbourne
The basic route we drove over four days. The marker is in Hall’s Gap in the Grampians. The bottom map shows what a small portion of Australia this covered.

Great Ocean Road itinerary day 1
(Melbourne to Torquay to Apollo Bay)

As we left Melbourne, we were ready for an adventure, yet we were somehow overwhelmed by one stunning sight after the next. These first two days really gave our cameras a workout.

First, we started day one at an impressive surf beach. Next, we enjoyed several stunning lookout points and a memorial. Finally, a small hike to an impressive waterfall. We opted to relax for the night in Apollo Bay.

Bells Beach (Australia’s famous surf beach)

Easter weekend brings the world’s best surfers to Bells Beach for the annual Rip Curl Pro. However, on the calm day that we visited, it was difficult to imagine that this is one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches. The annual surf event has been held here since 1961, converting to a professional competition in 1973.

From the car park, we had two options: Bells or Winkipop Beach (another of the popular Great Ocean Road beaches).

Long stair case leading to Bells Beach in Australia
Over 100 step leading down to Bells Beach
Surfer at Bells Beach Australia
Surfer at Bells Beach

Several not-to-be-missed views

  • Boardwalk at Point Addis Marine Reserve
    The short boardwalk at Point Addis leads to expansive views of the Point Addis Marine Reserve. This protected reserve covers 4,600 hectares of ocean and extends from Bells Beach to the town of Anglesea.
  • Split Point Lighthouse
    There is something romantic and quaint about a lighthouse, and the one at Split Point was no exception. It was built in 1891 in an area originally called Eagles Nest Point.
  • Memorial Arch at Eastern View
    Possibly the most important, yet probably the most obscure fact about the Great Ocean Road, is that it is the world’s largest war memorial. Returning soldiers built it between 1919 and 1932 to honour their fallen comrades. The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is a tribute to the soldiers who constructed the road.
Split Point Lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia
Split Point Lighthouse
View from Split Point Lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia
View from Split Point Lighthouse
A tribute statue to the soldiers from the first World War who were engaged in the construction of the Great Ocean Road.
A tribute statue at Memorial Arch
View from the end of the Point Addis boardwalk on the Great Ocean Road drive, Victoria Australia
Point Addis Marine Reserve seen from the boardwalk

Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne

There are two must-see stops in Lorne, an artist community. These are Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout.

While Erskine Falls can be seen from the lookout point, walking the 200+ steps to reach the bottom is well worth the effort. The power of the water cascading 30 metres over one of the Otway’s highest points can’t really be appreciated from the top.

Erskine Falls in Lorne, Australia
Erskine Falls
St. George River outlet seen from Teddy's Lookout in Lorne.
Teddy’s Lookout

Read next: How to Photograph Waterfalls

Great Ocean Road itinerary day 2
(Apollo Bay to Point Fairy)

If my photos from the first day of our Great Ocean Road self-drive adventure didn’t inspire you to hop on a flight to Australia, perhaps the next portion of our journey will.

Day two took us from Apollo Bay to Point Fairy, just beyond Allansford, the end of the Great Ocean Road. We travelled through a rainforest, then to the most photographed site on the Great Ocean Road itinerary, and ended our day with one impressive example of natural beauty after the next.

Great Otway National Park

  • Maits Rest rainforest loop
    Our first stop was a short loop hike called Maits Rest in Great Otway National Park. It’s named for the area’s first forester, Maitland Bryant, who rested his horses here between his patrols.
  • Cape Otway Lightstation
    Next, we headed to the Cape Otway light station. Nonetheless, it was spotting wild koalas in the eucalyptus forest lining the access road that made this section so special. They are not easy to spot, but like all the wild Australian animals we have seen, it’s exciting when we are successful.
  • TIP: Bring binoculars. It makes the search for the koalas much easier.
Maits Rest rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park Australia
Maits Rest hike
Koala seen from the Great Ocean Raod
Wild koala in a eucalyptus tree

The Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park is an impressive collection of limestone stacks rising from the sea. They are the most famous site on the journey but were not our favourite.

Once called the “Sow and Piglets,” some say the name was changed to increase tourism. I guess it works. This was by far the most crowded destination we came to along the Great Ocean Road.

Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park Australia
Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park

Four final stops on day 2 of this Great Ocean Road itinerary

  • Loch Ard Gorge
    The Loch Ard Gorge was named after the clipper ship Loch Ard that ran aground at a nearby island in 1878.
  • Razorback
    It was impossible to capture the true magnitude of the Razorback. According to the signage, the sharp edges and bumps along the back are caused by wind-blown spray. It was one of my favourite stops on our Great Ocean Road self-drive.
  • The Arch
    Another site worth hiking down to see.
  • The Grotto
    The viewing platform is a 350-metre walk from the car park, but the real magic of the Grotto is seen from down at sea level. There is a labyrinth of stairs and walk paths to bring you there. The Grotto is a sinkhole. Once at the bottom, it was my favourite of the rock formations we saw on the day.
Loch Ard Gorge along the Great Ocean Road in Australia
Loch Ard Gorge
The Razorback along the Great Ocean Road in Australia
Razorback
The Arch along the Great Ocean Road in Australia
The Arch
The Grotto along the Great Ocean Road in Australia
The Grotto

Great Ocean Road itinerary day 3
(Point Fairy to the Grampians)

On day three, we turned inland from Victoria’s southern coast.

We drove about an hour to reach Grampian National Park, a perfect base for exploration. Comprised of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests, the waterfalls and wildlife captured my imagination.

We barely touched on all the things to do in the Grampians and could have easily stayed a lot longer. It is a popular holiday destination for camping, climbing, scenic drives, and bush walks. If you have allocated more time here, be sure to check out the official national parks site.

Some of the highlights included:

  • Boroka Lookout
    This Grampians lookout point offers impressive 180-degree views of Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield in Western Victoria. To get there, we drove up the aptly named Mt. Difficult Road.
  • Brambuk Cultural Center, in Halls Gap
    This interpretation centre highlights both the Grampians National Park and the local Aboriginal culture. We also enjoyed a snack at their cafe featuring native flavours.
  • Broken Falls
    Here the MacKenzie River cascades at Broken Falls, offering sweeping views from the cantilevered lookout on the gorge’s edge. Getting here is just a short 500-metre walk from the carpark.
  • MacKenzie Falls
    Although this is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, our limited-time schedule forced us to make choices, and we opted not to take the 3.5 hours 9.7 km hike to see it. This is downstream from Broken Falls.
Boroka lookout
Boroka lookout
Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in Brambuk Cultural Center, Halls Gap, Australia
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo in Brambuk Cultural Centre
Broken Falls in the Grampians in Victoria Australia
Broken Falls
woman sitting on a rock in front of waterfall, Mackenzie Falls, The Grampians, Australia
MacKenzie Falls

Great Ocean Road itinerary day 4
(The Grampians back to Melbourne)

Enjoying our morning with a coffee and taking in the fresh mountain air, we were ready to start day four, heading back towards Melbourne.

Once again, we could have used at least another day to relax and better explore. Or we could have driven straight through in just 3 hours.

We broke the day into two main stops. It was only a 45-minute drive to the town of Ararat, where we spent the better part of our day. Then another one hour brought us to Ballarat, and afterwards, 1.5 hours back to Melbourne.

Our key highlights include:

  • J Ward, Ararat
    We took a fascinating tour of this former lunatic asylum for the criminally insane. While the infrastructure and grounds are interesting in their own right, it is the stories that made this place so intriguing. (See our full review and images) As a result of only having closed in 1991, there are locals still today who were either employees or inmates at one time. My one regret was missing the night ghost tour.
  • Aradale, Ararat
    This was the main psychiatric hospital for 126 years after opening in 1864 and closing in 1993. At its peak, it tended to almost 1,000 in-patients.
  • Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Ararat
    This fascinating museum highlighted the incredible history and difficulty of the Chinese immigrants who came to work in the goldfields.
  • Ballarat
    We opted just to stroll the streets and enjoy the classic architecture and stop at a charming cafe for a lovely afternoon tea.
J-Ward a lunatic asylum for the criminally insane in Ararat, Australia
J-Ward
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat, Australia
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
Classic church on a cornerin Ballarat Australia
Ballarat
Street view featuring classic architecture n Ballarat Australia
Ballarat

Where to stay along the way

If you’re travelling in winter, you can fairly easily take the gamble that you will find accommodation wherever you find yourself at sunset. However, in peak season, you will probably fail if you try this.

We recommend booking ahead if you travel the Great Ocean Road in spring, summer, autumn, or during the Australian school holidays.

