Great Ocean Road Self-drive Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque example of human engineering. It was conceived as a bold plan to connect isolated townships along the rugged south-western coast of Victoria, which until its much celebrated opening in 1932, had only been accessible by rough bush track or by sea. It’s now both a major arterial and tourist mecca, drawing travellers to wind around its scenic turns and overlook the roaring ocean below. We’ve created this low-impact one- or two-day itinerary so you can explore some of the sites along this globally-renowned coastline. This tour departs from Geelong, which is 1.5 hours drive south-west from Melbourne.

After a short drive from Geelong, grab a take-away coffee in Bellbrae and head to Bells Beach Carpark. Take the walking track to Bells Beach Lookout, a fantastic vantage point for ocean lovers to take in views of the Bass Strait. Walk or drive further down, where you can gain easy access to the sand. Here, dramatic cliffs cradle this world-famous surf beach, and you’re likely to catch a few experienced surfers taking on the perfect breaks over the reef.

You may like to make a quick stop at the local Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, before joining The Great Ocean Road. This engineering marvel, which connects once isolated coastal towns, has become a destination for local and international tourists (and many a motor car commercial). The road was constructed by returned soldiers, as a war memorial for fellow servicemen who had been killed in World War 1. They braved dangerous weather and rugged cliffs over 13 years until its completion. You can learn more about this spectacular human accomplishment at The Great Ocean Road Story, a permanent exhibition at the new Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre.

By the time you reach Apollo Bay, your appetites should be ready to devour some fresh-caught seafood from the region’s last working fishing harbour. 

The iconic Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op is an affordable but high-quality fish and chip shop, which has been trading for over 70 years. Treat yourself to their famous Southern rock lobster, scallops or abalone, or enjoy fish caught in Tambo Bay from the co-op’s own fishing boat. The Co-Op crew reckons the best place to eat their seafood is outside by the harbour in the wind, sun and salty air, overlooking beautiful Apollo Bay.

For a more upmarket dining experience, visit Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, set high in the Otways. Enjoy a contemporary European and Middle Eastern menu and fine wines in this architectural wood and glass restaurant, which boasts a gorgeous vista of the Bay and koala-inhabited trees.

If Apollo Bay’s gourmet scene arrests your senses, there are many accommodation options available in this hilly seaside town. Option to stay here overnight and resume travel the next day, or continue with PART TWO of this itinerary for a one-day trip.

On leaving Apollo Bay, head towards Colac. 20 minutes further north—along a rollercoaster of windy, twisty roads, so you know—is the very photogenic Red Rock, a volcanic complex that forms the edge of Australia’s first geopark. A short ascent up stairs will take you to a lookout offering breathtaking panoramic views over mountains, craters, lakes and flat lava plains. The formations were formed by violent volcanic eruptions, believed to have taken place between 6,000 and 12,000 years ago. 

For modern, creative fare and reliable coffee, Sonny is the newest café haunt enjoyed by travellers and Inverleigh residents alike. This stylish and a little kitschy wholefood café and store uses and sells local produce and handmade goodies. 

For a more traditional country bakery experience, it has to be the Inverleigh Bakehouse. Highly rated for their coffee, food and service, you can grab all the regulars like scones, pies, sweets and fresh bread, as well as cooked breakfasts and lunch.

A short drive takes you back to Geelong, where you can stop at the Waterfront for a stroll around the boardwalk. 

We hope you enjoy this tour. If you plan to travel back to Melbourne from here, please stop in at the development site for AVA Communities Geelong on the way. Construction begins in 2023. Just 15 minutes drive from the Geelong CBD, 20 minutes from Avalon Airport, and close to medical facilities and shopping centres, AVA Communities Geelong is set to become a lifestyle village of choice for people over 50 who are looking for a relaxed community to call home.

Looking for over 50s lifestyle living? The AVA Communities lifestyle villages at Geelong and Yarrawonga are designed to support over 50s wellness, and make it easier for you to find ways to keep your mind healthy, active and firing. Click here to find out more.