5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Melbourne to Adelaide

One of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road winds along Victoria's rugged southern coastline, linking surf beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views.

The route is also an important part of Australia's history, serving as the world's longest war memorial and commemorating the returned soldiers who built it between 1919 and 1932.

As one of the best road trips in Australia, this five-day Great Ocean Road itinerary takes you from Melbourne to Adelaide, with stops in Lorne and Coonawarra, and visits to iconic landmarks including the Twelve Apostles, Erskine Falls, and the Shipwreck Coast.

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to experience the Great Ocean Road, giving you the flexibility to stop at coastal lookouts, beaches, waterfalls, and wineries along the way.

As an ALL Accor member, you can enjoy exclusive benefits with participating car rental partners. With Hertz, members receive a minimum 10% discount year-round, free cancellation, and the opportunity to earn Reward points on eligible rentals.

You can also save with Europcar, with a minimum 10% discount from your first rental and up to 20% off for ALL Platinum members. Eligible rentals also earn Reward points, helping you get even more value from your Great Ocean Road trip.

Before setting off from Melbourne, join ALL Accor to start enjoying member benefits.

Before setting off on your Great Ocean Road itinerary, spend a day exploring Melbourne. From laneway cafés and street art to riverfront dining and skyline views, Australia's cultural capital is the perfect place to begin your road trip.

Before setting off on your journey along the Great Ocean Road, spend a night in Melbourne and discover accommodation options that make it easy to begin your trip the next day.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins offers sweeping city views, five-star comfort, and convenient on-site parking in the heart of the CBD.

Alternatively, Quay West Suites Melbourne offers spacious apartment-style accommodation on Southbank, close to the Yarra River, popular restaurants, and major city attractions, with secure parking available for guests travelling by car.

• Visit Eureka Skydeck for some of the best views of Melbourne's skyline and surrounding bay.

• Wander through Hosier Lane to discover Melbourne's famous street art and creative culture.

• Experience Melbourne's renowned café culture with a magic coffee and brunch in neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, Carlton, or Brunswick.

• Stock up on road trip snacks at Queen Victoria Market, one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest open-air markets.

Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Distance: 105km

Your Great Ocean Road itinerary begins with a short drive from Melbourne to Torquay, the coastal town that marks the official start of the Great Ocean Road. With only 90 minutes on the road, there's plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely morning in Melbourne before heading south.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the Geelong Waterfront, home to public art installations, waterfront cafés, a beautifully restored carousel, and the Giant SkyWheel. It's an ideal place for a break before continuing towards Victoria's surf coast.

Once you've arrived in Torquay, you're officially at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Known as the gateway to Victoria's Surf Coast, Torquay is famous for its beaches, surf heritage, and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

If you have extra time, consider:

• Visiting Bells Beach, one of Australia's most famous surf breaks and home to the annual Rip Curl Pro.

• Exploring the Australian National Surfing Museum and learning about the people and events that shaped Australian surfing.

• Taking a stand-up paddleboarding lesson at one of Torquay's calmer beaches.

• Visiting Point Danger Lookout for panoramic views across the Surf Coast and a chance to spot migrating whales between May and October.

Drive time: 50 minutes

Distance: 48km

The second day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary follows one of the most scenic stretches of Victoria's coastline. Although the drive from Torquay to Lorne takes less than an hour, there are plenty of reasons to slow down and explore along the way.

Before reaching Lorne, make a stop in Aireys Inlet, a coastal town known for its seaside scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

Take a walk along the rocky shoreline, explore the rock pools, or visit the historic Split Point Lighthouse, one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Surf Coast. If time allows, join a guided canoe tour for a different perspective of the surrounding coastline.

Before settling into Lorne, take a short detour inland to Erskine Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road.

Located within the Great Otway National Park, the waterfall plunges more than 30 metres into a fern-filled gully below. After rainfall, the falls are especially impressive, while drier periods reveal a gentler cascade surrounded by lush rainforest.

Nestled between the Great Otway National Park and the Southern Ocean, Lorne combines rainforest walks, coastal scenery, and a thriving dining scene.

While in town, consider:

• Walking the Shipwreck Trail along the foreshore to learn about the region's maritime history.

• Exploring the Queens Park Lookout Loop, which winds through bushland and connects several coastal lookouts.

• Spending an afternoon on Lorne Beach.

• Enjoying dinner at Ipsos Restaurant & Bar, known for its Greek-inspired menu and local produce.

For travellers looking for Great Ocean Road accommodation, Mantra Lorne offers a beachfront stay in one of the region's most popular coastal towns. Located within walking distance of the town centre, the property offers easy access to the beach, walking trails, cafés, and restaurants.

After a day exploring the Great Ocean Road, unwind in the indoor heated mineral pool and spa, book a treatment at the day spa, or settle in for dinner and drinks by the fireplace at the on-site restaurant. Families will appreciate the children's games room, while active travellers can make use of the tennis courts and gym before continuing their journey the next day.

