Introduction: The World's Most Beautiful War Memorial
Hugging the contours of Victoria's rugged southern coast, the Great Ocean Road is widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. This 243-kilometer (151-mile) route winds its way from Torquay to Allansford, carving a path through diverse landscapes of breathtaking coastal vistas, lush rainforests, and charming seaside towns.
What many visitors don't realize is that this stunning road is actually the world's largest war memorial. Built between 1919 and 1932 by returned soldiers from World War I, the Great Ocean Road was dedicated to their fallen comrades. More than 3,000 soldiers worked with picks and shovels to forge this path through previously inaccessible terrain, creating not just a vital transportation link but a lasting tribute carved into the very landscape of Australia.
Today, the Great Ocean Road is much more than just a memorial. It's a gateway to some of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions, world-class surfing breaks, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're driving the full route or exploring specific sections, the Great Ocean Road offers experiences that capture the essence of Australia's beauty and spirit.
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Journey
While it's technically possible to drive the Great Ocean Road in a single day from Melbourne, doing so would mean missing much of what makes this route special. To truly appreciate the diverse attractions and hidden gems along the way, consider these timing options:
Weekend Trip (2-3 days): A weekend gives you enough time to see the major highlights, including the Twelve Apostles and other key limestone formations, plus enjoy a few stops in coastal towns and take some short walks.
Extended Journey (4-7 days): This allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you time to explore inland detours to waterfalls and national parks, spend time at beaches, and really soak in the atmosphere of the communities along the route.
Direction of Travel: While most tourists drive from Melbourne westward (starting at Torquay and ending near Warrnambool), there are advantages to traveling in the opposite direction. Driving east to west means you'll be on the ocean side of the road, with better access to lookouts. However, driving west to east puts you on the cliffside lane with arguably better views while driving.
Best Time to Visit: The Great Ocean Road can be traveled year-round, but each season offers different advantages:
Summer (December-February): Warm temperatures perfect for beach activities, but this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions.
Autumn (March-May): Milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful changing colors in the forest areas.
Winter (June-August): The coolest and wettest time, but also the quietest. Winter offers dramatic ocean views with powerful waves, and it's whale watching season. The Twelve Apostles can be less crowded, especially midweek.
Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom, temperatures begin to warm, and tourist numbers are moderate.
Driving Safety Tips
The Great Ocean Road features numerous curves and can be narrow in sections. Drive cautiously, especially around blind corners. Wildlife is often active at dawn and dusk, so be extra vigilant during these times. Heavy rainfall can occasionally cause landslides, so check road conditions if traveling during or after wet weather. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in some areas, so download maps for offline use. Remember to drive on the left side of the road, and never stop in the middle of the road for photos—use designated lookout points instead.
Highlights of the Journey: East to West
The Great Ocean Road offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and experiences as it winds along the coast. Here are the key sections and highlights, following the route from east to west:
The Surf Coast: Torquay to Lorne (45km)
Beginning in Torquay, Australia's surfing capital and home to iconic Bells Beach, the Great Ocean Road officially starts with a memorial arch just outside the town of Anglesea. This section features beautiful beaches, excellent surf breaks, and charming coastal towns.
Key stops include:
• Bells Beach: Famous worldwide for the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition held annually since 1961.
• Anglesea: Known for its riverside setting and golf course where kangaroos freely roam the fairways.
• Aireys Inlet: Home to the iconic Split Point Lighthouse, featured in the children's TV show "Round the Twist."
• Fairhaven Beach: Victoria's longest beach, offering 6km of pristine sand.
• Lorne: A sophisticated seaside town with excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, and beautiful Loutit Bay.
The Otway Ranges: Lorne to Apollo Bay (47km)
This section features some of the most dramatic coastal scenery of the entire route, with the road clinging to cliffs as it winds between the mountains and the sea. It's also where the temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges meets the coast.
Key stops include:
• Teddy's Lookout: Offering spectacular views over the winding Great Ocean Road and the coastline.
• Kennett River: One of the best places to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat — look up into the eucalyptus trees along Grey River Road.
