where to stay great ocean road

Where to stay in the Great Ocean RoadI wrote 3 years ago a post describing the drive on the Great Ocean Road, with a few itineraries. It is today one of the most popular articles on the internet.I have over 300 comments on that post (and growing). It is now time for me to write about where to stay in the Great Ocean Road (GOR), the best places to be based.Reading: where to stay great ocean roadI live in Melbourne and I am back in the area on a regular basis. And that’s great!Why?Because this guide is being regularly updated, no old stuff, 2020 facts.You can read also

• Great Ocean Road drive – A full Itinerary with a video
• Best day tours leaving from Melbourne (great guide if you prefer an organised trip)
• Best areas to stay in Melbourne
• Things to do and see in Melbourne, including many free ones

Like any place in the world, also the Great Ocean Road is going through a massive transformation. A few towns along the drive have changed so much in the last 3-5 years.My best tip here is to dedicate at least 2 full days to the drive, possibly 3 or more.And now let’s go straight to the best town to stay.Loch Ard GorgeIf you are looking for local events you should check the local newspapers: the Geelong Advertiser and the Surf Coast Times.

Best town to stay along the Great Ocean Road

Did you know that the Great Ocean Road is actually a route registered in the Australian National Heritage list? That’s to say how amazing and unmissable it is.Let me go down to the point. The best town to stay in the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles and the other iconic attractions is, in my opinion, Port Campbell. Perfect base for a first-time visitor.However, the GOR is a road 243km long (151 miles) that starts in Torquay and ends in Allansford, a small village between Port Campbell and Warrnambool. Every town along the route has its own character, appeal and activities.And in this respect, there is more than just one “best town”.Best towns to stay in the Great Ocean Road – Click here for bigger size map.

• Torquay: the surfing place to be. It has two great beaches, one popular with surfing lessons and the other one much quieter, best for kids. Here you find also the Australian National Surfing Museum, a must if you are a passionate surfer. Nice little town, at the start of the Great Ocean Road, a good base if you leave too late from Melbourne or you have an early flight.
• Anglesea: a tiny town with the best beaches for any like. Probably the best town to stay in Great Ocean Road for families looking for a quiet beach to spend part of the holiday. You can also see kangaroos free rooming. From here you can visit most of the GOR, however, you will need a full day trip for the 12 Apostles and the Bay of Island (170Km each way)
• Aireys Inlet: it’s a tiny town along the road, famous for the Split House Lighthouse. I love the beautiful walks along the coast, secluded and romantic.
• Lorne: my favourite town on the Great Ocean Road. It has a fantastic beach, great to learn surfing (very easy waves), plenty of green space for a picnic between the beach and the main road, including a few barbeque areas. If you have kids there is a good size playground and a trampoline area too. Plenty of restaurants and cafes. The long pier is really popular in the summer, great for a nice walk.
• Wye River: the most secluded village, together with Kenneth River. They are both half-way from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the most spectacular part of the Great Ocean Road. It’s a great town to book a holiday home with probably the best view you can find in this part of Australia. I love the wide beach, however, it’s more for expert swimmers.
• Apollo Bay: I like this town for two main reasons: the great long beach and the proximity to the Great Otway National Park, with the many waterfalls, lovely walks and strong possibility to spot the lovely koalas (more tips later on my secret spot). I must admit that in the last few years the town has gone through a transformation that has not impressed me much and I will tell you why.
• Around the Otway National Park: If you are looking for a secluded and romantic stay, close to the coast and hidden in the forest then you should book your accommodation in the park itself.
• Princetown: one of the closest town to the 12 Apostles, although “town” is a bit of a big word. There is a General Store and, that’s it. It’s, however, the best place to stay in the Great Ocean Road on a budget. The accommodation tends to be much cheaper here then, for sure, in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay. Great location but not much character.
• Port Campbell: the best town to stay in the Great Ocean Road if you want to stay close to the 12 Apostles, London Bridge and all the other iconic destinations. Great base if you plan a sunset or sunrise at the 12 Apostles or Loch Ard Gorge. The town has its own character with plenty of food options and a few pubs to have a drink, or two. The beach is also great, with shallow water and no waves.

