Unveiling the coastline and the countryside: Your ultimate Great Ocean Road trip itinerary

Start your journey at Australia's surfing capital by picking up some delicious cheese and fresh produce at the Saturday Farmer’s Market or shopping for some surf clothes at Surf City Plaza.

Head on this red-capped lighthouse in Aireys Inlet where you can take the walk down Lighthouse Discovery Trail to watch some southern right whales in the ocean or to Eagle Rock Marin Sanctuary to see some sea sponges and octopi.

Drive next to this lookout in Lorne to get a beautiful view of the St George River meeting the ocean and the Great Ocean Road snaking around the coastline. Spend 20 minutes taking in the beauty and take a few pictures too.

Drive 14 minutes drive to watch this 30-meter cascading waterfall plunge into the lush tree-fern gully of the Erskine River. You can walk to the base to take a picture of the waterfall from below.

Pause to stretch your legs in the small town of Kennett River. Take a walk down Grey River Road to see some cute koalas or try your hand fishing for some Australian salmon at Kennett River.

Stop for the day at the gateway to Great Otway National Park. Spend a lazy afternoon at Shelley’s Beach or shop for some local artworks and handicrafts at the community market.

Start your day exploring and marveling at the towering trees and fern-covered gullies at Main’s Rest or walking on a 600-meter-long treetop walk suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor to get your adrenaline pumping.

Next, visit this stunning 30-meter waterfall that tumbles into a fern-lined gorge into the Aire River. Take a short but steep walk to the base to get a close-up view and get some amazing pictures.

Reach the 12 Apostles just in time for sunset. Watch these limestone pillars bathed in golden light from the viewing platform for a magical experience.

After spending some time at Hopetoun Falls, drive to this coastal gorge where you can walk a 1.1 kilometre path to get to Thunder Cave to hear the roaring sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs or watch some short-tailed shearwaters from Mutton Bird Lookout.

End your 2-day trip with a stop at the calm beach town of Port Campbell. Make your way to the Kanawinka Geotrail to explore the lush farmland with volcanic lakes and craters or sample whiskey or sweet liqueur from Timboon's finest.

No better way to start your 3-day tour than by visiting the surfing town of Torquay. Take in the coastal view from vantage points along the Surf Coast Walk or go snorkeling around Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

After enjoying your time at Torquay, explore the seaside town of Anglesea. Drive across the Menai Suspension Bridge, check out the production of the Halen Môn sea salt, or bike at the four-cross track at Anglesea Bike Park.

Next, visit the iconic Split Point Lighthouse at Airey’s Inlet. Spend some time exploring the rock pools in the coves of Sandy Gully or enjoying a delicious barbecue at Distillery Creek.

Head on to the Memorial Arch where you can snap a photo in front of the sculpture of two returned soldiers working on the Great Ocean Road and learn about the road's fascinating past through nearby plaques.

Then, stop at Kennett River to get greeted by koalas napping in gum trees at the Kennett River Koala Walk or munch on some yummy burgers at Kafe Koala General Store.

End your first day on a relaxing note at the bustling beach town of Lorne. Take the chance to stroll up to Shelley Beach or experience a wine tasting at St. Anne’s Winery while enjoying a scenic view of Lorne Beach.

Step into Apollo Bay on the second day of your trip where you can stop by Apollo Bay Museum to get insight into the town’s history or kayak down Barham River to spot some seals.

Drive 17km to reach your next stop, Mait’s Rest at Great Otway National Park. Stroll leisurely on the boardwalk while snapping some pictures of wallabies and ring-tailed possums.

End your 40-minute walk at Triplet Falls featuring three cascading streams tumbling through a vibrant mountain ash and myrtle beech forest. Stop to check out the timber mill, which displays remnant artefacts from the era.

Move on to Cape Otway, which has guided ships along the Southern Ocean coastline since 1848. Take a guided tour of Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse to learn about its maritime history.

End the second of your trip at this underrated spot known for its wild beauty, rolling waves, and dramatic cliffs. Try your hand at surf fishing where you might catch some mullet or gummy shark for grub.

Reach the 12 Apostles at sunrise and watch the limestone pillars standing tall in the Southern Ocean as the day breaks. If you’re lucky, you might spot some penguins getting ready to go on their fishing expedition.

Next, visit this stunning gorge surrounded by clear, turquoise water and flanked by two yellow-washed cliff faces. Go to Loch Ard Lookout to see the 1.4km wreck of the Loch Ard trail or sit back and soak up some sun and ocean breeze.

Move on to this natural archway which partially collapsed in 1990, leaving behind a unique coastal structure. Take in the coastal beauty as you keep an eye out for some whales swimming in the waters.

Drive to your next stop in the itinerary, this unique sinkhole, archway, and hollowed-out cave all in one. For the best view, look into the Grotto from the lower viewing platform to see the horizon, the pools, and the jutting rock formations.

After ticking off the iconic spots on your trip, head on Warrnambool to visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to learn about Shipwreck Coast or check out more than 2000 artworks, ranging from European salon paintings to indigenous artefacts at Warrnambool Art Gallery.

End your 3-day trip in this charming and historic fishing village. Take a walk down to the local port to watch fishers unload their crayfish and abalone catch or learn about the local maritime history on the Port Fairy Maritime and Shipwreck Heritage Walk.