• Cape Patton Lookout: A panoramic viewpoint 100 meters above the ocean.
• Marriners Lookout: Just outside Apollo Bay, offering sweeping views of the town and coastline.
• Apollo Bay: A working fishing port with excellent seafood restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere than Lorne.
The Otway Rainforest Detour
From Apollo Bay, a worthwhile inland detour takes you into the heart of Great Otway National Park, where ancient rainforests, fern-filled gullies, and magnificent waterfalls await.
Key stops include:
• Great Otway National Park: Featuring walking trails through temperate rainforest.
• Otway Fly Treetop Adventures: Offering both a treetop walkway and zipline experiences through the forest canopy.
• Hopetoun Falls: A spectacular 30-meter waterfall accessible via a walking track.
• Californian Redwood Forest: A serene plantation of towering redwoods planted in the 1930s along the Aire River.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.
The Shipwreck Coast: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (87km)
The most famous section of the Great Ocean Road takes you past the limestone stacks, gorges, and arches that have made this coastline internationally renowned. This stretch has witnessed numerous shipwrecks, giving it its ominous name.
Key stops include:
• Gibson Steps: 86 steps leading down to the beach, offering ground-level views of two offshore limestone stacks.
• Twelve Apostles: The iconic collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean (currently eight remain standing).
• Loch Ard Gorge: Named after an 1878 shipwreck, this dramatic inlet features sheer cliffs and a picturesque beach.
• The Arch: A natural rock arch sculpted by the power of the ocean.
• London Bridge: Once connected to the mainland until its middle section collapsed in 1990, leaving two tourists temporarily stranded.
• The Grotto: A unique formation that is part blowhole, part archway, and part cave.
• Port Campbell: A small fishing village that serves as the main access point for the famous rock formations.
The Final Stretch: Port Campbell to Allansford (64km)
The westernmost section of the Great Ocean Road continues to offer spectacular coastal scenery before turning inland near Peterborough.
Key stops include:
• Bay of Islands: Often overlooked in favor of the Twelve Apostles, this collection of limestone stacks offers equally impressive views with far fewer crowds.
• Bay of Martyrs: Offering spectacular coastal views and access to secluded beaches.
• Warrnambool: A large regional city where southern right whales come to calve between June and September.
• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: An extinct volcano crater now home to abundant wildlife including koalas, emus, and kangaroos.
• Allansford: The official end of the Great Ocean Road, marked by a simple sign that many travelers stop to photograph.
Beyond the Highlights: Hidden Gems
While the famous limestone formations rightfully attract attention, the Great Ocean Road offers numerous lesser-known treasures that reward those willing to venture beyond the standard tourist trail:
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: A 30-minute loop walk on a boardwalk through ancient cool temperate rainforest near Apollo Bay, showcasing giant ferns and 300-year-old trees.
Johanna Beach: A spectacular, often windswept beach popular with experienced surfers and known for its dramatic scenery. It's also a great alternative camping spot when other locations are full.
Melba Gully: Known as the "Jewel of the Otways," this lush rainforest area is especially magical at night when glow worms create a natural light display.
Castle Cove: A beautiful, sheltered beach between Glenaire and Johanna with interpretive signs explaining the area's dinosaur fossil discoveries.
Beauchamp Falls: Less visited than other waterfalls in the region, this 20-meter cascade requires a moderately challenging 3km return hike but rewards with serene beauty.
Cape Otway Wildlife Walk: Dawn and dusk walks near the Cape Otway Lightstation offer excellent opportunities to spot kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas in natural settings.
Wreck Beach: Accessible via 366 steps near Moonlight Head, this remote beach features the anchors of two shipwrecks visible at low tide—a haunting reminder of the treacherous coastline.
Photography Tips
The Twelve Apostles are most photogenic at sunrise when they're bathed in golden light and crowds are minimal. For sunset, the view from Gibson Steps beach or the viewing platform at Loch Ard Gorge offers spectacular lighting. When photographing the rainforest, overcast days provide the best light to capture the vibrant greens without harsh shadows. Consider bringing both wide-angle and telephoto lenses to capture both sweeping coastal panoramas and wildlife details. A tripod is essential for low-light situations, especially for sunrise/sunset shots or nighttime photography of the southern stars above the rock formations.
