We’d driven the Great Ocean Road before, like most people. But cycling it? That was something we’d never considered...until now.

We weren’t looking for a fast ride or a fitness test. Just something that gave us time to take in the landscape. To pedal at our own pace, eat good food, and not worry about logistics. The self-guided Great Ocean Road Cycle tour gave us all of that, and a whole lot more.

Here’s how our ride unfolded.

Day 1: Crater Views and Country Charm in Camperdown

We took the train from Melbourne - an easy 2.5-hour ride - and arrived in Camperdown mid-morning. Right away we felt the shift. Big skies, crater lakes and wide-open roads.

After checking into our accommodation (Camperdown Mill - friendly and central), we wandered up to Mt Leura for the views. It was a short walk, but the scenery was a perfect welcome to the volcanic plains. The town has a relaxed feel, and dinner at the local pub topped off the day.

Day 2: Rail Trails, Ice Cream and a Coast-Side Brewery

The next morning, our bikes were delivered to our door and our luggage whisked away. That’s one of the reasons we love self-guided travel – everything’s sorted, but you still feel like it’s your own adventure.

We followed the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail through bushland, forest and farmlands – so peaceful. We stopped in Timboon for lunch and couldn’t skip the ice cream (we now understand the hype), before joining the wonderful cycle trail to Port Campbell.

We stayed at the Sow and Piglets – part microbrewery, part hostel, part chill coastal pub. We loved the atmosphere and enjoyed a beer on the deck before a well-earned sleep.

Day 3: The Apostles and Lavers Hill

An early ride out to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge meant we had the place to ourselves. We’ve seen them before from a car, but arriving by bike made it feel… earned. Quieter.

After soaking up the views, we continued on the old Great Ocean Road before rejoining for the big ascent to Lavers Hill. Having a well-deserved lunch at the Perch with its creative cuisine was a real highlight. A transfer took us back to Port Campbell, where we spent the afternoon walking the coastal trails for viewpoints of the magnificent cliffs.

Day 4: Redwoods and the Old Beechy Rail Trail

Dropped back at Lavers Hill we cycled on to the Old Beechy Rail Trail with a section through an old rainforest. 

Back on the backroads to Apollo Bay, we found ourselves surrounded by towering Californian redwoods, a surreal moment that felt worlds away from the coast and a great spot for a picnic lunch. By the time we reached Apollo Bay we were tired but happy. The variety of scenery today - rainforest, farmland - blew us away.

Day 5: Koalas, Coastal Curves and Into Lorne

Today was all about the Great Ocean Road itself. We rode from Apollo Bay to Lorne, with the sea on one side and lush forest on the other. There was a good verge for most of the ride, and the traffic naturally slowed around the bends. There were multiple stops to take in the coastal views, side trips to waterfalls and a visit to the Koala Café (yes, there was one in the trees) for a coffee before tackling the last few hills. Lorne was the perfect spot to finish - great food, a swim at the beach, and the sense that we’d properly arrived.

Day 6: Through the Arch and Reflecting on the Ride

On our last day we cycled to Aireys Inlet which is a short, satisfying stretch that includes the famous Memorial Arch. It was a nice final moment to cap off the trip before returning to Melbourne.

What We Didn’t Expect

What surprised us most was how different this ride felt to others we’ve done. It wasn’t just one landscape but many. The peaceful rail trails, the quiet inland detours, the big-name coastal icons… it all added up to a real journey.

And not having to carry our bags or work out where to stay each night? Game-changer.

If you’re considering cycling the Great Ocean Road, this is the way to do it. Let someone else handle the logistics – and just enjoy the ride.