22 Awesome Things to do on the Great Ocean Road
One of the world’s most spectacular drives, Australia’s Great Ocean Road winds past pristine beaches, lush rainforests and impossibly scenic vantage points. Discover the best things to see, eat, and do on the Great Ocean Road, plus where to stay and how to get there in this guide.
We know we’re biased being Victorian and all, but the Great Ocean Road really is one of the most spectacular drives and regions in the world.
What makes it even more special is its diversity; old-growth temperate rainforests kiss the shores where world-class surf breaks, awe-inspiring limestone cliffs burn orange in the sun while the Southern Ocean rages, and sleepy seaside towns are welcoming and friendly.
There are plenty of amazing things to do on the Great Ocean Road, whether it’s adventure and nature, gourmet delights, or simply a relaxing few days away you seek.
Being Melburnians through and through, we’ve actually managed to make our way through most of the Great Ocean Road’s highlights over the years - which is why we’ve put together this guide to the best things to see, do, and eat in one of our favourite places in Victoria.
While a list of 22 things to do might seem a little exhausting (you should see what we had to cut off the list!), many of these are just a short drive from each other, and totally achievable to get through if you’ve got a car and a couple of days to explore the coastline.
INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
WHERE, AND WHAT IS THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD?
One of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road stretches more than 240km from the Victorian coastal town of Torquay, just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, to Allansford, right before the rural hub of Warrnambool.
What many people don’t know is that the Great Ocean Road is also the world’s longest war memorial, built by returned WW1 soldiers as a memorial for all those who lost their lives in the war.
Today, it’s one of Australia’s biggest tourist destinations, and is extremely popular with both locals and tourists alike.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
#1 TAKE A ROAD TRIP ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Taking a road trip along the Great Ocean Road kind of goes without saying; full of bends and epic views, actually making the drive is probably the greatest attraction of the whole Great Ocean road.
The whole 243km stretch of road between Torquay and Allansford is stunning and varied, from rugged coastlines to thick forested roads — but our personal favourite is the stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay, where the views are insanely epic the whole way. Make good use of the viewpoint turnouts, and ensure your camera batteries are fully charged, you’ll want to capture every breathtaking bend!
If you need to hire a car, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com.
Keep an eye out for both our Great Ocean Road road trip itinerary and our guide to what to know before driving the Great Ocean Road - both dropping soon!
Alternatively, if time isn’t on your side or renting a car isn’t your thing, there are plenty of guided Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne too.
We recommend either this day trip from Melbourne that takes in all the highlights in reverse (great for avoiding the crowds at the big attractions!), or this full-day trip that includes sunset at the Twelve Apostles.
THE DETAILS
Where | Great Ocean Road
Car | Book your hire car or even better, van!) through Rentalcars.com
Tours | Great Ocean Road in reverse tour or full-day trip including sunset at the Twelve Apostles
#2 GET A PHOTO AT THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD MEMORIAL ARCH
I mean… did you even go to the Great Ocean Road if you didn’t get a photo of the Great Ocean Road sign?! Didn’t think so!
Erected in honour of the 3,000 returned WWI soldiers who built the road by hand between 1919 and 1932, the wooden arch marks the start of the road and is probably the most iconic, and instagrammed, section of the entire Great Ocean Road.
There’s a carpark to the left of the arch where you can safely park, and there’s space along the side of the road to take photos.
The area does become chaotically busy during peak times, so please be careful!
THE DETAILS
Where | Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
#3 DISCOVER THE SHIPWRECK COAST
The burly stretch of the Southern Ocean coastline that severs mainland Australia from the island state of Tasmania (the last stop before Antarctica!), is rugged and breathtaking — and infamous for its treacherous seas too.
So infamous, in fact, that the 130 km stretch of the Great Ocean Road from Cape Otway through to Port Fairy is known as the Shipwreck Coast, where almost 700 ships and their crews met their end during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of these only about 200 have ever been recovered again, the most famous of which is the Loch Ard (see below!).
For many early European settlers looking to make their fortunes in the goldfields or pastures of colonial Australia, this coast was their first — and last — sighting of Australian land. Rugged and breathtaking on sunny days when the turquoise waves beat against the sheer sandstone cliffs, it’s not hard to see how ships could be swallowed whole and splintered by the violent and unrelenting conditions in bad weather.
