13 Best Stops From Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles

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Planning a trip out to the Twelve Apostles while you’re in Melbourne? We recently did this too and found some of the best stops along the way!

There are a ton of worthwhile sights and activities that you could explore, almost an overwhelming amount. So after our last trip down the Great Ocean Road, we decided to narrow down those can’t-miss stops. 

We’ve added activities for all types of travelers, from casual beach walks, multi-kilometer hikes along the coast, or stopping for a pint of craft beer and pizza. I also made sure to include some of my “off-the-beaten-path” tips so you can get more of an intimate feel of these popular places!

About the Drive from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles

The route from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles follows the Great Ocean Road. Since this is truly as great as the name makes it sound, you will want to make lots of stops along the way to enjoy the views. 

If you drive straight through, reaching the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne will take about 4 hours, but we certainly don’t recommend doing this. So, plan on this experience taking the entire day or maybe even staying the night in one of the cute small towns to get the most out of this experience. 

The first stop is about one hour from Melbourne. After that, the legs of driving are shorter and there are plenty of things to see to break up the drive. Whether you’re looking for breathtakingly beautiful ocean overlooks or tree-filled rainforest walks, you’ll find it all on this route! Of course, the main highlight is the Twelve Apostles, and I’m happy to report that they are just as gorgeous as I thought they’d be!

We even threw in one bonus stop just past the Twelve Apostles – I loved it so much that I couldn’t keep it off this list!

We’ll give you a synopsis of each stop along this drive, filling you in on all the must-know info and tips for visiting. After driving this route ourselves, we also have a few personal recommendations for lunch, coffee, and our favorite views. And if you need even more details, be sure to read our top things to know about the Great Ocean Road blog!

Before you take off, you’ll need a car. Discover Cars is our preferred rental car company in Melbourne and beyond. We’ve used them all over the world and have saved lots of money and had reliable cars, which is just what you want when embarking on a full-day road trip! And if driving all day doesn’t sound relaxing to you, check out the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and let someone else handle the logistics!

Best Stops Between Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles

1. Torquay 

Your first stop on this drive is Torquay, which is about 1-1.5 hours from Melbourne. If you hit the road early, this is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a light breakfast. Torquay is a quaint beach town and unless you’re there to surf, you won’t need much time to explore, just about 30 minutes or so.

Torquay is famous for its coffee scene, and you’ll find some yummy brews at The Salty Dog Cafe. They have a really lovely little patio to sit and take in the ocean views, but we got our coffee takeaway and went for a stroll on the beach!

Torquay is also known for surfing, so we enjoyed watching the morning surf crowd hit the waves. Even in the off-season, some die-hards are usually out there, but you won’t find me running into the water that early!

Parking is limited at the Salty Dog Cafe, so I suggest using the free public parking lot at Fishermans Beach – it’s just a quick 3-minute walk to the cafe.

2. Bells Beach 

Just about a 15-minute drive down the road from Torquay is Bells Beach. This is where you can get some of those iconic Australian beach views and best of all, there’s a huge and free parking lot for the Bells Beach Lookout.

From the lookout, you’ll get great views of the beach and ocean. If you happen to make this drive from March to August, you’ll likely see a few surfers out in the waves. Bells Beach is where the Rip Curl Pro surf competition is held, which just so happens to be the longest-running surf competition in the world! It’s pretty impressive to see the pros out there – as a surfer myself, it gives me something to aspire to!

You can walk on Bells Beach by following the stairs that lead down from the lookout. From our personal experience, be careful as the steps can be quite slippery! There are also some nice footpaths from the car park that don’t lead to the beach if it’s too early in the day to get sandy. You’ll likely spot some wildlife on these paths too, we saw echidna here!

This stop can take however long you want, but we spent about 20 minutes here. There’s more to be seen so we wanted to keep moving.

3. Aireys Inlet

If you like small towns that feel like a hidden gem, you’ll swoon over Aireys Inlet! Not many people make a stop here, which I think is a shame because it’s full of outdoor beauty, history, and even a craft brewery (my real reason for stopping).

