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Victoria, Australia, Australia · Trip plan

5 days in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Laneway cafés, the Australian Open and the Twelve Apostles.

Best time
Nov – Mar
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$240 per person
Trip for two
about $2,400

Planning a 5-day trip to Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road? Here's a day-by-day Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Summer brings the Australian Open in January and the best weather for the Great Ocean Road.

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital: coffee, art, sport and food, with wild coast and wildlife nearby.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to February: 15–30°C, changeable.

Create my Melbourne trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

  • 01

    Laneways

    Street art and coffee in Hosier Lane and Degraves Street.

  • 02

    Great Ocean Road

    Coastal drive to the Twelve Apostles.

  • 03

    Phillip Island

    The penguin parade at dusk.

  • 04

    Queen Victoria Market

    Food and shopping.

Day by day

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Laneways

    Morning
    Explore Melbourne's street-art laneways: Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane.
    Afternoon
    Graze the Queen Victoria Market for snacks and souvenirs.
    Evening
    Drinks at a rooftop bar.

    Trams are free inside the CBD.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Great Ocean Road

    Morning
    Drive the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
    Afternoon
    Spot wild koalas in the trees at Kennett River.
    Evening
    Stay near Port Campbell.

    It's a long, winding drive; stop often.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Twelve Apostles

    Morning
    Watch sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, giant limestone stacks in the sea.
    Afternoon
    Walk down to Loch Ard Gorge.
    Evening
    Drive back to Melbourne inland.

    Sunrise is quieter than sunset.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Phillip Island

    Morning
    Morning in St Kilda.
    Afternoon
    Drive to Phillip Island.
    Evening
    Watch the Penguin Parade at dusk.

    Photos are not allowed at the parade.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    Royal Botanic Gardens.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    SkyBus runs to the airport every 10 minutes.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef.

What it costs

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$120$1,200
Mid-range$240$2,400
Luxury$550+$5,500

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in the CBD

    CBD

    Central.

    from $45 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Southbank

    Southbank

    River views.

    from $220 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Langham, Melbourne

    Southbank

    Luxury on the Yarra.

    from $500 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

  • Brunch

    Smashed avo and great coffee.

  • Dim sum

    In Chinatown.

  • Gelato

    In Carlton.

Getting there

How to reach Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Travel
Melbourne airport, 30 minutes by SkyBus.
Getting around
Trams and trains; a car for the Great Ocean Road.
  • The CBD tram zone is free.
  • Weather changes fast; carry a layer.

Before you go

What to pack for Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Laneways, Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $240 mid-range and $550+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,400 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Nov – Mar. Summer brings the Australian Open in January and the best weather for the Great Ocean Road.

Where should I stay in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Budget: Hostels in the CBD (CBD), from about $45 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Southbank (Southbank), from about $220 a night. Luxury: The Langham, Melbourne (Southbank), from about $500 a night.

How do I reach Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Melbourne airport, 30 minutes by SkyBus.

Is 4 days enough for Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

December to February: 15–30°C, changeable.

What food should I try in Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Brunch: Smashed avo and great coffee. Dim sum: In Chinatown. Gelato: In Carlton.

How do I get around Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road?

Trams and trains; a car for the Great Ocean Road.

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