Planning your dream trip along Australia’s southern coast? This 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route itinerary is your ideal guide. By traveling in reverse, you’ll beat the crowds, discover hidden gems, and enjoy iconic views from a fresh perspective. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Lorne or catching sunrise at the Apostles, this itinerary offers flexibility, photography moments, and a unique adventure that breaks away from the typical tourist path.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden light, a couple seeking seclusion, or a traveler avoiding peak crowds, this itinerary is crafted for you.
📍 Day 1: Warrnambool to Port Campbell (Hidden Coastlines & Underrated Marvels)
Recommended start: Warrnambool (morning)
Distance: ~70 km
Drive time: 1.5 hrs (without stops)
🛑 Hidden Stop: Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery
If you visit between June and September, start your morning with wild whale spotting. Few tourists know about this local lookout.
🛑 Hopkins Falls
Just 15 minutes inland from Warrnambool lies one of Victoria’s widest waterfalls. After heavy rains, it’s spectacular and uncrowded.
🛑 Bay of Islands Coastal Park
Often overshadowed by the Twelve Apostles, this rugged coastal stretch offers even more dramatic views—with none of the tour buses.
🍽️ Dinner in Port Campbell
Stay the night in Port Campbell and enjoy fresh seafood at Forage on the Foreshore.
“We sat alone by the cliffs at Bay of Martyrs, watching waves smash into stone towers. It was better than the Apostles.”
📸 [Insert Image Here: Bay of Islands cliffs at sunset]
📍 Day 2 of the 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Port Campbell to Apollo Bay (Nature Trails & Rainforest Wonders)
Distance: ~100 km
Drive time: 2.5 hrs (excluding walks)
🛑 Hidden Stop: The Grotto
An otherworldly sinkhole and sea cave combo. Arrive early for reflections in the tidal pool—no crowds, no noise.
🛑 Twelve Apostles at Sunrise
Yes, it’s famous—but reverse routing means you get here before tour buses arrive. The soft morning light makes it magical.
🛑 Mait’s Rest Rainforest Walk
Between Lavers Hill and Apollo Bay, you’ll find a mystical loop through moss-covered rainforest. Great for short hikes.
📏 Stay: Apollo Bay
Charming and less crowded than Lorne. Enjoy wood-fired pizza or try local crayfish at Chris’s Beacon Point.
📸 [Insert Image Here: Grotto tide pool early morning]
📍 Day 3: Apollo Bay to Melbourne (Secret Beaches & Scenic Detours)
Distance: ~200 km
Drive time: 3 hrs
🛑 Hidden Stop: Cape Patton Lookout
Few stop here, but it’s a panoramic gem—ideal for sunrise shots or drone footage.
🛑 Point Addis Marine National Park
Detour past Bells Beach to this quiet, protected marine zone. The sand is golden, the paths are empty, and the cliffs are dramatic.
🛑 Anglesea Heath Wildflower Drive (Seasonal)
If visiting between August–November, look for blooming wildflowers along this road—Australia’s best-kept botanical secret.
☕ Final Stop: Aireys Inlet Lighthouse
Finish the trip with coffee by the Split Point Lighthouse—a literary icon from Round the Twist.
“Driving in reverse gave us the road to ourselves. We had time to breathe, stop, and feel the ocean.”
📸 [Insert Image Here: Point Addis cliffs and ocean views on the 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary]
🌿 Travel Tips for Your 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary
- Start in Warrnambool: Rent a car from the station or fly to nearby Portland.
- Accommodation: Book early in summer. Apollo Bay and Port Campbell offer boutique B&Bs.
- Drive slow: Winding roads, lookouts, and wild koala sightings await.
🌍 Why Choose a 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Reverse Route)?
If you’re planning a coastal road trip in Australia, this 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary is one of the best ways to experience both iconic landmarks and lesser-known stops. Unlike other short trips, a 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itineraryoffers the perfect balance of drive time, scenic highlights, and local experiences. Travelers often ask how much they can see in just three days—and the truth is, with this 3 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Reverse Route), you’ll cover more than most traditional tourists, while also finding time to relax, photograph, and connect with nature.
🔗 Useful Resources
For more unique Aussie road trip ideas, check out our guide on the 3 Day Tasmania Hidden Itinerary — packed with hidden landscapes and local eats.
Want something even more offbeat? Try the Underrated Places in Australia list — perfect if you crave adventure.
For official info, here’s the Great Ocean Road Visitor Guide (external) with route maps and live updates.
❓ FAQ: 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route Tips & Info
Q: Is the reverse route better than the traditional one?
A: Yes. You beat the tourist crowds, enjoy calmer mornings at the Apostles, and experience less stress.
Q: Can I do it without staying overnight?
A: It’s tight, but doable. Staying in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell helps break the trip and find hidden gems.
Q: Is this reverse itinerary good for photography?
A: Absolutely! Sunrise over the Apostles and less-crowded stops mean better shots.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flexible short trip packed with iconic views and hidden gems, this 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route is your ideal option. From scenic cliff drives to quiet coastal towns, this itinerary showcases the best of Australia’s southern coast—without the crowds.The 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route is more than a scenic drive — it’s an invitation to travel differently. With fewer crowds, secret stops, and flexibility, this itinerary lets you experience Australia’s coast in a refreshing new way.
Whether you’re road-tripping solo or with family, the reverse route offers new perspectives and unforgettable memories.
This 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route gives travelers the opportunity to explore iconic landscapes without the stress of large crowds. It’s a smart and scenic way to experience Australia’s southern coast at your own pace.
No matter your pace, the 3 Day Great Ocean Road Reverse Route lets you enjoy the journey without the pressure of fixed schedules or crowded landmarks.