The Ultimate Road Trip – Great Ocean Road, Days 7+8
- Great Ocean Road
Days 7 + 8: Great Ocean Road
Iconic landscapes, rainforest escapes & unforgettable ocean views
This two-day, two-night itinerary continues on from the Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, and is the final stretch of this coastal Victorian adventure.
A journey packed with coastal icons, lush rainforests, and awe-inspiring scenery. From surfing in Torquay and chocolate indulgence in Anglesea, to chasing waterfalls in Lorne and gazing at the Twelve Apostles, every turn offers something spectacular. With boutique stays, fresh local dining, and optional cultural or wildlife experiences, these two days strike the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, a fitting finale to your road trip.
Discover the itinerary below.
Great Ocean Road Map
Day 7 of the Ultimate Victorian Road Trip
Morning
Start in Torquay, Australia’s surf capital. Visit the Australian National Surf Museum, or ease into the day with a massage at RACV Torquay.
Midday
Treat your sweet tooth at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, a family favourite.
Afternoon
Jump in the ocean with Go Ride a Wave in Torquay or Anglesea.
Evening
Dine at The Coast Restaurant, then settle into the Great Ocean Road Resort. Alternatively, continue to Aireys Inlet for dinner at Santara and retro poolside accommodation at Sunnymead Hotel.
Day 8 of the Ultimate Victorian Road Trip
Morning
Head further south to explore Lorne’s waterfalls like Erskine or Sheoak Falls.
Midday
Explore and enjoy lunch in the seaside town of Lorne before continuing on to Apollo Bay for Wildlife Wonders.
Then soak up the wonder of the Twelve Apostles with a scenic helicopter flight or coastal boardwalk experience. For active travellers, explore a section of the Great Ocean Walk.
Continue on to Warrnambool for dinner at Lady Bay Resort then head to the Sound and Light Show at Flagstaff Hill, or relax into a twilight bathe at the Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs.
Choose to stay at Lady Bay Resort or Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs to be close to the ocean and listen to the waves roll in.
Morning
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the Pavilion.
Midday
Use your final day to explore the UNESCO world heritage Budj Bim Cultural Landscape and enjoy a visit to the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café before heading back home.
Discover More and Links to Book
Australian National Surfing Museum
Located in Torquay, the Australian National Surfing Museum celebrates the rich history and culture of surfing. As the world’s largest surfing museum, it showcases Australia’s deep connection to the waves and its influence on global surf culture. Visitors can explore surfboards, memorabilia, and artefacts tracing the evolution of the sport, from wooden boards to today’s innovations. Exhibits highlight legendary surfers, iconic events, and the lifestyle that makes surfing unique. Immersive displays capture the thrill, creativity, and freedom of riding waves.
Fun, colourful, and engaging, the museum is a must-visit for anyone curious about the culture of Australia’s surf capital.
One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort
One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort is a luxurious retreat designed to rejuvenate mind and body. Guests can choose from a bespoke menu of treatments including relaxation and remedial massages, facials, hydrotherapy, and soothing geisha tub soaks. The spa’s wet room facilities feature a thermal stone room, steam room, heated spa, plunge pool, and overhead showers set at varying temperatures. After treatments, guests can unwind in the spa lounge overlooking ocean views and the golf course, while enjoying herbal teas.
With highly trained therapists and an atmosphere of calm sophistication, One Spa offers an indulgent experience in Torquay’s coastal surrounds.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a sweet escape set on 15 acres of landscaped grounds near Torquay. Guests are welcomed with free tastings of handcrafted chocolates and house-made ice cream before exploring a spectacular showroom choc-full of delights. Watch European chocolatiers at work, indulge in desserts or fondue at the Pod Café, and browse the gardens and orchards outside. Kids love the play areas, lavender fields, and sandpit, while chocolate-making workshops and classes cater to all ages.
With thousands of treats on display and an e-shop for nationwide delivery, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream destination.