You may also think to plan your visit to the Great Ocean Road as a day trip, however, keep in mind that the whole loop is over 500km. I wrote a post about the best day-tours from Melbourne, including organised trips and a Do-It-Yourself option.

Best place to stay in Great Ocean Road for 2 or 3 days

You have a few possibilities here and it all depends on the type of itinerary you want to follow.You may decide to stay in a single place and explore around from there or you may want to book a couple of accommodation and follow an itinerary.What I personally suggest is to limit the driving at night or after sunset. There is plenty of wildlife around which usually comes out after sunset. Kangaroos can be really big, not to mention the wombat.

Book a single accommodation for the 2-3 days

You can stay in a town or in a more secluded spot, like in the Great Otway National Park.In my opinion, the best place to stay in Great Ocean Road for 2 or 3 days is closer to the 12 ApostlesSingle base to visit the attractions of the Great Ocean RoadStaying in Port Campbell for a handy locationMost of the iconic attractions are around Port Campbell

• London Bridge
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Twelve Apostles
• Gibson Steps
• Childers Cove on a sunny day, amazing beach
• Bay of Islands

You can easily spend the whole day visiting all of the above if not even one and a half day.Gibson StepsChilders Cove is the most distant spot and I would suggest the visit only on a good weather day, especially in summer.From Port Campbell, you could drive to the Otway National Park to spend a day visiting the waterfalls and the Lighthouse at Cape Otway. The small road going to the cape (C157) is the best place to spot a few koalas.On the last and final day, you can drive back to Melbourne through the Great Ocean Road. The most scenic section is between Lorne and Apollo Bay.If time is a concern you may also take the direct route from Port Campbell to Melbourne (C162 + C163 + A1/M1). You will be back in the city in 3-3.5 hours.Accommodations I suggest in Port Campbell are

• Port Campbell Parkview Apartments, my favourite spot, great if travelling with friends or large families.
• the Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn for its bargain price
• the Southern Ocean Villas if you are after a boutique stay, and we do all need that ????

Click on any below to check the best deal running at the momentParkview Apartments Best Western Motor Inn South Ocean VillasPort Campbell is one of the biggest towns on the coast with plenty of options for food and drinks.It’s the best town to stay on the Great Ocean Road if you are after also a restaurant, a cafe or a few drinks at night.The Forage on the Foreshore is my favourite spot for a coffee, right in front of the beach. The 12 Rocks Beach Bar is a nice place, also at the beach, for a few drinks, less so for the food.Port Campbell is a good spot also if you want to spend a couple of hours sunbathing. The beach is shallow and well repaired (don’t expect big waves). Great for a swim.Staying in Princetown or the Otway National Park for a secluded breakawayPrincetown is a small village with just a general store. You will be literally next door to the Twelve Apostles and the Gibson Steps (there is however nothing else around).It’s a great spot if you are looking for a romantic getaway or an accommodation on a budget on the Great Ocean Road (there are a few options around).Read more: where to mine coal in runescape | Top Q&AThe Southern Anchorage Retreat is just a few km from Princetown, right in the middle of a forest with a great sea view (see photos here)The cottage is spacious and perfect of a romantic getaway. You will definitely be impressed.Check availability at the RetreatHowever, if you are looking for a real secluded spot, besides being romantic, I would suggest a stay in the Otway National Park, off the beaten track.There are a few options close to Johanna Beach which are absolutely gorgeous. Sunset there is insane and you will be most probably on your own.You will be impressed at night by the many stars you will be able to see in the sky.The Glenaire Cottages is my secret accommodation tip of this post. The view is just unique, especially when you are in the spa right on the deck (what! See photos here).The accommodation is actually quite close to the main road, however in a very quiet and private location.Inside expect a charming environment with 2 bedrooms, perfect for summer and winter too.Check availability at GlenaireYou can organise your 2/3 days in a similar way as if you would stay in Port Campbell (see above).Cape Otway LightstationStaying in Apollo Bay for a family beach timeApollo Bay has gone through an incredible transformation in the last few years.Go there at lunchtime and it’s probably the busiest place on the Great Ocean Road with all the day tours stopping there for a break before heading to the 12 Apostles.To have the best view of the 12 Apostles walk up 50 metres of the main pathStay overnight and you will see mostly families with kids, and just a bunch of food options still open (most of them close after the day tourists leave)There are many houses available for rent in the market, fully serviced, which work great if you have kids.The beach is great with easy surfing options, perfect also for the beginners, of any age.Moreover, take the car and in no time you will be in the Great Otway National Park.For most of the other attraction (12 Apostles, London Bridge, etc), dedicate a full day trip. Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles is a 1.5 hours trip (one way).I would personally suggest Apollo Bay if you are travelling as a family and you want to mix beach time with attractions and excursions.My suggested accommodations in Apollo Bay are:

