.jpg)
Slow Travel Along The Great Ocean Road
Updated: 11 hours ago
The Great Ocean Road is far more than a quick stop at the Twelve Apostles.
New for 2026: from 16 October 2026 you need to book your visit to the Twelve Apostles online before you go, at twelveapostles.org.au. Walk-ups are no longer allowed. Booking guarantees a parking space, and entry is free until April 2027.
Beyond the famous viewpoints, the coastline changes constantly:
windswept limestone cliffs
rainforest gullies
hidden beaches
quiet seaside towns
wildlife resting beside the road at dusk
The slower you travel, the more the landscape reveals itself.
This journey follows the quieter side of the Great Ocean Road through scenic detours, changing weather, dramatic coastal scenery, and moments often missed by rushed itineraries.
Where The Coast Begins To Slow Down
Leaving Melbourne behind, the road gradually shifts into a slower rhythm.
Clifftops replace suburban streets. Salt air drifts through the car windows. The ocean appears beside the highway without warning.
The Great Ocean Road is not simply a drive. Itis a constantly changing landscape unfolding kilometre by kilometre.
Rainforest Detours & Hidden Gullies
Away from the coastline, rainforest tracks introduce an entirely different atmosphere.
Towering ferns. Cool mountain air. Mist hanging through the trees after rain.
Places like Great Otway National Park feel worlds away from the dramatic surf beaches only minutes earlier.
Wildlife Along The Road
The quieter sections of the Great Ocean Road often reveal unexpected wildlife encounters.
Koalas sleep high in gum trees near Kennett River. Birdlife moves through coastal forests. Kangaroos emerge near open grasslands at dusk.
The best wildlife moments usually happen when the itinerary slows down.
Jay’s Observation
“The ocean somehow feels louder once the tour buses disappear.”
Combine Melbourne savvy swaps, Geelong’s coastal charm, and the Great Ocean Road for one of Australia’s most immersive regional travel journeys.
Driving on? Follow the coast all the way west with our seven-day itinerary, Great Ocean Road to the Limestone Coast: A Slow Summer Road Trip.
Where to stay and car hire
Browse places to stay on Booking.com in Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Need a car? Compare car hire across Australia on DiscoverCars, with pick-ups at the main airports and cities.
Rather not drive? See AAT Kings' guided trips from Melbourne, including a Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island holiday.
This post includes affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Bits Travel may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQs
Do you need to book to see the Twelve Apostles?
Yes. From 16 October 2026, every visit to the Twelve Apostles has to be booked online in advance at twelveapostles.org.au, and walk-ups are no longer allowed. A booking guarantees you a parking space. Entry is free until April 2027, when a visitor fee is due to start.
How many days do you need for the Great Ocean Road?
You can do it as a long day trip from Melbourne, but two to three days is far more relaxing. Staying overnight in Lorne, Apollo Bay or Port Campbell gives you time for detours and wildlife.
Where can you see koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
Kennett River is the best-known spot. Walk slowly along Grey River Road and look up into the gum trees.
Which direction should you drive the Great Ocean Road?
Most people start at Torquay and head west. That puts the ocean on your side of the road, which makes it easier to pull into lookouts.
How do you avoid the crowds at the Twelve Apostles?
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when most day-tour buses have gone. Weekdays outside school holidays are quieter too.
Is the Great Ocean Road hard to drive?
It's a good sealed road, but the section between Lorne and Apollo Bay is narrow and winding. Take your time, use the pull-over bays, and check VicTraffic for closures after storms.