There’s a handful of nature walks in Aireys Inlet for any skill level. After being in the car for a few hours already, I am always jumping at the chance to stretch my legs. The trails range from about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) loops to 5 kilometer (3 mile) beach walks and 12 kilometer (7.5 mile) challenging routes that follow the coastline. Fairhaven and Anglesea are great family-friendly options, as there are natural rock pools with lots of sea creatures that are fun to see during low tide.

The Split Point Lighthouse is a really beautiful and historic lighthouse that still works! It was built in 1891 and you can visit for yourself on a self-guided tour for $10 AUD. I loved the views of the limestone cliffs and ocean below, then once we climbed to the top, the panoramic sights were even more impressive! I heard you can see pods of whales and dolphins from the top, and while we didn’t see them, I’m sure it’s true. 

After all this exploring, we had to treat ourselves at the Salt Brewing Co.! Located right in the center of town, there is fantastic craft beer and pizza here. This is my favorite post-nature-hike treat, and both the beer and food were super high quality. 

Even if you don’t have enough time to enjoy all of these activities in Aireys Inlet, we love this small town and think it’s worth a stop, even if it’s quick!

4. Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway 

Soon enough, you’ll reach the official start of the Great Ocean Road as you pass under the Memorial Arch. We were so excited we had to pull over and take a photo with the arch – this is Australia’s most iconic drive after all!

The Memorial Arch Car Park is located about a 30-minute drive from Bells Beach or 5 minutes from Aireys Inlet. 

This stop has some important history that most travelers aren’t aware of. The Great Ocean Road is a huge WWI memorial and was a project by the Australian government to provide jobs to returning veterans. Over 13 years, 3,000 servicemen constructed 243 kilometers (151 miles) of scenic highway. It turned out to be a great source of work for the veterans, and created a world-famous tourist attraction and memorial – how cool!

This Memorial Archway is dedicated to the engineers of the Great Ocean Road and the servicemen who fought in WWI. There are informational plaques in the car park if you’re keen on learning more. Parking is pretty limited, but it’s free! If the lot is full, there are a few large pullouts on the side of the road that you can park at too.

Related Read: Looking for more classic Melbourne activities? Check out our 5-day Melbourne itinerary to see the best city sights.

5. Erskine Falls

Get ready for some more outdoor exploration in Great Otway National Park! This area is full of amazing waterfalls, but Erskine Falls is easily the most beautiful. And while this national park is huge, Erskine Falls is actually pretty easy to get to. It’s just a 15-minute drive to the Erskine Falls parking lot from the nearest town of Lorne.

There are two lookouts to see the stunning falls. The first one is just a quick 5-minute walk from the parking lot and accessible for everyone. The second lookout is another 10 minutes away, and a whopping 230 steps down. Going down is the easy part, it’s the way back up that poses a challenge! There are benches to catch a breath and handrails, but if you have mobility issues, I’d stick with the first viewpoint.

The whole area is really beautiful with lush foliage, huge trees, and lots of wildlife. And once you reach the waterfalls, you can get right up close to the water – even go for a dip if you fancy! If you’re trying to sneak in a workout on this drive, Erskine Falls will do it. It’s worth the effort though, as this area is simply stunning.

6. Teddy’s Lookout 

Teddy’s Lookout is another short but oh-so-sweet stop that must be added to your agenda (in my opinion, at least!). The viewpoint is situated high up, so you get expansive views of the Great Ocean Road, the coast, and the sea below. 

I appreciate that there are two different viewing platforms here so there’s more room to move around if there’s a crowd. The upper viewpoint will give you those high-up views of the ocean and beyond. The lower viewpoint highlights the St George River that winds into the massive mountains behind it. This is a great spot to see some wildlife, I’ve seen kookaburras, willie wagtails, and magpies!

While both are impressive views, I personally prefer the upper platform because it’s much higher than any other viewpoint along the road. Just be warned – it can be pretty windy and cold up there! So bring a jacket, even if it’s a warm summer day.

I recommend stopping for fuel at this gas station. The next closest place to fuel up is in Apollo Bay, another 45 kilometers (28 miles) down the road.

