Great Ocean Road Road Trip | Campervan Hire

Driving route map from Melbourne to Port Fairy along the scenic coastline, including stops at Cape Otway and Twelve Apostles.

Stop 1: Melbourne

Highlights:

Melbourne Botanical Gardens: Explore 38 hectares of blossoming flowers, centuries-old trees, and river views.
Melbourne Skydeck: Enjoy sweeping city views from atop the Eureka Tower, stretching 300 metres into the sky.
Shop on Chapel Street: Shop until you drop on Chapel Street. Here, you’ll find vintage stores, eclectic boutiques and some of the trendiest designer outlets you’ll ever get to visit.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Yarra Bend Campground ($$): This campground along the Yarra River is perfect for fishing, biking on lush natural trails, and enjoying the great outdoors just beyond the city. Includes flushing toilets, showers, and on-site laundry facilities. Prices per night range from £39 to $70.
Lakeside Tourist Park: Enjoy freshwater swims, fishing, and boating with amenities like flushing toilets, showers, on-site laundry, and even a fully-equipped campground kitchen. Prices range from $30 to $55 per night.
Dandenong Ranges Tourist Park: Immerse yourself in the Dandenong Ranges, a 49-minute drive from central Melbourne. Hike or bike the forest trails, or visit the Mount Dandenong Observatory for amazing views of plants, wildlife, and the city’s skyline. Prices start at $35 and go up to $65 per night.

Discover Cosmopolitan Melbourne

Your journey begins in Melbourne. Many know it as the capital of Victoria, but we reckon it’s also earned the title of ‘Brunch Capital of Australia.’ There are dozens of waterside cafés, vegan restaurants and eclectic eateries with one-of-a-kind menus worth trying.

Wandering the streets is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re into the nightlife, window-shopping, or chilling out in well-kept parks, Melbourne is a picturesque city, perfect for kick-starting your Australian trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Stop 3: Torquay

Highlights:

Australia National Surfing Museum: Experience Australian surfing legends come to life in this museum featuring walls of surfboards, retro photography, and exhibits celebrating beach culture.
Bells Beach: Now you’ve made it to Bells Beach, the crown jewel of Torquay and a major stop for travellers on the Great Ocean Road. This gorgeous beach offers stunning views from every angle.
Bells Beach Brewing: Sip and sample some delicious local craft beer and buy a few cans of your favourite flavours to enjoy later on your trip. But before you head off, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful shoreline at Bells Beach.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park: This large park on the famous Foreshore features campervan hook-up sites, a playground, swimming pool, and kitchen. Prices range from $50 to $70 per night.
Jan Juc Caravan Park: Stay on one of Torquay’s most popular beaches with powered and unpowered sites, cabins, a pool, playground, laundry, and WiFi. Prices range from $45 to $65 per night.

Surf, Sand and Scenic Views

Torquay is the surf capital of Australia, and even if you don’t ride the waves, you’re bound to be mesmerised by the magnificent views of the Tasman Sea. Torquay is home to plenty of famous beaches, including one of the stops on this trip, Bells Beach. While you’re there, you may also want to explore gems like Cosy Corner and Maidencombe Beach.

Sun, sand and surf are the main draws of this captivating seaside town that enchants locals and travellers alike. Torquay is also the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road — you’ll want to grab a photo of the commemorative arch honouring the soldiers who paved the road in the first place.

Stop 3: Anglesea

Highlights:

Coogoorah Park: Tour Coogoorah Park and spend an afternoon having a picnic, walking the trails, and birdwatching all in one place.
Angelsea Golf Club: If you love to tee off, you’ll definitely want to visit Angelsea Golf Club. This picturesque golf course offers plenty of rolling greens to perfect your putt.
Angelsea Riverbank Market: If you happen to be in town on the first Sunday of the month, check out the Angelsea Riverbank Market. You can browse local stalls, enjoy tasty food vendors, and grab some fresh produce for the journey.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Big 4 Angelsea Holiday Park ($$$): Enjoy family-friendly campsites, a heated swimming pool, mini-golf, and a swanky café. Prices start at $123 per night.
Angelsea Beachfront Caravan Park ($$): This campervan-friendly holiday park has campsites, playgrounds and a camp kitchen. Prices start at $50 per night.

