2 Nights – 3 Days

MELBOURNE – GREAT OCEAN ROAD – BALLARAT

Embark on an unforgettable three-day journey through breathtaking coastlines, lush hinterlands and rich cultural heritage. From golden beaches to historic towns, wildlife encounters to indulgent dining, this adventure promises a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation.

What to expect
• An iconic, world-class coastal drive – the Great Ocean Road
• Big nature at every turn
• Native wildlife experiences galore
• Fascinating gold rush history

Fast facts
• Time: 3 days
• Distance: 596 kilometres
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne

DAY 1

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Depart: Melbourne
Sleep: Warrnambool
Distance: 258 kilometres

AM
Head off early to reach the Surf Coast in time to mingle with morning board-riders. Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road. Soak up stunning coastal scenery and local surfing culture, then dive deep into surfing heritage at the Australian National Surfing Museum, the world’s largest surfing museum.
Further along the coast, enjoy a swim or stroll the wide sandy stretches of Anglesea Main Beach. Make the most of the scenic drive – call into Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, and Teddy’s Lookout at the lovely seaside town of Lorne.
Apollo Bay is a charming fishing town and the starting point of the Great Ocean Walk. Treat yourself to a nature sanctuary tour through Wildlife Wonders, then settle into the onsite café for a delicious lunch overlooking lush bushland.

PM
Let the road guide you through the Great Otway National Park with its towering rainforests and fern-filled glades. When you re-emerge at the coast, the iconic Twelve Apostles are in your sights. Have your camera ready! Be sure to book a helicopter flight to see this majestic coast in all its glory.
Journey on to see the rugged shorelines and stunning scenic delights of the Port Campbell National Park. End your day in Warrnambool. You’ve earned a relaxing laze in the thermal waters at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs.

Locals Tip: Make time to descend the 86-step Gibson Steps for a beach-level view of the giant limestone stacks.

DAY 2

Great Ocean Road to Ballarat

Depart: Warrnambool to Ballarat (via Mortlake & Lismore)
O/night: Ballarat
Distance: Approx 182 kilometres

AM
Rise early to watch racehorses train while you breakfast on the beach at The Pavilion Café & Bar.
Take the road northeast via the charming farming communities of Mortlake and Lismore. Enjoy rural views, changing landscapes and local villages as you head inland. Stop for coffee or an easy lunch at a café or providore ready to serve you fabulous seasonal and local produce.

PM
Ballarat is a big regional city with amazing history to share. See and hear its 1850s gold rush heritage come alive at Sovereign Hill as you pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, tour an underground mine and wander recreated streetscapes.
Or spend the afternoon touring the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest and largest regional art gallery. It’s housed in a beautiful heritage-listed building and is renowned for its comprehensive collection of Australian paintings and ever-changing calendar of contemporary and traditional exhibitions. (The Art Gallery of Ballarat is undergoing interior upgrades and will remain closed until early 2026).

Locals tip: The Ballarat Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and relaxing place to stroll among trees and laze on shady lawns.

DAY 3

Ballarat to Melbourne through Spa Country

Depart: Ballarat to Melbourne
Distance: Approx 156 kilometres

AM
Make a morning visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park to hand-feed roaming kangaroos and meet Victoria’s only Komodo Dragon. Many of Australia’s most famous native animals live at the park – koalas, wombats, emus and more. Bring along a picnic to enjoy outside among the kangaroos, or order up lunch at the onsite café, where you’ll find warming log fires in the cooler months.

PM
Wander your way back to Melbourne along the highway, detouring into ‘spa country’ via Daylesford. It’s a place dedicated to relaxation, healing and the good things in life. Squeeze in a massage or facial at one of the many day spas, browse second-hand shops for treasures or sip on a barista-made coffee in a funky café.