Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour

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Head to the Melbourne CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Begin your journey by heading south to the charming town of Torquay, renowned as Australia’s surfing capital and home to the iconic Bells Beach. From there, follow the coastal road to Anglesea and Lorne, where a short detour to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. You can park near the 30-meter cascading waterfall or enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest to stretch your legs.

The stretch of road from Lorne to Apollo Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with stunning ocean views and dramatic scenery at every turn. Apollo Bay, your destination, is the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day hikes, including the Great Ocean Walk and the enchanting Otways rainforest. While in Apollo Bay, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean, stroll along the scenic coastline, or explore the rainforests, waterfalls, ferns, and sparkling streams that make this region so captivating.

The Great Ocean Road is an iconic, must-do route that stretches along the south-eastern coast of Victoria, from famed surf capital Torquay, westward across to Allansford, just before the regional city Warrnambool. The Great Ocean Road tourist drive covers 243 kilometres of National Heritage listed area which hosts an abundance of awe-inspiring natural landscapes including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge just to name a few. The road is also shouldered by the Great Otway National Park where you can explore rainforest walks, treetop walkways, waterfalls towering over fern-fringed pools and dramatic cliffs sheltering secluded beaches. Kennett River also hosts a rare opportunity to see koalas living in large numbers in their natural habitat, and is well worth the stop.

Apollo Bay is the starting point for some of Australia’s most famous short and multi-day walks and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Walk and surrounding Otways rainforest. Take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast and explore rainforests and waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams. Sit and watch the whales travel along the coast in migration season or gaze at the glow worms at Melba Gully. Apollo Bay has a reputation for the freshest seafood which you can enjoy in a range of restaurants, or check out the local distillery and brewery for a refreshment.

Join a thrilling guided walk through the stunning landscapes of the Otways, where lush tree fern gullies, towering eucalypt woodlands, and breathtaking ocean views await. Led by an expert conservationist guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating secrets of the plants and animals that thrive in this incredible region. Each tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including almost guaranteed sightings of koalas. With a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and other amazing Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure promises an unforgettable connection to the wonders of the natural world.

The first part of your drive today will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and stopping here is a must. You can park at the carpark and follow the paved path to the lookout, or to take some time and stretch your legs take the path down Gibson's steps to the beach. Descending these 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, and reaching the beach you are treated to a closeup view of these incredible rock formations. 3 minutes further along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast, you will find the stop-off point for Loch Ard Gorge, a glistening inlet of striking blue water surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Beyond the town of Port Campbell, stop at the London Bridge and The Grotto for more stunning sights and photo opportunities.
Explore the coastal city of Warrnambool where you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales calve off Logan Beach if you are travelling between May and October. From here, it's a 30-minute drive to your destination of Port Fairy

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the iconic Twelve Apostles, where towering limestone stacks rise dramatically from the wild Southern Ocean. These seven natural wonders, sculpted over time, are the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road. For a truly magical experience, visit at sunset, when the golden hues of the rock formations shift to fiery reds and oranges, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Begin your adventure at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, and take the short walk to the windswept lookouts. From here, you can witness the crashing waves and rugged coastline that make this sight so unforgettable. As one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, the Twelve Apostles attract visitors year-round. While the lookouts are often shared with others, visiting early or late in the day offers a more serene experience. Time your visit to catch the sunset, with summer providing views of the sun dipping into the ocean and winter offering a more intimate display closer to the shore. With clear skies, you’re sure to capture stunning photos worthy of any album—perfect to reflect on over dinner in nearby Port Campbell. As night falls, you might even spot Little Penguins returning from their day at sea, leaving tiny footprints in the sand as they make their way safely to their burrows.

An energetic, 15-minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.

The last destination on Victoria's famed Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy is home to wide streets lined with nineteenth-century cottages, old stone churches, and great Norfolk pines. Here, you can have the opportunity to see native animals in the wild - from southern right whales, seals and dolphins to wallabies, kangaroos and emus. Tower Hill, Victoria's first-ever National Park, is the ideal place to get up close and personal with some of these native animals. Enjoy a relaxing swim at the local beaches or catch a wave at The Passage point break, before relaxing over dinner and a drink at any of the numerous bars and restaurants in town.