Where we stayed / recommend

We generally stay in 4-5 star accommodations affording us a great night’s sleep surrounded by a touch of luxury. If this is how you like to travel, enjoy our recommendations below. If not, check booking.com for alternatives.

Following the Great Ocean Road itinerary, four days gave us three nights. We stayed in Apollo Bay, Point Fairy/Koroit, and then Halls Gap in the Grampians.

  • Point of View Villas, Apollo Bay
    Perfect self-contained sea view villas with attention paid to every detail. Great for a romantic stay or just to relax at the end of the first night of this road trip. Reserve your villa in Apollo Bay
  • Seacombe House, Point Fairy
    Built in 1847, this Seacombe House is a piece of history that is now a 4-star accommodation offering various options from spacious rooms to charming cottages. We didn’t actually stay here, but it is our top pick for the future. Reserve your stay at Seacombe House
  • St Patrick’s Convent, Kororit
    Note: Closed.
    This is where we stayed on the second night, a delightful old convent that had been converted to boutique accommodation. We were sad to see it no longer takes bookings.
  • Marwood Luxury Villas, Halls Gap (Grampians)
    Self-contained terracotta and tile decorated villas with spa baths, a fireplace, and even a tasty continental breakfast. They are just outside the Grampians National Park. Reserve your stay at Marwood Luxury Villas

Travelling between 28 March and 30 September 2025? Check out Booking.com’s Getaway Deals. Save at least 15% on selected accommodations. (T&Cs)
No codes or memberships required

Other ways to enjoy a Great Ocean Road itinerary

  • Take a tour from Melbourne
    Want it all but don’t have a car? Then this is the tour for you. You will travel by air-conditioned coach along the Great Ocean Road with a guide (follow along in other languages via an app). Key stops include beaches and many of the coastal geologic features we mentioned above. In addition, you’ll see native wildlife such as koalas and parrots and go on a guided forest walk. Reserve your Great Ocean Road and Wildlife day tour from Melbourne
  • Great Ocean Walk – one of Australia’s Great Walks
    If you are into hiking and outdoor adventure, perhaps you should try the 7-day, 104 km Great Ocean Walk. Walking 10 to 15 km daily and sleeping in hike-in campsites, you will travel from Apollo Bay to the Glenample Homestead (near the 12 Apostles, Victoria). The walk meanders through the Otway National Park along high cliff tops and sandy beaches. Check the official site for details.
  • A luxury version of the Great Ocean Walk
    For an even bigger yet more luxurious adventure, check out this guided Great Ocean Road Walk, which includes eco-luxe lodging and meals. You’ll walk from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation in only four days and be rewarded with a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles at the end of the tour. Check the itinerary and availability of the 4-Day Twelve Apostles walk

Final thoughts on our Great Ocean Road itinerary 4 days road trip

  • As a straight drive, one could travel from Torquay to Allansford in about two hours, but you will miss some of the best scenery in Australia.
  • Stop often and be prepared to walk. We easily walked 10-15K steps each day.
  • Bring insect repellent. Lots of it.
  • Bring a light jacket. The weather is very changeable.
  • Don’t forget to allow time to enjoy all the fun things to do in Melbourne, either before or after your road trip.

More from Australia you might like

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Australian Coastal Cities Guide: 17 Beautiful Seaside Gems

Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip: Route Planning Made Easy

13 Stops on WA’s Public Silo Trail: A Unique Outdoor Gallery

11 Things to Do in Albany WA: Nature’s Beauty & Hidden Gems

12 Adelaide Day Trips: Unveiling South Australia’s Hidden Gems

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More
Travel Resources

What’s your favourite spot along the Great Ocean Road?

Photo Credits:

All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.

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Category: AustraliaTag: Australia, Beach, road trip, Victoria

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate

    May 31, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    This is super helpful, saving it for our next long weekend trip!

    Reply
    • Timpani

      August 28, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      I would love to take a road trip through Australia! I’ve seen so many photos of Lock Ard George and never new the name.

      Reply
  2. wanderwithbelle

    May 24, 2022 at 3:02 am

    I can’t wait to visit!! It looks really dreamy! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Melissa

    May 16, 2022 at 4:46 am

    SO many beautiful places wow. Definitely a bucketlist road trip for me. The 12 apostles just looks so stunning and those waterfalls! Saving for later!

    Reply
  4. Lasma

    May 15, 2022 at 9:10 pm

    Wow, so many highlights and so many beautiful places on the road. I think this is truly the ultimate itinerary, so will save it. Really hope I can visit Australia one day and do road trips like this!