Even the British explorer, Matthew Flinders, claimed he had “seldom seen a more fearful section of coastline”.
These days, explorers of a different kind can explore the Shipwreck Coast by land (a much safer vantage point!), and admire the epic coastline, visit places like the infamous Loch Ard Gorge, or take in some of the shipwrecks at Wreck Beach, Apollo Bay, and more.
#4 TAKE IN THE MAJESTIC 12 APOSTLES
Of all the very best things to do on the Great Ocean Road, the number one and hands-down most popular is, of course, the 12 Apostles (read our guide here).
While it’s worth nothing that there are no longer twelve, 4 having eroded and crashed into the ocean below, the eight remaining limestone stacks are still an incredible sight to witness. The stacks were formed more than 20 million years ago, and were once part of the mainland. As the wind and water gradually wore down the coastline, these stacks were left in the wake of the retreating land.
There’s a boardwalk here that takes you all along the best viewpoints of the Apostles and the stunning coastline beyond it, with plenty of epic photography opportunities.
Both sunrise and sunset are magical here, and if you're a keen photographer or simply want to enjoy the place without the insane crowds (especially in the summer months), we recommend getting here super early. Plus you’ll be treated to sweet birdsong and views over a much calmer ocean at this time, too!
THE DETAILS
Where | 12 Apostles Visitors Centre
When | Always open. Kiosk open 10am - 4pm generally.
READ | Our guide to the Twelve Apostles and the Port Campbell National Park
EXPLORE THE BEST OF THE PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK | THINGS TO DO ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
#5 VISIT THE LOCH ARD GORGE
Just a few minute’s drive from the 12 Apostles is the Loch Ard Gorge, one of the most popular stops along the Great Ocean Road beckoning visitors with epic views of the crumbling cliffs that almost encase the pretty beach below.
But while the views are worth the visit alone, a long-ago story of survival that played out here adds a sense of awe and mystery to the place too. On June 1 1878, a soupy fog caused the crew of the Loch Ard to become confused and lost, and the iron-hulled ship was wrecked at the base of nearby Muttonbird Island.
There were only two survivors: wealthy 17 year-old Eva Carmichael who had travelled with her family for new life in the colonies, and Tom Pearce, a teenage ship’s apprentice.
After making it safely ashore thanks to an upturned lifeboat, Tom heard cries from the water and spotted Eva drifting, barely conscious, at the gorge’s mouth. Swimming back out, he bravely struggled for an hour to drag her to shore. Once there, they took shelter in a cave before Tom eventually scaled the sandstone cliffs to seek help from the nearby Glenample Station.
Standing in the gorge today, particularly at beach level, it’s hard to imagine the scene playing out, or the bravery of a teenage Tom scaling the crumbling and unstable 11m high ochre cliffs — which makes it an even more fascinating place to explore.
Wander down to the beach to feel the power of the ocean and see the cave in which they sheltered, admire the views from the main lookout point, visit the Loch Ard Cemetery, or head left towards the Tom and Eva lookout point to take in the area from a whole new angle.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Loch Ard Gorge
Related | Our guide to the Loch Ard Gorge
#6 VISIT SHERBROOK RIVER
In a region where nature’s beauty is all around, the place where the meandering Sherbrook River meets the Southern Ocean is where all its wild, powerful glory can be felt full-force.
It’s hard to adequately describe the rawness of 12ft waves pounding against the rocks on one side of the bay and crashing like thunder on the sandy shoreline on the other, except to say that it’s definitely a stop you need to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary.
It is possible to walk out along the limestone rock outcrop, but a word of extreme caution is necessary: freak waves and huge sprays occur at random and are extremely powerful. Staying a safe distance from the edge is definitely recommended!
Sherbrook River is just a short walk down from the Thunder Cave, and can be accessed from the same car park. The walk down is tarmaced, fairly easy and well-maintained.
A note on safety at Sherbrook River | The beach is unpatrolled and there’s also a permanent rip here which makes the beach extremely dangerous to swim in. In 2019, two life-long lifesavers from Port Campbell lost their lives during a tragic rescue here. Basically, we’re advising you not to swim, or wade, here whatsoever.
