Winding along Australia's southeastern coast, the Great Ocean Road is widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Stretching 243 kilometers (151 miles) from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria, this Australian National Heritage-listed road offers breathtaking ocean vistas, lush rainforests, dramatic cliff formations, and charming coastal towns.
The Great Ocean Road: A Brief History
The Great Ocean Road isn't just a spectacular drive—it's also the world's largest war memorial. Built between 1919 and 1932 by returned soldiers from World War I, the road was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the conflict. Over 3,000 ex-servicemen worked on its construction, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, using only picks, shovels, and horse-drawn carts.
This ambitious project served multiple purposes: to provide employment for returning soldiers, create better access to isolated coastal communities, and establish a major tourism asset for Victoria. Today, it stands as a testament to human perseverance and engineering achievement, while providing visitors with access to some of Australia's most stunning landscapes.
"The Great Ocean Road is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Every curve reveals a new perspective, every stop offers a different experience. It's Australia at its most dramatic and beautiful."
— Tourism Australia
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip
How Much Time to Allow
While it's technically possible to drive the Great Ocean Road in a single day from Melbourne (as many tour companies offer), this rushed approach means missing much of what makes the journey special. For a more rewarding experience, consider the following timeframes:
- 2 Days: A reasonable minimum to see the highlights without excessive rushing.
- 3-4 Days: Ideal for most visitors, allowing time to explore towns, beaches, and attractions at a comfortable pace.
- 5+ Days: Perfect for those who want to truly immerse themselves in the region, with time for hiking, wildlife spotting, and detours to inland attractions.
Direction of Travel
While you can drive the Great Ocean Road in either direction, many experienced travelers recommend heading west from Melbourne (counter-clockwise). This puts you on the ocean side of the road for better views and easier stops at scenic lookouts. Starting early in the morning also means you'll have the afternoon light illuminating the Twelve Apostles and other key formations.
Getting There
Most Great Ocean Road journeys begin in Melbourne. From there, you have several options:
- Self-drive: Rent a car in Melbourne for maximum flexibility (recommended).
- Guided tours: Numerous operators offer day trips and multi-day tours.
- Public transport: Limited bus services connect major towns, but this restricts your ability to stop at viewpoints and attractions.
Driving Tip
The Great Ocean Road has many curves and can be busy during peak season. Drive cautiously, especially around blind corners, and be prepared to share the road with cyclists and tourists stopping for photos. Fill up your fuel tank whenever you have the opportunity as service stations can be spaced quite far apart.
The Perfect 3-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (180 km)
Torquay
Your journey begins in Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and the surfing capital of Australia. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum to learn about the country's surfing heritage, or watch surfers tackle the famous breaks at Bells Beach, home to the world's longest-running surfing competition.
Anglesea
Just 30 minutes from Torquay is Anglesea, known for its beautiful beach and the kangaroos that graze on the local golf course. Stop at the Anglesea Lookout for your first spectacular views of the coastline.
Aireys Inlet
Continue to Aireys Inlet to see the iconic Split Point Lighthouse, featured in the children's TV show "Round the Twist." Climb to the top for panoramic views or take the cliff-top walk for stunning coastal vistas.
Lorne
This seaside resort town is perfect for lunch and a swim at the beach. Don't miss Teddy's Lookout for magnificent views of the Great Ocean Road winding along the coastline. Nature lovers should take a short detour to Erskine Falls, a 30-meter waterfall set in lush rainforest just 10 kilometers from town.
Kennett River
Between Lorne and Apollo Bay, make a stop at Kennett River for one of Australia's best wild koala spotting opportunities. Take a stroll along Grey River Road to see these adorable marsupials dozing in the eucalyptus trees. Colorful king parrots and crimson rosellas often gather here too, and may land on you if you have seeds (available at the local kiosk).
Apollo Bay
End your first day in this charming fishing village. Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset, and rest for the night. Apollo Bay offers accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury apartments.
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (120 km)
Great Otway National Park
Start your second day with a detour inland to the Great Otway National Park, home to ancient rainforests, fern gullies, and magnificent waterfalls. Visit Maits Rest for an easy 30-minute boardwalk through cool temperate rainforest, or the slightly more challenging Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for a walk through the forest canopy.
Cape Otway Lightstation
Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse (built in 1848) sits at the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road. The views from the top are spectacular, and the surrounding area is rich in history, including Aboriginal cultural sites and stories of shipwrecks.
Twelve Apostles
Continue westward to the most famous landmarks along the Great Ocean Road—the magnificent limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Despite the name, there were never actually twelve formations (only nine when named, and currently eight remain standing as erosion continues to shape the coastline).
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the changing light creates dramatic effects on the rock formations. The main viewing platform can get crowded, especially during peak season, so consider taking the Gibson Steps down to the beach for a different perspective (tide permitting).
Loch Ard Gorge
Just a few minutes' drive from the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, named after a ship that ran aground in 1878. The sheltered gorge with its pristine beach is not only beautiful but has a fascinating history of shipwreck and survival. Take the time to explore the various walking paths that lead to different viewpoints and tell the stories of the area.
Port Campbell
This small coastal town is the perfect base for exploring the Shipwreck Coast. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants and spend the night here, allowing you to potentially revisit the Twelve Apostles for sunrise the next morning.
Photography Tip
If you're serious about photography, plan to visit the Twelve Apostles twice: once in the late afternoon of Day 2 for the golden light, and again early the next morning when the coast is less crowded and the light is soft.
Day 3: Port Campbell to Melbourne (via inland route, 290 km)
London Bridge and The Grotto
Continue your exploration of dramatic coastal formations with London Bridge (now known as London Arch since part of it collapsed in 1990), The Arch, and The Grotto—each offering unique geological features and photo opportunities.
Bay of Islands
Often overlooked in favor of the Twelve Apostles, the Bay of Islands offers equally impressive coastal scenery with fewer crowds. This collection of limestone stacks scattered along the shoreline is particularly beautiful in the morning light.
Warrnambool
The largest city in the region marks the official end of the Great Ocean Road. Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to learn about the area's maritime history, or, if you're traveling between June and October, head to Logan's Beach where Southern Right Whales come to calve in the protected nursery waters.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Set inside an extinct volcano, this reserve offers the chance to see kangaroos, koalas, emus, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Take a guided tour with indigenous guides to learn about Aboriginal culture and bush tucker.
Return to Melbourne
From here, most travelers head back to Melbourne via the inland route (A1 Highway), which is faster than retracing the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the historic town of Colac or the gold rush city of Ballarat to break up the journey.
Beyond the Main Attractions: Hidden Gems
While the highlights above form the backbone of most Great Ocean Road trips, consider these lesser-known spots if you have extra time:
- Johanna Beach: A spectacular, often empty beach popular with experienced surfers.
- Beauchamp Falls: A secluded waterfall in the Otways, reached via a moderately challenging 3 km return hike.
- Cape Bridgewater: Past the official end of the Great Ocean Road, this area features petrified forests, blowholes, and a large seal colony.
- Hopkins Falls: Near Warrnambool, these wide falls are especially impressive after rain.
- Forrest: An inland town known for mountain biking trails and a fantastic local brewery.
Where to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road
Accommodation options range from camping to luxury lodges. The main hubs are:
- Torquay: Modern hotels and apartments.
- Lorne: Wide range of options from beachfront hotels to hinterland cottages.
- Apollo Bay: Motels, B&Bs, and beach houses.
- Port Campbell: Small hotels and guesthouses close to the Twelve Apostles.
- Warrnambool: Larger city with diverse accommodation choices.
Booking Advice
Book accommodation well in advance, especially if traveling during Australian school holidays or the summer months (December-February). Many smaller towns have limited options that fill quickly.
Best Time to Drive the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road can be driven year-round, with each season offering different advantages:
- Summer (December-February): Warm weather perfect for beaches and swimming, but the busiest and most expensive time. Temperatures range from 18-26°C (65-80°F).
- Autumn (March-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful changing colors in the Otway forests. Temperatures range from 14-22°C (57-72°F).
- Winter (June-August): The quietest time with the lowest prices, but can be wet and windy. Dramatic stormy skies make for incredible photographs. Temperatures range from 10-15°C (50-59°F).
- Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom, and whale watching is possible. Weather can be changeable but generally pleasant. Temperatures range from 12-19°C (54-66°F).
Food and Dining Highlights
The Great Ocean Road region is known for its fresh seafood, local produce, dairy, and cool-climate wines. Don't miss these culinary experiences:
- Fresh seafood: Try crayfish (rock lobster) in Apollo Bay or fish and chips at Port Campbell.
- Timboon Distillery: Award-winning whisky and other spirits, plus a gourmet café.
- Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Handcrafted chocolates and over 24 ice cream flavors.
- Berry farms: Pick your own strawberries and other berries in season around Colac and Timboon.
- Local wineries: The cool climate produces excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with many cellar doors open for tastings.
Responsible Travel on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road traverses fragile ecosystems and culturally significant areas. Practice responsible tourism by:
- Staying on marked paths and respecting barriers at viewing areas.
- Taking all rubbish with you or using provided bins.
- Observing wildlife from a respectful distance.
- Supporting local businesses and communities.
- Being prepared for changing weather conditions to avoid putting rescue services at risk.
- Respecting Aboriginal cultural sites and learning about their significance.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Drive
The Great Ocean Road isn't simply a coastal highway—it's an immersive journey through some of Australia's most diverse and beautiful landscapes. From surf beaches to rainforests, limestone cliffs to volcanic plains, the route showcases the natural wonders of Victoria in a relatively compact area.
While the iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles will always draw the crowds, it's often the unexpected moments that create the most lasting memories: spotting a koala in the wild, watching the sunrise illuminate the coastline, or discovering a perfect beach with hardly another soul in sight.
By taking the time to explore beyond the main viewpoints and interact with local communities, you'll discover the true magic of the Great Ocean Road—an Australian treasure that rewards those who slow down to appreciate its many layers and stories.