Great Ocean Road

A 243 km scenic road along the Victorian coast southwest of Melbourne, passing surf beaches, Otway rainforest and the Twelve Apostles sea stacks.

The Great Ocean Road (B100) begins at the surf town of Torquay, about 100 km southwest of Melbourne, and runs west along the coasts of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean to Allansford near Warrnambool. It is 243 km long. Built between 1919 and 1932 by veterans of the First World War, it is considered the world's longest war memorial. The eastern section winds along cliffs and bays, past Bells Beach, Anglesea, the Split Point Lighthouse, the Memorial Arch and Lorne. Beyond Apollo Bay the middle section enters the temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges, where you can see koalas, waterfalls and treetop walkways, with a side trip to Cape Otway Lighthouse. The western section enters Port Campbell National Park, where the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, the Grotto, the Bay of Islands and other limestone sea-cut formations are concentrated within about 30 km. It is best driven from east to west, as parking is easier on the seaward side. Allow at least two days and one night, stopping in Lorne, Apollo Bay or Port Campbell. If you are short on time, you can return to Melbourne via the inland A1 highway to make a loop. Towns along the way have plenty of gas and accommodation, but there are many curves and tour buses. Drive on the left, park only in designated lookout areas, and watch for kangaroos and other wildlife crossing the road after sunset.

Great Ocean Road

Along the route