#7 SEE THE THUNDER CAVE
You’ll see the power of the Great Ocean Road everywhere you visit on your travels here, but at the Thunder Cave you’ll hear it too.
The Thunder Cave is a narrow cave and gorge that the ocean rushes quickly into, and then booms like a crack of thunder as it folds back on itself and the walls of the cave. While there’s not too much more to the lookout, it’s still mesmerising watching the water swell and anticipating the thunder sound!
The Thunder Cave can be accessed from the Loch Ard Gorge car park.
#8 EXPLORE THE GIBSON STEPS
The Gibson Steps are one of the few places in the Port Campbell National Park that allow for proper beach access, and in doing so, offer up a totally different perspective of the famous 12 Apostles.
Once 86 narrow steps that were hand-carved in to the cliffs by 19th-century landowner Hugh Gibson, today the narrow staircase has been replaced by a far sturdier concrete version with safety railings.
These lead you down to the beach, where cliffs tower above as you wander along the sand, foamy waves pummel the shore, and the limestone stacks of the remaining Apostles loom overhead just a few metres away. It’s an awe-inspiring place to be, and unsurprisingly is one of the most popular things to see on the Great Ocean Road.
Check whether the Steps are open before you go, as the local council does periodically close the steps in order to remove fallen cliff debris that’s landed on the beach (on that note - probably don’t stand too close to the crumbling cliffs when you’re on the beach!).
THE DETAILS
Where | Gibson Steps
#9 ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM THE GROTTO
The Grotto is a super unique spot to see on your Great Ocean Road travels; a pretty sinkhole caused by the erosion of the surrounding limestone cliffs.
As the cliffs have fallen away, they’ve left a kind of window in their wake, through which you can take in the beauty of the calm rock pool (it almost looks like a peaceful spa bath!) offset by the rolling sea behind it.
The stairs down to the grotto are reasonably steep, but totally fine for anyone who can manage stairs normally.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Grotto car park
#10 SEE LONDON BRIDGE
If its name has you singing ‘London Bridge is falling down’ then you’d definitely be right; London Bridge is a limestone archway just offshore that was once connected to the mainland.
True to its name, part of the rock formation actually collapsed in January 1990, creating the sheer cliffside that you see today. Thankfully no one was hurt, but two tourists did get stranded on the remaining arch and had to be rescued by helicopter!
The views from the London Bridge lookout over the Arch and the pristine beach below are beautiful and definitely one of our favourite places to see on the Great Ocean Road.
THE DETAILS
Where | London Bridge car park
#11 DISCOVER THE BAY OF ISLANDS
Nowhere near as famous as the Twelve Apostles, but just as impressive in our view, the Bay of Islands is a collection of pale limestone stacks buffeted by the heavy waves of the Southern Ocean.
The Bay of Islands is about 25 minutes past the Twelve Apostles, near Peterborough. They're particularly beautiful at sunset, and there’s a short boardwalk along the coastline where you can take in the best views. With similar scenery to the Apostles yet half the crowds, this is definitely one of the more underrated places to visit along the Great Ocean Road.
THE DETAILS
Where | Bay of Islands car park
THE BEST OF THE GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK | PLACES TO VISIT ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
#12 EXPLORE THE OTWAY RAINFOREST CANOPY
Walking through a forest at floor level is so yesterday, these days a walk through the forest canopy is where the fun's at.
Detour a little off the Great Ocean Road and you’ll discover the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (book your tickets here), where you can take an hour-long 25m high treetop walk amongst the magnificent forest of giant Myrtle Beech, Blackwood, and Mountain Ash trees.
There’s also a spiral staircase that takes you up to the canopy viewing platform (though don’t be surprised if the trees continue to tower over you!) where you can get a unique perspective on the fern-covered forest floor too.
Thrill-seekers won't be disappointed here either - the 2.5 Zip Line Tour is a totally unique experience to enjoy along the Great Ocean Road.
THE DETAILS
Where | 360 Phillips Track Beech Forest, Weeaproinah
Opening hours | 10am - 5pm every day except Christmas Day, last admission 4pm.
