7 Days

Spend a day visiting waterfalls (Try Hopetoun, Beauchamp or Triplet).

Bask in the ancient redwoods (The Redwoods), and myrtle beach rainforest trails (Maits Rest and Melba Gully).

For an exhilarating adventure you can try the elevated walk or the zipline at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

Finally, stop into the Cape Otway Lightstation to discover the history surrounding Australia’s most important lighthouse.

Get up early and head to Gibson Steps or the 12 Apostles Lookout to see them at their very best. With a start like this it’s hard to improve but we think some of the other coastal trails, bays and lookouts are just as magical.

Take some time to visit Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands, The Arch, London Bridge and Boat Bay. Stop in anywhere along the coast around Peterborough and to it’s East and you might just find a secluded beach all to yourself!

These protected bays are beautiful for swimming (although not patrolled by lifeguards) and other water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and paddle-boarding. You can hire most equipment in Port Campbell.

In the afternoon take a drive to Timboon; here begins your food adventure! All within walking distance or a short drive from on another in the township are Berryworld (with the juiciest strawberries known to man!), the Timboon Icecreamery (where you can go to Sundae School!) and the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery – home to award winning whiskey and delectable gourmet food.

Then hire a bike and head out on the Coast to Crater Rail Trail where you can get another different view of the landscape

In Warrnambool spend a morning at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum to learn about the history of the Shipwreck coast.

A visit to Tower Hill Reserve (Worn Gundidj) where you can learn a little about the original inhabitants of the region is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Take a drive through the countryside in the later afternoon light and see a little more of the Volcanic Lakes and Craters District. Towns such as Cobden, Lismore, Derrinallum, Skipton and Camperdown all have rich agricultural histories and the undulating volcanic landscape is a sight to behold.

Start your day with a flight above the 12 Apostles coast, By plane or helicopter you’ll see a totally different perspective – an experience you’ll never forget.

Height a problem? Take a boat charter from Port Campbell instead – you’ll see the ancient monoliths from an agnle not possible from land. Stop into some of the farm door producers on the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. You’ll find cheese & dairy products, chocolate, wine and much more to delight your taste-buds!

Have an evening meal in Port Campbell and at dusk head to the 12 Apostles at “Golden Hour” to watch the sunset. Alternatively from the Port Campbell Jetty the sunset is spectacular.

Use one of the local shuttle service or tour operators to get to Princetown where you can join the world-renowned walk.

In Princetown, grab a coffee and marvel at the beautiful river estuary and wetlands then embark on this spectacular approach to the famous Apostles.

You’re likely to encounter some wildlife on the trail but for more, go check out the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park where you can get up close and personal with local wildlife.

At this point you’ll be wondering why you didn’t allow for more time or you’ll be trying to extend as you’ll understand by now that you could spend so much more time here and exploring surrounding towns and villages in the region.

Take the famous Great Ocean Road form West to East (toward Melbourne), stopping at the various lookouts and attractions on the way. Places like Johanna Beach, Castle Cove, Apollo Bay, Wye River, Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Anglesea all offer something quite different from one another.