How can we drive the Great Ocean Road and Ballarat at a gentler pace?

Book accommodation where meals are easy to reach and set a daily turnaround point so a slow morning does not put the next check-in at risk.

Check driving time on the inland leg to Ballarat separately from the scenic coast; the two routes reward different stops.

Use several nights on the coast rather than trying to reach every viewpoint in one day, and keep one flexible rest afternoon.