3-Week Great Ocean Road Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Great Ocean Road tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Ocean Road travel expert at TourRadar
19 Day Australia Itinerary, incl. Sydney and Melbourne
German-speaking guides narrate this full-day coastal drive from Mount Gambier to Melbourne, with visits to Port Fairy, Loch Ard Gorge, and Geelong.
- Days 1-2
Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and take time to adjust to the time zone. Visit the Botanical Gardens before 9 AM when you can get the best photos of the Opera House without crowds. Do the Bondi to Bronte Beach coastal walk before 11 AM to avoid intense sun. Set aside 2-3 hours for a harbor cruise.
- Days 3-5
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Fly to Cairns (3 hours). Book your Great Barrier Reef activities on early morning boats for calmer waters. When riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, choose the left side for coastal views. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes about 1.5 hours each way.
- Days 6-7
Darwin & Kakadu
The flight to Darwin takes 4 hours and brings you to tropical weather. The Yellow Waters Billabong sunrise cruise at 6:30 AM offers prime wildlife spotting. Bring strong insect repellent for the wetlands.
- Days 8-9
Katherine & Tennant Creek
Book the 2-hour Nitmiluk Gorge boat tour early to see the red rocks glowing. The drive to Tennant Creek stretches 680 km. Load up on snacks and offline entertainment. Take a break at Mataranka Hot Springs halfway through.
- Days 10-11
Alice Springs
Start at the Royal Flying Doctor Service before tour groups arrive. Visit Standley Chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges at midday for the best light. A traveler shares: "The Desert Park at sunset was magical - we saw nocturnal animals becoming active."
- Days 12-13
Uluru & Coober Pedy
Get to Uluru 45 minutes before sunrise to watch the full color display. Underground hotels in Coober Pedy stay at 23-25°C all year, perfect when the desert gets hot.
- Days 14-15
Adelaide
The 860 km drive from Coober Pedy is long but scenic. Consider taking a day trip to Kangaroo Island (45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis). The Barossa Valley wine region sits just an hour outside Adelaide.
- Days 16-17
Great Ocean Road
Drive from Mount Gambier along stunning coastline. Plan to photograph the Twelve Apostles in late afternoon light. A recent visitor notes: "Stop at Apollo Bay for lunch - the seafood is fresh and the views are incredible."
- Days 18-19
Melbourne
Start early to explore the laneways before crowds appear. Book the Phillip Island penguin parade well in advance. Walk around St. Patrick's Cathedral area where you'll find excellent coffee spots.
19 Days in Southeast Australia, incl. Sydney and Melbourne
A comprehensive day along the Great Ocean Road takes you through Geelong, Anglesea, Port Campbell, and Warrnambool as part of a broader 19-day southeastern Australia adventure.
- Days 1-2
Sydney & Canberra
Start in Sydney by picking up your rental car at the airport in the morning to avoid traffic. Visit the Harbor Bridge and Opera House before 9 AM to beat the cruise ship crowds. On day two, take the 3.5-hour drive to Canberra on the Hume Highway. Get gas in Sydney since prices are much higher on the highway.
- Days 3-5
Coastal New South Wales
Travel to Merimbula through Batemans Bay. Stop at Murramarang National Park early morning or evening to spot kangaroos. Spend two nights in Lakes Entrance, known for excellent seafood. A recent visitor shared: "The fresh oysters at Metung were incredible. Ask locals for recommendations - they know which restaurants get the day's catch."
- Days 6-8
Victoria's Wildlife Coast
Stay in Yanakie to explore Wilsons Promontory National Park. Take the Squeaky Beach trail for wildlife viewing but bring good hiking shoes as paths get slippery in wet weather. Visit Phillip Island for the penguin parade. Book ahead and get there an hour before sunset for the best spots.
- Days 9-11
Melbourne & Great Ocean Road
Take two full days to explore Melbourne using the free City Circle Tram. When you head to the Great Ocean Road leave by 7 AM to reach the 12 Apostles before tour buses arrive. Look for koalas near Anglesea where you'll often see tourists with cameras pointed up at the trees.
- Days 12-14
Grampians & Coastal South Australia
The MacKenzie Falls track in the Grampians takes about 2 hours round trip. Bring plenty of water since summer temperatures often go above 35°C. Continue to Robe and try to arrive for sunset at the lighthouse.
- Days 15-19
Kangaroo Island & Adelaide
Book your ferry to Kangaroo Island in advance. Morning crossings are usually smoother. Plan three days on the island and take a guided tour at Seal Bay. End your trip in Adelaide at the Central Market between Wednesday and Saturday when all vendors are open.
