Ocean Road Road Trip Itinerary
The Ocean Road is a 665 mile journey starting in Adelaide and ending in Melbourne, Australia. The recommended time to complete the trip is 12 days, and the best time of year to drive is during the spring and summer months. Along the way, you will pass through Coorong National Park, Beachport, Portland, Warrnambool, and Apollo Bay. The drive is full of stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, and the roads are in excellent condition throughout the entire trip.
This road trip is perfect for any driver and provides a high level of experience and memories. Although it requires a high budget, the Ocean Road is definitely worth the money. So, if you are looking for a great road trip that will give you an unforgettable experience, the Ocean Road is the perfect choice.
12
number of days
1,072 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Adelaide
Distance 1,072 km
Driving time 15.7 h
Pace: fast
321.6 kWh
Airports
ADL
[detailsContainer]
Adelaide is the vibrant capital city of South Australia, and the perfect starting point for an adventure down the stunning “Ocean Road”. With its combination of stunning beaches, rolling hills, and delicious local produce, Adelaide has something for everyone.
For those arriving by air, Adelaide Airport (ADL) is the closest international airport and offers car rentals for those looking to explore the city and beyond. From here, travelers can embark on the iconic “Ocean Road”, a scenic drive along the South Australian coast, passing through beautiful coastal towns and national parks.
For those staying in Adelaide, there is plenty to explore. The city is home to a bustling cultural scene and is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. There are also several attractions to enjoy, including the Adelaide Oval, the South Australian Museum, and the picturesque Adelaide Botanic Gardens. For a taste of local culture, be sure to visit the Central Market where you can sample the freshest produce and mingle with the friendly locals.
Adelaide is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip down the “Ocean Road”. With its combination of stunning beaches, rolling hills, and delicious local produce, Adelaide is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
1
Adelaide
- Coorong N.P.
Distance 195 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
58.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a road trip like no other? Adelaide to Coorong National Park is an unforgettable journey of 120 miles that will take less than three hours. Along the way you will have the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in South Australia.
Start your journey in the vibrant city of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Here you can explore the city's rich history, culture, and vibrant nightlife. Don't forget to visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum.
Continue your journey along the Coorong Road, where you will pass through the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the picturesque towns of Strathalbyn and Goolwa. As you drive, keep an eye out for historical sites such as the Currency Creek Woolshed and the Goolwa Wharf.
Finally, you will arrive at the Coorong National Park. This stunning park is home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans, swans, and other waterbirds. Take a stroll along the beach, explore the lagoons, and take in the incredible views of the Coorong Lagoon.
Don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beauty of South Australia with a road trip from Adelaide to Coorong National Park!
Coorong N.P. - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
2
Coorong N.P.
- Beachport
Distance 197 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
59.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an amazing road trip from Coorong National Park to Beachport! This 122mi route can be done in less than 3 hours, and it will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia.
Start your journey in Coorong National Park, where you can explore the sand dunes, hike the trails, and spot some of the unique wildlife. Make sure you don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour and see the abundant birdlife.
As you continue your drive, you will pass through the Coorong Wilderness Protection Area, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the wetlands, the lagoons, and the river.
Your next stop is Beachport, a small coastal town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the Beachport jetty, the historic lighthouses, and the Robe Obelisk. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the beach and admire the stunning views of the ocean.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Beachport - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - TripAdvisor
❯
❮
3
Beachport
- Portland
Distance 189 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: fast
56.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing 117mi journey from Beachport, Australia to Portland. This is one of the stages of an even larger tour that will take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the area.
Start your journey in Beachport, a coastal town known for its stunning beaches, calm waters, and amazing surf spots. Take some time to explore the area and enjoy the sun and sand.
Your next stop is Portland, a charming seaside town with a vibrant community. Here you can explore the historic streets, visit the local galleries, and browse the shops. Don't forget to check out the stunning harbor and take a boat ride to take in the views.
The entire journey will take you fewer than 3 hours, so don't forget to take breaks along the way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Portland - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
4
Portland
- Warrnambool
Distance 104 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
31.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to your Portland to Warrnambool road trip! Get ready for an exciting journey that will take you through some of the most beautiful places in Australia. This 65mi journey will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete and allows you to explore the unique and stunning landscapes of the region.
One of the first places you will visit is the picturesque Portland Bay. Here you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, visit the iconic Portland Lighthouse and explore the fascinating history of the area. In Warrnambool, you will find the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, which is a great place to learn about the history of the city and the local area.
Your journey will also take you through the breathtaking Otway National Park. Here you can take a hike through the lush forests and admire the stunning views of the ocean. You can also visit the beautiful Erskine Falls, which is one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!
Warrnambool - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Great Ocean Road
❯
❮
5
Warrnambool
- Twelve Apostles
- Apollo Bay
Distance 167 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
50.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Warrnambool and explore the beautiful coast of Australia. Drive through the iconic Twelve Apostles and enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. In less than 3 hours you will reach Apollo Bay, the last destination of this stage.
