The Great Ocean Road is more than a stretch of scenic coastline. It’s a winding journey through rainforest-cloaked hills, surf-soaked beaches, ancient cultural sites and laid-back coastal towns. But the difference between a rushed road trip and an unforgettable adventure? Smart planning.
Too many travellers miss key experiences or spend more time in queues than on lookouts. We work directly with local operators, councils and communities to give you the kind of advice only locals know. These 9 tips will help you plan a smoother, more rewarding trip from start to finish.
1. Choose the Right Season for Your Kind of Adventure
The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends on what you want to experience. Nature puts on a different show each season.
Winter brings thundering waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park and fewer crowds at major attractions. From June to September, southern right whales arrive near Warrnambool and Port Fairy, often close enough to spot from shore.
Summer is ideal for sun-soaked beach days, seaside picnics and vibrant town life. While Autumn offers mild days, forest walks and local food festivals, making it a favourite among return travellers.
Whatever your style, aligning your travel dates with the season’s highlights ensures a trip that matches your expectations.
2. Avoid the Crowds by Travelling Mid-Week
Everyone wants that iconic photo of the Twelve Apostles. But if you visit on a long weekend, you may be sharing the view with a few hundred others.
Mid-week travel offers a different pace. You’ll find fewer people at top attractions, shorter queues at bakeries and cafés, and more breathing space to enjoy the views. Accommodation and tours often have better availability, too. Locals know Tuesdays and Wednesdays are some of the best days to explore.
3. Why More Days Make for a Better Trip
Rushing through the Great Ocean Road in a couple of days might tick off the big-name stops, but it often means skipping the moments that make the journey memorable.
With five to seven days, you can linger in the Otways, browse through weekend markets, explore inland towns, and still have time to sit with a coffee by the beach. You’ll avoid road fatigue, support more local businesses, and leave with a richer story.
4. Secure Your Stay Before You Hit the Road
Don’t assume you’ll find a place to stay when you arrive. Coastal hubs like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Fairy are in high demand during summer, school holidays and long weekends.
Booking in advance guarantees your pick of locations and views. Find where to stay amongst over 600 properties across the region, from affordable beach houses to high-end escapes.
For example, BIG4 Apollo Bay Holiday Park offers a stunning oceanfront location with self-contained cabins and camping sites. Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and often better deals mid-week or off-peak.
5. Fuel Up Before You’re Running on Empty
Stretching from Torquay to Allansford (near Warrnambool), the Great Ocean Road takes you through long stretches of national park and coastal wilderness, where fuel stations can be scarce.
Top up in key towns like Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. If you’re travelling in an electric vehicle, check charging stations before setting off. Planning your journey is a simple step that saves stress in remote spots where phone service may be limited too.
6. Be Ready for Whatever the Weather Throws at You
“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”, you’ll hear this often along the Great Ocean Road, and for good reason. Weather here changes quickly, especially when moving between coastal lookouts, forest walks and open hinterland roads.
It’s recommended to bring layers of clothes including a t-shirt, jumper, waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are a must year-round. Packing for variety means you’re always ready, rain or shine.
7. Explore Inland Wonders Off the Coastal Strip
There’s more to the region than the coastline. Some of the Great Ocean Road’s most rewarding experiences are tucked just inland. Head into the Great Otway National Park for rainforest trails, waterfalls and treetop adventures.
In all towns and villages, you’ll find heritage, culture, art galleries and more; such as family-run distilleries serving up regional character by the glass. These less-travelled roads are rich in stories, scenery and space.
8. Add Depth to Your Journey with Local Tours
One of the best ways to explore the Great Ocean Road is with the help of a local guide.
Wildlife Wonders have knowledgeable conservationists lead small-group walks through protected bushland just outside Apollo Bay.
12 Apostles Helicopters gives you a bird’s-eye view of the coastline’s cliffs, stacks and wild beauty.
Ride With Us offers tailored tours, Great Ocean Walk support, and bike hire for exploring inland rail trails.
Local tours bring history, wildlife and local culture to life, and support the people who call this place home.
9. Discover Hidden Highlights Most Miss
Some of the most memorable spots aren’t found on a map of the main attractions.
Visit Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a World Heritage-listed site that tells the story of one of the world’s oldest known aquaculture systems, created by the Gunditjmara people.
Test your balance and bravery at the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, or unwind by the water at Port Fairy Caravan Parks, a peaceful base with old-world charm and ocean breezes.
These experiences invite you to see the region from a new perspective, often just a short detour away.
Plan Your Adventure, Your Way
The Great Ocean Road isn’t just a road, it’s a collection of landscapes, communities and experiences that reward travellers who go beyond the guidebooks.
By planning with the seasons, avoiding the crowds, taking your time and supporting local operators, you’ll unlock a richer, more relaxed adventure. Whether it’s finding the right jacket or choosing the right week, each tip makes your journey more enjoyable.
Start planning your visit with our trip planning tools. The best Great Ocean Road trips aren’t just driven. They’re lived.
