Great Ocean Road

Collect rental car at Melbourne Airport(45 minutes)

Remember: Australians drive on the LEFT. A compact car is fine — the road is narrow and winding

Fuel and supplies stop in Geelong(45 minutes)

Fill up and grab picnic supplies at a Coles/Woolworths — cafés thin out and petrol jumps in price west of here

Bells Beach lookout, Torquay(45 minutes)

World-famous surf break at the road's eastern start; the free cliff-top lookout gives the best view of surfers on the swell — no need to surf to enjoy it

Memorial Arch at Eastern View(20 minutes)

The iconic 'Great Ocean Road' timber arch — a classic photo marking the start of the coastal stretch, built by returned WWI soldiers

Check in and dinner in Lorne(2 hours)

Base at the Grand Pacific Hotel or a Lorne guesthouse; dinner at Ba Ba Lu Bar for tapas, or the Swing Bridge Café by the river, AUD 25–35 mains

Erskine Falls(1.5 hours)

A 30 m waterfall in the hills above town; the lower platform is a 10-min walk, or descend ~230 steps to the base. Go early to have it to yourself

Teddy's Lookout(45 minutes)

Short walk to a panorama where the St George River curls out to meet the ocean and the road snakes along the cliffs — one of the best free viewpoints on the route

Lunch on Mountjoy Parade(1 hour)

Grab fish and chips or a burger and eat on Lorne's foreshore lawns, AUD 15–25

Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet(1.5 hours)

Short drive back east to the 'Round the Twist' white lighthouse; a 20-min cliff loop and optional tower tour (~AUD 16). Watch for the coastal blowhole nearby

Free afternoon at Lorne Beach and Pier(2.5 hours)

Swim between the flags (patrolled in summer), stroll the pier, and watch for stingrays in the shallows. A rest afternoon before the drive continues

Cumberland River and Wye River coast drive(45 minutes)

The road hugs the cliffs here — use designated pull-off bays for photos, never stop on blind corners

Kennett River Koala Walk(1.5 hours)

Drive slowly up Grey River Road and scan the tree forks for wild koalas dozing in the manna gums; king parrots land on the roadside. Best mid-morning — and don't feed the birds

Apollo Bay lunch and check-in(1.5 hours)

The famous scallop pie at the Apollo Bay Bakery, or a proper sit-down at La Bimba. Check into a motel or the Apollo Bay Eco YHA

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Great Otway NP(1 hour)

Free, easy 30-min boardwalk loop through towering myrtle beech and giant tree ferns just west of Apollo Bay — cool, green, and otherworldly

Sunset and dinner at Marengo(2 hours)

Watch the fur seals on the offshore rocks, then dinner at Chris's Beacon Point restaurant (hilltop ocean views) or the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, AUD 28–38

Cape Otway Lightstation(2 hours)

Mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse (1848), where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean. Entry ~AUD 20; climb the tower and tour the keeper's cottages. Drive the access road slowly — koalas are common in the trees

Triplet Falls(1.5 hours)

A 2 km rainforest loop to a three-tiered cascade — the most rewarding of the Otway waterfalls, with old timber-tramway relics along the path

Hopetoun Falls(1 hour)

A short steep descent to a photogenic fern-draped fall near Beech Forest; pair it with the nearby California Redwoods grove in the Aire Valley

Dinner in Apollo Bay(1.5 hours)

Casual fish and chips on the foreshore, or wood-fired pizza at Bella Fresca, AUD 20–30

Melba Gully glow-worm walk(1.5 hours)

After full dark, walk the short Madsens Track Nature Walk near Lavers Hill by torchlight (then switch it off) to see thousands of glow-worms lighting the fern gully — magical and free

Twelve Apostles at sunrise(1.5 hours)

Arrive before dawn for golden light and near-empty boardwalks in Port Campbell National Park. Free, 24/7; the viewing platforms overlook the stacks rising from the Southern Ocean

Gibson Steps(1 hour)

Descend the 86 cliff-carved steps to the beach directly beneath two Apostles for a rare ground-level view. Check tide times first — the beach disappears at high tide and the water is dangerous