7. Kennett River 

If you’re ready to see some classic Aussie animals and enjoy the great outdoors, be sure to stop in Kennett River. This is a 30-minute drive from Teddy’s Lookout and we spent about 45 minutes to an hour here, depending on how long you want to gawk at the koalas and wallabies!

When you get into town, park at Kafe Koala and grab some snacks, use the restroom, and get ready for a nature walk! There are a few nature walks available, the official Kennett River Nature Walk or the one that is quite literally off the beaten path. The latter is one that we just happened to stumble upon, but we saw a ton of animals when we walked down Grey River Road, just south of Kafe Koala. It’s basically just a gravel path but it was really scenic, had fewer people, and dozens of koalas hanging out in the tree. 

The Kennet River Nature Walk is a good option too, it’s a 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) easy out-and-back trail. The trail is dotted with informational signs about the animals and foliage, and the area is really beautiful. It does get pretty busy on the weekends, which is why we opted for the off-the-beaten-path trail, but this one is worth a visit too!

8. Apollo Bay 

After another quick 30-minute drive from Kennett River, it’s time for lunch! Apollo Bay is our favorite town to stop for a bit of eat, there are so many yummy options depending on what mood you’re in. 

You have to try an Aussie Pie at least once while you’re in Australia, so if you haven’t, be sure to stop by the Apollo Bay Bakery. They serve up some fresh and savory pies whether you like meat, seafood, vegetarian, or vegan. Apollo Bay is also a great place to get seafood, as it’s right on the ocean (duh!). Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe is a known favorite spot of locals – try the fish and chips!

If you didn’t stop for pizza in Aireys Inlet (might have been too early!) you can still get it at George’s Restaurant. This is where we stopped for lunch on our most recent visit, after hearing raving reviews from others – it lived up to the hype! Beyond pizza, they have sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and salads on the menu, so there are plenty of options to appease all diets.

All of these restaurants will have a relaxing vibe, but if you’re a little antsy from being in the car all day, grab some food to go and have a picnic! I recommend calling ahead to any of the restaurants mentioned and ordering your food to go, then head to the Apollo Bay Garden and Beach for an oceanside picnic – how cute!

9. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk 

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is another one of our favorite nature walks along this route, and it’s just a 20-minute drive from Apollo Bay. Why is this one our favorite? You’ll understand when you stop for yourself – the trees are massive and the biodiversity is impressive.

This rainforest walk is part of Great Otway National Park, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna and for having one of the last surviving cool temperate rainforests in Australia. Some of the trees are 300 years old, so they are astoundingly large (just see the photo above!). We enjoyed the easy walk through the forest, and while it’s rare, people have said to see koalas, swamp wallabies, ring-tailed possums, and gray kangaroos!

The majority of the trail is paved or a boardwalk, so it’s not technical by any means. But, I recommend good shoes or boots as it can be a bit slippery – although, you can do it in any sort of attire. It’s short and sweet, we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the walk and stopping for photos. It’s one of those must-see stops as you go from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles.

10. Cape Otway Lightstation

Do you like history and scenic views? Better stop by the Cape Otway Lightstation, as it’s the oldest lighthouse in mainland Australia!

This lighthouse dates back to 1848 and is one of the most important features along this drive. This coast is called the “shipwreck coast” because of the astounding number of ships that crashed while sailing through these waters. So many lives were lost that the lighthouse was built to help guide the crews through the storms.

You can reach the lighthouse car park via a slight 15-minute detour off of the Great Ocean Road. Prepare yourself for 12.3 kilometers (7.6 miles) of windy, twisty road, but once you pop out to the lighthouse, you’ll be wowed by the views of the ocean.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is the main attraction here, and you’ll get even better views from the top. Since this lighthouse is 175+ years old, there isn’t an elevator. Be prepared for a steep set of stairs and climbing a ladder (it’s worth the effort though!). You’ll also find the lightkeeper’s house, an old telegraph station, and a radar station located on the grounds, and you don’t have to climb any steps to see these!

