See the Essentials
Your guide to the highlights of the region.
DAY 1: Torquay to Apollo Bay
Visit Lorne
Head along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne. Lorne’s main shopping strip is filled with boutique gift stores, cellars, eateries and galleries. Take a walk from the town centre along Mounts Bay, checking out local surfers and to chat about the catch of the day with local fishermen at the Lorne Pier. Follow the signs to Teddy’s lookout to snap an iconic Great Ocean Road view to remember your trip by.
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Lorne Pier
Great Ocean Road, Lorne
Lunch at Totti’s Lorne
Located on the ground floor at the Lorne Hotel, this Italian casual bistro, run by the Merivale group, is an outpost of the infamous Sydney restaurant, yet highlights locally sourced ingredients. Featuring a delicious range of pastas and antipasti – made for sharing.
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Totti's Lorne
176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay
There are many opportunities to stop along the way – and you’ll want to because this section of the road is spectacular. Stop at Sheoak Falls — Great Otway National Park, or Cape Patton for spectacular coastal views.
You can’t visit Apollo Bay without stopping in for an Ice cream at Dooley’s, or heading to the harbour to the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op to pick up the freshest fish and chips, or a half-grilled crayfish platter, all caught locally and processed on site.
Stay in Apollo Bay at Pisces Big4 in a luxury cabin or beach tent with sea views.
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BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
311 Great Ocean Rd Apollo Bay
DAY 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Enjoy a relaxing morning
Go for a morning swim or stroll into town along on the 3km long stretch of beach. Stop in at the Apollo Bay Bakery for coffee, and to pick up supplies for your day – the famous scallop pie is a must-try.
Take an afternoon drive through the rainforest along Turtons Track to Beech forest and take in Hopetoun Falls and the Redwoods before heading to the 12 Apostles coast and Port Campbell.
- The Otways
Discover the 12 Apostles Coast & Hinterland
Along the 12 Apostles coast there are many short trails and lookouts to explore including Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, and to the West of Port Campbell the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands Coastal Park. There are a number of great dinner options in Port Campbell. REAL pizza, pasta and salads offer a unique dining experience giving you the option to select exactly how sustainable you want your meal to be.
Take in the spectacular 12 Apostles at sunset then return to Port Campbell where you can stay overnight. The luxurious Anchors Port Campbell is perfect for couples.
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Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands Track, Peterborough
DAY 3 - Port Campbell to Warrnambool
Discover Warrnambool
Explore the 12 Apostles Coast – for inspiration drop into the Port Campbell VIC where you can chat to staff for insights on the best spots to visit. For a different view of the 12 Apostles and an unforgettable experience, take a helicopter tour.
Stop in at Peterborough on your way to Warrnambool, and grab a coffee and snack form the Peterborough General Store and takeaway, before taking in some of the iconic spots further west such as The Grotto and Childers Cove.
In Warrnambool you can find out more about what you’ve just seen at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and then take the inland journey back along the Princes highway, stopping in at towns like Terang, Camperdown, Colac and Winchelsea along the way.
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum
89 Merri Street, Warrnambool