    Reply
  5. Travelling Tam

    May 15, 2022 at 2:10 pm

    The GOR is one of the most iconic road trips in Vic for sure! As cool as the coastline is, the Otways, deep into the temperate rainforest, is one of my favourite places! Especially the waterfalls there and the awesome free camp spots right in the heart of the forest. This is a great itinerary and I like the fact it goes inland and to other fantastic sights in Vic too, like the Grampians!

    Reply
  6. Rob + Ann

    May 15, 2022 at 5:44 am

    Awesome views and great photos, as always! Thanks for all of the useful details and suggestions. The Great Ocean Road is definitely a Bucket List road trip!

    Reply
  7. Gina Gomez

    July 3, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    Your road trip will be really fun if this is the places and activities you will experience along the way.

    Reply
  8. Ana O

    July 3, 2018 at 10:06 am

    What magnificent views! I’ve seen photos of the 12 Apostles, but I had no idea that the road was so beautiful and had such a fascinating origin. I hope to make it there sometime.

    Reply
  9. Sharon Odegaard

    June 28, 2018 at 5:41 am

    My favorite photo is the one of Erskine Falls — I love that slow shutter speed effect. What a memorable drive with stunning coastline views! The memorial arch history was especially fascinating to me.

    Reply
  10. Lisa (Travel Loving Family)

    June 28, 2018 at 3:57 am

    If I ever return to Oz I’ll be popping back for these fab tips!! The views are spectacular

    Reply
  11. Jill

    June 25, 2018 at 11:58 am

    This would be a bucket list item for me. Stunning photos of stunning scenery – how about that Erskine Falls? wow. And the koala, too. Looks like it was a fantastic trip and doing it in 2 days would be preferred.

    Reply
  12. California Globetrotter

    June 25, 2018 at 6:14 am

    Wow what an extensive guide! This will certainly come in handy as I’d love to see just about everything! Pinned!

    Reply
  13. Kat

    June 23, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    I love Great Ocean Road – went on a day trip from Melbourne many years ago during my uni days (I was studying in Adelaide). It’s great that you went on a self-drive for a few days because there are so many places en route to the Twelve Apostles to see and enjoy. Great photos, love it! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Katherine

    June 23, 2018 at 11:51 am

    I did a day tour of the Great Ocean Road while I was visiting Melbourne one weekend and had such a great day. It’s just a stunning part of the country! Your post brought back some fantastic memories. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  15. Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels

    June 23, 2018 at 1:00 am

    so beautiful!

    Reply
  16. Janis

    June 23, 2018 at 12:39 am

    This one road trip I really want to do, the scenes look incredible. It’s interesting that you said a lot of the drive is inland through rainforests, I didn’t realise that.

    I can’t believe you got to see five wild koalas as well, now I am jealous.

    Reply
  17. Anda

    June 22, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Australia’s landscape looks like a combination of Coastal California and Hawaii. If I were to look at any of those pictures and guess, I would say one or the other of these two states. At any rate, the Great Ocean Road looks absolutely spectacular and I can only hope to be able to do it someday.

    Reply
  18. Lauren

    June 22, 2018 at 11:26 am

    It’s my dream to do an Australian road trip one day! I love a good ol’ pack your bag and hit the road trip-especially along a coast as gorgeous as this! Looks like a blast!

    Reply
  19. Margy

    June 22, 2018 at 5:18 am

    In a way it reminds me of the beaches and rock formations in Baja California. Very beautiful. – Margy

    Reply
  20. Paul Pietrangelo

    June 22, 2018 at 2:45 am

    Lovely views Rhonda. Those stairs down to the beach doesn’t look to sturdy but I bet it’s great. See ya my friend.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  21. Clare

    June 22, 2018 at 2:18 am

    You’ve given me so many reasons to want to do this drive – those stunning beaches, rainforests and the chance of seeing a real live koala!

    Reply
  22. Vanessa

    June 22, 2018 at 1:06 am

    That sounds like my kind of road trip! Absolutely breath-taking views and scenery – and spotting wild koala? How amazing!!

    Reply
  23. Lisa

    June 21, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    All your pictures are so stunning! Driving along the Great Ocean Road must be so breathtaking! Can’t wait to go there one day.

    Reply
  24. Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World

    June 21, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    When we visited Australia many moons ago with my family (we picked up my brother from school at Melbourne and traveled for two weeks) we decided against doing the Great Ocean Road. Gah. So sad to have missed it. It is definitely everything I would love to see. Unique rock formations set in a brilliant blue sea PLUS KOALAS?!? Oh my goodness. I love this post so much. Beautiful and great tips. Cheers from the other side of the world!

    Reply
  25. chiera

    June 21, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    I stupidly done the Great Ocean Road in a day. We left at 7am and got to the 12 Apostles just in time for sunset! Which was stunning, but then we had a 2 hours drive back home in the pitch black which probably wasn’t ideal for my friend. I eally wish we had done it over a weekend like you suggest, but okay well. Live and Learn! I absolutely loved Lorne, I don’t know why, it was just so quaint, and the Erskine falls were beautiful

    Reply
  26. wanderlady

    June 21, 2018 at 11:22 am

    I also did the Great ocean road but I just drove though it, I didn’t know there was this much to see!

    Reply
  27. Parul Thakur

    June 21, 2018 at 2:58 am

    Stunning captures and I couldn’t stop admiring the beauty. The apostles, the arches, the beach – everything was beautiful. I would love to take up the 7 days walk maybe one day in life.

    Reply
  28. Marie Moody/xmasdolly

    June 20, 2018 at 3:56 pm

    WOW! Those sites are gorgeous. You certainly have an eye for a great picture! I love the Loch Ard Gorge. Wonder how many years the water was bangin’ up against that rock to make it like that… THANKS FOR SHARING!!!

    Reply
  29. Handmade Jewelry Haven

    June 20, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    Wow! Those sites are just breathtaking! Razorback is perhaps my favorite!
    And KOALAS!! I would die of their cuteness if I ever saw one in the wild!

    Thanks for sharing!

    – Lisa

    Reply
  30. Alissa Apel

    June 20, 2018 at 9:26 am

    So pretty! I love the Koala catch! Good eye! The water looks so clean and wonderful.

    Reply
  31. Deborah Patterson

    June 19, 2018 at 11:50 pm

    Ah, this post brings back great memories of my Great Ocean Road trip (over ten years ago now!). We had such a great time surfing and exploring on our drive. I’ll be back…one day!

    Reply
  32. Ryan Biddulph

    June 19, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    I hear you on the slow, savored road trip. No better way to do it Rhonda. Unless you drive through relative wasteland it feels more fun to slow down, calm down and soak up the experience. Eye-popping images as always.

    Reply
  33. Teresa

    June 19, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    Those pictures are amazing! I want to stand under that waterfall! And my maiden name is Bell, so I’m claiming that beach!

    Reply
  34. stevebethere

    June 19, 2018 at 9:17 am

    Brilliant tour Rhonda interesting too love the beaches and the sea, can’t remember the last time i was by the sea 🙂

    Have an oceantastic week 🙂

    Reply
  35. Nancy

    June 19, 2018 at 8:41 am

    Oh my, Rhonda – these photos are stunning! I would so love to visit Australia!

    Reply
  36. Annika@457 Australia

    November 7, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    How beautiful, it’s really amazing how those rocks form and created a mesmerizing view and deeply impressive shots of photos Rhonda.

    Reply
  37. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    November 2, 2016 at 10:05 am

    We sadly had to cut the Great Ocean Road from our itinerary when we visited Australia. So much to see; so little time! This is the 3rd Australian road trip post I’ve read this week, and I think I’ve now figured out that I need to drive around the ENTIRE continent. Erskine Falls is so pretty, especially since what I was expecting was just ocean photographs.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 2, 2016 at 10:19 am

      Thanks, Michele. Driving in Australia is very slow. The country is quite vast and there is quite a bit of nothing between each site. I don’t think would drive the entire country in one trip. But, it’s easier for me as it’s just across the Tasman Sea.

      Reply
  38. Sharon Wagner

    November 1, 2016 at 5:34 am

    What wonderful photos! For a Minnesotan, it would be so fun to see a koala in a tree.

    Reply
  39. Bev

    November 1, 2016 at 3:16 am

    What a fabulous area! Thanks so much for sharing these photos. Love it!

    Reply
  40. Saania Ali

    October 31, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Nice photos! I am planning my holiday trip to Australia this Christmas. I would like to enjoy sunset photography. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 1, 2016 at 1:36 am

      Bring a tripod and an ND filter 🙂

      Reply
  41. sidran

    October 31, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Stunning and serene.Koala looks adorable.

