3-Week Great Ocean Road Tour Packages

4.5 stars on(8,224 reviews)

Choose from 5 Great Ocean Road tours
24/7 customer support

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Great Ocean Road 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.
View itinerary
- 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.
View itinerary
21 Days in South Australia, incl. Adelaide and Melbourne
View itinerary
- Days 1-3
  Adelaide
  Start your journey in South Australia's capital. Visit Adelaide Central Market early around 7 AM to watch vendors set up and get the best produce before the crowds arrive at 10 AM. Take a 25-minute tram ride to Glenelg Beach for an afternoon by the water.
- Days 4-5
  Adelaide & Campervan Prep
  Plan 1-2 hours for campervan pickup and inspection. Remember to download offline maps and note your vehicle's height clearance for campground access. Get supplies at Woolworths or Coles before leaving the city.
- Days 6-8
  Kangaroo Island
  Take the first ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw (45-minute crossing, 2-hour drive from Adelaide). Visit Flinders Chase National Park and Remarkable Rocks in early morning for the best photos. Western KI Caravan Park offers powered sites with ocean views. Fill your fuel tank before the ferry crossing to avoid higher island prices.
- Days 9-11
  Grampians National Park
  Drive 6 hours from Kangaroo Island to Halls Gap. Start the Pinnacle walk by 8 AM to avoid the heat. Visit MacKenzie Falls but prepare for 260 steep steps. Book Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park well in advance during busy seasons.
- Days 12-14
  Great Ocean Road
  Take 3 full days to explore this scenic route. See the 12 Apostles at sunrise before tour buses arrive. Stay at NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park. Take time for Otway National Park rainforest walks but bring insect repellent.
- Days 15-16
  Phillip Island & Wilsons Promontory
  Book the Penguins Plus viewing platform ($55) and arrive an hour before sunset. Visit Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Prom early before the 11 AM crowds.
- Days 17-21
  Melbourne
  Drop off your campervan and explore the city. Stay in Fitzroy or St Kilda for local atmosphere. Use the free City Circle tram until 6 PM for orientation. Visit Queen Victoria Market's summer night market on Wednesdays from 5-10 PM.
View itinerary
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.
View itinerary
- 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.
View itinerary