Romantic Weekend Escape
Discover hidden gems, taste local flavours, and unwind in nature’s embrace.
The Great Ocean Road has many locations and activities that make it perfect for a romantic getaway. For this trip itinerary, we start in Melbourne, drive down the coast to Anglesea, make our way to Port Campbell, then head back to Melbourne through the Otways.
DAY 1: Melbourne to Anglesea
Kick off the road trip by taking the M1 for the 90-minute drive from Melbourne to Anglesea. With its sprawling white beaches and high red cliffs, this coastal town is the perfect backdrop for a dreamy weekend escape.
Visit the Spa and the Cellar Doors in Anglesea
Once you’ve arrived, indulge yourself at Lux Spa & Wellness. De-stress and unwind together with a treatment and massage, and feel the tension melt away as you relax into your getaway.
Now that you are rejuvenated, spend the afternoon at Bellbrae Estate and sample some high-quality semillon, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, shiraz or pinot noir together.
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Lux Spa & Wellness
105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
Fancy Dinner to End the Evening
Dinner tonight is at The Coast Restaurant, which is located on site at the Great Ocean Road Resort, an ideal place to stay the night. Sip on craft cocktails featuring local spirits and choose from a modern Australian cuisine menu that heroes locally sourced produce. Their dishes are impressive both in taste and presentation.
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The Coast Restaurant
105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
DAY 2: Anglesea to Port Campbell
Head out early – you have a jam-packed day ahead! Take the iconic Great Ocean Road for the two-hour drive to Port Campbell. There are several quaint country towns to explore along the way
Lunch at Apollo Bay
A stop at the Apollo Bay harbour to sample fresh seafood is a must. Grab crispy battered flake and chips, or lash on on a half-grilled crayfish platter to share while overlooking the picturesque harbour and bay.
Follow the Great Ocean Road and stop at Maits Rest rainforest walk – a 30 minute fern lined loop walk through a gully of Mountain Ash and ancient Myrtle Beech trees.
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Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op
Breakwater Road, Apollo Bay,
Arrive at Port Campbell and Explore
Don’t miss Port Campbell’s famous natural attractions, as you get close to the picturesque coastal village. You’ll get some great shots of Loch Ard Gorge’s three unique rock formations, and the world-famous 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Take the one-kilometre walk from the Apostles to the Gibson Steps – an ancient, spectacular staircase carved into the cliff face, with 86 steps down to a quiet beach.
Take a 12 Apostles Helicopters tour for an unforgettable experience viewing Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road from high above.
You’ll see more great views on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk.
For more experiences, visit the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre. It’s the best place for local knowledge about the area’s most romantic hidden spots, along with suggestions for the best sunset viewing spots to visit together.
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12 Apostles Viewing Platform
Great Ocean Road, Princetown
Dinner and Check-in
End the night with a hearty meal at Port Campbell Hotel. This family-owned pub serves excellent quality food in a wonderful beer garden.
Stay at the very romantic, Anchors Port Campbell
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Anchors Port Campbell
Cobden Port Campbell Rd, Port Campbell
DAY 3: Port Campbell to Otways
Savour the last morning of your weekend away and sleep in. After checking out of your accommodation, take a romantic drive through the Otways and down Binns Road.
Visit Hopetoun Falls
Make your way to Hopetoun Falls. An easy 15-minute hike leads you to a stunning view of the waterfall – have your camera or phone ready to capture the beautiful surroundings from the viewing deck.
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Hopetoun Falls
Great Otway National Park, Beech Forest
The Redwoods
Head nine kilometres north-east to Beech Forest. Seeing the massive california redwoods is a must when you’re in this neck of the woods.
Also known as Sequoia trees. Walking through some of the tallest trees in the world will leave you in absolute awe! It’s the perfect way to end your lovely long weekend away.
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The Redwoods
Binns Rd, Beech Forest
Homeward Bound
Now it’s time to buckle up for your return journey and head back to Melbourne, a two-and-a-half-hour drive home. Take the scenic Turtons Track and head back inland through Forrest and Birregurra, both ideal places to grab a light bite to eat and coffee.
- Great Ocean Road Driving Scenery