    Reply
  42. Paula McInerney

    October 31, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    Great Ocean Rd is an amazing drive and certainly on many people’s lists when they visit Australia

    Reply
  43. Lara Dunning

    October 31, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    That looks like an amazing drive! I’d love stopping at the lighthouse.

    Reply
  44. Pam / Hey, Miss Adventures!

    October 31, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Australia is so close…and yet so far, from the Philippines. Haha. I seriously want to go there and just do a road trip with my family. Stunning photos!

    Reply
  45. L. Diane Wolfe

    October 31, 2016 at 7:18 am

    That coastline looks SO much like the Oregon coastline. I can see Haystack Rock and the Devil’s Punchbowl fitting in well. Just gorgeous.

    Reply
  46. Kreete

    October 31, 2016 at 1:50 am

    Awesome photos again, Rhonda! I drove the great ocean road last year on the first day it was reopened after the big fires in the area. We didn’t stop as much as you guys did apart from camping in the area and visiting the obvious twelve apostles. I wish we had done a bit more hiking though! We also had the joy of meeting a sleepy koala who walked on the road and made the traffic stop for 10 minutes while everyone were trying to calm themselves while enjoying their first encounter with a wild koala.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:50 am

      On the road, poor koala. I hope he didn’t get hurt.

      Reply
  47. Esther

    October 30, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    This is lovely! We drove along the east coast, but would love to visit the great ocean road as well.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:48 am

      We drove from Byron Bay to Noosa a few years ago, but that was it before this trip.

      Reply
  48. jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty

    October 30, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    Gorgeous photos. Love the waterfall at Lorne! Would love to travel the Great Ocean Road one day 😉

    Reply
  49. Deborah

    October 30, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Stunning pictures and what beautiful scenery. I’ve actually not been there / travelled much around Victoria at all!

    Reply
  50. Lexa Cain

    October 30, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    OMG! The Twelve Apostles and Razorback were absolutely amazing! They were all stunning pics – thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  51. Lauren

    October 30, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Your photos are stunning. The coastline is fantastic and I love the koala. How far away was the koala?

    Reply
  52. Trekking with Becky

    October 30, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Great photos, but the waterfall’s especially stunning! 😀

    Reply
  53. Lyndall

    October 30, 2016 at 11:16 am

    Ah, the Great Ocean Road. Definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. Your photographs capture it beautifully too Rhonda 🙂

    Reply
  54. Min@WriteoftheMiddle

    October 30, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Beautiful photographs Rhonda! Travelling along the Great Ocean Road is up very high on my wish list!! I live in Brisbane but have been to Melbourne and the Dandenongs but not yet The Great Ocean Road or the Mornington Peninsula – both areas I really want to visit. One day soon I hope!!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:41 am

      I don’t know the Mornington Peninsula, but I will be in Brisbane in a few days 🙂

      Reply
  55. Jackie

    October 30, 2016 at 9:33 am

    We’ve done that drive the other way, ending in Melbourne. Great drive!

    Reply
  56. Allison

    October 30, 2016 at 7:32 am

    Your photos are stunning, Rhonda. If money weren’t a factor, I’d be ready to travel to Australia right now. #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:36 am

      Maybe one day . . . and don’t forget New Zealand once you are on this side of the world.

      Reply
  57. jill

    October 30, 2016 at 2:51 am

    To me, this is living the dream. Even though I’ve never been to Australia, the Great Ocean Road is the ultimate road trip – paradise.

    Reply
  58. Claudia | ImagesByCW

    October 30, 2016 at 1:55 am

    This brings back soooo many memories, you wouldn’t believe it. I used to live in Melbourne and went to Torqay, Bells Beach, GOR, Apollo Bay, the lighthouse, Erskine Falls etc. etc. many, many times. And loved it every time. Well, except for when there were so many (Asian) visitors that it was hard to get a glimpse 🙂 But all was and is good. Thank you for the memories brought by your wonderful photos.

    Reply
  59. beatravelling

    October 30, 2016 at 12:09 am

    One of the best things about Australia! Was on a 16 hr day trip. Worth every minute! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
  60. Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute

    October 29, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Your photos are awesome, as usual! We drove the Great Ocean Road on a trip to Australia a few years back and it was super crowded. We must have picked the absolute worst time of year. We did not, however, stop at Erskine falls, gorgeous! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:33 am

      The advantage of on and off rain is fewer people.