• Beeches by the Sea Villas, recognised as one of the best stays on the whole Great Ocean Road
• Seafarers Getaway a very popular choice, book well in advance to avoid disappointments
• the Motel Marengo in case you are travelling on a budget
• BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, if you are into camping or book a cabin, one of the cheapest options in town

Check out the best deals at the momentBeeches by the Sea Seafarers Getaway Motel Marengo Big 4 Cabin

Follow an itinerary on the Great Ocean Road

It can be more of a pain to unpack/pack everything however you will have the flexibility to move around and you will experience more places in the evening and at nightTwo days itinerary on the Great Ocean RoadIf you have just 2 days and one night then I would suggest to head straight away to Port Campbell (~3 hours using the direct route from Melbourne, M1/A1 + C163 + C164) and stay there for the night.On the first day you can visit all or most of the iconic attractions:

• The London Bridge
• The Grotto, amazing view and kids-friendly place
• Bay of Islands Coastal Park, as beautiful as underrated in my opinion

and driving east:

• The Blowhole
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Tom and Eva Lookout
• The Razorback
• Twelve Apostles
• Gibson Steps

On the second day visit a few local attractions (if any left from the day before) and drive back to Melbourne through the Great Ocean Road.Here are a few of my favourite iconic places:

• Lorne Pier: I love the seafood restaurant there
• Teddy’s lookout, great viewpoint
• Split Point Lighthouse, nice walk and view
• Point Roadknight beach, the safest beach on the Great Ocean Road
• Bells Beach to watch some serious surfing with the biggest waves in the south coast
• Torquay outlet surfing city if you are after some cheap clothes and boards.

Teddy’s LookoutThree days itinerary on the Great Ocean RoadWith 3 days and two nights, you will have more time to explore around.Start your drive in Melbourne and stop at the Torquay outlet surfing city for some shopping.On a nice summer day go to the Jan Juc beach for a swim, such a beautiful spot. There is also a nice 1-2 hours walk that follows the coast, just off the cliff.Stop in Anglesea for lunch. Head to the Golf Club to spot a few kangaroos and drive to the Split Point Lighthouse for a walk. You may stop at the shallow Point Roadknight beach for a swim on a nice day.Follow the Great Ocean Road till Lorne, my favourite town, where you will spend the first night.In Lorne you should check out the Lorne Hotel. The great thing is that you are meters from the beach, and all the restaurants and barsThe rooms are on a building behind the pub, very well positioned to have a super quiet nightRead more: Where can i buy bytecoinThe room has kitchen facilities and with plenty of space (see photos here)Check Price at Lorne HotelStart the second day with a short trip to the Erskine Falls (the earlier the better, it’s a popular attraction). Then head to Teddy’s Lookout for the beautiful view of the most spectacular section of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay.Erskine FallsYou will arrive in Apollo Bay for lunch. From there drive through the Otway National Park. You may want to visit the lighthouse and spot a few koalas on the way.The Californian Redwoods is another amazing place to visit in the park, just next to the Hopetoun Falls.Budget 1-2 hours for the Gibson Steps, one of the most scenic beaches. Sunset is a must at the 12 ApostlesStay the second night at Port Campbell, a nice town with a lovely small beach.On the last day visit all the iconic attractions around town and head back to Melbourne either through the direct route (to have an exposure of the Victorian countryside) or back on the Great Ocean Road.

