The Ultimate Long Weekend on the Great Ocean Road: Wellness, Wildlife and Coastal Calm

With summer’s arrival, the pull of the open road feels irresistible. Few journeys capture the Australian imagination quite like the Great Ocean Road, recently crowned the nation’s most-loved road trip in a nationwide survey. This vast stretch of southern coastline is a living postcard, where rugged cliffs meet an unruly ocean and rolling green hills fold into charming coastal towns. It is both timeless and endlessly surprising.

As rising costs prompt many Australians to seek mindful, budget-friendly escapes, the Great Ocean Road remains a standout choice. It delivers beauty, ease and variety in equal measure, catering to travellers seeking adventure, serenity or something in between. On my recent visit, I leaned into its quieter side: wellness studios, local produce, tranquil landscapes and wildlife encounters that stay with you long after you leave.

If you are planning the perfect long weekend, here is your refined guide to experiencing the Great Ocean Road at its most restorative.

Day One: Anglesea

I brought my mum along for the ride, and let’s be honest, this could go one of two ways—perfectly delightful, or disastrously chaotic. Thankfully, our mother-daughter dynamic convened harmoniously on this adventure, and we were both quickly swept up in the peacefulness of our getaway. Sure, we both share an undeniable gift for unintentionally offending each other, but there’s something truly special about carving out one-on-one time together amidst the daily chaos.

Our first pause was at SANA Recovery in Mount Duneed, where we eased into the day with quiet, restorative chai. The week’s weight gently lifted, replaced by that early-holiday lightness.

From there, we reached Anglesea with plans to canoe along the river, but shifting weather redirected us. Instead, we found shelter beside the water at Coogarah Park, unpacking a beautiful hamper from Surfcoast Picnic Co. The moment was fleeting as the sky changed once again, so we made our way to our accommodation for the evening.

For the night, we stayed at the refurbished Great Ocean Road Resort, which blended nostalgia with relaxation. The spacious two-bedroom apartment felt like a home away from home, complete with a spa bath and thoughtful touches that made us feel instantly at ease.

After checking in, we treated ourselves to some much-needed pampering at the resort’s onsite Lux Spa & Wellness. The massages were transformative, with the therapists working some kind of magic to find knots we didn’t even know we had.  We emerged feeling lighter and renewed, ready for a relaxing evening ahead.

Dinner at The Coast Restaurant was a highlight: grilled sardines with pepperberry chimichurri, slow-braised beef cheek, tender Bells Beach lamb, and a shining finale of whisky-and-marmalade bread-and-butter pudding. Paired with local Chardonnay, it set a confident tone for the weekend.

Day Two: Apollo Bay

After a blissful night’s sleep, we set out early to catch the morning light dancing across the ocean. Finally, some sunshine! The highlight of the day? Our seal kayaking adventure in Marengo with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak. We paddled out to rocky shores where playful fur seals basked on the rocks, completely unfazed by our presence. 

Following the kayaking, we wandered Marengo Beach, exploring rocky flats dotted with inviting rock pools. Eventually, we headed back to Apollo Bay’s main street, where we indulged in a quick coffee and a stroll around the local market.

At Wildlife Wonders, we joined the “Walk With Wildlife” experience. Baby emus followed curiously, kangaroos lounged with regal confidence, and koalas dozed in the treetops. Our guide shared stories of habitat restoration, local ecology and regional history, all framed by sweeping views of the coastline.

We continued our nature focus with a short hike to Sheoak Falls, followed by the panoramic outlook from Teddy’s Lookout, where a soft mist rolled in and shrouded the forest in a dreamlike haze.

By late afternoon, we arrived at Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet. After a glass of Prosecco in our room, we unwound at Santara Restaurant, where the mood was warm and the plates comforting: pork momos, halloumi sliders, samosas, curries and a beautifully balanced lamb vindaloo. A spicy margarita closed the evening on a high.

Day Three: Aireys Inlet & Torquay

On our final day, we focused on enjoying the serenity that had defined our trip. The morning began with a peaceful stroll around Airey’s iconic Split Point Lighthouse, the cool air still holding the mist from the previous night. We were rewarded with panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

Back at Sunnymead, we slipped into chequered robes and made our way to Indie Spa. The mineral pools warmed us into the day, setting the tone for deeper relaxation. The Bathe In experience took everything a step further: a 40-minute soak in stone bathtubs with aromatic bath infusions. Choices ranged from spiced chai with cinnamon and citrus to a vino buttermilk soak featuring vanilla and berries. A dry body brush prepped the skin, and mocktails completed the ritual.

Sunnymead’s nostalgic, playful 1950s Miami-meets-Broadbeach energy made it impossible not to feel restored. Between the colourful palms, the poolside charm and the outdoor pizza oven, the hotel carries an irresistible holiday spirit.

After our spa time in Aireys Inlet, we continued to RACV Torquay Resort for another dose of wellness: the beautiful One Spa Hammam Bathing Session. Mum began a little unsure but was quickly won over. The steam room eased every knot, and the Hammam unfolded as a complete ritual rather than a simple steam. We moved between the thermal stone steam room, vitality pool and relaxation pool, each offering a restorative balance of warmth, circulation and stillness.

Following all that pampering, we wrapped up the day with lunch at Hardings Lounge, perched above the lush golf course at RACV Torquay Resort. Sipping crisp white wine, we felt like boujee housewives, enjoying delicious nasi goreng and pad Thai.

Driving back to Melbourne, it struck me that this trip was less about spa sessions or scenic lookouts and more about slowing down with the person who shaped so much of who I am. The Great Ocean Road gave us room to reconnect: to breathe, to laugh, to rest and to simply be.

This coastline is a reminder of how much beauty sits within reach. It welcomes you into landscapes that soothe the mind, quiet the rush and return you to yourself.

Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Great Ocean Road delivers. Each curve reveals something new: wild beauty, peaceful hideaways, and a profound connection to nature. This is Australia at its finest, where every moment feels like a postcard-worthy memory waiting to be made. For more travel inspiration this summer, check out these island getaways and Euro-summer stays. 

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

27 January 2026

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.