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The Great Ocean Road has no big city hotels, so you choose between beachfront resorts, seaside motels and holiday parks strung along 243 km of coast. The three best bases are Lorne for its beach and cafes, Apollo Bay as the midpoint gateway to the Otways, and Port Campbell for the Twelve Apostles at sunrise. Book months ahead for January, because the coast sells out. For what each town is like, see town by town guide, and our Great Ocean Road guide covers the whole route.
Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road: Lorne
Lorne has the coast’s widest range of proper accommodation, from beachfront resorts to self contained apartments on Mountjoy Parade. Everything is walkable, the patrolled beach is across the road, and the Erskine Falls rainforest sits 10 minutes inland. Prices are the highest on the Surf Coast and roughly double over summer and Easter, so check our weather by month guide for the seasonal climate before you book.
Suggested Hotels in Lorne
Mantra Lorne
The only true beachfront resort in Lorne, Mantra spreads over 12 acres of lawns with tennis courts, a putting green, an indoor heated mineral pool and a gym. Best for couples and families who want resort facilities and direct beach access. Check rates and availability
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Self contained apartments opposite the beach in the centre of Lorne, with a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts and secure parking. Best for families and groups who want a kitchen and space to spread out. Check rates and availability
Lorne Coachman Inn
A budget motel on the Great Ocean Road with air conditioned rooms, satellite TV and kitchenettes, a 10 minute walk from Lorne’s town centre and Louttit Bay beach. Best for road trippers who want a clean, cheap bed for one night. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road: Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is the natural halfway stop, a working fishing town with a long calm beach, fresh lobster at the harbour and the Otway waterfalls within a 30 minute drive, all covered in our things to do guide. It is cheaper than Lorne and gives you a full second day to reach the Shipwreck Coast.
Suggested Hotels in Apollo Bay
The Apollo
A modern apartment hotel on the Great Ocean Road with ocean views, balconies and a rooftop terrace, steps from Apollo Bay’s beach and cafes. Best for couples who want sea views and a short walk to dinner. Check rates and availability
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
A well rated motel across from the beach with free parking and WiFi, close to the Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre and the harbour. Best for families and overnight drivers who want reliable comfort without the resort price. Check rates and availability
Coastal Motel
A high scoring budget motel in the heart of Apollo Bay with barbecue facilities, free parking and rooms with kitchenettes, rated 9.6 by guests. Best for self catering travellers who want to cook their own seafood. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road: Port Campbell
Port Campbell is tiny, but it is the only place to stay within 10 minutes of the Twelve Apostles, which means you can shoot sunrise and sunset without a long drive. Options are mostly holiday houses, a couple of motels and a big holiday park. Book well ahead, since rooms are few, especially over the Easter and whale season events in our events and festivals guide.
Suggested Hotels in Port Campbell
Anchors Beach House
A whole holiday house with sea views at 5 Morris Street, a 10 minute drive from the Twelve Apostles and a short walk from Port Campbell’s beach and cafes. Best for groups and families who want a private base on the Shipwreck Coast. Check rates and availability
12 Apostles Beach House
A freestanding house with ocean views on Pitcher Street, minutes from the town centre and the Apostles car park. Best for small groups who want a comfortable mid range stay with a kitchen and outdoor space. Check rates and availability
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
A well rated holiday park on Morris Street with powered sites, cabins and family facilities, a short walk from the bay and the Twelve Apostles drive. Best for campers, caravanners and budget family travellers. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road: Booking Tips
Book Lorne and Apollo Bay three to six months ahead for December and January, when beachfront rooms sell out first. If you are driving the road over three or more days, add a night in Warrnambool at the western end rather than backtracking, and use best time to visit guide to pick a cheaper shoulder month, then check our travel tips guide for driving distances.
