Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip | RV Itinerary & Planner

One of Victoria's most scenic and legendary road trips—the Great Ocean Road—is ideal for RVers as it's a relatively easy drive with motorhome-friendly accommodation along the way. The journey will have you winding your way through view-filled cliff tops via stunning beaches, idyllic coastal towns, and lush rainforest. 

Here, we've outlined a three-day Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, taking in memorable spots like Torquay, Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, the Otways, Port Fairy, and the 12 Apostles—one of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks. This 3-day itinerary is a fantastic super-charged journey, but feel free to stretch it out—there's so much to see and do, you'll want to take your time!

Great Ocean Road: Distance & Drive Time

The Great Ocean Road stretches for around 664 kilometres along Australia's stunning coastline. That's around 9.5 hours drive time all up from Melbourne (but like we've said, stretch it out and explore at your own pace). For interstate motorhome travellers, reaching the Great Ocean Road is easy with multiple driving options. 

From Brisbane, it's about a 21-hour drive (2000 km). Travellers from Sydney can expect a 12-hour drive (1000 km), while from Adelaide, it's around 8 hours (750 km). For those coming from Canberra, the journey takes about 9.5 hours (860 km). If you're driving from Perth, it's a much longer journey—approximately 36 hours (3,400 km). Always check for road conditions, height restrictions, and ensure your motorhome is prepared for the long journey.

Australia Great Ocean Road Trip: When To Visit

Great Ocean Road

The ‘shoulder’ seasons of Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit the Great Ocean Road, offering a balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and access to natural attractions like wildflowers and waterfalls. Late summer (February to April) is also a good choice for warm weather and fewer crowds than the peak season, however, early summer can be hot and busy. Winter (June to August) is the quietest and cheapest time to visit, perfect for whale watching, but with shorter days and cooler, potentially wet, weather. 

Great Ocean Road Road Trip: Van-friendly Accommodation

The best motorhome accommodation on the Great Ocean Road ranges from luxurious caravan parks with pools and amenities to scenic, budget-friendly options, offering powered sites and a great connection to nature. Key factors in choosing are your preference for facilities, your budget, and whether you prefer a beachfront or natural setting.

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary - Highlights

• Torquay

• Bells Beach

• Anglesea

• Lorne

• Apollo Bay  

• The Otways

• 12 Apostles 

• Warrnambool

• Port Fairy

Planning Your Coastal Motorhome Adventure

Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk

When travelling the Great Ocean Road in a motorhome, planning ahead and understanding the unique needs of life on the road is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Planning &  Route Tips

• Travel direction: East to west (ie, Torquay to Warrnambool) will give you better coastal views.

• Road conditions: You'll encounter lots of winding roads, so drive carefully, and be aware of your vehicle's restrictions in terms of tight corners, height restrictions, and steep slopes. If you're not comfortable with steep roads, choose alternative routes where possible.

• Fueling and refuelling: Motorhomes can consume more fuel than a regular vehicle, so it's essential to keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially in more remote areas. There are petrol stations in major towns like Torquay, Apollo Bay, and Warrnambool, but the more isolated sections of the Great Ocean Road have fewer options. Plan your fuel stops accordingly to avoid running low in between.

Motorhome Considerations 

• Vehicle size: Some areas can be tight for larger motorhomes—check parking before stopping.

• Water: Use apps like WikiCamps to find refills.

• Dump stations: Motorhomes are equipped with waste tanks, and it's crucial to dispose of waste properly. Most campsites along the Great Ocean Road have dump stations where you can empty your toilet and grey water tanks. Always check with your campsite or rest stop for available facilities.

• Secure your stuff: Curvy roads mean things can shift—secure everything inside.

Overnight & Camping

• Free camping limits: Use designated campgrounds, as free camping is often restricted.

• Book in advance: Popular spots like Apollo Bay and Lorne fill up fast.

• National Park rules: Check for fire, pet, and generator rules before staying.

Safety & Road Etiquette 

• Drive on the left: It's a fundamental road rule! 

• Let others pass: Use slow vehicle turnouts to avoid blocking traffic.

• Avoid dusk & night driving: Wildlife is active and can cause accidents.

Connectivity 

• Limited signal: Download maps and info offline as some areas lack coverage.

• Useful apps: WikiCamps, CamperMate, and Fuel Map Australia.

