4 Nights – 5 Days

MELBOURNE – GREAT OCEAN ROAD – GRAMPIANS – BALLARAT

Hit the road for an unforgettable five-day adventure through Victoria’s most stunning landscapes! From the breathtaking Great Ocean Road to the rugged Grampians, historic Ballarat and the relaxing spa country, this trip is packed with natural wonders, wildlife, culture and incredible food and wine.

 

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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
• Pampering and relaxation

Fast facts
• Time: 5 days
• Distance: 823 kilometres
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne

 

DAY 1

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Depart: Melbourne
O/night: Apollo Bay
Distance: 198 kilometres

AM
Venture west from Melbourne on the highway to reach the start of the famous Great Ocean Road, where your adventure kicks into gear with a remarkable, scenic coastline to explore.
For the best views, pull-over at safe vantage points along the way, including Aireys Inlet Lighthouse and Teddy’s Lookout. Lorne is a charming seaside town. Checkout the foreshore with its rolling waves or stroll along the jetty and watch locals fishing. For more adventure, head to Live Wire Park for some unbeatable zipline fun.
You can also access Lorne or Apollo Bay via inland routes if you don’t intend to drive the whole Great Ocean Road. The route to Apollo Bay takes you through Forrest, great for mountain bike riding and home to Lake Elizabeth. This route also provides access to Stevensons Falls which offers a fully accessible walk to the falls.

PM
Tour on towards Apollo Bay, another beautiful town on the Shipwreck Coast. It’s where you can start the Great Ocean Walk. Leave yourself enough time to visit the amazing Wildlife Wonders to learn about wildlife conservation and get close to native animals in a 30-acre natural sanctuary setting.
If you’re looking for after dark adventure, seek out glow worms at Melba Gully which is known as the Jewel of the Otways. It features the Madsens Track Nature Walk, which starts at the picnic ground and loops back through dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwoods, Tree-ferns, low ferns and mosses. The circuit takes 35 minutes to complete and gets very steep towards the end, but you can turn back at any time. Tread lightly, whisper and keep your torches pointed downwards as the glow worms light will go out if they are disturbed.

Locals tip: At Apollo Bay, feast on freshly caught seafood from the Fisherman’s Co-op before taking a barefoot stroll along the beach.

 

DAY 2

Great Ocean Road

Depart: Apollo Bay
O/night: Warrnambool/Port Fairy
Distance: Approx 159 kilometres

AM
Detour through Great Otway National Park, past ancient towering rainforests, to historic Cape Otway Lightstation. Take the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse (90 metres above sea level) for incredible ocean and coastal views. Explore the precinct and learn about life as a lighthouse keeper. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a koala or two dozing in the high branches of nearby eucalypt trees.

PM
Back-track through the national park to rejoin the Great Ocean Road before once again heading west. Get ready for the spectacular Twelve Apostles to make their grand entrance on the coastline. As they come into view, marvel at how they came to be and how they define this rugged, evolving coast. If tides and weather permit, take Gibson Steps down to the beach to ogle the magnificent limestone cliffs from a fresh angle.
When you’re ready, drive onto Port Fairy, a picturesque fishing village with a big, creative heart.

Locals tip: If visiting between July and September, head to Warrnambool’s Logans Beach and visit the purpose-built whale watching platform and spot some!

 

DAY 3

Great Ocean Road to Grampians

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

AM
Enjoy an unhurried breakfast at one of Port Fairy’s many cafés before strolling the quaint streetscapes, stopping to shop or enjoy a coffee.
Journey north through thriving farmland toward Halls Gap, nestled in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Along the way, make a stop in Dunkeld, a charming township boasting stunning views of Mount Sturgeon, the southern gateway to the Grampians.

PM
With Halls Gap as your base, explore the vast national park, rich with Indigenous heritage. Take a leisurely stroll along bush trails to discover local wildlife, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping views from lookouts like Boroka and Reeds. For a more guided experience, consider a tour with Absolute Outdoors or Grampians Personalised Tours to learn more about this beautiful area.

Locals tip: For more kangaroo spotting, head to the local cricket ground where you’ll often find them lazing on the grass.

 

DAY 4

Grampians to Ballarat

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

AM
Head east to Ballarat via one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Discover the art of winemaking at Best’s with a self-guided tour of their cellar or explore the impressive underground cellars at Seppelt. Don’t miss Pomonal Estate, where their cool-climate whites are sure to leave a lasting impression.

PM
Spend a fascinating afternoon at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, Victoria’s award-winning outdoor museum, where you can step back in time to the 1850s gold rush era. Pan for gold, explore historic buildings and watch traditional crafts in action. With interactive exhibits and costumed guides, it’s an immersive experience for all ages.

Locals tip: Stroll Ballarat’s historic Lydiard Street to admire ornate facades, old banks and heritage-listed buildings, along-side charming cafés and boutiques.

 

DAY 5

Ballarat to Melbourne through Spa Country

Depart: Ballarat to Melbourne
Distance: Approx 156 kilometres

AM
Start your morning at Ballarat Wildlife Park with an amazing collection of Australian animals in lush surroundings. Hand-feed kangaroos, meet koalas and watch playful wallabies, cassowaries, giant tortoises, tawny frogmouths and much more. Book ahead for a personal animal encounter you’ll never forget. It’s a must-do for nature-lovers.

PM
Make your way back to Melbourne through Victoria’s spa country. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs offer the perfect place to unwind. Sip the refreshing mineral waters at Hepburn Springs Reserve, then treat yourself to a relaxing massage or beauty treatment at The Mineral Spa in the Mineral Springs Hotel. It’s the ultimate recharge before heading back to the city.