Go Ride A Wave
When you join a surfing lesson with Go Ride A Wave, you are learning to surf with Australia’s largest and most professional learn to surf organisation. They can get you started and standing up in no time at all, and offer lesson packages to help you progress quickly. With the beautiful beaches, world class waves, why would you not want to come and do a surfing lesson. Classes are run in Anglesea, Torquay, Ocean Grove and Lorne.
Go Ride a Wave also offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Anglesea River.
To Coast Restaurant
The Coast Restaurant in Anglesea showcases the best of the Great Ocean Road region with a modern Australian menu crafted from locally sourced produce. The dining experience extends beyond food, with plates and jugs handmade by local artists, reflecting the Surf Coast’s creative spirit. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local wines, craft beers, and cocktails featuring Great Ocean Road Gin and Timboon Distillery spirits.
With its focus on regional flavours and a warm, stylish setting, The Coast is perfect for relaxed dinners, special occasions, or simply celebrating the vibrant culinary culture of Victoria’s spectacular coastal region.
Great Ocean Road Restaurant
Great Ocean Road Resort is a 4.5-star boutique escape in the heart of Anglesea, just steps from beaches, shops, and walking tracks. Accommodation ranges from modern studios and spa suites to one- and two-bedroom apartments, all designed with comfort and style. Onsite facilities include The Coast Restaurant, Lux Spa & Wellness, a heated indoor pool, gym, tennis courts, and even a trampoline park. Guests can enjoy wellness retreats combining spa treatments, yoga, and chef-prepared meals, or simply relax by the riverfront firepit.
With its mix of leisure, wellness, and family-friendly amenities, the resort is an ideal base for exploring Anglesea.
Santara Restaurant
Santara Restaurant at Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet is all about sharing flavourful, vibrant food in a fun, social setting. Its modern fusion menu draws inspiration from Indian cuisine, with colourful dishes designed for grazing and enjoying together. Guests can pair their meal with local wines or creative cocktails featuring regional spirits. The bright, stylish interiors reflect Aireys Inlet’s relaxed culture, while the welcoming team ensures an atmosphere that’s both lively and casual.
Perfect for groups of friends, couples, or travellers exploring the Great Ocean Road, Santara is a celebration of flavour, freshness, and good company at the heart of this coastal town.
Sunnymead Restaurant
Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet is a playful 4.5-star boutique retreat with a retro-inspired vibe. Its colourful suites feature modern essentials including smart TVs, curated minibars, and luxe local bathroom products. Facilities include an outdoor magnesium pool and bar, firepit, Santara Restaurant, and Indie Spa with a bathhouse, Rasul experience, and Vichy showers. Designed for fun and connection, Sunnymead balances coastal relaxation with bold style.
Whether it’s sipping cocktails by the pool, indulging in shared spa treatments, or exploring Aireys Inlet’s vibrant arts and food scene, Sunnymead is a vibrant stop on the Great Ocean Road for couples and groups.
Lorne Walks & Waterfalls
The Lorne region is renowned for its diverse walking tracks, with over 70 trails weaving through coastal cliffs, lush forests, and river valleys. Just minutes from town, visitors can discover cascading waterfalls, fern-filled gullies, dramatic lookouts, and peaceful pools. Highlights include Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, and the Canyon, along with shorter nature trails and ocean-view tracks. With more than 60 kilometres of marked paths, walks can be combined into longer treks or enjoyed as short family strolls.
Whether it’s a 10-minute wander or a full-day hike, Lorne’s trails offer stunning scenery and a close connection to the natural beauty of the Surf Coast.
Wildlife Wonders
Discover Australia’s natural beauty at Wildlife Wonders.
Guided by a conservationist you will encounter unique wildlife living freely in a stunning bushland environment overlooking the ocean. Learn about the ecology of the spectacular Otway Ranges and the current research projects saving the Great Ocean Road’s threatened species.
12 Apostles Helicopters
12 Apostle Helicopters offers breathtaking helicopter tours over the most beautiful scenery in Australia. Guests experience jaw-dropping aerial views of rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks all within the comfort of luxury helicopters.
