Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3-Day Tour from Melbourne — Coastal Drives, Rainforest Walks & Hikes
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required: comfortable with 2–4 hour hikes, some scrambling on uneven terrain.
Overview
A compact, three-day loop from Melbourne that pairs the Great Ocean Road's sea-carved cliffs with the Grampians' sandstone ridges. Expect guided rainforest walks, coastal lookouts, wildlife sightings and moderate hikes—ideal for travelers with a good level of fitness.
Great Ocean Road & Grampians 3-Day Tour from Melbourne — Coastal Drives, Rainforest Walks & Hikes
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The bus peels away from Melbourne before dawn and the city grid loosens into sea air: salt on your lips, gulls daring you to look down at the surf. By mid-morning the road tightens against cliffs and the Southern Ocean hammers the shore with a rhythm that makes even quiet conversation sound small. This three-day loop stitches together two of Victoria’s most dramatic landscapes—coastal limestone carved by wind and wave, and the blocky sandstone ridges of Gariwerd (the Grampians)—with rainforest boardwalks, wildlife sightings, and a dose of local food culture.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for coastal and mountain weather
Pack a windproof shell and a warm mid-layer—conditions swing between sun, spray and chill on the same day.
Wear grippy shoes
Sturdy hiking shoes with good tread make sandstone steps and wet boardwalks far more manageable.
Bring at least 2L of water for hikes
Some walks have no potable water; summer heat and exposed ridgelines increase dehydration risk.
Time the 12 Apostles for sunrise or sunset
Midday crowds are heavy—early morning or late afternoon light gives the best photos and fewer people.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Koala
- Kangaroo
History
The Great Ocean Road was constructed by returned WWI soldiers and local workforces in the early 20th century; Gariwerd (Grampians) holds tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history for the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples.
Conservation
Erosion threatens limestone stacks and coastal cliffs—stay on designated paths and respect viewpoint barriers; park fees and guided programs help fund habitat restoration and cultural heritage protection.
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Adventure Hotspots in Melbourne
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for sandstone trails, cliff edges and wet boardwalks.
Waterproof shell
Protects against coastal spray and sudden showers in the Otways and Grampians.
fall specific
2–3L reusable water bottle/hydration bladder
Ensures adequate hydration on multi-hour hikes where water sources are limited.
summer specific
Daypack with rain cover
Carries lunch, layers, camera, and any souvenir purchases from small towns.
spring specific