3 Day Great Ocean Road itinerary
3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary
Planning the perfect Great Ocean Road itinerary is one of the most exciting parts of visiting Victoria. With dramatic coastal views, rainforest escapes, and iconic landmarks, it’s easy to see why this drive is considered one of the most scenic in the world.
While many travellers attempt a rushed Great Ocean Road 2 day trip, the best way to experience this region is to slow down — and base yourself somewhere peaceful for a couple of nights. This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you do exactly that, with two nights at one of the most unique stays along the route.
Day 1: Melbourne to Johanna – The Scenic Coastal Drive
Your journey begins in Melbourne, heading toward the start of the Great Ocean Road.
Must-see stops along the way:
- Torquay – the official start of the Great Ocean Road and home of Australian surfing. If the swell is huge you must stop at the world famous Bells Beach.
- Lorne – a vibrant coastal town with a beautiful bay – ideal for lunch.
As you continue beyond Lorne, the road winds dramatically along the coastline before transitioning into the lush greenery of the Otways. Take your time — this is one of the most scenic stretches of the drive.
Arrive at Your Base: Johanna
By late afternoon, arrive in Johanna — a quiet, nature-filled location that sits right in the heart of the Great Ocean Road region.
Here you’ll check in to:
Set among landscaped gardens with sweeping views of forest, valley and ocean, these architect-designed, boomerang shaped cottages offer a completely different experience to typical coastal accommodation. If you feel up to it why not head down to Johanna Beach and do a small section of the Great Ocean Walk? From the car park follow the path to the right for 15 minutes. You’ll come to a vantage point with simply spectacular coastal views. And most probably you’ll be in the company of the local kangaroos which live here.
Why stay here for 2 nights?
- Centrally located between major attractions like the Twelve Apostles and the Great Otway National Park.
- Surrounded by nature, wildlife and birdlife. Koalas can often be seen – and heard! – here.
- Private, self-contained cottages with panoramic views.
- Just minutes from Johanna Beach.
Instead of constantly packing and moving, staying here for two nights allows you to fully relax and enjoy the region.
Day 2: Explore the Icons of the Great Ocean Road
After a peaceful night, wake up to birdsong and fresh country air — a very different experience from staying in busier towns.
Today is all about discovering the most famous things to do on the Great Ocean Road.
Morning: The Twelve Apostles
Start your day early ( avoid the tourist buses from Melbourne ) and drive to the iconic:
- Twelve Apostles
These towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean are the highlight of any Great Ocean Road itinerary. They’re especially magical at sunrise or early morning when crowds are minimal. You might like to check out this website: The Great Ocean Road
Midday: Coastal Landmarks
Continue exploring nearby natural wonders:
- Loch Ard Gorge – dramatic cliffs and a fascinating shipwreck story.
- Gibson Steps – descend to the beach for a powerful ocean-level view.
- Port Campbell – a lovely coastal village great for a bite to eat and a coffee. Only 10 minutes past the 12 Apostles.
This stretch of coastline is one of the most photographed in Australia, and for good reason.
Afternoon: Return to Your Cottage Retreat
After exploring, head back to Johanna.
This is where staying at The Boomerangs truly makes a difference.
Instead of sitting in traffic or returning to crowded accommodation, you’ll be:
- Relaxing on your private deck
- Watching the changing light over the valley
- Enjoying total peace and quiet
- Enjoying the resident birdlife
- Or having a quiet drink and a spa
These cottages are designed to immerse you in nature, with large windows framing the surrounding landscape and open-plan living spaces that make it easy to unwind.
Day 3: Otways & Return to Melbourne
Your final day focuses on one of the most underrated parts of the region — the rainforest.
Morning: Great Otway National Park
Explore Great Otway National Park, a lush landscape of towering trees, waterfalls and walking trails.
Things to do:
- Short rainforest walks. Maits Rest. 20 minutes from The Boomerangs towards Apollo Bay. Well worth it!
- Spot kangaroos, koalas, and birdlife on the Great Ocean Walk. Ask your hosts about this. A special place down at Johanna beach. Not many tourists here!
Midday: Begin the Journey Home
After a relaxed morning, begin your return to Melbourne.
You have two options:
- Inland route (via Colac) – faster and more direct.
- Coastal return – retrace part of the Great Ocean Road for more views.
The inland route takes around 3 hours, making it an easy and comfortable drive back.
Why This 3-Day Itinerary Works
Many travellers attempt a Great Ocean Road 2 day trip, but this often means long hours driving and very little time to actually enjoy the experience.
By stretching your trip to three days and staying two nights in one location, you:
- Reduce travel fatigue
- Avoid constantly packing and unpacking
- Experience both coastline and rainforest
- Enjoy a more meaningful, relaxing escape
Most importantly, you turn the journey from a checklist of sights into a genuine getaway.
Travel Tips for the Great Ocean Road
- Start early each day to beat the crowds
- Take your time driving — the road is winding but safe
- Pack layers — weather can change quickly
- Book accommodation in advance, especially for weekends
Final Thoughts
The Great Ocean Road is more than just a scenic drive — it’s an experience that blends natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.
Choosing the right place to stay can completely transform your trip. By basing yourself at The Boomerangs in Johanna for two nights, you get the best of both worlds: easy access to the region’s most famous attractions, and a peaceful retreat to return to at the end of each day.
If you’re planning your own Great Ocean Road itinerary, consider slowing down, staying longer in one place, and experiencing the region the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Because sometimes, the most memorable part of the journey isn’t just what you see — it’s where you stay.