A Wild Stretch of the South Coast

Anglesea is a picturesque town in Victoria, Australia, situated on the iconic Great Ocean Road. Nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling waters of the Southern Ocean, it's a popular destination for travellers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

With its majestic cliffs, wide white beaches, abundant plant life and native wildlife, and winding coastal walks, Anglesea is a vibrant ode to coastal living, just a short fifteen-minute drive west of Torquay.

Step 4: Cape Otway

Highlights:

Great Otway National Park: Wander under treetops with koalas nestled among the branches, and enjoy cascading waterfalls with incredible coastline views.
Cape Otway Lightstation: Explore the completely restored former telegraph station overlooking the ocean.
Blanket Bay: A cosy spot to enjoy a picnic at low tide on a reef-fringed coast.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Bimbi Park ($$): Camp beneath dozing koalas and enjoy a handy park just about 5 km from the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Amenities include cabins, chalets, a pool, playground and bush walks. Prices range from AUD 25 to AUD 45 per night.
Parker Hill Campsite ($): Great for anyone who wants something off the beaten track — this campsite has amazing views of the Otway ranges and includes powered and unpowered pitches, walking trails and waterfalls. Prices range from AUD 20 to AUD 35 per night.

Sea Views and Furry Friends

Our next destination is Cape Otway, home to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. This area is largely contained within the Great Otway National Park . If you’re looking for the best places to see koalas in Australia, you’re in luck — plenty of the furry marsupials call the park home.

Named after Captain Albany Otway, an explorer in the 19th century, Cape Otway is a beautiful coastal stop along the Great Ocean Road that offers stunning views, pleasant campsites and charming family-owned eateries.

Step 5: Twelve Apostles

Highlights:

Gibson Steps: Climb the 86-step structure in Port Campbell National Park for a phenomenal view of the Twelve Apostles and the breathtaking coastline.
Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park: Pet dingoes and fawn over adorable Australian wildlife that call the park home, just 15 minutes from the Twelve Apostles.
Island Arch Lookout: Take in sweeping coastal views and enjoy this fun walking route near Lord Ard Beach.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Princetown Recreation Reserve and Camping ($): Spot wild kangaroos hopping nearby as you camp under the stars for A$5 per night. Amenities include a barbecue, communal shower, tennis court, playground, boat ramp, and pet-friendly stays.
Lakes and Craters Holiday Park ($$): Hike or cycle local trails, and enjoy powered and unpowered pitches with a camp kitchen, grills, and unisex toilets (wheelchair-accessible). Rates start at A$28 per night.

Majestic Limestone Giants

Nothing can quite prepare you for seeing the Twelve Apostles in person for the first time. These magnificent geological structures look even more impressive against the backdrop of the Tasman Sea.

You’ve made it to New South Wales, Australia — take your time to enjoy these 45-foot (about 14 metres) limestone formations. While you’re there, take a stroll through Loch Ard Gorge and discover the history behind one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks.

Stop 6: Port Fairy

Highlights:

Griffiths Island_ Spend time on this placid animal sanctuary where wild birds roam, and beautiful Australian native plants thrive by the water.
Pea Soup Beach_ If the interesting name isn’t enough to make you want to go, then visit this tranquil beach for its peaceful atmosphere and lovely views
Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre: Get to know more about the history of Port Fairy and discover its main attractions from knowledgeable, passionate locals.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park ($$$): Campervans welcome at powered and unpowered pitches with an indoor pool, playroom, Wi‑Fi, mini-golf and a pump track. Prices from AUD 81 per night
Port Fairy Holiday Park ($$$): Camp at a powered pitch and enjoy amenities such as an indoor heated pool, tennis court, playground and private gardens for a bit of privacy and a connection with nature. Rates from AUD 79 per night.

A Charming Seaside Finale

On the final stretch of your Great Ocean Road trip, you’ll visit Port Fairy, a lovely seaside town with curious emu residents. Check out these beautifully unique birds, and if you’re lucky you might spot some koalas and kangaroos too.

This historic town looks like it’s jumped straight out of a postcard, and you’ll immediately feel at home as you explore the family-friendly beaches and visit local attractions. Enjoy some beach time and rest up for the drive back to Melbourne.