- Duration
- 1 day along the road (≈ 3 h 35 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- drive
- Start
- The chocolaterie cafe
- Finish
- Apollo Bay harbour
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- the factory from 9:00, before the lunch queue
- Budget per adult
- you pay on the spotPrices as of: 13 October 2026
Getting there
This is a drive. There is no train along the Great Ocean Road. From Melbourne, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to Torquay, about 2 hours to Lorne, and a little over 3 hours to the Twelve Apostles if you do not stop. From 16 October 2026 the lookouts and the car park need a booking on twelveapostles.org.au. That booking is free until April 2027, and a card is still needed to complete it.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. The chocolaterie cafe~45 min at the stop
Breakfast or coffee at the Bellbrae factory. The grounds are free. You pay only for the food.
Tip: Daily 9 am to 5 pm, closed Christmas Day. The café runs all day, indoors and out.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 55 min · 50 km
2. Wye River General Store~30 min at the stop
The store on the bend between Lorne and Kennett River doubles as café, bar, bakery and post office. Coffee and a pastry while the winding road gives you a break.
Tip: This is a short stop, not an hour-long lunch. Check the store's hours on the day: they are shorter in winter.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 25 min · 20 km
3. Apollo Bay harbour~1 h at the stop
A fishing town on the bay. Fish and chips by the harbour, and a short walk on the pier. The pin is the town itself.
Tip: If you are staying the night, Captain's at the Bay is in this town. Come down to the harbour for dinner while it is still light.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.