Be in your Natural Element
Spend a few days based in Port Campbell and immerse yourself in the Great Ocean Road region's most iconic and majestic nature. Form rainforests to Apostles, from cycling to sky-high thrills - here's where you can lose track of time and it really doesn't matter - just make sure you know when sunset is, as you wont want to miss that!
DAY 1:
Travel the scenic inland route to Port Campbell, winding through the lush forests of the Otways.
Drive through the Otways
Take the time to drive Turtons Track, a narrow, winding road beneath towering mountain ash and dense rainforest—a memorable introduction to this beautiful region.
Stop at Otway Estate for a break and perhaps a taste of their craft beers or ciders. Then continue on to The Redwoods, where an unexpected grove of towering Californian redwoods stands quietly beside the Aire River.
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Turtons Track
Great Otway National Park
Waterfalls and beaches
Not far away, a short walk leads to Hopetoun Falls, one of the Otways’ most photographed waterfalls, dropping dramatically into the fern-lined valley below.
Before reaching the coast, make a detour to Wreck Beach, known for the remains of two shipwrecks visible at low tide. The walk down is steep but the views of the wild, rugged shore are worth the effort.
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Hopetoun Falls
Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway
Enjoy a relaxing evening
Arrive in Port Campbell and check in at Anchors Port Campbell, your base for the next three nights. These modern, self-contained villas sit on a hill overlooking the countryside, offering space and privacy with easy access to the town and coast.
In the evening, enjoy sunset views over the Port Campbell bay—a gentle way to end your first day on the coast.
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Anchors Port Campbell
2549 Cobden-Port Campbell Road, Port Campbell
DAY 2: Coastal Wonders and Cycling Options
Coastal highlights
Start with breakfast from the Peterborough General Store, a local favourite for good coffee and pastries.
Spend the morning visiting some of the coast’s famous rock formations. Stop at London Bridge, once a double-arched formation until part of it collapsed in 1990, the on to The Grotto, where a staircase leads to a natural window framing the sea beyond, and finally to the quieter Childers Cove, a sheltered beach flanked by high cliffs.
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Childers Cove
608 Childers Cove Rd, Mepunga
Hit the trails
In the afternoon, head inland to Timboon. If you’re staying at Anchors Port Campbell, bikes are available for guest use, allowing you to cycle part of the Rail Trail directly from Port Campbell. Alternatively, hire an e-bike from Ride With Us in Timboon and explore the trail at your own pace through farmland and bush.
End the day at the Bay of Martyrs, a quieter spot to enjoy sunset without the crowds, before returning to Port Campbell for dinner at REAL Pizza Pasta, serving hearty, handmade Italian meals.
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Bay of Martyrs
Great Ocean Road, Peterborough
DAY 3: Volcanic Lakes and Vineyard Views
Head inland to explore the volcanic lakes and plains
Today’s loop takes you inland to explore the region’s volcanic history. Stop first at Lake Bullen Merri, a deep volcanic crater lake near Camperdown, popular for fishing and boating. Then head to the Camperdown Botanic Gardens, set high above the lakes with sweeping views of the volcanic plains below.
Next, visit Mount Noorat, one of Australia’s best-preserved scoria cones. A short walk to the summit offers impressive views into the crater and across the surrounding farmland.
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Mount Noorat
Noorat, Victoria
Back to the coast
On the way back to the coast, call in at Keayang Maar Vineyard. This small vineyard produces cool-climate wines from grapes grown on the rich volcanic soils of the region.
Finish the day with sunset at the 12 Apostles, where the limestone stacks are beautifully lit in the golden light. Return to Port Campbell for dinner at the relaxed Sow and Piglets Microbrewery, offering house-brewed beer and casual meals.
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Sow and Piglets Microbrewery
18 Tregea Street, Port Campbell
DAY 4: Great Ocean Road Icons and Local Flavours
Get ready for iconic
Spend your final morning visiting some of the region’s most iconic sights. Start with the 12 Apostles, best seen early before the day’s crowds arrive. The main viewing platforms offer sweeping views of these famous limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. For a different perspective, book a flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters—a memorable way to see the scale of the coastline from the air.
For a relaxed brunch or coffee, head to Clean Cravings Eatery at Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, known for its fresh, wholefood menu.
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12 Apostles Helicopters
Great Ocean Road, Princetown
Extend your trip
If you have more time, explore the Apostles & the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, where you can visit a range of local producers at your own pace. Stop in at Apostle Whey Cheese to sample handmade cheeses, enjoy a scoop at Timboon Fine Ice Cream, taste small-batch wines at Babche Wines, or pick up sweet treats at Dairylicious Farm Fudge. Each stop offers a taste of the region’s craftsmanship—and you can do as many or as few as you like depending on your schedule.
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Dairylicious Farm Fudge
1281 Timboon-Colac Road, Jancourt East