From Port Fairy head north towards Penshurst and Dunkeld then onto Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians. Famous for it's hiking trails, the Grampians is home to a plethora of native flora and fauna.
We recommend stopping in at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for the most up to date park and track information before venturing off on one of the iconic walks.

Grampians National Park is located three hours north-west of Melbourne and is renowned for it's ancient sandstone ridges, formed as a result of shifting landscapes. This incredible mountain range is a haven for gastronomic experiences as well as adventuring tourists with worlds-best hiking trails, rock climbing and opportunities to encounter Australia's native wildlife. Some choose to experience Aboriginal Culture with over 80% of Victoria's rock art sites found here in Grampians National Park, some of which are over 20,000 years old. The Grampians is a picturesque landscape with a rich history and wide range of outdoor recreational activities or relaxing pursuits.

Nestled in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park lies Halls Gap, a delightful small village renowned for being a great base for a wide range of activities. One of Victoria’s most popular and most impressive natural attractions, the Grampians cover 167,000 hectares, consisting of soaring peaks, lush and rugged bushland, several large lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Nature lovers are enticed by the unique native flora, delicate wildflowers, and inquisitive wildlife, including emus, wallabies, kangaroos, and many different species of birds. Adventure enthusiasts travel to Halls Gap from across the globe for the 4x4 driving, quad bike adventures, canoeing, abseiling, bushwalking, rock climbing, and cycling that the region has to offer. The fascinating Aboriginal history of the region is explored at Brambuk, the National Park and Cultural Centre.

Venus Baths Loop - 2.3km. Allow 1 hour.

Clematis Falls - 2.4km. Allow 1 hour.

Grand Canyon Loop - 900m.

The Pinnacle Lookout - 4.2km. Allow 2 hours.

Bridal Veil Falls - 2.7km. Allow 1 hour.

Former gold-mining town, Ararat, serves as a rural service community for the surrounding pastoral, wine and fruit growing districts. With the Grampians and Pyrenees Wine Regions on its doorstep, Ararat is the perfect base for wine and food lovers. Jump from cellar door to cellar door and taste gourmet local produce while admiring the changing landscapes as you get closer to Grampians National Park. Travel outside of town to the One Tree Hill Lookout to view panoramic views of Ararat or experience the darker side of Ararat and take a guided tour through J Ward, Ararat's Old Goal and Asylum for the Criminally Insane.

The drive from Halls Gap to Ballarat offers a scenic journey through the diverse landscapes of Western Victoria, transitioning from the rugged beauty of the Grampians Ranges to the historic charm of Ballarat.
Leaving Halls Gap, you'll be surrounded by the majestic peaks and lush forests of the Grampians National Park. As you wind your way out of the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife like kangaroos and emus. The landscape gradually opens up, revealing rolling hills and farmland as you approach the town of Dunkeld. Consider a stop here to admire the views back towards the Grampians or grab a bite to eat. Continuing on, the route passes through smaller towns and rural communities, offering glimpses into the region's agricultural heartland. The scenery shifts again as you approach the historic city of Ararat, a town with its gold rush history. From Ararat, the drive to Ballarat is relatively straightforward. As you approach Ballarat, you'll notice the landscape becoming more populated, signalling your arrival in this vibrant city. Ballarat, rich in gold rush history, offers a wealth of attractions, including Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. 

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Sovereign Hill depicts Ballarat's first ten years after the discovery of gold there in 1851. It was officially opened on 29 November 1970 and has become a nationally acclaimed tourist attraction. It is one of Victoria's most popular attractions and Ballarat's most famous.
Set in the Australian 1850s, the complex is located on a 25-hectare site that is linked to the richest alluvial gold rush in the world. The site comprises over 60 historically recreated buildings, with costumed staff and volunteers, who are able to answer questions and will pose for photos. The recreation is completed with antiques, artwork, books and papers, machinery, livestock and animals, carriages, and devices all appropriate to the era.

The direct route from Melbourne to Ballarat has a rough drive time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. 45 minutes into the journey with a slight detour taking a left at Flanagan's Drive is 'Our Lady Ta' Pinu Shrine', providing a panoramic view of the cathedral, Bacchus marsh and the motorway. Before hopping back on the road to reach your destination of Melbourne the coastal capital, take your time to explore the iconic graffitied laneways, cuisine and coffee by the historical Yarra river and wander through the international exhibitions at the art galleries.

Spend some time exploring before returning your rental car to the city depot.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!