Great Ocean Road Campervan Itinerary & Full Trip Guide

The Great Ocean Road is 664 kilometres (413 miles) of breathtaking highway that undulates along Australia’s wild, southeastern coastline. The stretch of road is renowned for its rugged cliffs, seaside towns and stunning scenery with plenty of opportunity to hike, surf and spot wildlife.

The road begins in Torquay, winds past the Twelve Apostles, through the Great Otway National Park and finishes in Warrnambool or Port Fairy. The journey can be as quick as a day trip, but multiple days are recommended. Create an agenda to suit your timetable with this comprehensive Great Ocean Road campervan itinerary…

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Great Ocean Road Campervan Itinerary

Points of Interest (Overview)

What would you like to see? There is an abundance of great places to visit along the Great Ocean Road, depending on your interests and time constraints. Planning an itinerary for your road trip can be overwhelming, but this overview of each point of interest will aid the process of creating the perfect blend.

Torquay

Situated on the picturesque Surf Coast, Torquay is the first stop from Melbourne, serving as the gateway to the iconic Great Ocean Road. With a relaxed seaside ambience, the town is a haven for surfing enthusiasts.

Recommendations – National Surfing Museum, Bells Beach, Bells Beach Brewing

Potential Activities – Take a Surf Lesson

Lorne

A visit to Lorne is a must for every passing road-tripper because of the town’s charming atmosphere and wide array of recreational offerings. On the other hand, if you time your drive perfectly, Lorne is the perfect pitstop to dive into some illustrious fresh food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Recommendations – Memorial Arch, Ipsos, Swingbridge Cafe, Teddy’s Lookout, Jebbs Pool, Upper Kalimna Falls, Erskine Falls

Potential Activities – Live Wire Park

Kennett River

Kennett River is renowned for its abundant wildlife, and in particular, its population of native koalas. Take a stroll through the forests or along the river to spot the gentle creatures dozing in the trees above. Some visitors mightn’t even need to walk any further than the cafe as there can often be a friendly koala hanging out within view of the popular pitstop.

Recommendations – Kennett River Nature Walk, Kafe Koala

Apollo Bay

Located (basically) halfway along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is a great place to stop whether it be to stock up on groceries, have an evening’s rest or simply for a bite to eat.

Recommendations – Marriner’s Lookout

Potential Activities – Join a Wildlife Walk

Great Otway National Park

Spanning over 100,000 hectares (1,000 kilometres squared), the Great Otway National Park is home to a variety of ecosystems; from ancient rainforests to rugged coastlines and tranquil waterfalls in between.

Recommendations – Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls

Potential Activities – Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Port Campbell National Park

Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that the forces of nature have sculpted; Port Campbell National Park is a section of back-to-back photo opportunities. From fascinating rock formations to dramatic cliffs, the infamous Twelve Apostles to a cave of thunder… Charge your camera and pop on your windproof jacket before embarking on an awe-inspiring journey through some of Australia’s most captivating natural wonders.

Recommendations – Twelve Apostles & Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Thunder Cave, London Bridge, The Grotto, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery

Potential Activities – Skydive over the Twelve Apostles

Peterborough

With an endlessly long sandy beach, the shorefront town of Peterborough offers travellers a glimpse into Australia’s laidback coastal lifestyle.

Recommendations – Bay of Martyrs, Childers Cove

Warrnambool

Being the western gateway, and largest town on the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool is the first stop for travellers beginning their journey from Adelaide. Overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean, Warrnambool is also a great vantage point to catch a glimpse of the passing Southern Right Whales (from June to October).

Recommendations – Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Hopkins Falls, Thunder Point

Port Fairy

Strictly speaking, the Great Ocean Road finishes at Warrnambool, but if you have time, it’s worth keeping your foot on the pedal until the next town along. Port Fairy’s history dates back to the 1800s when the place acted as a whaling station and fishing community. Before then, the area was inhabited for thousands of years by the Gunditjmara people. Today, Port Fairy is a thriving coastal community that welcomes both local and international visitors.

Recommendations – Port Fairy Lighthouse

Itineraries

How many days do you have available for your ideal Great Ocean Road campervan itinerary?..

7-Day

SEE ALSO: How to Travel Fraser Island (The Full Guide to a K'gari Road Trip)

Campervan Rental

Choosing your favoured four-wheel to cruise along one of Australia’s most scenic highways is a big decision! With 240 kilometres of winding roads and a rugged coastline, it’s important to find a vehicle that will match your level of adventure. Fortunately, there are plenty of vehicles to choose from and deals to take advantage of!

There are no rentals along the Great Ocean Road itself, but Camplify has a great selection of campervans, caravans and 4WD cars for hire. You will no doubt find a vehicle to match your ambitions, personality and comfort levels.

RELATED: Renting a Car in Australia (Everything You Need to Know)

Are you concerned about the hours of planning and driving? There are many great organised tours of the Great Ocean Road. If you are a solo traveller, you may also benefit from the social aspect of travelling in a group.

ALSO: How to Get a Job in Australia as a Foreigner (The ULTIMATE Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

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@katie.maree

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