Weather & Safety

• Unpredictable weather: Be prepared for rain, wind, and sudden weather changes.

• Drive cautiously: Reduced visibility in fog and rain, especially in the Otways.

Prep Before You Leave

• Check all systems: Ensure your motorhome is fully equipped for the trip—check water, electricity and gas are working correctly.

• Pack essentials: Like a first-aid kit, torches, bedding, appropriate clothing, food items and kitchenware. Don't forget entertainment options—whether it's books, games, or podcasts for long stretches of driving.

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Great Ocean Road Itinerary: A 3-day Escape

DAY 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay

• Highlights: World-famous Waves & Windswept Views

• Distance: ~200 km

• Travel time: ~3 hours

Get your road trip off to a leisurely start on the drive from Melbourne to Torquay, which is just over an hour away. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Discover the region's rich surf culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum before checking out the waves at Bells Beach, which is the host of the annual Rip Curl Pro international surf competition. 

Stop at the Anglesea Lookout for more coastal vistas, and then head to Lorne with never-ending ocean panoramas along the way as your travel companion over the next 30 or so kilometres. Lorne is the perfect spot to grab fish and chips with beachside views (visit Erskine Falls if you have time) before continuing your journey to Apollo Bay. There are cliff-top lookouts galore along the way to top up your look-what-I'm-up-to socials. 

From Apollo Bay, follow the Great Ocean Road into the lush Great Otway National Park, and turn off to the Cape Otway Lightstation—it will add some drive-time, but it's worth seeing as it's the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. Climb to the top (90 metres above sea level) to glimpse the meeting point of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, before making your way back to Apollo Bay for the night. 

DAY 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Port Fairy Lighthouse

Highlights: Breaching Whales & Rainforest Walks

Distance: ~195 km

Travel time: ~3 hours

From Apollo Bay, follow the Great Ocean Road into the lush rainforest of The Otways and turn off to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, an easy hour's drive. Touch the sky on the treetop canopy walkway—the longest and tallest of its type in the world, or take the Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk.

Back on the Great Ocean Road, ready your camera for the spectacular coastline leading to Port Campbell and the world-renowned 12 Apostles – magnificent rock stacks rising up from the Southern Ocean. Descend Gibson Steps to the windswept beach for a rewarding up-close encounter, and don't miss the lookouts over the cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge and, just beyond Port Campbell, the hauntingly beautiful Bay of Islands. 

Continue along the Great Ocean Road, heading west to Warrnambool. Explore the town's rich maritime history, then head to the viewing platforms at Logans Beach to spot its impressive winter visitors— southern right and blue whales. Glimpsing these giants schooling their calves just offshore is truly unforgettable.

From Warrnambool, drive towards Port Fairy and take the turn-off to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, an easy 15-minute drive. Explore the walking tracks, keeping an eye out for koalas, emus, kangaroos and waterbirds that roam freely among the hills and lake-filled craters of this extinct volcano. 

Visit the Worn Gundidj visitor centre to learn more about the reserve's Aboriginal and geological history. Top off the day with dinner in Port Fairy, where you can dine on seasonal regional fare in the historic dining room at Merrijig Kitchen, Victoria's oldest inn. Then turn in for the night in this charming town with its quaint coastal atmosphere.

DAY 3: Port Fairy to Melbourne

Grampians Mountain Range

Highlights: Choose Your Own Adventure!

Distance: ~285 km

Travel time: ~4 hours

Spend the morning exploring the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, where you can visit the beaches, wander along the river, or follow one of the historic walking trails to see old whalers' cottages and grand public buildings. For more wildlife, take a cruise out to the seal colony just offshore on Lady Julia Percy Island. Then head back to Melbourne, or choose your own add-on adventure:

• Trace your trip back along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, stopping to spend more time at your favourite spots and photo ops.

• Extend your road trip by a couple of days and take the Great Southern Touring Route north to Dunkeld and Halls Gap to visit the magnificent Grampians mountain range and the historic Goldfields region on your way back to Melbourne.

• Go on a culinary crusade through craft breweries and top regional restaurants on the short inland route back to Melbourne via Colac.

References: 

• Great Ocean Road (August 2025), Great Ocean Road, Visit Great Ocean Road article, accessed 25 Aug 2025. 

• Visit Melbourne (August 2025), Great Ocean Road Touring Route, Visit Melbourne article, accessed 25 Aug 2025.