Loch Ard Gorge(1.5 hours)

An enclosed beach and gorge named for an 1878 shipwreck, 3 min west of the Apostles; several short cliff-top walks (15–45 min) with far fewer crowds. Read the moving story of the two survivors

Lunch in Port Campbell(1 hour)

Forage on the Foreshore or 12 Rocks Café overlooking the little bay, AUD 18–30

The Arch, London Bridge & The Grotto(2 hours)

Continue west to this trio of sea-sculpted formations — London Bridge famously lost its span in 1990, stranding two tourists. The Grotto's rock-pool window is the quiet gem. Overnight in Port Campbell

Bay of Islands & Bay of Martyrs(1 hour)

The westernmost and least-crowded of the coastal lookouts, near Peterborough — a scatter of stacks across a wide bay, often with the platforms to yourself

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery(1.5 hours)

A short inland detour for single-malt whisky tastings, local cheese, and famous ice cream on the old rail line, AUD 15–25

Lunch and drive back east(2.5 hours)

Rejoin the coast at Apollo Bay for a bakery lunch, or cut inland via Colac to save time on the return

Anglesea kangaroos(1 hour)

Stop at the Anglesea Golf Club, famous for the mob of Eastern grey kangaroos grazing the fairways — a reliable, easygoing wildlife finale

Overnight near Torquay/Geelong(2 hours)

Settle in and enjoy a relaxed dinner — Growlers or the Torquay Hotel for a coastal-town last night, AUD 25–35

Slow coastal breakfast(1 hour)

A last flat white and the ocean air at a Torquay café like Bomboras before heading off

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay(1 hour)

Optional final stop at the world's largest surfing museum, in the surf-brand hub of Torquay, ~AUD 12

Drive to Melbourne Airport and return car(2 hours)

Allow 1.5 hrs driving plus fuel top-up and car return; aim to be at MEL at least 3 hrs before an international flight

Airport transfer to the city(45 minutes)

SkyBus to Southern Cross (~AUD 22) or a rideshare; base yourself in the CBD or Southbank for walkability

Check in and settle(1 hour)

Free trams run within the CBD's 'Free Tram Zone' — no ticket needed

Evening laneway stroll(2 hours)

Wander Hosier Lane's street art and Degraves Street's café alley; grab a rooftop drink at Naked for Satan in Fitzroy

Dinner in Chinatown or Hardware Lane(1.5 hours)

Dumplings at HuTong or Italian on buzzing Hardware Lane, AUD 25–40

Queen Victoria Market(2 hours)

Historic open-air market for a coffee, fresh produce, and the famous American-style hot jam doughnuts from the trailer

Federation Square & NGV(2 hours)

Explore Fed Square and the free National Gallery of Victoria's international collection across the river

Lunch and coffee crawl(1.5 hours)

Melbourne takes its coffee seriously — try Patricia Coffee Brewers or Market Lane, then lunch in the Degraves laneways

Royal Botanic Gardens(1.5 hours)

Wander the lakeside gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance; a relaxed green afternoon in the city

Sunset at St Kilda(2 hours)

Tram to St Kilda for the pier — little penguins nest in the breakwater rocks at dusk — then dinner along Acland Street

Collect rental car and fuel in Geelong(1.5 hours)

Drive on the LEFT. Fill the tank and grab picnic supplies in Geelong before petrol prices climb west

Bells Beach lookout, Torquay(45 minutes)

The legendary surf break at the road's start — free cliff-top views of the swell

Memorial Arch at Eastern View(20 minutes)

The iconic timber 'Great Ocean Road' arch photo stop

Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet(1.5 hours)

The white 'Round the Twist' lighthouse and a short cliff loop

Check in and dinner in Lorne(2 hours)

Base at the Grand Pacific Hotel; dinner at Ba Ba Lu Bar or the Swing Bridge Café, AUD 25–35

Erskine Falls(1.5 hours)

30 m fern-framed fall; lower platform 10 min, or 230 steps to the base. Arrive early