On your journey, make sure to stop at the Twelve Apostles, a stunning collection of limestone stacks that rise from the sea. Get out and take some incredible photos! Apollo Bay offers a variety of activities and attractions, from surfing to walking along the beach.
This stage of your road trip is only 104 miles and the driving time is fewer than 3 hours, so you can easily spend a few days exploring the area. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready to explore the best of Australia!
Apollo Bay - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
❯
❮
6
Apollo Bay
- Torquay
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
23.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Apollo Bay - Torquay stage of your Australian road trip! This 55 mile journey takes about two hours, and will take you through some of the most beautiful coastal towns in the country.
Start your journey in Apollo Bay, a picturesque fishing village with a stunning beach and a lively harbour. Don't forget to visit the Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on the mainland, and the nearby Great Otway National Park, with its lush rainforests and waterfalls.
Continue your drive along the Great Ocean Road and admire the spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. Stop at the Twelve Apostles, a must-see attraction, and the London Bridge, a natural rock formation in the sea.
Finally, arrive in Torquay, a vibrant beach town with plenty of shopping, dining, and activities. Don't miss the Surf World Museum, the world's largest surfing museum, and the iconic Bells Beach, one of Australia's most famous surfing spots.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Torquay - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Travel Victoria
❯
❮
7
Torquay
- Melbourne
Distance 132 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
39.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
If you are looking for an exciting road trip, the journey from Torquay to Melbourne is the perfect choice! This stage of your tour is only 83 mi long and can be completed in less than two hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way.
Start your journey in Torquay, a beautiful beach town with a stunning coastline. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bass Strait, visit the iconic Bells Beach, and explore the Torquay Surf World Museum.
Continue your journey to Geelong, a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. Visit the National Wool Museum, take a tour of the Ford Discovery Centre, and explore the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Finally, end your trip in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria. Stroll through the vibrant streets of the city, visit the Melbourne Museum, and explore the Melbourne Zoo.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Melbourne - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Travel Victoria
❯
❮
Melbourne
[detailsContainer]
Melbourne is the cultural and sporting capital of Australia and the perfect destination to finish your “Ocean Road” road trip. This city on the banks of the Yarra River is known for its vibrancy, with its unique culture, eclectic mix of art galleries, museums, and attractions.
When you arrive in Melbourne, be sure to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and explore the stunning landscape. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, a visit to the Eureka Skydeck and its breathtaking views is a must. If you’re looking for some culture, the National Gallery of Victoria is where you should go.
Melbourne is also known for its sporting culture, with the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground a must-see for any sports fan. The nearby Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena host the Australian Open tennis tournament, while the Melbourne Showgrounds hosts the annual Royal Melbourne Show.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the nearby Great Ocean Road is the perfect place to visit. With stunning coastline, breathtaking views and secluded beaches, it’s an ideal way to round off an amazing road trip.
Melbourne is served by Melbourne Airport (MEL), the second busiest airport in Australia. It’s the main international gateway to the city and offers a range of direct international flights. So, if you’re looking for the perfect end to your “Ocean Road” road trip, Melbourne is the place to go.
Ocean Road Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Adelaide
-
End:
Melbourne
-
Distance:
1,072 km
-
Stay:
12 days
-
Getting there:
Adelaide International Airport (ADL)
-
When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Great Ocean Road is a world-famous 243-kilometer (151-mile) drive along Australia's southeastern coast, stretching from Torquay to Allansford near Warrnambool. This legendary route, built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, is the world's largest war memorial. The journey is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural history. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, it's recommended to take at least 3 days, although some travelers choose to extend their Trip to explore more thoroughly, with spring and summer offering the most pleasant weather for the journey.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Along the Great Ocean Road, Roadtrippers will encounter a plethora of attractions such as the Twelve Apostles limestone rock formations, the ancient rainforests of Great Otway National Park, and the surf culture of Bells Beach.
- Coorong National Park offers a sanctuary to migratory birds and a network of lagoons.
- The quaint town of Port Fairy with its whitewashed cottages and maritime history, and the Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia, also make for memorable stops.
- Don't miss the opportunity for whale watching in Warrnambool during the migration season (June to September).
Best Time to Go:
The best time to travel the Great Ocean Road is from late spring to early autumn (November to March), when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities. However, this period is also the busiest, so those looking to avoid crowds may consider the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn.
Potential Risks:
While the route is a safe and well-traveled one, the Great Ocean Road can be challenging with its winding turns and narrow stretches. Drivers should be cautious, especially in inclement weather. Additionally, the popularity of the route means that accommodations and attractions can be booked out in advance, so it's essential to plan ahead.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
The Great Ocean Road is not just a driving route; it offers opportunities for hiking, surfing, skydiving, and eco-tours to observe local wildlife like koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. The Road also features several important cultural sites for the Aboriginal communities, including the Gadubanud people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
A good choice for:
The Great Ocean Road is a quintessential Australian adventure, offering dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural experiences. Whether seeking relaxation on hidden beaches, the thrill of water sports, or the chance to witness the rugged beauty of nature, this coastal journey is an unforgettable experience that caters to diverse interests and provides travelers with a deep connection to Australia's natural beauty and heritage.
-
