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 visit.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Yarra Bend Campground ($$): This campsite along the Yarra River is perfect for fishing, cycling on lush natural trails and enjoying the great outdoors just beyond the city. Facilities include flush toilets, showers and on-site laundry. Prices per night range from $39 to $70.
Lakeside Tourist Park: Enjoy freshwater swims, fishing and boating with amenities like flush toilets, showers, on-site laundry and even a fully equipped campsite 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. Walk or cycle the forest trails, or visit the Mount Dandenong Observatory for amazing views of native plants, wildlife and the city 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 waterfront cafés, vegan restaurants and eclectic eateries with unique menus that are well worth trying.

Wandering the streets is an adventure in itself. Whether you enjoy exploring the nightlife, window-shopping or relaxing in landscaped parks, Melbourne is a scenic city perfect for kick-starting your Australian trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Stop 3: Torquay

Highlights:

Australia National Surfing Museum: Experience Australian surf 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 destination for travellers on the Great Ocean Road. This gorgeous beach features stunning views from all angles.
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 set 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 pitches, a play area, swimming pool, and communal 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 pitches, cabins, a pool, play area, laundry, and Wi‑Fi. 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 to this captivating seaside town that enchants locals and visitors alike. Torquay is also the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road — you’ll want to get a photo of the commemorative arch honouring the soldiers who helped build the road in the first place.

Stop 3: Anglesea

Highlights:

Coogoorah Park: Explore Coogoorah Park and spend an afternoon having a picnic, walking the trails, and birdwatching all in one place.
Angelsea Golf Club: If you love a round of golf, you’ll definitely want to visit Angelsea Golf Club. This picturesque 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, take a look at the Angelsea Riverbank Market. Browse local stalls, enjoy tasty food, and grab some fresh produce for the road.

Where to Stay for the Night:

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

A Wild Stretch of the Southern 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 sandy beaches, rich flora, native fauna, and winding coastal walking trails, Anglesea becomes a vibrant ode to coastal life, just a mere 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 fully restored former telegraph station overlooking the sea.
Blanket Bay: A cosy spot to enjoy a picnic with low tides and a reef coastline.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Bimbi Park ($$): Camp under dozing koalas and enjoy a convenient park just 3 miles (about 5 km) from the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Amenities include cabins, chalets, a pool, play area, and bush walks. Prices range from $25 AUD to $45 AUD per night.
Parker Hill Campsite ($): Great for those who want something off the beaten track, this campsite features amazing views of the Otway ranges and includes powered and unpowered pitches, walking trails, and waterfalls. Prices range from $20 to $35 AUD per night.

Sea Views and Furry Friends

Our next stop is Cape Otway, home to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. The area is largely within the Great Otway National Park. If you’re after the best spots to see koalas in Australia, you’re in luck — plenty of the furry marsupials live in the park.

Named after Captain Albany Otway, an explorer from the 1800s, Cape Otway is a beautiful coastal stop on the Great Ocean Road, with stunning views, pleasant campsites and charming family-run cafés and restaurants.

Step 5: Twelve Apostles

Highlights:

Gibson Steps: Climb the 86-step structure in Port Campbell National Park to get an incredible view of the Twelve Apostles and the breathtaking shoreline.
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 views of the coast and enjoy this fun walking trail near Lord Ard beach.

Where to Stay for the Night:

Princetown Recreation Reserve and Camping ($): Enjoy sighting wild kangaroos hopping nearby as you camp under the stars for AUD 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 sites with a camp kitchen, grills, and unisex toilets (wheelchair accessible). Rates start at AUD 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 only grow more magnificent against the backdrop of the Tasman Sea.

You’ve made it to New South Wales, Australia, and you should take your time enjoying these limestone formations, about 14 metres high. While you’re there, enjoy walking through the Loch Ard Gorge, discovering the history behind one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks.

Stop 6: Port Fairy

Highlights:

Griffiths Island_ Spend time on this tranquil 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, visit this peaceful beach for its calm atmosphere and lovely views.
Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre: Find out more about Port Fairy’s history and discover its main attractions from knowledgeable, passionate locals.

Where to Stay for the Night:

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

A Charming Seaside Finale

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

This historic town looks like it leapt out of a postcard, and you’ll feel instantly at ease as you explore the family-friendly beaches and visit local sights. Take your time on the beach and recharge before the drive back to Melbourne.