Teddy's Lookout(45 minutes)

Panorama of the St George River meeting the ocean and the road threading the cliffs

Lunch on the foreshore(1 hour)

Fish and chips on Lorne's lawns, AUD 15–25

Free afternoon at Lorne Beach & Pier(3 hours)

Swim between the flags, stroll the pier, watch for stingrays — a genuine rest afternoon

Dinner at Movida or Ipsos(1.5 hours)

Relaxed Lorne evening with a glass of Victorian wine, AUD 30–40

Cumberland River & Wye River drive(45 minutes)

Cliff-hugging bends — use pull-off bays for photos, never blind corners

Kennett River Koala Walk(1.5 hours)

Scan the manna gums up Grey River Road for wild koalas; king parrots abound. Don't feed the birds

Apollo Bay lunch and check-in(1.5 hours)

The famous scallop pie at Apollo Bay Bakery; check into a foreshore motel

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk(1 hour)

Easy 30-min boardwalk through myrtle beech and giant tree ferns

Sunset at Marengo and dinner(2 hours)

Fur seals on the rocks, then Chris's Beacon Point or the Brewhouse, AUD 28–38

Cape Otway Lightstation(2 hours)

1848 lighthouse where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean; entry ~AUD 20. Drive the access road slowly for koalas

Triplet Falls(1.5 hours)

2 km rainforest loop to a three-tiered cascade with old tramway relics

Hopetoun Falls & California Redwoods(1.5 hours)

A fern-draped fall near Beech Forest and the towering planted redwood grove in the Aire Valley nearby

Dinner in Apollo Bay(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired pizza at Bella Fresca or foreshore fish and chips, AUD 20–30

Melba Gully glow-worm walk(1.5 hours)

After dark, torch-then-lights-off along Madsens Track near Lavers Hill to see thousands of glow-worms

Twelve Apostles at sunrise(1.5 hours)

Golden light and empty boardwalks; free and 24/7 in Port Campbell NP

Gibson Steps(1 hour)

86 steps to the beach beneath two Apostles; check tides — dangerous water, no swimming

Loch Ard Gorge(1.5 hours)

Shipwreck gorge and beach with short cliff walks, 3 min west of the Apostles

Lunch in Port Campbell(1 hour)

12 Rocks Café over the bay, AUD 18–30

The Arch, London Bridge & The Grotto(2 hours)

The trio of sea-carved formations west of town; overnight in Port Campbell

Bay of Islands & Bay of Martyrs(1 hour)

The quietest coastal lookouts near Peterborough

Logans Beach Whale Nursery, Warrnambool(1 hour)

From June–September, southern right whales calve just off the viewing platform — bring binoculars. Out of season, walk Thunder Point instead

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village(1.5 hours)

A recreated 1870s port village and shipwreck museum home to the Loch Ard peacock; entry ~AUD 20

Drive to Port Fairy and check in(45 minutes)

One of Australia's oldest and prettiest towns; stay at the historic Merrijig Inn

Griffiths Island sunset walk(1.5 hours)

Stroll to the little lighthouse; at dusk in summer, thousands of shearwaters (mutton-birds) return to their burrows. Dinner in the village, AUD 25–35

Slow morning in Port Fairy(1.5 hours)

Coffee and a wander past the historic bluestone cottages and the fishing wharf — a genuine rest morning

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve(1.5 hours)

A volcanic-crater reserve near Warrnambool where emus, kangaroos, and koalas roam free; easy walking trails and a great chance to see wildlife up close

Drive inland to Halls Gap(2 hours)

Leave the coast for the ranges; watch for kangaroos as you enter the Grampians. Check into a Halls Gap cabin or the Grampians YHA

MacKenzie Falls(1.5 hours)

The Grampians' most powerful waterfall; a steep sealed path descends to the base pool (climb back is a workout) or an easier lookout above

Kangaroos on the Halls Gap Rec Reserve(1 hour)

At dusk, mobs of Eastern grey kangaroos graze the town's sports oval — then dinner at Livefast Café or Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co, AUD 22–35