Four days itinerary on the Great Ocean Road (and Grampians)

With 4 days and 3 nights you may do a similar itinerary to the 3-days, however, you can add one night to spend at one of the 2 following locations

• Port Fairy: this is a beautiful little town one hour west of Port Campbell. Once there visit Griffitts Island. Beaches are fabulous there.
• Grampians: a fabulous National Park with some easy-moderate trekking and beautiful viewpoints. Stay in Halls Gap, the main town with restaurants, cafes and bars. Head to the Playground area at sunset to get closer to a few wild kangaroos, they are usually super friendly.

Where to stay in Great Ocean Road for a week or more

As you can imagine you have plenty of places to stay along the Great Ocean Road. They all have their own character.I would personally suggest these locations based on your type of vacation.Port Fairy Beach

Best place to stay on the Great Ocean Road for families

Anglesea and Apollo Bay are my favourites. And let me tell you why.Bay Of IslandsThey are both towns that get quite busy during the day but very quiet from the late afternoon. They offer good playgrounds around and a reasonable selection of restaurant options.Point Roadknight beach in Anglesea is the best beach for kids on all the coast with shallow water and no waves.For older kids, both towns offer great surfing for beginners with the possibility to get private lessons too.You can easily organise day trips to iconic attractions as the 12 Apostles.For Apollo Bay accommodation check out the above sections with my suggested options.My recommended accommodations for Anglesea are:

• the Great Ocean Road Resort is a great hotel with a gym and a pool that the kids will love it
• the Point Roadknight Paradise is a unique experience, meters from the most family-friendly beach in the whole of the Great Ocean Road
• the BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park, as well as the Anglesea Family Caravan Park, are both great value options if you are on a budget or you prefer camping

GOR Resort Point Roadknight Paradise Caravan Park Big 4 Cabin

Best town on the Great Ocean Road for adults and couples

Lorne is a beautiful town halfway on the Great Ocean Road with many restaurants, cafes and drinking options.It’s a popular place at both day and night with even a cinema screening the latest movies, besides a handy community hospital (just in case).Walk down to the Grand Pacific Hotel for one of the most iconic buildings in Victoria, facing the beautiful long pier.So many options for an after-dinner drink. Pubs and bars with a late closure time.The Phoenix Apartments are the best spot if you are planning a charming weekend with an amazing view (see photos here).You will also be a stone away from all the restaurants and bars.A great alternative is Lorne World, with its lovely interior (see photos here) although the view is nothing to call home about.Check availability at Phoenix Check out Lorne World

Best Romantic stay on the GOR

You have two possibilities and you may well divide your holiday between the two:

• along the Great Ocean Road where you will find a few isolated accommodations with a beautiful view over the coast. Go down to the local beach for a few beautiful walks, have a swim or head back to the accommodation for a pot of tea on the balcony.
• in the Otway National Park, in the wilderness, close to the magnificent coast and the many waterfalls. You can organise so many walks in the secluded beaches and the virgin forest. Just an amazing experience. You may even book your B&B at the Lightkeeper’s house in the Cape Lighthouse. Really unique.

In this section, I am going to mention again the Glenaire Cottages for its lovely spa on the deck with a view of the Otway National Park and coastline (See photos here).Check availability at Glenaire

Holiday homes with the best view of the Great Ocean Road

There are a few along the coast, however, Wye River tends to have probably the widest selection of them.Beauchamp FallsThis village is halfway from Apollo Bay to Lorne, and it’s located in the most scenic section of the Great Ocean Road, you will not be disappointed.Take your cooking ingredients from your local supermarket because supply is somehow limited and pricey.The Deck House is a unique place to stay with one of the most amazing view on the Great Ocean Road (see photos here).Check availability at The DeckThere are no restaurants or bars open at night. The Wye General Store offers good coffees and brunch till the early afternoon.Read more: Masterchef where are they now season 3Sandy Gully BeachCalifornian Redwoods

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