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.
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.
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 yo’re rejuvenated, visit the cellar doors. Spend the afternoon at the Bellbrae Estate and sample some high-quality semillon, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, shiraz or pinot noir together.
Dinner tonight is at The Coast Restaurant. Sip on craft cocktails and choose from a modern Australian cuisine menu, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce. Their dishes are impressive both in taste and presentation.
When you are ready to retire for the night, make your way back to your accommodation.
Head out early – you have a jam-packed day ahead!
Take the C163 inland route for the two-hour drive to Port Campbell. There are several quaint country towns to explore along the way – Birregurra and Timboon are two local favourites.
Birregurra is laid-back with a rich history. Try the delicious bread and baked goodies at Otway Artisan Gluten Free, their treats are packed with flavour, minus the gluten. When you are ready for something more substantial, head to Brae restaurant for lunch, where the menu is regularly updated to highlight the seasonal produce from their organic farm.
Drive another hour along the C163 to Timboon. This town is an absolute delight, as is sampling its broad range of artisanal goodies.
Timboon Ice Creamery is the perfect treat for any time of the day. From rum and raisin to orange and cardamom, you’ll be spoiled for choice with their selection of fancy flavours, and a dairy-free range of yummy sorbets to savour!
Spoil yourself at GORGE Chocolates with hand-crafted Belgian chocolate, chocolate-dipped licorice, hot drinks and so much more. For the animal lovers, they also have a large herd of adorable alpacas you can meet while you are there.
Your final stop for the day is at Port Campbell, only 15 minutes from Timboon.
Once you arrive, don’t miss Port Campbell’s famous natural attractions. You’ll get some great pictures 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. And that is not all – they do weddings in the sky too!
You’ll see more great views on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk. Keep a lookout for native wildlife while cherishing the spectacular scenery along the way.
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.
End the night with a hearty meal at Port Campbell Hotel. This family-owned pub serves excellent quality food in a wonderful beer garden.
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.
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.
Head nine kilometres north-east to Beech Forest. Seeing the massive redwoods is a must when you’re in this neck of the woods.
There are plenty of waterfalls and towering California redwoods, also known as Sequoia trees. Walking through Beech Forest among 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.
Now it’s time to buckle up for your return journey and head back to Melbourne, a two-and-a-half-hour drive home.
The Surf Coast has just the right mix of charm, adventure and beauty to make it an unforgettable getaway for couples, friends and families. Each town in this magnificent region has something unique to offer, whether it be to experience, taste or see – it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with this romantic destination while you’re here!
Booking the right place for your getaway can make all the difference between an average stay and an amazing one! Not sure of the best places to search and book accommodation? Check out these two options:
Browse through an impressive portfolio of luxury accommodation on the Surf Coast and beyond. With over 600 holiday home rentals, you’re sure to find something to suit your holiday needs. Save by booking direct with Great Ocean Road Holidays.
Pull out all the stops and enjoy the five-star treatment with ELUX – a concierge service for luxury accommodation along the Great Ocean Road. You’ll get a meet and greet on arrival at your chosen lodgings, 24-hour support and personalised service throughout your stay.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
