Great Ocean Road

Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria’s rugged south-west coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives. Carved by returned soldiers after WWI, this scenic route offers dramatic cliffs, ancient rainforests, and world-famous surf breaks. Whether you’re chasing the Twelve Apostles at sunrise or spotting koalas in the wild, this road trip is an essential Australian experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Twelve Apostles: The iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and golden light.
• Loch Ard Gorge: A dramatic shipwreck site with a beautiful beach and walking trails that tell the story of the Loch Ard’s 1878 wreck.
• Great Otway National Park: Hike through temperate rainforest to see the 30-metre-high Triplet Falls, and keep an eye out for glow-worms at night.
• Bells Beach: Australia’s most famous surf beach, home to the Rip Curl Pro. Even if you don’t surf, the views from the cliffs are epic.
• Gibson Steps: Descend 86 steps to the beach for a close-up view of the sea stacks – best at low tide.
• Kennet River: Stop here to spot wild koalas dozing in eucalypts, and watch for crimson rosellas and king parrots in the picnic area.
• Port Campbell: A charming fishing village that’s the perfect base for exploring the shipwreck coast, with excellent seafood and a lively pub.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2–3 days driving the Great Ocean Road, allowing time to stop at all the key lookouts, do short walks, and enjoy the coastal towns. If you’re short on time, a full day from Melbourne can hit the highlights as far as the Twelve Apostles, but you’ll be rushing. For a deeper experience, take three days: day one from Torquay to Apollo Bay, day two from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell, and day three exploring the western end before heading inland. The drive itself is part of the experience – allow extra time for spontaneous stops at empty beaches and viewpoints.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Melbourne: Start or end your road trip in Victoria’s vibrant capital, where you can explore laneways, food markets, and cultural institutions before hitting the coast.
• Geelong: A lively city on Corio Bay with a revitalised waterfront, excellent cafés, and the striking Geelong Gallery. A good first stop from Melbourne.
• Phillip Island: Famous for the Penguin Parade, this island also offers the Nobbies boardwalks, koala conservation centre, and a Grand Prix circuit. It’s a 2-hour drive from the Great Ocean Road’s eastern end.
• Grampians National Park: About 3 hours inland from Port Campbell, the Grampians offer spectacular hiking, Aboriginal rock art sites, and panoramic lookouts like the Pinnacle.
• Port Fairy: A historic fishing village with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, a Sunday market, and access to the Moyne River.

Please check official sources for current details.