3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Great Ocean Road tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreat Ocean Road travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Victoria, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  The first day winds along Great Ocean Road, visiting Memorial Arch and Twelve Apostles. Day two takes you through Tower Hill Reserve, while day three showcases Grampians highlights including MacKenzie Falls and The Balconies, covering 375km of stunning coastline.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

    Meet at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne's CBD at 7:35 AM to avoid morning traffic. The day starts with a beautiful coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road. Get your camera ready for amazing ocean views. Look for koalas in the eucalyptus trees between Anglesea and Apollo Bay. Take a guided walk through Great Otway National Park but bring shoes with good grip since paths can get slippery. In the afternoon, visit the famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. A good tip is to see the Twelve Apostles near sunset when tour buses are gone and the lighting is perfect for photos. You'll spend the night in Warrnambool after covering 375km.

    
  • Day 2

    Warrnambool to Grampians

    Start at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, set in an old volcano crater. Come early to spot emus and kangaroos in their natural habitat. Travel north to the Grampians National Park for the Pinnacle lookout hike (4.5km return). You'll need reasonable fitness for this moderate hike, but there are plenty of scenic spots to rest. Bring lots of water, especially in summer. End your day in Halls Gap with a classic Australian BBQ dinner. If you're staying at the Grampians Eco YHA, ask for a room away from common areas for better sleep.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Melbourne

    Begin with a morning hike to MacKenzie Falls (2km return). The walk down to the falls is steep with many steps, so take your time and bring water. Visit the Balconies and Boroka Lookout for great views best captured in morning light. The trip back to Melbourne (290km) includes rest stops and usually arrives around 5:30 PM, depending on traffic. One traveler suggests: "Wear layers as temperatures can vary significantly between the coast and mountains."

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in South Australia, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  The route covers 375km of Great Ocean Road, stopping at Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. A guided rainforest walk in Great Otway National Park awaits, plus chances to spot migrating Southern Right Whales (Jun-Sep) from coastal viewpoints.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Warrnambool via Great Ocean Road

    Leave Melbourne early for your 375km journey on the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Anglesea to look for wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees. If you have binoculars bring them along. Take a break at Apollo Bay for lunch and walk on the beach. Pack some windproof layers since the Southern Ocean can get quite breezy. "The variety of breathtaking views of the coastline made this a very memorable trip - I won't forget watching an amazing sunset standing in a field of kangaroos!" Take a guided walk through the rainforest at Great Otway National Park before visiting the famous Twelve Apostles limestone formations. Visit the Twelve Apostles in late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos and most tourists have left. Spend your first night in Warrnambool.

    
  • Day 2

    Warrnambool to Halls Gap

    Start your day at Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, set inside an extinct volcano crater where you'll see plenty of native wildlife. You'll likely get some great photos of emus and kangaroos up close. In the afternoon take the 4.5km hike to the Pinnacle Lookout in Grampians National Park. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes with grip since you'll need to climb over some rocks. One visitor said: "The climb up the Pinnacles at Hall's Gap was tough but manageable, and will remain one of my best experiences." Stay overnight in Halls Gap and enjoy a traditional Australian BBQ dinner. Look for kangaroos grazing on the town's sports field at sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Adelaide

    Begin with a morning 2km hike to Mackenzie Falls on a steep but well-maintained path with railings. Visit the Balconies and Boroka Lookout for sweeping views of the Grampians. The 520km drive to Adelaide goes through Bordertown and passes some beautiful pink lakes near Dimboola. You'll usually reach Adelaide around 7:30pm so book your accommodation beforehand.

    

  View itinerary

• Adelaide to Melbourne 3 Day Overland Tour via Grampians and Great Ocean Road

  The Shipwreck Coast leads past London Bridge and 12 Apostles formations. Guided walks through Great Otway National Park's rainforest and lunch stop in Apollo Bay feature prominently. The day ends with visits to Memorial Arch and renowned surf beaches before Melbourne arrival.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries

  • Adelaide Australia

    155 mi

  • Bordertown Australia

    117 mi

  • Grampians National Park Australia

    12 mi

  • Halls Gap Australia

    12 mi

  • Grampians National Park Australia

    73 mi

  • Warrnambool Australia

    99 mi

  • Great Ocean Road Australia

    67 mi

  • Twelve Apostles Marine National Park Australia

    5 mi

  • Loch Ard Gorge Australia

    7 mi

  • London Bridge Australia

    34 mi

  • Great Otway National Park Australia

    7 mi

  • Apollo Bay Australia

    95 mi

  • Melbourne Australia

  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary