PerkJolt
Where should I stay along the Great Ocean Road: Lorne, Apollo Bay or Port Campbell?
Short answer: Apollo Bay is the best all-round base if you only have one or two nights, because it sits near the middle of the route and puts you close to the Otways. Port Campbell is the pick if you want the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge at either end of the day. Lorne works best as a first-night stop from Melbourne, or if you like a livelier town with more going on.
Who it's for (and who should skip it)
Choose Lorne if you're arriving from Melbourne and want the shortest drive. Lorne is a livelier beach town, and it's a good stop on a one-night trip. You'll pay for it with a long drive to the Twelve Apostles the next day.
Choose Apollo Bay if you want one base for the whole middle of the route. You get a beach town with the forests of the Otways behind it. It's the easiest "stay put and day-trip" choice.
Choose Port Campbell if the Shipwreck Coast is the main event. You'll be next to the national park, you can see the sights outside tour-bus hours, and you can skip the long drive back from the Apostles at the end of the day. It's a small town with fewer choices, and it's far from Melbourne.
Skip the "one town for everything" idea if you want to see the whole road. Staying put in Lorne and doing the Apostles as a round trip makes for a very long day. Two bases, or one night at each end, will feel much better.
The three towns, side by side
All drive times below are "roughly" figures without stops. Allow more for photos, wildlife and slow traffic on the winding sections. Check live times in your maps app on the day.
| Lorne | Apollo Bay | Port Campbell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roughly from Melbourne | Just under 2 hours | About 3 hours | About 4+ hours on the coast road |
| Roughly to the Twelve Apostles | 2+ hours | About 1.5 hours | About 15 minutes |
| Best for | Short first night, waterfalls, dining | Otways, beach, central base | Sunrise/sunset at the Apostles |
| Main downside | Far from the Apostles | Still a drive to the Apostles | Remote; small town; far from Melbourne |
Two of those figures are from official sources. Lorne's own visitor site says the drive from Melbourne via the M1 to Geelong and then the Great Ocean Road takes just under 2 hours, with extra time for stops (checked Oct 12, 2026). Tourism Australia describes a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles (checked Oct 12, 2026). The other times in the table are our own estimates. Use them for planning only.
Lorne: the easy first night
Lorne is the first big town on the road that feels like a proper beach resort. Lorne's visitor site also notes you can save a little time by going inland from Geelong via Winchelsea and the C151, though that route is far less scenic (checked Oct 12, 2026). That's useful if you land in Melbourne tired and want to reach the coast fast. Ask yourself whether you really want to skip the coast road, though. It's the reason most people come.
The town suits people who want a choice of cafes and restaurants. Victoria's official tourism site suggests fish and chips on the sand, or beachside dining at Totti's Lorne (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check Totti's own site for hours and booking. Lorne also has waterfalls in the hills just behind town, which are a good wet-weather or off-beach activity.
The catch is distance. If you base yourself in Lorne, the Twelve Apostles is a long day trip each way. The coast road is slow, and you'd spend much of the day driving. Lorne is best as a night on the way, not as your base for the whole trip.
Apollo Bay: the best single base
If you can only pick one town, pick this one. Victoria's tourism site says to base yourself in Apollo Bay at the foothills of the Otways to explore the region, the 12 Apostles, or stop over on the Great Ocean Walk (checked Oct 12, 2026).
The same page puts the Cape Otway Lightstation about a 50-minute drive from Apollo Bay and calls it the oldest surviving lighthouse on the mainland (checked Oct 12, 2026). It also describes Otway Fly Treetop Adventures as an easy hour's drive from Apollo Bay (checked Oct 12, 2026). The regional tourism body's Otways itinerary runs from the treetops zipline or walk to the Lightstation, then back to Apollo Bay for a casual meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel (checked Oct 12, 2026). Opening hours and prices at the Lightstation and Otway Fly change by season, so check their own sites. Lighthouse tower access can also be limited when restoration work is underway.
Apollo Bay's downside is that the Twelve Apostles is still roughly an hour and a half away. That's fine for a day trip, but not for a sunrise visit.
Port Campbell: closest to the Apostles
Port Campbell is a small town beside Port Campbell National Park. Parks Victoria says to see the limestone sea stacks at sunset for a quieter and even more spectacular visit, and to walk the short trail to Gibson Steps for a view from the beach (checked Oct 12, 2026). Staying in Port Campbell is the easiest way to do that.
Parks Victoria also notes that a pedestrian suspension bridge now connects Port Campbell National Park with the town (checked Oct 12, 2026). The regional tourism site lists the Port Campbell Discovery Walk among the short walks nearby (checked Oct 12, 2026).
Port Campbell is small. Expect fewer dining and accommodation choices than in Lorne or Apollo Bay, and book ahead in summer and on holidays.
What's new at the Twelve Apostles (this matters for your plan)
The Twelve Apostles has changed, and it affects where you stay. The regional tourism site says the new visitor centre is opening October 16 2026, with new interpretive experiences, dining, retail and a rooftop observation deck (checked Oct 12, 2026). That's this Friday.
A government media release, as republished, says the new precinct opens from 16 October, with a booking system now live and free until April 2027 (checked Oct 12, 2026). It also says bookings are required before arriving, and to secure a car park (checked Oct 12, 2026). It adds that a fee for bookings will be introduced after that (checked Oct 12, 2026). Local reporting adds that visitors will need to go through the centre to reach the viewing platform. The amount of the fee had not been announced as of the opening (checked Oct 12, 2026).
What this means for you:
- Book your slot first, then your bed. Fit your Twelve Apostles slot around your accommodation, not the other way round.
- Check the earliest and latest slots on the official booking page before planning a sunrise or sunset visit from Port Campbell. We can't confirm that those times are offered.
- Allow extra time. Early reports describe a longer walk from the centre to the viewing decks than the old roadside stop. Check the official site for the current layout.
- Don't assume the fee. It's expected to start in April 2027 at an amount not yet announced. Check the official page for the current rule before you go.
The new centre is operated by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) (checked Oct 12, 2026). Its website and the Parks Victoria page are the places to confirm booking rules.
Road conditions and seasonal caveats
The coastal section between Lorne and Apollo Bay is the one to watch. In January 2026, the road closed in both directions between Lorne and Skenes Creek because of extreme weather and possible landslips, and V/Line coaches detoured inland (checked Oct 12, 2026). Closures like that are rare, but they happen. Before you set off, check VicTraffic (Transport Victoria's live road status) and the VicEmergency app for fire and storm warnings. Peak holiday periods also bring slow traffic. If you're planning a Lorne-to-Apollo Bay day, keep a flexible inland detour in mind.
Where points and miles fit
Most stays in these three towns are independent motels, holiday rentals and holiday parks, and the holiday-park industry body lists tourist parks around Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell (checked Oct 12, 2026). Expect to pay cash for most of these nights. Points tend to work better in Melbourne at either end, or on flights and rental cars. Check each hotel brand's own site for any property near the road.
If you collect transferable points, see our transfer partners guide. For example, Capital One and Citi both transfer to Qantas at 1:1, and Chase transfers to Hyatt at 4:3. Always check availability on the airline or hotel site before moving points.
Tips and tricks
- Do the Apostles first or last. If you stay at Port Campbell, visit at the start or end of the day. Parks Victoria says sunset is quieter (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Stock up before Port Campbell. It's a small town, so buy groceries and fuel in Apollo Bay or Colac if you plan to self-cater.
- Don't rush Lorne to Apollo Bay. It's the slowest and most scenic section. Leave extra time for stops and for wildlife near the road.
- Check the weather and road status the night before. The coast road can close in storms. VicTraffic and the VicEmergency app are the places to look.
- Book the Twelve Apostles slot early. The booking system is free until April 2027, so grab a slot as soon as your dates are firm (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Drive back inland. After the Apostles, the faster inland route via the Princes Highway beats the winding coast road, particularly at the end of the day.
- Book accommodation early for summer and holidays. These are small towns and the best places fill up, so book as soon as your dates are set.