The Pinnacle hike from Wonderland car park(3.5 hours)

The Grampians' best walk (~4.2 km loop) through the Grand Canyon and Silent Street rock clefts to a dizzying lookout over Halls Gap valley. Wear proper shoes and carry water

Lunch back in Halls Gap(1 hour)

Refuel at Halls Gap's bakery or the Kookaburra Restaurant, AUD 18–30

Boroka Lookout(45 minutes)

A short walk to a sweeping panorama over the valley and Lake Bellfield — one of the easiest big views in the range

The Balconies at sunset(1.5 hours)

A flat 2 km walk from Reed Lookout to the cantilevered rock ledges above the Victoria Valley — spectacular in evening light

Dinner in Halls Gap(1.5 hours)

Relaxed pub meal at the Halls Gap Hotel, AUD 25–35

Brambuk cultural sites & Aboriginal rock art(2 hours)

Learn the Gariwerd Dreaming stories, then visit a rock-art shelter such as Gulgurn Manja or Bunjil's Shelter to see ochre hand stencils thousands of years old

Venus Baths loop walk(1.5 hours)

An easy 2.3 km stroll from Halls Gap to rock pools along Stony Creek — gentle after yesterday's climb

Lunch and rest(2 hours)

Long lunch at Spirit of Punjab or a café, then a genuine free afternoon — read, nap, or soak up the valley

Halls Gap Zoo(1.5 hours)

Optional easy afternoon at Victoria's largest regional zoo, strong on native species — meerkats, dingoes, and hand-feeding kangaroos, ~AUD 35

Sunset and dinner(1.5 hours)

Watch the kangaroos on the oval one more time, then dinner at Paper Scissors Rock, AUD 22–32

Drive Grampians to Ballarat(2 hours)

A straightforward inland drive through farmland; fuel and coffee in Ararat en route

Sovereign Hill(4 hours)

An immersive re-created 1850s gold-rush township — costumed characters, an underground mine tour, a molten-gold pour, and panning for real flecks in the creek. Entry ~AUD 45; the standout inland attraction

Late lunch in the village(1 hour)

Period-style pies and lollies within Sovereign Hill, or head into Ballarat's Lydiard Street for cafés

Check in and Ballarat stroll(1.5 hours)

Admire the Victorian-era architecture along Lydiard Street and Lake Wendouree

Dinner in Ballarat(1.5 hours)

Modern Australian at The Forge Pizzeria or Mr Jones, AUD 25–38

Ballarat Wildlife Park(1.5 hours)

Optional morning stop for koalas, wombats, and crocodiles before leaving, ~AUD 40

Drive to Melbourne and return car(1.5 hours)

Straight run down the Western Freeway (~1.5 hrs); drop the rental in the city or at the airport depot

Lunch and free afternoon(3 hours)

Explore anything missed — the Melbourne Museum, Eureka Skydeck views, or more laneway shopping

Farewell dinner(2 hours)

A memorable last meal — Greek at The Press Club, or a Southbank riverside restaurant with skyline views, AUD 40–60

Final coffee and shopping(2 hours)

A last flat white in the laneways and souvenirs from the Queen Victoria Market or Bourke Street Mall

Check out and pack(45 minutes)

Confirm you've declared nothing prohibited if connecting through customs on departure

Airport transfer(45 minutes)

SkyBus or rideshare to MEL; arrive at least 3 hrs before an international flight

Airport transfer to the city(45 minutes)

SkyBus to Southern Cross (~AUD 22) or a rideshare; base in the CBD or Southbank

Check in and settle(1 hour)

Free trams circle the CBD's 'Free Tram Zone' — no ticket needed

Laneway evening stroll(2 hours)

Hosier Lane street art and Degraves Street's café alley; a rooftop drink in Fitzroy

Dinner in Chinatown(1.5 hours)

Dumplings at HuTong or Hardware Lane Italian, AUD 25–40

Queen Victoria Market(2 hours)