Cultural Experiences and Local Flavors
The Great Ocean Road isn't just about natural beauty—it also offers rich cultural experiences and delicious local produce:
Aboriginal Heritage: The coastline has been home to Indigenous communities for thousands of years. The Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung people are the Traditional Owners of different sections of the Great Ocean Road. Learn about their connection to country at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where indigenous guides offer cultural walks, or visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre near Torquay.
Maritime History: The treacherous waters along this coast claimed over 700 ships before modern navigation. Explore this history at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool, featuring a fascinating museum and an evening sound and light show called "Tales of the Shipwreck Coast."
Local Produce: The Great Ocean Road region is a food lover's paradise:
• Dairy: Sample award-winning cheeses at Apostle Whey Cheese or Timboon Cheesery.
• Seafood: Enjoy freshly caught crayfish, abalone, and fish at Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op or Port Campbell's restaurants.
• Craft Beverages: Visit boutique breweries like Salt Brewing in Aireys Inlet, Sow & Piglets in Port Campbell, or distilleries such as the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery.
• Chocolates and Ice Cream: Don't miss the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery near Anglesea or G.O.R.G.E. Chocolates in the Otway hinterland.
Farmers Markets: Weekend markets in towns along the route offer a chance to meet local producers and purchase fresh produce. Notable markets include Torquay (1st Saturday), Lorne (3rd Sunday), and Apollo Bay (seasonal).
Arts and Crafts: The spectacular scenery has attracted artists for generations. Explore galleries in Lorne and Apollo Bay, or visit individual studios in the Otway hinterland towns like Forrest and Beech Forest.
Accommodation Options
The Great Ocean Road offers accommodation to suit every preference and budget:
Luxury Retreats: For those seeking indulgence, properties like Alkina Lodge near the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road Resort in Anglesea, or RACV Torquay Resort offer high-end amenities and exceptional views.
Boutique B&Bs: Charming options include Chocolate Gannets in Apollo Bay, Anchors Port Campbell, and numerous historic guesthouses in Lorne and other coastal towns.
Mid-Range Hotels and Motels: All major towns offer comfortable accommodation options, with ocean views commanding premium rates.
Budget-Friendly: Hostels can be found in Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell. The Port Campbell Hostel is particularly well-located for exploring the Twelve Apostles area.
Camping and Caravanning: From well-equipped holiday parks in towns to more basic national park campgrounds, camping is a popular way to experience the region. The Cumberland River Holiday Park near Lorne and Johanna Beach campground offer particularly scenic settings. Advance bookings are essential during peak periods.
Unique Stays: Consider lighthouse keeper's cottages at Cape Otway, converted churches, or eco-retreats in the Otway Ranges for a memorable experience.
During peak season (December-January) and holiday weekends, accommodation can book out months in advance, particularly in smaller towns like Port Campbell that are close to major attractions. If traveling during these periods, securing accommodation should be your first priority when planning.
Activities and Experiences
Beyond sightseeing, the Great Ocean Road offers numerous activities for travelers of all interests:
Walking and Hiking: From short coastal walks to multi-day treks, options include:
• Great Ocean Walk: A 100km dedicated walking trail from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, which can be tackled in full (5-8 days) or in shorter sections.
• Shorter Options: The Sheoak Falls walk near Lorne (30 minutes return), the Shelley Beach Circuit at Cape Otway (1 hour), or the Port Campbell Discovery Walk (1 hour) all offer excellent coastal views.
Water Activities:
• Surfing: From the beginner-friendly breaks at Torquay's Cosy Corner to the world-class waves at Bells Beach, surfers of all levels will find suitable conditions.
• Kayaking: Paddle along the coast or explore inland waterways like the Gellibrand River.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The marine protected areas at Marengo and Point Addis offer excellent underwater exploration.
Wildlife Encounters:
• Whale Watching: From June to September, southern right whales can be spotted from Logan's Beach in Warrnambool or Cape Otway.
