3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Great Ocean Road tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreat Ocean Road travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Victoria, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  The first day winds along Great Ocean Road, visiting Memorial Arch and Twelve Apostles. Day two takes you through Tower Hill Reserve, while day three showcases Grampians highlights including MacKenzie Falls and The Balconies, covering 375km of stunning coastline.

  

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  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

    Meet at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne's CBD at 7:35 AM to avoid morning traffic. The day starts with a beautiful coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road. Get your camera ready for amazing ocean views. Look for koalas in the eucalyptus trees between Anglesea and Apollo Bay. Take a guided walk through Great Otway National Park but bring shoes with good grip since paths can get slippery. In the afternoon, visit the famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. A good tip is to see the Twelve Apostles near sunset when tour buses are gone and the lighting is perfect for photos. You'll spend the night in Warrnambool after covering 375km.

    
  • Day 2

    Warrnambool to Grampians

    Start at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, set in an old volcano crater. Come early to spot emus and kangaroos in their natural habitat. Travel north to the Grampians National Park for the Pinnacle lookout hike (4.5km return). You'll need reasonable fitness for this moderate hike, but there are plenty of scenic spots to rest. Bring lots of water, especially in summer. End your day in Halls Gap with a classic Australian BBQ dinner. If you're staying at the Grampians Eco YHA, ask for a room away from common areas for better sleep.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Melbourne

    Begin with a morning hike to MacKenzie Falls (2km return). The walk down to the falls is steep with many steps, so take your time and bring water. Visit the Balconies and Boroka Lookout for great views best captured in morning light. The trip back to Melbourne (290km) includes rest stops and usually arrives around 5:30 PM, depending on traffic. One traveler suggests: "Wear layers as temperatures can vary significantly between the coast and mountains."

    

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• 3 Day Victoria Itinerary, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  The scenic Great Ocean Road stretches 375km, from Apollo Bay's surf beaches to Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. A guided Great Otway rainforest walk and overnight stay in Warrnambool await, with chances to spot wild koalas.

  

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  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Warrnambool via Great Ocean Road

    Leave from Melbourne's Immigration Museum at 7:35 AM. Have breakfast before you go since morning traffic can be slow. The drive to Apollo Bay takes about 3 hours along the winding Great Ocean Road. Stop at Kennett River to spot wild koalas. If you get car sick bring motion sickness tablets you'll need them for the curves. Stop for lunch in Apollo Bay before exploring Great Otway National Park's rainforest. Wear good walking shoes the paths get slippery after rain. Plan to reach the Twelve Apostles around 4 PM when the light is perfect for photos. It's a quick 10-minute walk from parking to the views. Stay overnight in Warrnambool (375 km total).

    
  • Day 2

    Warrnambool to Halls Gap

    Visit Tower Hill Conservation Reserve first thing. You'll likely see emus and kangaroos in the morning just stay 5 meters away. Spend your afternoon on the 4.5 km Pinnacle lookout hike in the Grampians. Bring plenty of water and extra clothes the mountain weather changes fast. Try a traditional BBQ dinner in Halls Gap. Look for kangaroos near your hotel at sunset they often hang out on the golf course. Today's drive is shorter (190 km) giving you more time to hike and watch wildlife.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Melbourne

    Take the 2 km walk to Mackenzie Falls first. The trail has lots of steps but morning light makes great photos. Get to Boroka Lookout by 7 AM for sunrise without crowds. The Balconies walk is easy and gives you amazing valley views. The drive back to Melbourne (290 km) takes about 3 hours getting you there around 5:30 PM. You could stop in the gold rush town of Ballarat if you have time.

    

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• 3 Days Australia, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  This coastal route unveils Great Ocean Road's highlights, from surf beaches near Apollo Bay to the famous Twelve Apostles. Marvel at Loch Ard Gorge and wander through Great Otway rainforest before reaching Tower Hill Reserve's volcanic landscape.

  

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  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Warrnambool via Great Ocean Road

    Meet at Melbourne's Immigration Museum at 7:20 AM for a 7:35 AM departure. The bus ride to Apollo Bay takes about 3 hours, offering your first glimpse of spectacular ocean views. Look for koalas in the eucalyptus trees near Kennett River. You'll take a guided walk through Great Otway National Park's rainforest. Make sure to wear good walking shoes since the paths can get slippery. Plan to see the Twelve Apostles limestone formations around 4:30 PM when the lighting is perfect for photos. You'll cover 375 km before reaching Warrnambool for the night. Choose between staying at the local hostel or Warrnambool Motel.

    
  • Day 2

    Grampians National Park

    Start your day at Tower Hill Reserve, set in an old volcano crater full of wildlife. Morning is the best time to spot emus and kangaroos roaming freely. Just remember to keep your distance and move slowly. In the afternoon, tackle the 4.5 km Pinnacle lookout hike in the Grampians. This walk takes about 2-2.5 hours and includes some challenging uphill sections. Bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking during summer when temperatures often rise above 35°C (95°F). End your day with an Australian BBQ in Halls Gap. Stay at either the Grampians YHA eco-lodge or Gariwerd Motel.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Adelaide

    Begin with a morning walk to Mackenzie Falls. The 2 km trail includes more than 260 steps down to the falls. Take your time coming back up. After visiting Boroka and The Balconies viewpoints, start the 520 km drive to Adelaide. You'll pass interesting sights like the pink Dimboola Lake before arriving in Adelaide around 7:30 PM.

    

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