Besides the lighthouse, there are also lots of walking paths in the area, historic exhibits, and a cafe to enjoy some coffee or ice cream with a view. We spent about 45 minutes here in total.

The Cape Otway LIghtstation is open from 9:30 am to 9 pm every day, with the last entry being at 4:30 pm. Admission is $19.50 AUD and you can buy tickets there.

Important info: Due to an earthquake in October 2023, access to the lighthouse and the climb to the top has been restricted. However, other attractions on site are still open. Check the official website here for the most recent updates.

11. Gibson Steps 

While the Gibson Steps might look like just a set of stairs that lead down to the beach, there’s actually more than meets the eye!

It’s assumed that these steps are several hundred years old and were carved by the Whurrong people. It became famous in 1878 when a local man named Hugh Gibson used the stairs to help survivors of a shipwreck. Hence the name, Gibson Steps!

Since then, the steps have been widely popular for fishing and accessing the beautiful beach. I particularly love the views from Gibson Steps because of the different perspectives of the massive limestone cliffs that form the coastline. Most viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road are from atop the cliffs, but down on the steps, you can get right up close and really understand their sheer size!

Be careful on the steps as they can be quite slippery, so use the handrail! And if these steps are too daunting or you have mobility issues, there’s a great lookout at the top of the stairs – you can see even further from here than from the bottom of the steps!

There is a large parking lot for the Gibson Steps, but because this attraction is so popular, it can still be hard to find parking at times. You can also park at the visitor center and walk about 1 km (0.6 miles) to reach the staircase. Both parking lots are free!

Related Read: Don’t let this be the only day trip you take – check out our favorite day trips from Melbourne here!

12. Twelve Apostles 

At last, we’ve reached our destination for the trip! The Twelve Apostles are undoubtedly beautiful, but after traveling all over Australia, it is safe to say this is one of the most impressive views in the whole country!

You might be a little confused when you first arrive and only count 8 rocks, my first thought was, “Aren’t there supposed to be 12?”. There were only 9 limestone stacks initially, but due to erosion from the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean, one collapsed leaving just 8. And let’s be honest, Twelve Apostles sounds much better than “once 9 but now only 8 Apostles”.

I recommend stopping by the visitor center first so you can learn about the history and formation of the massive rocks and the coastline. There is also free parking (and a good place to use the bathroom if you need it!). 

Then you can wander to the Twelve Apostles Viewpoint! This is a set of boardwalks that follow the cliffs, so you can walk around and get different vantage points of the stunning monoliths in the distance. Just be prepared for a pretty large crowd of people at the main lookout points, as this is obviously a popular attraction! That’s why I was happy to have the boardwalks to explore around on and get away from the crowds a bit. 

We spent about 45 minutes here, and I thought that was a good amount of time to explore and enjoy the views. And while this is the big ticket item for the day, we have just one more stop…

13. Loch Ard Gorge – bonus stop!

Okay, I know this is a “Melbourne to Twelve Apostles” blog, but if you’ve come this far you can’t miss Loch Ard Gorge!

Located just a 6-minute drive down the Great Ocean Road from the Twelve Apostles. We added this bonus stop because we enjoyed Loch Ard Gorge even more than the Twelve Apostles, and I’ve heard this from many travelers too. It’s much quieter, has great walking paths, and some unique lookout points. 

This gorge got its name from an infamous shipwreck near Mutton Bird Island in 1878. The ship’s name was Loch Ard, and only two teenagers survived the wreck. If you’re up for some exploration, I recommend starting at Mutton Bird Island lookout and walking about 850 meters (0.5 miles) back to the main lookout. Since it’s a little bit further from the main parking lot, there are typically fewer people around (especially those big tour groups).

The Loch Ard Viewpoint gives incredible views of the beach and the rocks, although it can be the most busy spot. We also really enjoyed the Razorback Lookout, which has even more impressive views in my opinion! This is a 1.3-kilometer (0.8-mile) walk, but we enjoyed the views the whole way.

You’ll find ample parking at the Loch Ard Gorge car park and it will put you right in the center to walk to any of the viewpoints. All the trails are flat and well-maintained, so anyone can enjoy Loch Ard Gorge.