Cost | Treetop Walk: $20 if booked here. Zip-lining: $114 booked online
Tips | Either print or screenshot your ticket on your phone as there’s limited reception at Otway Fly
#13 COOL OFF AT THE MANY OTWAY RAINFOREST WATERFALLS
The Great Ocean Road boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole of Victoria, thanks to the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway National Park and surrounds.
Each of the falls is super unique, but one thing definitely binds them: all are extremely picturesque, with lush ferns and towering trees that give way to tumbling waterfalls that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard from Bali.
Here are a few of our favourite waterfalls in the Otways:
ERSKINE FALLS
When the summer sun gets too much in Lorne, there’s one place where respite can always be found.
About 10 minutes drive from Lorne itself, the misty 30m high Erskine Falls tower above lush green conifers and moss-laced rock - and are always a dang sight cooler than anywhere else in the area.
During low water, you can cross the river and explore right up to the falls themselves. In summer, it makes for a perfect swimming hole to escape the heat (just make sure the levels aren’t too high). We’d recommend proper shoes as the path and river crossing can be slippery and muddy, plus snakes can be found here in summer.
There are also quite a few stairs to navigate there and back - but totally worth it in our view!
THE DETAILS
Where | Erskine Falls Access Road, Lorne
When | Great in summer, winter, and every month in between!
HOPETOUN FALLS
Nestled amongst the thick green rainforest of the Otway National Park, Hopetoun Falls cascade 30m to the rocky pools below. Picturesque as it may be, the wonderfully placed fallen tree at the bottom of the falls provides an ethereal quality that takes this waterfall from good to pure nature froth.
The walk down, while steep and slippery, is actually quick and easy. And best of all, it’s only a short detour off the Great Ocean Road, through some of the most scenic countryside in Victoria.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some shy Platypus here too, as the area is important habitat for some of Australia’s best-loved famous animals.
On that note, during our most recent visit we witnessed dozens of people scaling the fence and trampling through the delicate environment with very little regard for where they were stepping. It’s caused a lot of erosion in the area, not to mention the risk of causing harm to Platypus populations. Basically, don’t be those people for an instagram shot!
THE DETAILS
Where | Hopetoun Falls car park
Related | Our guide to visiting Hopetoun Falls
TRIPLET FALLS
In terms of your overall experience as a visitor, we feel that Triplet Falls is actually the nicest of the bunch; wide pathways, a unique cascades-style waterfall, and plenty of spots to stop and catch the view.
The 45 - 60-min hiking trail follows a loop that runs along the river the whole time and takes in four viewing points of the area: 1 for the tree canopy and three for the Falls themselves. It will also take you through pretty forest and past some historical relics of the huge logging industry that operated here last century.
Where some of the other falls are a little like a theme park, Triplet Falls feels more like a natural wonderland where the sound of rushing water and birdsong through the forest is all around you as you wander through.
The car park for Triplet Falls is huge with toilets on site. We recommend decent shoes as it can get muddy here too.
THE DETAILS
Where | Triplet Falls car park
BEAUCHAMP FALLS
Hidden by a thick forest of mountain Ash, Myrtle Beech, and the iconic thick ferns the Otways are known for, the picture-perfect Beauchamp Waterfall is definitely worth the somewhat strenuous and steep hike to get there.
The falls are about 20m high and tumble over a ledge towards the mossy pool below. The hike to the falls is about 1.5 hours from the car park, and does require a decent level of mobility and fitness.
Also, in typical Aussie butchering of language, these are actually pronounced ‘Beecham’ falls!
THE DETAILS
Where | Beauchamp Falls car park
#14 ENJOY THE SIMPLE BEAUTY OF THE CALIFORNIAN REDWOOD FOREST
The Otways Californian Redwood Forest is one of the best kept secrets of Victoria (like the Warburton Redwood Forest used to be!).
Wondering how a bunch of Californian Redwoods have taken root so far from home? The 85-year-old plantation is left over from the logging industry that used to operate here in the 1930s. Today, the 60m high trees make for an enchanting, peaceful place to wander through.