      Reply
  61. Suze - Luxury Columnist

    October 29, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    This really makes me want to drive the Great Ocean Road and to explore Erskine Falls! The steps up and down Bells Beach look like great exercise

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 31, 2016 at 4:32 am

      There are twice as many steps down to Erskine Falls as down to Bells Beach.

      Reply
  62. Anisa

    October 29, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Wow you’re pictures are amazing. I did part of the drive a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I would love to go back and do the whole thing.

    Reply
  63. Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe

    October 29, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    Great post Rhonda, so glad you got to this wonderful area. I think Amalfi is the only roadtrip that could ever outdo the Great Ocean Road.

    Reply
  64. Kathy Marris

    October 29, 2016 at 10:15 am

    The Great Ocean Road is one of those epic road trips that everyone visiting Australia should do. I have done the trip twice and could still return again and again. There are eye popping scenes at every corner. Lovely photo Rhonda.

    Reply
  65. Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit

    October 29, 2016 at 9:43 am

    I can’t wait to do the Great Ocean Road. Can’t wait! Leanne

    Reply
  66. Upeksha

    October 29, 2016 at 9:35 am

    It looks amazing – especially the sunset.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 29, 2016 at 10:04 am

      Thanks. The sunset was a bonus. We had intended on being settled into to Apollo Bay long before sunset.

      Reply
  67. Kat @anaussieinsf

    October 29, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Wow! I’m kind of jealous. When I did the Great Ocean Road it was a miserable,rainy day! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 29, 2016 at 10:03 am

      We did get lucky in part, but it was much colder and windier than it looks in the photos.

      Reply
  68. Ruth

    October 29, 2016 at 7:13 am

    These photos are amazing. I can see why this is one of the greatest coastal drives in the world. The place has a mix of a lot of things I enjoy in road trips (great beaches, waterfalls, etc.). #TPThursday

    Reply
  69. Mri

    October 29, 2016 at 5:32 am

    I’ve been to the Great Ocean Road twice, but missed the Eskrine falls both times; argh! Next time I’m there, I’ll definitely have to make sure to see it (:

    My favourite icon there is The Grotto, though. Have you seen it? It’s one of the rock structures in the sea (like the 12 Apostles, but better imo. lols). It’s such a gorgeous coastline!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 29, 2016 at 10:01 am

      It’s a long way down, and a longer way back up. Bring water and a tripod 🙂 As for the Grotto, those photos are coming soon.

      Reply
  70. Comedy Plus

    October 29, 2016 at 3:16 am

    Some great shots as always. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, but I’m sure I’ll never make it there. We just aren’t the world travelers that you two are.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

    Reply
  71. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    October 29, 2016 at 2:28 am

    Now that’s the kind of ocean road I’d like to travel. Our ocean roads provide a fine view of a row of beach condos and houses with brief glimpses of the beach beyond every mile or so.

    Reply
  72. Carol

    October 29, 2016 at 2:24 am

    Gorgeous photos, I love the ocean views.

    Reply
  73. Stephanie

    October 29, 2016 at 2:20 am

    Wow – what a beautiful place!!

    Reply
  74. David @ Travelsewhere

    October 29, 2016 at 1:24 am

    Been ages since I’ve been down to the Great Ocean Road. We used to spend summers down there every year, so beautiful. Your shot of Erskine Falls is stunning! Makes me want to go back.

    Reply
  75. Rachael@safari254

    October 28, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    The great ocean road has to be one of the most scenic routes ever. The Erskine Falls are beautiful.

    Reply
  76. Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

    October 28, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    just wow! AMAZING PHOTOS

    Reply
  77. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    October 28, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    Hi Rhonda – gorgeous photos … and it’s an area I’d love visit. I wrote about it a few years ago on another blog – I probably need to rescue it – it had a different take (ships foundering and rescues) to your wonderful images … cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 28, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      Cool, I would love to read it when you find it.

      Reply
  78. Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

    October 28, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    I hope you enjoyed the Great Ocean Rd as much as we do. Did you see the koalas?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      October 28, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      We sure did, in the Otways. So cool.

      Reply
  79. Photo(Geo)grapher

    October 28, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Whata a beautiful place. Great photos!

    Reply
  80. Lydia C. Lee

    October 28, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Your waterfall shots (not just on this post) are always so beautiful. Really stunning.

    Reply

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