Be intrigued by one of the world’s most renowned coastal scenic drives. Take a magical journey and marvel at the endless coastal scenery, meet the friendly locals, say G'day to unique Australian wildlife, discover rare flora, and explore the quirky seaside towns. Uncover all the highlights and hidden gems found along this spectacular coastline.
Australian National Heritage listed, the Great Ocean Road is an absolutely jaw-dropping experience. The start of the scenic drive is located approximately 100 kilometres from Melbourne in the colourful town of Torquay and ends 243 kilometres later in Allansford, near Warrnambool. Over 100 years old, it is also the largest War Memorial in the world.
Along the way, discover ancient forests with the largest collection of eucalyptus trees in all of Australia. Visit Apollo Bay, a seafood village, rich with creative artists, sandy beaches and rolling green hills. Get a bird's eye view of the Twelve Apostles, the London Bridge, Shipwreck Coast and Loch Ard Gorge. Explore Lorne, Port Fairy, Port Campbell and Aireys Inlet. And spot unique wildlife at Cape Otway.
The entire coastline along the Great Ocean Road has cosy towns, beautiful rock formations, stunning beaches and endless views. The most eye-catching was the rock formation of The Twelve Apostles and spotting koalas.
Catherine and Lambert, TravelEssence customers
Whether you self-drive or take a tour together with a small group and a local guide, there is so much to see and do along the Great Ocean Road. Be sure to stop and cherish all the charming towns along the way. Go for a swim at Johanna Beach, visit Erskine Falls or hire a canoe in Anglesea and discover the life on the water!
For the best lookouts be sure to stop by Mount Elephant, Teddys Lookout, Logans Beach, Warrnambool, Mt Noorat, Cape Patton, and the 12 Apostles. Or be enchanted by the Red Rock Lookout! Visit Triplet Falls and discover the ancient rainforest, a mystical waterfall and spectacular views of cascades.
Pack a picnic and take a stroll along the Sabine Falls Walk or conquer the Shelly Beach Circuit Walk which is renowned for being one of the best short walks along the Great Ocean Road. Spot local wildlife on the Grey River Road or the Kennett River Koala Walk. Learn how to surf, climb up a lighthouse or get better connected with nature on the Kalimna Falls Trail (eight kilometres).
Soak up the friendly coastal vibes in Apollo Bay, a seafood village along the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. An ideal base to explore the famous Twelve Apostles, this seaside surf town features pristine beaches, rolling green hills and the Great Otway National Park. In the harbour, you will find the oldest lighthouse on the mainland of Australia, which has been continuously operational since 1848.
Set amongst raw dramatic scenery, this natural playground is ideal for a variety of water sports such as diving, boating and swimming. Learn how to surf on one of the gorgeous beaches or fish in the calm rivers. Try stand-up paddleboarding or play a round of golf at Anglesea golf course and spot kangaroos.
Say G’day to koalas or go on a waterfall bushwalk and spot native birds. Meet creative artists at the local markets or taste locally-grown produce at the restaurants. Visit Lake Elizabeth, have a picnic and spot platypus. Follow the Apollo Bay History Trail or the Apollo Bay Sculpture Trail. Marriner's Lookout is a great lookout point of the coast and Apollo Bay.
One of your first stops along the Great Ocean Road should be the little seaside town of Lorne, located approximately two hours southeast of Melbourne. Perfect for holidaymakers, unwind in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and discover a vibrant art scene and a buzzing local community.
Immerse yourself in a natural wonderland where wildlife roams freely. Take a wander to Shelley Beach and admire the natural rock pools. Go waterfall hopping and be sure to visit Erskine Falls or cool off in the dazzling waters of Loutit Bay.
Situated 174 kilometres west of Melbourne, Kennett River is located just 27 kilometres from the touristic town of Lorne. This little town is renowned for whale watching, stunning coastal views, and surfing opportunities and is a gateway to the Great Otway National Park. A wildlife haven, keep a lookout for koalas, kookaburras, cockatoos and glowworms.