Enjoy a journey over the 12 Apostles, a flight to the Bay of Islands via London Bridge, or take in the beauty of the entire Shipwreck Coast all the way to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. It’s an unforgettable way to see one of Australia’s most famous drives from a new perspective.
Great Ocean Walk
The iconic Great Ocean Walk has sections to explore for a taste of what the entire walk offers. The full Walk begins in the seaside town of Apollo Bay and takes you, via majestic forests, rugged cliff tops and wild beaches, to the stunning conclusion at the Twelve Apostles. It is a special experience to complete the entire 100kms.
There are many options when undertaking this Walk. It’s possible to hike as part of a guided group, to organise drop-offs and pick-ups via a shuttle service each day or to be self-sufficient, using the hike-in campsites booked on the Parks Victoria website.
Lady Bay Resort
Lady Bay Resort in Warrnambool is a welcoming coastal retreat offering a mix of self-contained apartments and luxury studios. With 65 apartments and 13 studios, it caters to couples, families, and corporate travellers alike. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, day spa, gym, games room, and free parking. Guests can dine at the vibrant on-site restaurant, open six days a week for lunch and dinner.
Located steps from the beach and close to the Great Ocean Road’s final stretch, Lady Bay Resort is ideal for exploring Warrnambool or simply relaxing by the ocean in comfort and style.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s Sound and Light show, ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast’ is an engaging story with dazzling lighting and sound effects throughout the village. At night, immerse yourself in the stories of our volcanic plains, the whaling industry and the famous Loch Ard shipwreck. Their night show is a state of the art production like no other.
Enjoy Flagstaff Hill by day or by night, this maritime village and museum built around 1858 state heritage listed Warrnambool Lighthouse is holder of Victoria’s largest maritime and shipwreck collection. Its feature pieces are the $4 million Loch Ard Peacock, a priceless relic from the wreck Loch Ard that in 1878 was lost at the now famous Loch Ard Gorge. It offers guided tours once daily, and a Conexu guided tour application for iPhone or Android phones.
Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs in Warrnambool is a geothermal sanctuary where mineral-rich waters rise from 850 metres below ground. Guests can soak in rock pools, sensory caves, and cleansing waterfalls, each designed to enhance relaxation and wellbeing. Daytime sessions are open to families with children aged five and up, while evenings are reserved for adults seeking tranquil, restorative bathing. With water temperatures between 35–42°C, the springs provide therapeutic benefits for both body and mind.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Deep Blue is a rejuvenating stop at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, perfect for unwinding after days of adventure
The Pavilion Café & Bar
The Pavilion Café & Bar in Warrnambool combines modern design with sweeping beach views over Lady Bay and Middle Island. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, it specialises in contemporary dishes and house-made cakes and pastries. Guests can relax on the balcony, enjoy locally roasted coffee, or sample seasonal specials showcasing regional flavours. The Pavilion also hosts private events in the evenings, making the most of its stunning coastal setting.
With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the ocean, it’s a light-filled, stylish space that captures the relaxed charm of Warrnambool while serving up quality food and warm hospitality.
The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, tells the story of the Gunditjmara people and their 30,000-year history of living in harmony with the land. Guided tours by Gunditjmara guides take visitors through ancient stone channels and aquaculture systems once used to farm eels, one of the world’s oldest known farming practices. A modern Aquaculture Centre brings this heritage to life, while the café serves traditional eel tastings.
With deep cultural significance and extraordinary landscapes, Budj Bim offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with First Nations history and living culture in southwest Victoria.
Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café
The Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café houses a kooyang (eel) holding tank and processing facility, as well as a retail space and a bush tucker café. The signature dish is the Kooyang Tasting Plates which can be sampled on-site.
The centre is a tourism hub where Gunditjmara people share knowledge and stories in a sustainable way, allowing them to continue caring for their Country and culture. Here, visitors can join Gunditjmara guided cultural tours of the World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, and learn how Gunditjmara people worked with the natural resources and environment of the Victorian southwest region to establish a permanent place of human society over the past 30,000 years and beyond.
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