Great Ocean Road

Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria's south-west coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most spectacular coastal drives. Carved by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, this winding road offers breathtaking ocean views, ancient rainforests, and iconic rock formations. It's a must-do road trip for any traveller exploring Victoria.

Highlights & What to See

• The Twelve Apostles – The star attraction: towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset when the golden light paints the cliffs.
• Loch Ard Gorge – A dramatic shipwreck site with a beautiful beach and walking trails that recount the story of the 1878 Loch Ard wreck.
• Great Otway National Park – Detour inland for a walk among towering mountain ash trees, waterfalls like Triplet Falls, and the chance to see wild koalas.
• Gibson Steps – Descend the steep staircase to walk on the beach right beneath the towering cliffs and Apostles.
• Bells Beach – Just south of Torquay, this world-famous surf break hosts the Rip Curl Pro and is a pilgrimage site for surfers.
• Port Campbell National Park – Home to the Apostles, the Gorge, and the Arch, with scenic boardwalks and lookouts.
• London Bridge – A collapsed natural arch that is now an island, accessible via a short walk from the car park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Ideally, allow at least two full days to drive the entire road from Torquay to Warrnambool (or vice versa). This lets you stop at all major viewpoints, take short walks, and spend a night in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell. If you're short on time, a day trip from Ballarat can cover the highlights between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles, but you'll miss the western end. For a relaxed pace, three days allows for a detour into the Otways and a visit to the Cape Otway Lightstation.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ballarat – 90 minutes inland, this historic gold-rush city offers Sovereign Hill, fine dining, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
• Torquay – The eastern gateway to the Great Ocean Road, known for its surf beaches and the Australian National Surfing Museum.
• Port Fairy – A charming fishing village at the road's western end, with historic cottages and a relaxed vibe.
• Grampians National Park – About two hours north of Warrnambool, this park features dramatic sandstone ranges, Aboriginal rock art, and hiking trails.
• Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – A zipline and elevated walkway through the rainforest canopy, perfect for families and adventure seekers.

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