Hi,
I like to think of myself as a bit of a baby road trip connoisseur. What does that mean, you ask? It’s someone who’s always up for venturing beyond the city they’re staying in, exploring the local and rural gems that often turn out to be the real highlights of any trip.
This November, we made our bucket list road trip happen… The Great Ocean Road!
We rented a Volkswagen T-Roc to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne for an unbelievable $3.56 TOTAL for 4 days on Booking.com.
Yep, you read that right, insane, right?!
I have no affiliation with any companies mentioned in this blog, all opinions are advice are my own.
South Australia Itinerary
Stop 1: Adelaide
Adelaide CBD is a slow paced city full of history, culture, and entertainment.
You’ll discover the iconic Adelaide Oval, hosting cricket, AFL and concerts, Adelaide is known as the Festival City of Australia, you might want to see who’s playing during your visit!
The River Torrens offers a scenic riverwalk, with views of the local rowing teams and the city on the other side.
For food lovers, Chinatown is a must-visit, packed with delicious Asian eateries and hidden gems serving everything from dumplings to fresh sushi.
Stop 2: Handorf
Get fuelled up in Adelaide and take a short 30-minute drive from Adelaide to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement.
A small cosy village lined with tree filled streets, boutique shops, and rich history.
Grab a coffee and pretzel from The German Arms, have a walk through the picturesque village, relax and take in the views.
Stop 3: Kingston
Sticking with the quirky landmarks, the Big Lobster in Kingston is a fun and free stop under 3 hours drive from Hahndorf.
Get your cool photos with this iconic giant lobster, stretch your legs, and have a bite, there’s a seafood cafe “Lacecpede Seafood” that does a brilliant fresh lobster roll, perfect to fuel the last stretch of your day one drive.
Stop 4: Mount Gambier
Taking the scenic drive from Kingston SE to Mount Gambier, you have the option to stop in robe for a quick swim to break up the 1.5 hour drive.
For a cosy stay, check out The Barn Accommodation, a very warm and friendly spot perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. I’ve created a detailed review of our stay here, click the pink words to view!
While you’re there, visit the Blue Lake, bring some brekkie, have a picnic and take in the view for free.
Do not miss the Umpherston Sinkhole, a naturally beautiful sunken garden that’s also free to explore.
Your final stop on the South Australia border.
Victoria Itinerary
Stop 5: Portland
Start your day in Portland, the perfect first stop in Victoria after crossing the border from Mount Gambier a 1.5-hour drive.
Kick things off with a tasty pie from Oven Peel Bakery, a local favourite known for its freshly baked pies. We brought our pies to the docks, to watch the massive machinery in action as ships are loaded and unloaded.
Stops 6-8: Great Ocean Road
Out of the five sightseeing stops we made along the Great Ocean Road before stopping in Apollo Bay for the night, there were three standout spots I’d definitely recommend adding to your itinerary too!
After leaving Portland, we made five sightseeing stops along the Great Ocean Road before settling in Apollo Bay for the night. Out of them all, there were three standout spots I’d absolutely recommend adding to your itinerary!
First up is the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, about a 2-hour drive from Portland. It’s a quieter alternative to the Twelve Apostles but personally we think it’s equally as stunning and potentially more scenic with its rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
Next, make on the way is The Grotto, roughly 20 minutes further along the same road. It’s a sinkhole that blends a cave, archway, and rock pool all in one. It has an amazing photo opportunity looking out of the gap onto the ocean, definitely worth pulling over for!
Finally, you can’t miss the infamous Twelve Apostles, just 15 minutes from The Grotto. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say there aren’t twelve standing anymore. Still, the towering limestone stacks are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
This stretch of the Great Ocean Road is packed with natural beauty and photo opportunities, so take your time and enjoy the journey!
Stop 9: Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay was a great spot for an overnight stop, especially since we booked a special accommodation with a sea view just a short walk from the beach.
In hindsight, though, we might opt for Lorne next time, as there’s a lot more to see and do there.
That said, I’d still recommend Apollo Bay as a pit stop on your journey. Take a quick dip in the ocean and getting ready for what I personally hold as the most scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road.
Stop 10: Lorne
Next, onto our beloved Lorne. The hustle and bustle of this coastal town had me feeling right at home from the second we arrived. There’s just something about its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and all over vibe that makes it hard not to fall in love with.
Beachfront walks, going for an ocean dip or even just your toes in the water, explore the Lorne Pier for fantastic ocean views.
Don’t miss the Erskine Falls either, it’s just a short drive out of town and totally free to visit, with a stunning waterfall waiting for you to admire.
Stop 11: Bells Beach
Bells Beach (or just the lookout) is a must on your Great Ocean Road itinerary.
The lookout offers stunning views of the iconic beach, where you can watch surfers or enjoy the rugged coastline. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a great spot to snap photos and soak in the vibe.
Stop 12: Melbourne
A free day in Melbourne is the perfect way to wrap up your road trip.
Wander through Federation Square, then onto the Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore the laneways for street art and grab a coffee from The Kettle Black.
Summary
Just like that, the road trip along the Great Ocean Road has come to an end.
Stunning natural landscapes and charming coastal towns alike, it’s been a trip filled with unforgettable memories.
Whether the stop is to quickly admire a view, fully explore a hidden gem, or soaking in the local atmosphere, this adventure was a big bucket list moment.
I hope this journey inspires you to hit the road, take the scenic route, and discover the beauty that’s waiting to be explored.
As always thank you for being here!
Let me know in the comments if you have visited the Great Ocean Road before and tell me where has been your favourite.
If you’re like me and love photos, come join me on Instagram. I share my travel pictures here daily!
CYA XX
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