You’ve mapped your stops, queued your road trip playlist, and maybe even booked a cabin. But what about reception black spots, early café closures, or the incredible lookouts with minimal signage?
Planning a Great Ocean Road trip is more than plotting scenic highlights. It’s about understanding the route well enough to travel smart, not just far. And some of the most important questions only become obvious after you’ve missed the answer.
1. Lookouts are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look
Not every viewpoint is clearly marked with a big sign or a car park. Some of the most spectacular stops along the Great Ocean Road are hidden or discretely signed, like The Gables Lookout near Wattle Hill or tucked-away bays near Wongarra. You could drive right past them and never know.
To make sure you don’t by pinning key stops in advance. Better yet, chat with staff at local visitor information centres. They know the quiet gems.
Plan your must-sees using our Itineraries as inspiration.
2. Don’t rely on mobile reception along the whole drive
Reception can get patchy quickly, especially inland and through forested sections like Lavers Hill or the Otways. Even popular stretches can go signal-dark without warning.
Download your maps and accommodation details before you leave reception zones. Google Maps and GPS devices can operate offline if you download the data in advance, and can help with last-minute planning. Australian telecommunications providers offer varied coverage in regional areas, even the ‘best’ ones, so expect reception gaps.
Tip: Share your route with someone ahead of time. It’s a simple way to stay safe.
3. The roads really are that windy, so prepare accordingly
The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is famously scenic, but it’s also narrow, winding and slow-going. It’s not the place to rush or multitask. If you’re in a campervan, or new to driving on this road, this part of the drive demands focus.
Add in breaks every 45–60 minutes. Use designated pull-outs to let locals pass, and bring ginger tablets or motion bands if you or your passengers are sensitive to motion. Night driving is best avoided on these roads.
Read our Self-Driving Itineraries for 1, 3 or 5-days.
4. What happens if you get hungry late afternoon?
This catches people out all the time. Regional towns often run to their own hours, and many cafés or bakeries close by 2.30pm, especially midweek or outside of summer.
Don’t assume there’ll be food wherever you stop. Pack non-perishables in the car, and schedule meal breaks around towns like Anglesea or Apollo Bay, where there’s more choice and consistent trading hours.
See Anglesea’s food scene or Apollo Bay’s seafood spots.
5. How early should you book in summer?
This one’s simple: if you’re travelling in December or January, book months in advance. Summer school holidays and long weekends push occupancy up fast, especially near popular destinations like the 12 Apostles or Port Fairy.
Even midweek spots fill quickly. If you want choice (or a sea view), don’t leave it late. This also applies to restaurants in some towns, reservations are increasingly recommended in peak periods.
Browse all accommodation options.
6. Do you need a 4WD? And what should you pack?
You don’t need a 4WD for the main roads, as most of the Great Ocean Road is sealed and suitable for 2WDs. But if you’re planning detours into forested areas of the Otways, or staying at remote campsites, a 4WD offers added security, especially in wet weather.
Regardless of your vehicle, pack smart. Include a torch, water, first-aid kit, spare tire, and a battery pack for your phone. Preparation pays off if your day doesn’t go to plan.
Check out Otways walking tracks and trails that might require a more rugged vehicle.
7. Can you camp anywhere?
No. While it’s tempting to pull over at a quiet beach or forest clearing, free camping is not allowed in many parts of the Great Ocean Road region. Councils enforce camping rules and non-compliance can lead to fines.
Use designated campgrounds or book through the appropriate providers. Many locations offer excellent facilities and views that are well worth the small fee.
Find legal camping options via camping, caravan and holiday parks.
8. What’s the local etiquette on the road?
Road etiquette matters, especially in a region shared by tourists and residents alike. Keep to the left. Use slow-vehicle turnouts to avoid holding up traffic. Never park across private driveways or along blind corners to take a photo.
Wildlife is common, especially kangaroos at dawn or dusk, so slow down and stay alert. Locals appreciate considerate driving, and so will the next visitor.
Learn more about Road Safety and read our 14 driving tips.
9. Should you drive it all in one go?
You could drive the Great Ocean Road in a day, but you won’t really experience it. The best parts aren’t seen from the window. They’re found on short walks, quiet beaches, clifftop lookouts and in the slow hours of small towns.
Break your trip across at least two or three days. Stay overnight in Lorne or Apollo Bay, then continue west towards Port Campbell. You’ll enjoy better light, more flexibility and a far more relaxed experience.
Get the most out of your journey by planning your route.
Plan like a local, travel like a pro
The most memorable trips aren’t rushed. They’re well-prepared and well-paced. These nine questions aren’t just checkboxes; they’re the difference between reacting and feeling ready.
Ask them early, answer them properly, and your road trip won’t just go smoothly, it’ll feel effortless.
Ready to get started? Read our region-specific digital guides to explore, book, and plan your drive the local way.