Historic market for coffee, produce, and the famous hot jam doughnuts

Federation Square & NGV(2 hours)

Fed Square and the free National Gallery of Victoria across the river

Coffee crawl and lunch(1.5 hours)

Patricia Coffee Brewers or Market Lane, then a laneway lunch

Royal Botanic Gardens(1.5 hours)

Lakeside gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance

Sunset at St Kilda(2 hours)

Little penguins nest in the St Kilda breakwater at dusk; dinner on Acland Street

Collect car and fuel in Geelong(1.5 hours)

Drive on the LEFT; fill up and grab supplies before prices climb west

Bells Beach lookout(45 minutes)

The famous surf break at the road's start

Memorial Arch at Eastern View(20 minutes)

The iconic timber arch photo stop

Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet(1.5 hours)

The white 'Round the Twist' lighthouse and cliff loop

Check in and dinner in Lorne(2 hours)

Grand Pacific Hotel; dinner at Ba Ba Lu Bar, AUD 25–35

Erskine Falls(1.5 hours)

30 m fern-framed fall; lower platform 10 min or 230 steps to the base

Teddy's Lookout(45 minutes)

The St George River meeting the ocean with the road on the cliffs

Lunch on the foreshore(1 hour)

Fish and chips on the lawns, AUD 15–25

Free afternoon at Lorne Beach & Pier(3 hours)

Swim between the flags, stroll the pier — a rest afternoon

Dinner at Movida(1.5 hours)

Tapas and Victorian wine, AUD 30–40

Drive Lorne to Apollo Bay via Kennett River(1.5 hours)

Stop at Kennett River's Grey River Road to spot wild koalas and king parrots en route

Check in at Apollo Bay(45 minutes)

Base at a foreshore motel or the Eco YHA for the next three nights

Great Ocean Walk — Blanket Bay to Cape Otway section(3 hours)

Walk a ~7 km one-way coastal stretch of the 100 km Great Ocean Walk through heath and clifftop to the lighthouse — remote, wild, and crowd-free. Arrange a car shuttle or walk out-and-back a shorter distance

Apollo Bay Bakery treat(30 minutes)

The legendary scallop pie as a reward, ~AUD 8

Dinner at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse(1.5 hours)

Craft beer and hearty plates on the foreshore, AUD 25–35

Cape Otway Lightstation(2 hours)

1848 lighthouse where Bass Strait meets the ocean; entry ~AUD 20. Drive the road slowly for koalas

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk(1 hour)

Easy 30-min boardwalk through myrtle beech and tree ferns

Triplet & Hopetoun Falls(2.5 hours)

Two rainforest waterfalls near Beech Forest, plus the towering California Redwoods grove in the Aire Valley

Dinner in Apollo Bay(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired pizza at Bella Fresca, AUD 20–30

Melba Gully glow-worm walk(1.5 hours)

After dark, lights-off along Madsens Track near Lavers Hill to see thousands of glow-worms

Twelve Apostles at sunrise(1.5 hours)

Golden light, empty boardwalks; free and 24/7

Gibson Steps(1 hour)

86 steps to the beach beneath two Apostles; check tides, no swimming

Loch Ard Gorge(1.5 hours)

Shipwreck gorge and beach with short cliff walks

Lunch in Port Campbell(1 hour)

12 Rocks Café over the bay, AUD 18–30

The Arch, London Bridge & The Grotto(2 hours)

Sea-carved formations west of town; overnight Port Campbell

Bay of Islands & Bay of Martyrs(1 hour)

The quietest coastal lookouts near Peterborough

Logans Beach Whale Nursery(1 hour)

June–Sept southern right whales calve offshore; otherwise walk Thunder Point

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village(1.5 hours)

Recreated 1870s port and shipwreck museum, ~AUD 20

Drive to Port Fairy and check in(45 minutes)

Stay at the historic Merrijig Inn

Griffiths Island sunset walk(1.5 hours)

Lighthouse walk with dusk shearwater return; village dinner, AUD 25–35

Slow morning in Port Fairy(1.5 hours)

