3 Nights – 4 Days

MELBOURNE – GREAT OCEAN ROAD – GRAMPIANS – BALLARAT

Experience an incredible four days of rugged coastlines, ancient mountains and historic goldfields. This journey blends adventure, nature and culture, highlighting breathtaking ocean vistas, lush forests, charming towns and delicious dining.

What to expect
• Touring the Great Ocean Road – an epic world-class drive
• Remarkable wildlife and natural attractions
• History + heritage – shipwrecks, gold rush
• Unforgettable Twelve Apostles & Otways experiences
• Wine tasting & cellar tours

Fast facts
• Time: 4 days
• Distance: 724 kilometres
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne

DAY 1

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Depart: Melbourne
O/night: Warrnambool
Distance: 258 kilometres

AM
The first stop on your 4-day adventure is Torquay on Victoria’s stunning Surf Coast, where the Great Ocean Road officially begins. It’s a mecca for surfers and lovers of coastal lifestyles. Plunge into surfing heritage at the Australian National Surfing Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to surfing and surf culture.
Drive on to Anglesea, pausing to stroll along the riverside or family-friendly Anglesea Main Beach.
This coastline will take your breath away. Aireys Inlet Lighthouse and Teddy’s Lookout are great vantage points for sweeping ocean views, and the lovely seaside town of Lorne makes a perfect lunch stop. Grab a sandwich and a grassy spot on the foreshore to enjoy the sight of surfers riding the rolling swells.

PM
Keep taking the road westward to Apollo Bay, a delightful town where rolling green hills meet roaring ocean. The famous Great Ocean Walk starts here. Stretch your legs on one of the shorter trail sections or head to Wildlife Wonders to learn about and meet native wildlife in a lush bushland setting.
Whether you choose to see the iconic Twelve Apostles from the viewing platform, from high above in a helicopter or from beach level via Gibson Steps, you’re in for an awesome experience.
Near Warrnambool, call into Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to find emus, kangaroos, koalas and birdlife living in a large, dormant volcano crater. Finish your day with a rejuvenating twilight session at Warrnambool’s Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs.

Locals tip: Take time out at Port Fairy to stroll the pretty streets, enjoy a spot of shopping and a coffee break.

DAY 2

Great Ocean Road to Grampians

Depart: Warrnambool
O/night: Halls Gap/Dunkeld/Pomonal
Distance: Approx 158 kilometres

AM
Take a morning stroll along the breakwater at Warrnambool and order up a breakfast feast and/or coffee at The Pavilion. Early risers might get to watch racehorses training on the beach.
Motor north through fertile farmland and the majestic Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to Halls Gap. Plan for a lunch stop at the Dunkeld Bakery, tucked away in a side street, or the Royal Mail Hotel, renowned for its bountiful kitchen garden and daily chefs’ harvest.

PM
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is vast and mysterious. Walk bush trails to spot wildlife, waterfalls and astonishing views from lofty lookouts (Boroka and Reeds are two of the best). Take a local guided walk with Absolute Outdoors or Grampians Personalised Tours. Or book ahead for adventure pursuits like abseiling, horse riding or water sports. Stroll the dam wall at Lake Bellfield.

Locals tip: Indulge in a platter of local goodies paired with fabulous wines at Pomonal Estate Winery.

DAY 3

Grampians to Ballarat

Depart: Halls Gap/Dunkeld/Pomonal
O/night: Ballarat
Distance: Approx 152 kilometres

AM
After breakfast, tour east towards Ballarat through some of Australia’s finest vineyard-speckled wine country. Unearth cellar door mastery at Best’s with a self-guided cellar tour or delve into Seppelt Great Western’s underground cellars – truly a sight to behold. Enjoy a tasting of local vintages, personally poured for you by a passionate wine expert.

PM
Step back in time at Ballarat’s multi award-winning attraction, Sovereign Hill. This much-loved living museum brings alive the sights, sounds and experiences of Ballarat’s 1850s gold rush era. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world and another time. Stick around for the evening AURA sound and light spectacular that transforms Sovereign Hill into a moving theatre telling the dramatic story of gold and rebellion.

Locals tip: Tour Australia’s oldest and largest regional art gallery, the Art Gallery of Ballarat. (The Art Gallery of Ballarat is undergoing interior upgrades and will remain closed until early 2026).

Day 4

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 the koalas. Make your way to spa country, centred around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Here you can taste-test bubbling, health-giving mineral waters at Hepburn Springs Reserve and relax into a massage or beauty treatment at the Mineral Spa at the Mineral Springs Hotel.

PM
Settle in for a leisurely lunch at Daylesford’s iconic café, Cliffy’s. The go-to charcuterie plate is a favourite, best enjoyed by a crackling log fire in cooler months. Before you leave, be tempted by baskets of fresh-picked berries and vegetables, cheese and locally baked bread ready to take away.
As you head back to Melbourne, tour through the lovely villages of Trentham and Woodend.