Police said a Chinese tourist, who was driving the car, was hurrying to get to the Twelve Apostles to see the sunset. They alleged his Ford Falcon station wagon was overtaking a Toyota campervan when the collision occurred about nine kilometres east of Princetown just before 6pm.

Police said the driver, in his 20s, was travelling west towards Port Campbell when he overtook the campervan across double lines. Four motorcyclists from Melbourne were travelling in the opposite direction at the time.

The leading rider, on a Suzuki, attempted to negotiate between the car and van, but struck the car on the left-hand guard.

The rider, a man in his 30s, fell off and suffered suspected leg and arm fractures. He was taken to the Warrnambool Base Hospital and is expected to undergo surgery.

The three other motorcyclists took evasive action and were able to avoid the vehicles.

Police said the campervan was being driven by a South Australian heading home towards the end of the Easter long weekend. 

The Chinese man, who is on a 12-month working holiday in Australia, is expected to be charged on summons with offences which may include dangerous driving and crossing double lines.

Senior Constable Greg Skinner, of Port Campbell police, said it was unbelievable that someone was not killed.

“Those involved were incredibly lucky,” he said. “It was an extremely busy weekend along the Great Ocean Road. Drivers have to be patient. You simply do not know who is coming the other way.”