Our Favorite Great Ocean Road Tour

We love having our own set of wheels and taking off on an epic road trip, such as this one from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles. But sometimes, taking a tour is simply more convenient and can be cheaper, especially if you don’t already have a rental car. 

Best of all, you don’t have to skip out on some of these unique stops if you take a tour – they will still visit! Our top pick is this highly-rated tour of the Great Ocean Road. I’m not kidding when I say “highly rated”, you can read the 4,200+ 5-star reviews here!

Departing from Melbourne, you’ll make stops in Torquay, drive under the Memorial Arch (give a little “woo!” as you pass through!), and stop to see the koalas in Kennett River. While the koalas were cool, I also was stoked to see kookaburras and wallabies here!

Then stop in Apollo Bay for lunch, just as we suggested, then you’re off to the Twelve Apostles! One perk of a tour is having a knowledgeable guide with you to explain all the history and significance of the sights. It’s way more immersive and a fantastic way to understand the area fully. This is how we learned the history of Gibson Steps Beach!

Finally, stop by Loch Ard Gorge to learn about the Shipwreck Coast and enjoy the views. 

Another thing I love about this tour is that they take care of all the driving – and it’s a long day! We could just snooze in the back, and I recommend bringing headphones and a book as it’s about a 4-hour drive back to Melbourne.

We took this exact same tour and really enjoyed our experience – you can read our full review of this tour of the Great Ocean Road here! It was a small group tour and we had a comfortable mini-bus, allowing us to stop at more places than large tour groups. The total cost was $155 AUD, including transportation to and from our hotel, national park fees, and our guide, we just had to pay for meals.

Book our favorite tour here with FREE cancellation options!

Other Things to do While You’re in Melbourne

Since this day trip to the Twelve Apostles starts and ends in Melbourne, you’ll have more time to explore this fabulous city. You can check out our full list of the best things to do in Melbourne or our top recommendations below!

• Cruise down the River – The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise isn’t just one of the best cruises in Australia, but one of our all-time favorites. It’s an all-inclusive experience with stunning sunset and nighttime views of Melbourne, unlimited drinks, and a four-course gourmet meal. Seriously, what’s not to love?

• Wander the Arcades – Melbourne is also home to tons of pretty arcades (covered walkways), and my favorites to explore are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. You can see the most famous arcades and visit the best chocolate shops and dessert cafes (with plenty of samples!) on this Arcades Dessert Walking Tour. Our guide was amazing and my sweet tooth was so happy!

• Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a great way to escape the city, without leaving city limits. This huge garden is home to over 8,500 species of plants and has been around for over 170 years. It’s simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through the gardens makes for a lovely afternoon. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!

• Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!

• Day trip to Phillip Island – Phillip Island is another one of our favorite day trips from Melbourne because you can see the world’s largest Little Penguin Colony! Famous for their “Penguin Parade” taking a day trip here allows you to see hundreds of Little Penguins waddling back to their burrows. We took this organized tour, which also included stops at the Brighton Boxes and the Moonlit Sanctuary, where we got to hand-fed wallabies and koalas!

Where to Stay in Melbourne

If you’re planning to spend some time in Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!

The Langham Melbourne – $$$

For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.

Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.

Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$

Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.

A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.

Space Hotel – $

You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.

Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD per night and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. Reserve a spot in advance with Booking.com or Hostelworld.com

Thanks for reading!

The drive from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles is undeniably scenic, and adding in these 13 stops will show you even more of Victoria’s natural beauty! This is an iconic drive for a reason, and a “must-do” while you’re visiting Melbourne. I know you’ll have a great time exploring, just as we did!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to read more of our Australia blogs. We love assisting fellow travelers plan their bucket-list adventures, like driving the Great Ocean Road! Here are a few more blogs that I think you’ll enjoy:

18 Best Things to do in Melbourne at Night

9 Things to Know Before Visiting the Melbourne Skydeck

Go West Tours Melbourne Review – Can You Trust Them With Your Tour?