Great Ocean Road

A world-class coastal drive: the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge sea stacks and the Otway rainforest, with stays at Apollo Bay or Port Campbell.

The Great Ocean Road runs along the southwest coast of Victoria, Australia, from Torquay, about 100 km southwest of Melbourne, to near Warrnambool. It is about 243 km long, was built by soldiers returning from World War I and is known as "the world's largest war memorial," and is one of the most famous coastal drives in the world.

Highlights by section: ① Surf Coast (Torquay to Lorne) – Bells Beach, Split Point Lighthouse and the Memorial Arch, with the road winding along the cliffs; ② Otway Ranges (Lorne to Cape Otway) – Lorne, wild koalas on the Kennett River, Apollo Bay, temperate rainforest waterfalls and the treetop walk, and Cape Otway Lighthouse; ③ Shipwreck Coast (Port Campbell National Park) – the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, the Grotto and the Bay of Islands; ④ Warrnambool at the western end – winter whale watching and the Tower Hill reserve.

Climate and seasons: December–March has the most stable weather and the busiest beaches; autumn brings fewer visitors and softer light; June–September is windy and wet, but you can watch whales at Logans Beach and Cape Otway. Weather over the Southern Ocean is changeable, so bring a windproof jacket all year round.

Getting around and where to stay: driving yourself is recommended. A day return to the Twelve Apostles takes about 12 hours and is very rushed; we suggest 2–3 days, staying overnight in Lorne, Apollo Bay or Port Campbell. On the way back you can take the inland A1 highway, about 3 hours to Melbourne. You can also join a day tour from Melbourne. Australians drive on the left, the road has many bends, and wildlife often comes onto the road after dusk, so avoid driving at night; mobile phone reception is weak along the way.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries