Your Great Ocean Road self drive begins as you head west from Melbourne. The moment you reach the famous Great Ocean Road sign at Torquay, the stunning Shipwreck Coast unfolds before you. Soak up spectacular ocean views en route, stopping at Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, Teddy’s Lookout and the charming seaside town of Lorne.

Arrive in Apollo Bay, a picturesque fishing town that serves as the gateway to Great Otway National Park. Get up close to native animals at Wildlife Wonders Apollo Bay or search for glowworms in the Otway National Park.

Melbourne > Apollo Bay | 195 kms

Captains at the Bay Guesthouse, Apollo Bay or similar

Today, detour through Great Otway National Park to reach the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, where you can climb the spiral staircase 90 metres above sea level for spectacular ocean views.

No Great Ocean Road road trip is complete without admiring the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Walk the clifftop viewing platforms for distinctive panoramic photos and take the Gibson Steps to the beach (tide and weather permitting) for an up-close view of the limestone cliffs.

Continue to Warrnambool and visit Logans Beach whale-watching platform to see if any southern right whales and their calves are passing (July to September).

Apollo Bay > Warnambool | 160 kms

Deep Blue Hotel Hop Springs, Warrnambool or similar

Leave the coast behind and drive north into one of Victoria’s most spectacular landscapes.

The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park offers dramatic mountain scenery, rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and abundant wildlife. Base yourself in Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians, walk bush trails to discover local wildlife and visit Boroka Lookout and Reeds Lookout for sweeping views.

Warnambool > Halls Gap | 170 kms

Breeze Holiday Parks, Cabin, Halls Gap or similar

Drive east through the Great Western wine region, where you can visit Best’s Wines, one of Australia’s oldest family wineries, explore the impressive underground cellars at Seppelt Great Western, and stop at Pomonal Estate for beautiful vineyard views and cool climate white and red wines.

Arrive in Ballarat, home to the fascinating Sovereign Hill open air museum, one of Australia’s top heritage attractions. Here you can immerse yourself in the 1850s gold rush era, exploring heritage buildings including a working bakery, blacksmith and candle maker, and go panning for gold.

Halls Gap > Ballarat | 145 kms

Hotel Vera, Ballarat or similar

Before leaving town this morning, you could visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park where you can hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, and meet koalas, giant tortoises and cassowaries.

Then, as you wind your way though the countryside to Melbourne, why not complete your Great Ocean Road trip with a rejuvenating stop in Australia’s spa capital? Sip naturally carbonated mineral waters straight from the source at Hepburn Springs Reserve and explore the boutique shops of Daylesford.

Arrive into the Victorian capital refreshed and revived after five unforgettable days on one of the world’s great self drive routes.

Ballarat > Melbourne | 125 kms