Victoria, 3–4 days, self-drive
Most visitors attempt the Great Ocean Road as a single rushed day trip from Melbourne, which is enough time to see the Twelve Apostles and not much else. The 150-mile route deserves 3–4 days: the surf town of Torquay, Otway rainforest’s waterfalls and glow-worm caves, and the Twelve Apostles themselves at sunrise, before the tour buses arrive.
Break the drive at Apollo Bay or Port Campbell rather than pushing straight through — both put you within striking distance of the Twelve Apostles at first light, when the limestone stacks catch the best color and the crowds haven’t shown up yet.
Continue past the Apostles to the Grampians if time allows — most itineraries stop at the famous rock formations, missing genuinely excellent hiking a couple of hours further on.
Typical range: $120–$280 per night along the route, plus a rental car.
Sephari’s Outdoor & Adventure Gear collection has the layering pieces this coastal route’s changeable weather rewards.