📍 Total Distance:
Approximately 275 km (one way)
⏰ Driving Time:
Around 4.5 – 5 hours (without stops)
👉 Recommended: Full-day trip (10–12 hours with stops)
🗺️ BEST SCENIC ROUTE (Recommended)
This route takes you along the official Great Ocean Road coastal drive for the best views.
✅ Step 1: Melbourne CBD to Torquay (Start of Great Ocean Road)
Distance: 105 km
Time: 1.5 hours
- Leave Melbourne CBD.
- Take the West Gate Freeway (M1) towards Geelong.
- Continue on Princes Freeway (M1).
- Take exit toward Torquay / Anglesea (C134).
📍 Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road.
💡 Stop Option: Bells Beach (famous surf beach)
✅ Step 2: Torquay to Lorne
Distance: 47 km
Time: 1 hour
Drive along the coastal road (B100 – Great Ocean Road).
This is where the views become stunning:
- Cliffside ocean views
- Scenic lookouts
- Small coastal towns
💡 Must-Stop Spots:
- Point Addis Lookout
- Anglesea
- Teddy’s Lookout (near Lorne)
✅ Step 3: Lorne to Apollo Bay
Distance: 45 km
Time: 1 hour
One of the most beautiful stretches of the drive.
💡 Stop at:
- Erskine Falls (short rainforest walk)
- Kennett River (see wild koalas!)
- Cape Patton Lookout
📍 Apollo Bay is a great lunch stop.
✅ Step 4: Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles
Distance: 95 km
Time: 1.5 hours
After Apollo Bay, the road moves inland briefly through rainforest (Great Otway National Park) before returning to dramatic coastal cliffs.
Before reaching the Twelve Apostles, stop at:
- Gibson Steps
- Loch Ard Gorge
- London Arch
🌊 Arrival: The Twelve Apostles
📍 Located near Port Campbell
🎟 Free entry
🚶 Easy walking paths
🌅 Best time to visit: Sunset (golden light is incredible)
🔁 Alternative Faster Route (If Short on Time)
If you don’t want the full coastal drive:
Melbourne → Princes Highway (A1) → Colac → Port Campbell → 12 Apostles
⏰ About 3.5 hours
⚠️ Not scenic like the Great Ocean Road route
🚘 Driving Tips
- Drive on the left side in Australia
- Fuel up before leaving major towns
- Watch for wildlife (especially at dusk)
- Take your time — the road is winding
- Start early (7–8 AM recommended)
🧭 Suggested 1-Day Itinerary
7:00 AM – Leave Melbourne
9:00 AM – Torquay
11:00 AM – Lorne
1:00 PM – Apollo Bay (Lunch)
3:30 PM – Loch Ard Gorge
4:00 PM – 12 Apostles
5:30 PM – Start return trip