Drive time: 6 hours

Distance: 450km

The third day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary showcases some of the route's most iconic coastal scenery. Leave Lorne early and allow plenty of time for stops along the way as you travel through Apollo Bay, the Shipwreck Coast, and into South Australia's renowned wine country.

Surrounded by rolling green hills, beaches, and rainforest, Apollo Bay is a popular stop along the Great Ocean Road.

Before continuing your journey, head to Marriners Lookout for panoramic views over the town, coastline, and Southern Ocean. If you're visiting on a weekend, explore the Apollo Bay Market, where you'll find regional produce, artisan goods, and handmade crafts.

Continue west to Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse.

Built in 1848 and perched above Bass Strait, the lighthouse guided ships through one of the country's most treacherous stretches of coastline. Visitors can explore the historic grounds, climb the lighthouse tower, and learn about its role in Australia's maritime history.

One of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks, the Twelve Apostles are an essential stop on any Great Ocean Road road trip.

Rising up to 45 metres above the Southern Ocean, the limestone stacks have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. Several viewing platforms provide spectacular perspectives of the coastline, particularly in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.

Beyond the Twelve Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast is home to some of Victoria's most dramatic coastal formations.

While travelling west, consider stopping at:

• The Arch, a naturally formed limestone arch sculpted by the ocean.

• London Arch, a former natural bridge separated from the mainland by erosion.

• The Grotto, a unique sinkhole and coastal rock formation overlooking the sea.

• Bay of Islands, where offshore rock stacks rise from the ocean along a quieter stretch of coastline.

Known for its distinctive terra rossa soil and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra is one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions.

While in town, consider:

• Sampling Coonawarra's world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon at one of the region's cellar doors.

• Enjoying a wine and cheese tasting showcasing local produce and regional vintages.

• Dining at Upstairs Restaurant at Hollick Estates, known for seasonal dishes paired with estate wines.

• Exploring part of the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail, which connects several wineries and offers views across the vineyards.

Drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours

Distance: 380km

Leave Coonawarra behind and continue towards Adelaide, following a route that combines quirky roadside attractions with some of South Australia's most scenic coastal landscapes.

One of Australia's most famous "Big Things", The Big Lobster in Kingston SE is a fun roadside stop on the journey north.

Known locally as Larry the Lobster, the giant crustacean stands 17 metres tall and has become an iconic landmark along the Princes Highway. It's an easy place to stretch your legs and snap a photo before continuing your drive.

Continue along the Limestone Coast and stop at The Granites, a striking stretch of coastline near Southend.

Large granite boulders are scattered along the beach, creating a dramatic contrast against the white sand and Southern Ocean. It's a scenic spot for a short walk and an opportunity to enjoy one last dose of rugged coastal scenery before heading inland towards Adelaide.

As you approach Adelaide, the coastline gives way to rolling countryside and historic townships. South Australia's capital is known for its acclaimed restaurants, boutique shopping, cultural attractions, and easy access to some of the state's leading wine regions.

Settle into the heart of Adelaide and enjoy a well-earned rest before exploring the city.

The Playford Adelaide - MGallery combines heritage-inspired design with contemporary comfort, placing you within walking distance of Adelaide's cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. After a long drive, the indoor pool, fitness facilities, on-site dining, and convenient guest parking provide plenty of opportunities to relax before exploring the city.

For a centrally located and affordable stay, ibis Adelaide offers modern accommodation close to Rundle Mall, Adelaide Central Market, and many of the city's most popular attractions. With on-site parking available, it's a convenient base for travellers who want to leave the car behind and discover Adelaide on foot.

After several days exploring coastal towns, national parks, and wine regions, Adelaide offers a change of scenery with historic architecture, renowned dining, and leafy green spaces.

South Australia's capital combines culture, food, and outdoor attractions, making it an ideal place to end your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

While in town, consider:

• Exploring Rundle Mall, Australia's first pedestrian shopping street and home to hundreds of retailers, cafés, and restaurants.

• Exploring Adelaide Central Market to discover local produce, South Australian wines, and some of the city's best casual dining.

• Dining along Rundle Street, where you'll find everything from casual eateries to award-winning restaurants.

• Wandering through the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a 50-hectare oasis featuring landscaped gardens, native plants, and tranquil walking trails.

If time allows, consider extending your trip to Adelaide with a day trip to Kangaroo Island. Located off the coast of South Australia, the island is known for its rugged coastline, native wildlife, and protected natural landscapes.

Keep an eye out for koalas, sea lions, diverse birdlife, and, if you're lucky, little penguins before bringing your Great Ocean Road adventure to a close.

From city stays in Melbourne and Adelaide to Great Ocean Road accommodation in Lorne, joining the free ALL Accor loyalty programme gives you access to the exclusive members rate, Reward points, and benefits across participating Accor hotels.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a multi-day road trip, or your next Australian adventure, ALL Accor members can save on accommodation, enjoy exclusive offers, and earn Reward points on eligible stays. Book directly through ALL.com or the ALL Accor app to access member rates and start enjoying the benefits of membership from your first stay.