Victoria, south-west coast · Australia
A 243-kilometre coastal drive of surf beaches, rainforest and limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, and one of the world's great road trips.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Great Ocean Road runs for about 243 km along Victoria's south-west coast, from Torquay to Allansford. It was built between 1919 and 1932 by returned soldiers of the First World War, as a memorial to their fallen comrades, and it is often called the world's largest war memorial. The road hugs cliffs and beaches, and is a slow, winding drive that is as much about the stops as the destination.
The route passes surf beaches such as Bells Beach, seaside towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, the temperate Otway rainforest with waterfalls and tall trees, and finally the spectacular Shipwreck Coast, where limestone cliffs and stacks have been carved by the Southern Ocean. The best-known are the Twelve Apostles, though fewer than a dozen stacks now remain, and one collapsed in 2005.
Many visitors do it as a long day trip from Melbourne, which is tiring, and it is much better with a night or two on the road. Koalas in the trees at Kennett River, whales offshore in winter, and small fishing towns make it rewarding for those who take their time.
Why visit
It is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and easy to reach from Melbourne.
A group of limestone stacks in the sea, at their best at sunrise and sunset.
Cliffs, gorges, arches and sea stacks along the Shipwreck Coast.
The Otway Ranges have giant trees, ferns and tumbling falls.
Wild koalas, kangaroos, and whales in the winter months.
Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Fairy for seafood and a slower pace.
Main attractions
The route is best in stages, with stops for scenery and walks.
Limestone stacks standing off the cliff line near Port Campbell, best seen from the boardwalks and viewing platforms. Helicopter flights are available.
Tip Go at sunrise or late afternoon, when tour buses are fewer.
A gorge with a small beach and dramatic cliffs, named after a ship wrecked in 1878. Only two of the 54 people on board survived.
Tip Walk down to the beach.
A natural limestone arch formerly known as London Bridge, whose span collapsed in 1990, stranding two visitors on the outer section, who were rescued by helicopter.
Tip See it on the same stop as the Grotto.
Lorne is a popular beach town with waterfalls in the hinterland, including Erskine Falls, and the Otway rainforest inland, with the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
Tip Stay a night.
A short stretch of road where koalas are often seen in gum trees, along with colourful parrots.
Tip Look up, and do not feed the birds.
One of the most famous surf breaks in the world, near Torquay, home of the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition.
Tip Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay.
Things to do
The road is the experience, with time for walks, wildlife and food.
Take the route slowly, stopping at lookouts.
Tip Allow twice as long as the drive time.
The stacks glow in the low light, and crowds are thinner.
Tip Stay nearby to avoid driving in the dark.
Short walks to waterfalls, or the treetop walk in the canopy.
Tip Bring a rain jacket.
See wild koalas in eucalypts near the road.
Tip Go in the morning.
Lessons are available at the surf beaches.
Tip Book a lesson.
Southern right whales come to Warrnambool from May to September.
Tip Look from the Logans Beach viewing platform.
Local food
The Great Ocean Road has excellent seafood and local produce, and small-town cafés.
Crayfish, scallops, abalone and fish and chips at harbour-side cafés.
Where to try it Apollo Bay and Port Fairy.
Cheese and milk from the nearby dairy farms.
Where to try it Cafés in the hinterland.
Pinot noir and chardonnay from the Otways and Geelong.
Where to try it Cellar doors near Torquay.
Small breweries in Apollo Bay and Torquay.
Where to try it Local pubs.
Hearty meat pies from coastal bakeries.
Where to try it Small-town bakeries.
Accommodation
Small towns along the route offer everything from motels to boutique stays.
Transport
The road starts about 100 km south-west of Melbourne.
A car is the best way, and the road is slow.
When to go
The south coast has a cool, changeable climate, with rain and wind in winter and pleasant summers.
Warm, dry and busy, with long days.
Settled weather and fewer people.
Cold, wet and stormy, but with whales and dramatic seas.
Wildflowers and variable weather.
Worth planning around: Summer weekends and school holidays, when the road is busy.
Itinerary
The first half on the first day, and the Shipwreck Coast on the second.
Surf and rainforest.
Rocks and sunset.
Travel tips
A few tips make the drive better.
FAQ
The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours from Torquay to Allansford without stops. Allow two days.
Yes, but it is a long day of about 12 hours. It is better with a night on the way.
There were never twelve, and fewer than a dozen stacks remain. One collapsed in 2005.
December to April for weather. Winter has whales but is wet.
It is best, but tours are available.
At patrolled beaches such as Lorne, yes. Many beaches have strong currents and no lifeguards.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with the Great Ocean Road, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Victoria, south-east Australia, Australia
A sophisticated city of coffee culture, street art, grand Victorian architecture, galleries, markets and sport, with day trips to the Yarra Valley, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road.
Don't miss Wandering the laneways with a flat white in hand, from Hosier Lane's murals to the hidden cafés behind Flinders Street.
Explore Destination — MelbourneTasmania, island state south of the mainland, Australia
Australia's island state: Hobart and MONA, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur, Bruny Island and a wilderness of national parks, with a superb food scene.
Don't miss The view of Wineglass Bay from the lookout, a perfect white crescent of sand between pink granite peaks.
Explore Destination — TasmaniaNew South Wales, east coast, Australia
Australia's largest city: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, the Botanic Garden, Bondi and Manly beaches, cliff walks, ferries and a lively food and café scene.
Don't miss A ferry across the harbour at sunset, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge lit gold behind you.
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