Great Ocean Road in 3 Days: A Self-Drive Booking and Planning Guide

The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most scenic coastal drive. It runs from Torquay (a beach town southwest of Melbourne) to Allansford (a small town 243 km west). The journey takes 3–5 hours of driving depending on how many stops you make.

Most tourists drive it in a single day (wrong approach). You'll see the 12 Apostles, feel rushed, and miss everything else. The better move is a 3-day road trip with overnight stops and side hikes.

Rental Car Booking

Book rental cars through Rentalcars.com, Hertz, or Budget. Book 2–4 weeks ahead of your travel date. Manual transmissions are cheaper ($10–15/day less) but uncommon in Australia (most people aren't comfortable with them).

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Torquay to Lorne (50 km, 1 hour drive)

Start in Torquay (the entry point to the Great Ocean Road). This is Australia's surf capital. Spend the morning at Bells Beach (famous surfing spot) or just walk along the shore.

Drive to Lorne (1 hour). Stop at:

Arrive in Lorne by 2:00 PM. Book accommodation there (see below). Walk Lorne town in afternoon. Go to the pub for dinner (~$25 AUD per entree).

Day 2: Lorne to Port Campbell (130 km, 2.5 hours drive + stops)

This is the scenic day. Drive west. Stop at:

Arrive Port Campbell by 2:30 PM. Book accommodation there. Walk to 12 Apostles viewpoint by 4:00 PM (this is your afternoon light session). Return at sunset (~6:00 PM) for sunset light. Dinner in Port Campbell (~$30 AUD per entree).

Day 3: Port Campbell exploration + drive back

Wake up early (5:00 AM) for sunrise at 12 Apostles (5:30–7:00 AM). Walk Loch Ard Gorge (30 min) afterward.

Drive to Allansford (45 min). Stop at:

Return to Allansford or take the 2.5-hour drive back to Torquay (aim to depart Port Campbell by 11:00 AM for afternoon arrival in Melbourne area).

Accommodation Booking

Lorne (Day 1):

Backpackers/budget: $55–80/night (Lorne Foreshore Holiday Park, Erskine House Backpackers)

Mid-range: $110–150/night (Lorne Hotel, Fairhaven Boutique Hotel)

Book on Booking.com 3–4 weeks ahead

Port Campbell (Day 2):

Backpackers: $55–70/night (Port Campbell Accommodation)

Mid-range: $130–180/night (Port Campbell Holiday Park, Pavilion Motel)

This is peak viewing location; book early

Strategy: Book 4 weeks ahead for summer (Dec–Feb) and holidays. 2–3 weeks for shoulder season (March–May, Sept–Nov).

Food Strategy

Torquay: Cafes ($8–12 breakfast), fish and chips ($15–18), pub meals ($20–28)

Lorne: More upscale. Restaurants ($30–40 entrees), pubs ($20–28). Make a dinner reservation (it's small and fills up).

Port Campbell: Limited options. One or two main restaurants + fish and chips shops. Make dinner reservations.

Cost: Budget $40–50 per day for food if eating mix of casual + one sit-down meal.

Sample 3-Day Budget

(Per person. Fuel cost is highest if you're driving alone; split among 2–3 people.)

Driving Tips

Drive on the left side of the road (Australia drives on the left).

Speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways, 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns.

Fuel is expensive (~$2 AUD per liter, or ~$1 USD per liter). Budget accordingly.

Driving after dark is not recommended (rural road, no streetlights, occasional wildlife on road).

The drive is curvy but not dangerous; take it slow and enjoy the views.

When to Go

Best: September–November (spring, warm, clear light, fewer crowds)

Good: March–May (autumn, warm, seasonal colors)

Okay: December–February (summer, warm, crowded, parking harder)

Avoid: June–August (winter, rain, cold, short daylight hours)

Ready to drive the Great Ocean Road properly?

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