2D1N Great Ocean Road Adventure: Koalas, Coastal Views & Hidden Gems 🐨🌊

If you’re short on time but want to experience the magic of Victoria’s coastline, a 2-day, 1-night Great Ocean Road trip is absolutely doable — and oh, so worth it! Here’s how our adventure unfolded. Day 1: Melbourne → Apollo Bay We kicked off our trip by renting a car from Sixt in Melbourne city and heading straight to Geelong for a hearty breakfast. Fuelled up and ready to explore, we hit the road along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Our first stop was Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet — the view of the cliffs meeting the ocean was unreal. From there, we drove to the Memorial Arch, a great spot to snap photos and feel the history of this famous route. Next, we made our way to Teddy’s Lookout, where the panoramic views over the coastline took our breath away. By evening, we reached Apollo Bay and checked into our Airbnb — a stay so lovely it deserves its own post! The vibe, comfort, and views made winding down after a long day perfect. Day 2: Sunrise, Cape Otway, Koalas & Twelve Apostles We woke up early to catch the sunrise right from our Airbnb, a serene and magical start to the day 🌅. After breakfast, we continued our journey toward Cape Otway, where the wildlife adventure began. Driving through the dense forests, we spotted wild koalas lounging in eucalyptus trees — an absolute highlight of the trip! From there, we headed to the Twelve Apostles. The coastal wind was strong, but the view of these towering limestone stacks against the turquoise water made every gust worthwhile. After soaking in the scenery, we stopped at Port Campbell for a relaxing lunch before starting the drive back to Melbourne CBD. Even though our trip was short, the combination of coastal cliffs, lush forests, wildlife encounters, and iconic landmarks made it unforgettable. The Great Ocean Road isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s a journey full of surprises, perfect for both first-timers and repeat visitors.