Coffee among the bluestone cottages and wharf — a rest morning

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve(1.5 hours)

Volcanic-crater reserve with free-roaming emus, kangaroos, and koalas

Drive to Halls Gap(2 hours)

Into the Grampians; check into a cabin. Watch for kangaroos

MacKenzie Falls(1.5 hours)

The range's most powerful waterfall; steep path to the base or an easier lookout

Kangaroos on the Rec Reserve(1 hour)

Dusk mobs graze the town oval; dinner at Livefast Café, AUD 22–35

The Pinnacle hike from Wonderland(3.5 hours)

~4.2 km loop through the Grand Canyon and Silent Street to a dizzying valley lookout. Proper shoes and water

Lunch in Halls Gap(1 hour)

Bakery or the Kookaburra Restaurant, AUD 18–30

Boroka Lookout(45 minutes)

Short walk to a sweeping valley and lake panorama

The Balconies at sunset(1.5 hours)

Flat 2 km from Reed Lookout to the cantilevered ledges above Victoria Valley

Dinner at Halls Gap Hotel(1.5 hours)

Relaxed pub meal, AUD 25–35

Aboriginal rock-art shelters(2 hours)

Gulgurn Manja or Bunjil's Shelter — ochre hand stencils thousands of years old, with the Gariwerd Dreaming stories

Venus Baths loop walk(1.5 hours)

Easy 2.3 km stroll to rock pools along Stony Creek

Lunch and rest afternoon(3 hours)

Long lunch then genuine downtime — read, nap, soak up the valley

Sunset with the kangaroos(1 hour)

The oval mob one more time

Dinner at Paper Scissors Rock(1.5 hours)

Brewpub plates, AUD 22–32

Drive Grampians to Ballarat(2 hours)

Inland farmland drive; coffee in Ararat

Sovereign Hill(4 hours)

Immersive 1850s gold-rush township — mine tour, gold pour, and panning for real flecks; entry ~AUD 45

Late lunch and Ballarat stroll(2 hours)

Period pies on-site, then Lydiard Street's Victorian architecture and Lake Wendouree

Dinner in Ballarat(1.5 hours)

The Forge Pizzeria or Mr Jones, AUD 25–38

Drive Ballarat to Phillip Island(2.5 hours)

Skirt south of Melbourne via the ring road; stop in San Remo to watch the daily wild-pelican feeding at noon

Check in at Cowes(45 minutes)

Cowes is the island's main town — motels and holiday flats near the beach

Koala Conservation Reserve(1.5 hours)

Elevated boardwalks put you at eye level with wild koalas in the treetops, ~AUD 15

Early dinner in Cowes(1 hour)

Fish and chips or a pub meal before the evening show, AUD 20–30

Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach(2 hours)

At dusk, hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore to their burrows — the island's iconic sight. Book timed tickets ahead (~AUD 30); dress warm, no photos allowed

The Nobbies & Seal Rocks(1.5 hours)

Boardwalks over blowholes to views of Australia's largest fur-seal colony offshore; the Antarctic Journey centre has live cameras

Cape Woolamai coastal walk(2 hours)

A cliff-top circuit past pink-granite stacks and the island's best surf beach — watch for shearwaters and wallabies

Lunch in Cowes(1 hour)

Café lunch on Thompson Avenue, AUD 18–28

Churchill Island Heritage Farm(1.5 hours)

A working historic farm with sheep-shearing and whip-cracking demos on a pretty islet, ~AUD 15

Sunset and dinner at Cowes(2 hours)

North-facing Cowes beach catches the sunset; dinner at the Isola di Capri, AUD 25–35

Drive to Wilsons Promontory(2.5 hours)

Via Inverloch and Foster; stock up on groceries in Foster — there are no shops past the park entrance

Check in at Tidal River(1 hour)

The park's only accommodation — cabins, huts, or campsites at Tidal River. Book well ahead; wombats wander the grounds at dusk

Squeaky Beach(1.5 hours)

Walk the pure quartz sand that literally squeaks underfoot, framed by rounded orange granite boulders — the Prom's most beautiful beach