- Allow extra time at the Apostles. The new centre and longer walk mean the old "quick stop" no longer applies.
Worked example (illustrative)
Two nights, driving from Melbourne:
- Day 1: Leave Melbourne in the morning. Take the coast road through Torquay and Lorne, with a beach or lunch stop. Continue to Apollo Bay for the night. Allow a full day for the drive and stops.
- Day 2: Spend the morning in the Otways (Cape Otway Lightstation or Otway Fly, hours and prices on their own sites). Drive on to Port Campbell in the afternoon and check in. Visit the Twelve Apostles at your booked slot, ideally near sunset.
- Day 3: Do Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and other short walks, then drive back to Melbourne via the Princes Highway.
One night only? Stay in Apollo Bay. Spend Day 1 on the coast road and in the Otways, then do the Apostles on Day 2 on the way back to Melbourne by the inland route. Book a Twelve Apostles slot for the late morning.
FAQ
Is Lorne a good place to stay for the Twelve Apostles?
Not really. Lorne is just under two hours from Melbourne (checked Oct 12, 2026), but the Twelve Apostles is more than two hours further on the coast road. It works as a first-night stop. If the Apostles is your priority, stay in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell.
Is Apollo Bay or Port Campbell better?
It depends on your priority. Apollo Bay has more choice, a long beach, and the Otways close by. Port Campbell is near the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast. With two nights, do both: Apollo Bay on the first night and Port Campbell on the second.
How many nights do I need on the Great Ocean Road?
One night gives a rushed but doable trip. Two nights is far more comfortable, with the Otways and the Apostles each getting a proper visit. Three nights lets you add Lorne's waterfalls or an extra Otways day. Allow more if you want to hike part of the Great Ocean Walk.
Do I need to book to visit the Twelve Apostles now?
Yes. From 16 October 2026, bookings are required before arriving and to secure a car park (checked Oct 12, 2026). Bookings are free until April 2027, with a fee to follow. Confirm the current rules on the official GORCAPA or Parks Victoria page before you go.
Can I do the Great Ocean Road as a day trip from Melbourne instead?
You can, but it's a very long day. Tourism Australia describes a 4.5-hour scenic drive each way to the Twelve Apostles (checked Oct 12, 2026). Staying at least one night means less driving and a better chance to see the Apostles outside the busiest hours.
What if the road is closed?
Closures are uncommon but can happen after severe weather. In January 2026 the road closed between Lorne and Skenes Creek (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check VicTraffic and the VicEmergency app before driving, and keep your plans flexible. An inland detour via the Princes Highway adds significant time.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide
More questions about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road
- Should I stay in Melbourne CBD or St Kilda?
- How much does a Great Ocean Road day trip cost?
- How many days should I spend in Melbourne?
- What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?
- How many days do I need for the Great Ocean Road?
See every question about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road → /answers/melbourne/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. The most likely things to change are the Twelve Apostles booking rules and fee (due to start April 2027), so check GORCAPA's site and the Parks Victoria Twelve Apostles page before you go.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.lorne.com.au/about-lorne/getting-here
- https://www.australia.com/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-12-apostles.html
- https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/great-ocean-road/see-and-do/road-trips-and-itineraries/great-ocean-road-touring-route
- https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/Itineraries/explore-the-otways-from-apollo-bay/
- https://parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/port-campbell-national-park/things-to-do/twelve-apostles?amp=&=
- https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2022/03/06/22/25/new-visitor-experience-for-twelve-apostles
- https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/attractions/port-campbell-national-park/
- https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/attractions/twelve-apostles-visitor-centre/
- https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/new-twelve-apostles-visitor-centre-opens/
- https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/armstrongcreektimes/news/new-twelve-apostles-visitor-information-centre-opens-but-what-will-entry-cost/
- https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-12-apostles-visitor-centre-opens
- https://oceangrovevoice.com.au/news/16-01-2026/great-ocean-road-still-closed/
- https://crpvic.com.au/discover/region/great-ocean-road/