The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip: Best Stops from Lorne to Port Fairy

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal drives, winding through rugged cliffs, lush rainforests, and charming seaside towns. While the Twelve Apostles often steal the spotlight, the stretch from Lorne to Port Fairy is packed with hidden gems, incredible food stops, and unforgettable scenery.Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, this road trip itinerary will take you through the best stops along the way.

A must stop on the Great Ocean Road, Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne.

Starting Point: Lorne

A vibrant seaside town, Lorne is known for its surf beaches, waterfalls, and relaxed coastal vibe. If you’re kicking off your road trip here, grab a coffee or smoothie at HAH Cafe on the beachfront before hitting the road. If you are lucky enough to stay the night, you can’t go back the Roast Lamb Shoulder at Ipsos, or perhaps the wood fried bread at Totti’s is more to your liking.

Must-Do in Lorne:
Walk along the Lorne Pier and spot stingrays.
Take a short drive inland to Erskine Falls.
Take in the view at Teddy’s Lookout.

Stop 1: Kennett River (30 mins from Lorne)

One of the best places to spot wild koalas in the trees! Take a detour down Grey River Road, where you’re almost guaranteed to see them snoozing among the gum trees.

Must-Do in Kennett River:
Grab a coffee at Kafe Koala before heading into the Otways.
Look for koalas, king parrots, and cockatoos.

Stop 2: Apollo Bay (1 hour from Lorne)

Nestled between the ocean and the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay is a laid-back coastal town perfect for a stopover.

Must-Do in Apollo Bay:
Walk along the beachfront foreshore.
Grab a fresh seafood lunch at The Harbour Fish Shop.
Visit the Apollo Bay Distillery for a local gin tasting.

Stop 3: Cape Otway Lightstation (1 hr 20 mins from Lorne)

Take a scenic detour through the Great Otway National Park to visit Australia’s oldest lighthouse, standing tall since 1848. The drive here is koala country, so keep your eyes peeled!

Must-Do at Cape Otway:
Explore the lighthouse and shipwreck history.
Walk the Otway Fly Treetop Walk (for an epic rainforest canopy experience).

Stop 4: The Twelve Apostles & Gibson Steps (2 hrs from Lorne)

The most iconic stop on the Great Ocean Road! These towering limestone stacks are breathtaking at sunrise or sunset. For a different perspective, descend the Gibson Steps and see the cliffs from the beach.

Must-Do at the Twelve Apostles:
Take in the panoramic coastal views.
Walk down the Gibson Steps for a beachside view.
Visit the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre.

Stop 5: Loch Ard Gorge (2 hrs 10 mins from Lorne)

One of the most stunning locations on the coast, Loch Ard Gorge is named after a famous 19th-century shipwreck. The secluded beach, towering cliffs, and blowholes make this a must-see stop.

Must-Do at Loch Ard Gorge:
Walk down to the gorge’s hidden beach.
Explore the Tom & Eva Lookout.
Visit the Razorback Rock Formation.

Stop 6: The Grotto & London Bridge (2 hrs 30 mins from Lorne)

The Grotto is a natural sinkhole and rock pool that looks magical when the tide is right. Nearby, London Bridge is another famous formation that once connected to the mainland (until it collapsed in 1990).

Must-Do at The Grotto & London Bridge:
✔ Walk down to The Grotto’s rock pool.
✔ Take photos of the London Bridge rock formation.

Stop 7: Bay of Islands (3 hrs from Lorne)

Often overlooked, the Bay of Islands is just as spectacular as the Twelve Apostles—but with fewer crowds! The soft lighting at sunset makes this a photographer’s dream.

Must-Do at Bay of Islands:
Walk to the Bay of Martyrs Lookout.
Watch the waves crash against the rock stacks.

Stop 8: Warrnambool (3 hrs 30 mins from Lorne)

A lively coastal city with whale watching, historic villages, and stunning ocean views. If you’re visiting between June and September, stop by Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform to spot Southern Right Whales.

Must-Do in Warrnambool:
Visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
Watch the sunset at Thunder Point.
Visit Jane Dough Bakery for the best pastries in town.

Stop 9: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve (3 hrs 50 mins from Lorne)

A volcanic crater turned nature reserve, Tower Hill is home to kangaroos, emus, and koalas. Take a short walk and experience one of Victoria’s most unique landscapes.

Must-Do at Tower Hill:
Spot wild emus and kangaroos.
Walk the lava trails around the crater.
Learn about Indigenous history at the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre.

Final Stop: Port Fairy (4 hrs from Lorne)

Your road trip ends in Port Fairy, a historic fishing village with a thriving food scene, stunning beaches, and plenty of character.

Must-Do in Port Fairy:
Take a sunset walk along the Moyne River.
Visit the Griffiths Island Lighthouse.
Grab dinner at some of the great restaurants in town;

Coffin Sally (best woodfired pizza in town)
Merrijig Kitchen (new menu daily created from local produce)
Bottega Toscana (traditional italian, including freshly made pasta)

Merrijig Inn is a great dinner spot in Port Fairy

For the best pizza in Port Fairy, head to Coffin Sally

For traditional Italian, dine out at Bottega Toscana.

Bonus Stop: Basalt Wines (4 hrs 15 mins from Lorne)

Before wrapping up your journey, stop by Basalt Wines—just 15 minutes from Port Fairy. Our cool-climate wines pair beautifully with a local produce platter, making it the perfect final stop on your Great Ocean Road adventure.

Must-Do at Basalt Wines:
Taste our Pinot Noir, Riesling, Tempranillo and Shiraz.
Enjoy our mediterranean lunch menu, or graze on a platter with a vineyard view.
Discover a hidden gem off the beaten track.

Plan Your Great Ocean Road Adventure

From towering cliffs and hidden beaches to wildlife reserves and cozy seaside towns, the drive from Lorne to Port Fairy is one of Australia’s greatest road trips. Take your time, savour the scenery, and don’t forget to raise a glass at Basalt Wines at the end of your journey.

Ready to hit the road? We’ll have a glass waiting for you.