We leave Melbourne and drive about 3.5 hours to Tower Hill. We take the inland route and stop in a small country town on the way to enjoy an optional tea or coffee.

Tower Hill is a large, ancient sunken volcano that is now a state game reserve. Koalas, kangaroos and emus live here, which you can observe during your stay. During the whale season, we also make a detour to Logans Beach in Warrnambool to hopefully watch whales nursing their young – a special winter highlight.

We then drive about 30 minutes to the Great Ocean Road and stop at the most impressive sights along the way: Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto and London Bridge.

At the end of the day, we head to the Twelve Apostles to watch the sunset. Afterwards, a short 10-minute drive takes us to Port Campbell Hostel, where we enjoy dinner. (In summer, dinner takes place before the sunset excursion to the Twelve Apostles).

We set off around 8am after breakfast and drive about 10 minutes to the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of a tragic shipwreck and heroic rescue.

Then it’s back to the Twelve Apostles to see them in daylight. Here you have the opportunity to book a helicopter flight (optional, highly recommended, $145 for 15 minutes). Afterwards, we visit Gibson’s Steps to view one of the apostles from the beach.

A scenic one-hour drive through the Great Otway National Park takes us to Maits Rest, where we go on a guided rainforest walk. We then stop for lunch in the coastal town of Apollo Bay.

In the afternoon, we follow the Surf Coast towards Bells Beach, on the original section of the Great Ocean Road that runs right by the sea – about two hours of breathtaking scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some surfers here.

The return journey to Melbourne is via the highway (approx. 1.5 hours), arriving at 19:00.