Norman Beach sunset(1 hour)

Stroll the long sweep of Tidal River's main beach as the light fades

Dinner at Tidal River(1 hour)

Self-cater at your cabin or the general store's basics — bring what you need

Mount Oberon summit walk(2.5 hours)

A 6.8 km return climb (steady, well-graded) to a granite-boulder summit with 360° views over Tidal River, the islands, and Bass Strait. Take the shuttle to the car park in peak season

Lunch back at Tidal River(1 hour)

Picnic by the river; kookaburras and rosellas for company (don't feed them)

Whisky Bay & Picnic Bay(1.5 hours)

Two small, sculpted granite coves on the western coast — great for a swim or rock-scramble

Wildlife walk at dusk(1.5 hours)

The Prom Wildlife Walk near Darby River is prime for emus, kangaroos, wombats, and grazing mobs at golden hour

Stargazing at Tidal River(1 hour)

With almost no light pollution, the Prom's night sky is superb — lie back on the beach and watch the Milky Way

Sealers Cove Track(4 hours)

A ~19 km return walk over Windy Saddle through eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, and a boardwalk to a pristine crescent bay — the Prom's classic day hike. Start early and carry plenty of water

Late lunch and swim(1.5 hours)

Cool off in Tidal River or Norman Beach on return

Rest afternoon(2.5 hours)

Genuine downtime — read on the beach, nap, or just watch the wombats emerge

Sunset at Pillar Point lookout(1 hour)

A short walk from Tidal River to a clifftop view over Norman Bay for the final Prom sunset

Dinner at Tidal River(1 hour)

Last self-catered cabin meal in the wilderness

Drive to the Mornington Peninsula(3 hours)

Head northwest via the coast; a longer transfer day, so break it with coffee in Korumburra or Phillip Island's San Remo bridge

Check in near Sorrento or Rye(45 minutes)

Base near the peninsula's tip for beaches and the hot springs

Peninsula Hot Springs(3 hours)

Soak in a hillside maze of geothermal pools, from a hilltop pool with bay views to cave and reflexology pools — the perfect antidote to the Prom hikes. Book a bathing session ahead (~AUD 45 midweek)

Dinner in Sorrento(1.5 hours)

Seafood on the Sorrento foreshore or the historic Continental precinct, AUD 30–45

Cape Schanck Lighthouse & boardwalk(1.5 hours)

A 1859 lighthouse on the wild ocean side where a boardwalk descends to basalt rock platforms pounded by the Southern Ocean

Mornington Peninsula winery lunch(2.5 hours)

Long lunch with a view at Montalto or Ten Minutes by Tractor — the region is renowned for pinot noir and chardonnay, AUD 45–70 with a tasting

Free afternoon at the bay beaches(2.5 hours)

Swim at the calm Sorrento or Rye back beaches, or walk to see the colourful Brighton-style bathing boxes — a rest afternoon

Sunset at Sorrento Ocean Beach(1 hour)

The rugged back beach catches a fine sunset over Bass Strait

Casual dinner(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired pizza or fish and chips in Blairgowrie, AUD 22–32

Drive to Melbourne and return car(1.5 hours)

About 1.5 hrs up the Nepean Highway/freeway; drop the rental in the city or at the airport depot

Lunch and free afternoon(3 hours)

Anything missed — the Melbourne Museum, Eureka Skydeck, or Fitzroy and Brunswick's shops and cafés

Rooftop drinks(1.5 hours)

Sundowner with skyline views at a CBD rooftop bar like Siglo or Loop

Farewell dinner(2 hours)

A memorable final meal — Greek at The Press Club or a Southbank riverside restaurant, AUD 40–60

Final coffee and shopping(2 hours)

A last flat white in the laneways and souvenirs from the Queen Victoria Market or Bourke Street Mall

Check out and pack(45 minutes)

Confirm nothing prohibited is packed if connecting through customs

Airport transfer(45 minutes)

SkyBus or rideshare to MEL; arrive at least 3 hrs before an international flight