Great Ocean Road 1-day itinerary

Start with the most iconic sight on the Great Ocean Road — the Twelve Apostles at sunrise. These towering limestone stacks rise up to 45 metres from the Southern Ocean, sculpted by millions of years of wind and waves. The dawn light turns the cliffs gold and orange while mist drifts between the pillars. The viewing platforms sit along the clifftop with unobstructed views of the formations and the wild coastline stretching into the distance. At this hour, you will likely have the place almost to yourself.

Drive five minutes west to Loch Ard Gorge — a dramatic narrow inlet named after the clipper ship Loch Ard that wrecked on the reef here in 1878 with only two survivors. Walk down the steep steps to the gorge floor where turquoise water surges between towering limestone walls. Continue along the Shipwreck Coast to London Arch — a natural rock arch that collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists on the seaward side (both rescued by helicopter). The Island Archway and the Razorback provide more jaw-dropping coastal erosion formations.

Drive back east to the coastal town of Apollo Bay — a friendly community nestled between the Otway Ranges and the ocean. The main street has a handful of good restaurants, a fish and chip shop, and a pub with ocean views. Try locally caught crayfish, flathead, or King Island beef at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour. The sunset over the ocean from the harbour breakwall is a beautiful end to a dramatic day on the coast.