Feel the surf vibes at Torquay, home to the famous Bells Beach and the official starting point to the Great Ocean Road. This colourful beachside town is filled with many things to do and see. Visit the Surf World Surfing Museum, go snorkelling around Point Danger Marine Sanctuary or conquer the Surf Coast Walk.
The Rip Curl Pro is a surfing competition held annually on Bells Beach. If you are visiting during Easter, you may get lucky and get to see some of the world's best surfers compete in this surfing competition. Watch in awe as the large swells from the Southern Ocean hit the reef-strewn shallows to create the perfect waves.
Located 275 kilometres west of Melbourne, approximately four hours along the Great Ocean Road, you will find the iconic stacks rising up out of the Southern Ocean known as the 12 Apostles. Formed by erosion that began approximately 10 to 20 million years ago, these limestone cliffs are a must-visit during your visit to Victoria. Watch in awe as the sunsets or rises over these natural wonders and marvel at a spectacle of colour.
These spectacular pillars along the Shipwreck Coast known as the 12 Apostles have a rich and exciting history that has led them to become iconic Australian rock formations. There are currently only eight apostles that remain, off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.
One of our favourite viewpoints is from the end of the Great Ocean Road Walk. Park your car at the Tourist Centre of the 12 Apostles. From here it is a one-kilometre walk and then follow the signs to the Great Ocean Walk, past the Gibson Steps, another kilometre
The London Bridge, also known as the London Arch is situated near the 12 Apostles and is definitely worth checking out. Before 1990, London Bridge was connected to the mainland. However, due to a massive structure collapse on the 15th of January 1990, part of the bridge collapsed into the ocean. Everchanging, the best time to visit London Arch is during sunrise or sunset.
Part of the Port Campbell National Park, Loch Ard Gorge is a popular spot for tourists along the Great Ocean Road, just a few minutes from the 12 Apostles. Featuring wild beauty, it’s one of the few places along the Great Ocean Road that can also be accessed from the beach. Nearby, you can visit the Loch Ard Cemetery, Sherbrook River, and Thunder Cave. To avoid the crowds, try to visit earlier in the day.
Discover a colourful and lively seafood town known as Port Campbell. An ideal spot to stop and enjoy local cafes and restaurants by the beach. Go shopping at the vibrant stores and find local homemade goods or visit the local galleries. Are you a foodie? Conquer the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. End the day with a stroll out to the Port Campbell Jetty and watch the wild Southern Ocean.
With an area of 1032 square kilometres, the Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay through to Princetown and up through the Otway hinterlands towards Colac. Featuring sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, temperate rainforest, rugged coastland and much more. Pack a picnic, go mountain biking, horseriding or go camping.
Stretching over 91 kilometres, the Great Ocean Walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take approximately eight days to complete. Starting in Apollo Bay, you will pass through the Great Otway National Park. Keep an eye out for koalas, the Cape Otway Lighthouse, rockpools at Blanket Bay, the world’s tallest flowering plant and the high coastal cliffs of Moonlight Head.
Discover a coastal gem, Port Fairy which is located at the end of the famous Great Ocean Road. Historically, the coastline was used by whalers and seal hunters and was named after the crew of the whaler ship, The Fairy in 1828.
Be sure to visit the large assortment of art, craft, antique and boutique stores scattered all around. Admire wide streets lined with picturesque 19th-century cottages, Norfolk pines and old-fashioned stone churches. Taste the region’s finest produce at an assortment of restaurants and cellar doors.
Absorb the laid-back vibes of Aireys Inlet, a small town located between Lorne and Angelsea. Renowned for its maritime history, natural wonders, and friendly locals. An easy day trip, Aireys Inlet is located approximately 120 kilometres from Melbourne. Watch local surfers catch a wave at Fairhaven Beach, visit Split Point Lighthouse or stop by the Great Ocean Road Gin Distillery.
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