With the Aire river trickling by to one side and dense ferns and native trees closed around it, this is a little pocket of natural magic you’ll want to spend hours soaking up.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Redwoods Forest, Otways
Related | Our guide to visiting the Otways Californian Redwoods
#15 EXPLORE THE CAPE OTWAY LIGHT STATION
Built in 1848, the Cape Otway Light Station is widely regarded as Australia’s oldest and most important remaining lighthouse, having guided ships past the confluence of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean for centuries.
The Light Station is still fully functional today (although automated), and there are plenty of things to do here, including spending the night in the Lighthouse! Other highlights include the historic telegraph station built in 1859, a secret WWII bunker, an Aboriginal cultural centre, and epic views over the coastline.
During the winter months, you may also be able to spot whales playing in the ocean. There’s a cafe, the Lightkeeper’s Kitchen serving up tasty food and coffees onsite too.
THE DETAILS
Where | Cape Otway Lighthouse Station, Lighthouse Road
Cost | $20pp
#16 DISCOVER ICONIC AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
This part of Victoria is one of the greatest places in the state, if not the whole of Australia, to see our most precious fauna in the wild. All the standard faves are here, from Kangaroos to Koalas, Wallabies to Platypus, wombats to echidna, and plenty more.
You’ll likely spot most of the above simply as you’re moving about the region — on our most recent visit we saw Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, and wombats simply walking or driving between destinations! — but to increase your chance of seeing them, we recommend visiting the following spots:
THE KENNETT RIVER KOALA WALK
The Great Ocean Road is home to one of the largest koala populations in the whole of Australia, and one of the best places to see them is on the Kennett River Koala Walk.
Now, the name is somewhat of a misnomer as this is not a walk but a stretch of road, and its real name is actually Grey River Road (it’s in the Kennett River area). Take a (slow) drive along, or pull over and wander along the road, looking up into the Eucalyptus trees and you’re sure to spot some sleepy, cuddly Koalas!
Keep your eyes peeled all along the Great Ocean Road though, as we also spotted 5-10 Koalas during our travels, particularly on the road between Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill, and then along the road to the Cape Otway Lightstation as well.
THE DETAILS
Where | Start at the Kennett River Koala Kafe
ALONG THE COASTLINE & ROADS
We spotted plenty of Kangaroos and wallabies in our day-to-day travels around the area, most commonly along the coastline during the day, or along the roads at night. They’re most active in the dawn and dusk hours, so drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled along the roads at this time as they can spook easily.
A note on seeing animals responsibly | Please remember that these are very much wild animals, and you are in their natural habitats. Noise, touch, and general commotion can really stress them out and threaten their survival, so don’t scream or make lots of noise, attempt to touch, feed, or generally pester the animals.
#17 SPEND TIME IN LORNE
Lorne is definitely the biggest and coolest hub along the Great Ocean Road, with a fun vibe and plenty of hipster cafes, fancy eateries, and cute boutiques lining the main road.
Along with its spread of cafes and boutiques, there’s also a cool creative scene here with the Lorne Arts Festival taking place each year and plenty of galleries popping up over the years. The famous Falls Festival also takes place just outside Lorne over New Years each year.
Be sure to stop at The Bottle of Milk on the main road for a brekkie burger (we live for ‘The Hulk’) - stopping here for something to eat or drink has become a bit of a Great Ocean Road tradition for us, we love it so much!
Just a couple of hours from the heart of Melbourne, this is a favourite beach escape for most Melburnians, so you’ll find plenty of day-trippers and surfers of all levels too. Expect huge crowds, particularly in summer!
THE DETAILS
Where | Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
#18 WATCH THE SURFERS AT BELLS BEACH
Probably the most famous beach along the surf coast and arguably the whole of Victoria (though we’d argue there are definitely prettier spots to be found!), Bells Beach, just outside of Torquay is where you’ll find the coast’s saltiest surf lovers.
Even in winter, expect to see plenty of keen surfers out catching some epic right hand breaks. To the right of the surf breaks is a slightly calmer beach, perfect for an afternoon beach stroll or exploring with kids.
If you visit in April, you’ll make it just in time to see the famous Rip Curl Pro surf competition which takes place each year right here on Bell’s Beach, bringing together the best pro surfers to battle it out for glory amongst the waves.