• Platypus Spotting: Dawn and dusk tours at Lake Elizabeth near Forrest offer the chance to see these elusive monotremes.
• Bird Watching: The diverse habitats along the Great Ocean Road support over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for ornithologists.
Scenic Flights: For a truly unforgettable perspective, helicopter or fixed-wing flights over the Twelve Apostles and coastline are available from Twelve Apostles Helicopters near Port Campbell or from airports in Torquay and Apollo Bay.
Mountain Biking: The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in the Otway Ranges feature over 60km of purpose-built trails catering to all skill levels.
Fishing: Cast a line from beaches, rocks, jetties, or join a charter for deep-sea fishing.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
Getting There: The Great Ocean Road starts approximately 100km from Melbourne. You can:
• Drive your own vehicle (preferred for maximum flexibility)
• Rent a car in Melbourne (numerous rental agencies available at the airport and in the city)
• Join an organized tour (options range from day trips to multi-day experiences)
• Use public transport (V/Line trains to Geelong connect with buses to towns along the route, though this significantly limits your ability to see attractions between towns)
Food and Fuel: Major towns like Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Warrnambool have multiple dining options and fuel stations. In smaller locations and during off-peak seasons, opening hours may be limited. It's advisable to refuel whenever you're below half a tank, as distances between service stations can be considerable, especially if taking inland detours.
Mobile Coverage: While major towns have good coverage, there are dead zones along the route, particularly in the Otway Ranges and some coastal sections. Download maps and any necessary information for offline use before departing.
Weather Considerations: The Great Ocean Road has a temperate climate, but conditions can change rapidly, especially along exposed coastal sections. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, even in summer. Strong winds are common near the Twelve Apostles, so secure hats and loose items.
Avoiding Crowds: The Twelve Apostles receive up to 2 million visitors annually, with peak crowds between 11 AM and 3 PM. Visit early morning or near sunset for a more peaceful experience. Consider exploring the equally impressive but less crowded formations like the Bay of Islands or visiting midweek during shoulder seasons.
Accessibility: Many of the major lookouts, including the Twelve Apostles main viewing platform, are wheelchair accessible. The Great Ocean Road website provides detailed accessibility information for specific attractions.
Sustainable Tourism
The Great Ocean Road's natural beauty attracts millions of visitors annually, creating environmental challenges. Here's how you can minimize your impact:
Stay on Designated Paths: Coastal vegetation is fragile and vital for preventing erosion. Stick to marked trails and viewing platforms.
Wildlife Ethics: Observe animals from a respectful distance. Never feed native wildlife as it disrupts their natural behaviors and can cause harm.
Waste Management: Carry out all rubbish, including organic waste, which can introduce weeds and attract feral animals.
Water Conservation: Despite the ocean proximity, many Great Ocean Road communities face water restrictions. Be mindful of your usage, especially during summer.
Support Local: Choose locally owned accommodation, eateries, and tour operators. This ensures tourism benefits local communities and helps preserve the region's character.
Seasonal Visiting: Consider traveling during shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) to reduce pressure on infrastructure and natural areas during peak periods.
Carbon Offset: The Great Ocean Road is primarily experienced by car. Consider offsetting your journey's carbon emissions through recognized schemes.
Conclusion: Beyond a Road Trip
The Great Ocean Road offers far more than just a scenic drive—it's a journey through diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and stories that capture the essence of Australia. From the thundering surf of Bells Beach to the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, from ancient rainforests to charming coastal communities, every twist and turn of this legendary route reveals new wonders.
What makes the Great Ocean Road truly special is how it connects visitors to the rich tapestry of Australian experiences: the laid-back beach culture, the raw power of the Southern Ocean, the ancient wisdom of Indigenous traditions, the pioneering spirit of early settlers, and the resilience represented by its very construction.
Whether you drive its entire length or focus on a particular section, the Great Ocean Road provides memories that last a lifetime. Take your time, venture beyond the famous landmarks, connect with local communities, and allow yourself to be surprised by unexpected discoveries along the way.
As Australia's most iconic road trip, the Great Ocean Road isn't just about reaching a destination—it's about embracing the journey itself, with all its beauty, history, and ever-changing moods.