THE DETAILS
Where | Bells Beach
#19 LEARN TO SURF IN TORQUAY
Aussies love to surf, and they love surfing at Torquay best of all. In fact, between Torquay’s Bells Beach and the Rip Curl Pro competition, being the birthplace of a slew of iconic Aussie surf labels, and many a surfing legend growing up right here amongst these waves, Torquay is pretty much the home of surfing in Victoria.
Torquay is also one of the best places to learn to surf in the state, with a safe beach, experienced teachers, and great learner conditions — something we can vouch for, having taken some lessons here a couple of years ago!
We booked lessons at Go Ride A Wave, which went for two hours and had us standing by the end. Their teachers are awesome, super knowledgeable, encouraging, and fun, so you’ll have a blast.
THE DETAILS
Where | Go Ride A Wave, Bell St, Torquay
When | Year-round
Cost | $72 per 2-hour lesson (discounted if you book more lessons)
Book | Book online at Go Ride A Wave website
#20 TAKE A DIP AT SOME FAMOUS GREAT OCEAN ROAD BEACHES
When it comes to iconically beautiful Aussie beaches, the Great Ocean Road has hundreds to boast.
With inviting blue waves, soft golden sand, and breathtaking landscapes all around, the beaches here are some of the dreamiest swimming spots you’ll find in Victoria, perfect for cooling off on those steamy hot summer days.
While most of the beaches are super inviting, not all are safe for swimming - so it’s important you stick to those that are patrolled by lifeguards (and swim between the red and yellow flags!).
Our favourite safe swimming beaches along the Great Ocean Road are:
Torquay | A super popular beach for locals, families, and tourists, and surfers alike, fringed by pine trees and generally pretty calm and protected. Patrolled by lifeguards in summer
Jan Juc | Not far from Torquay, with a dramatic cliff-lined sandy beach. Patrolled in summer
Anglesea| Another super popular beach in summer, particularly because of its wide sandy beach and calm waters (perfect for small kids). Patrolled in summer.
Lorne | Potentially the best-known beach on the Great Ocean Road, the 2-km long Lorne beach is abuzz with activity in summer. With a wide lawn leading down to a wide sandy beach, it’s popular with day-trippers, holidaymakers, groups enjoying BBQs and picnics, plus the foreshore is lined with plenty of trendy cafes and bars to while away the hours at too.
Apollo Bay | A sweeping crescent-shaped beach with protected waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or other fun. There are also fishing tours on offer, and a local seal colony nearby to visit.
Wye River | This pretty little spot where the Wye River meets the ocean is fringed by forest on one side and turquoise water on the other. It’s a bit of a blink and you’ll miss it spot on the Great Ocean Road drive, but definitely worth taking a dip in!
Port Campbell | Many of the beaches in the wider Port Campbell National Park aren’t actually safe for swimming, but the sheltered beach at the town of Port Campbell itself is perfect for taking a dip. It’s the best place to go if you’re desperate for a swim after all that sweaty exploring!
#21 WATCH SUNSET FROM SPLIT POINT LIGHTHOUSE, AIREYS INLET
You’ll spot the White Queen with her red cap as you come around the bend in Aireys Inlet.
Probably best known as the filming location for the iconic Aussie 90s kids TV show ‘Round the Twist’ (have you ever, ever felt like this…!), the Split Point lighthouse holds its own as a striking figure set against the cliffs and tumbling surf of Aireys.
The lighthouse has stood sentinel here since 1891, beaming warnings to ships crossing through the treacherous Bass Strait and along this rugged coastline. It’s still fully functional, and a vital part of ship navigation to this day.
You can take a guided tour of the lighthouse (book here) and be sure to walk out to the lookout for beautiful views over the Fairhaven surf beach!
THE DETAILS
Where | Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet
Cost | $10pp
#22 ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM THE MANY LOOKOUT POINTS
There’s one thing always guaranteed along the Great Ocean Road, and that’s epic views.
There are plenty of turnouts along the Great Ocean Road that we definitely recommend you pull over into to admire the best of the drive, but there are also a stack of great lookout points along the way too, including:
MARRINER’S LOOKOUT APOLLO BAY
Up in the hills just outside Apollo Bay, Marriner’s Lookout looks back over the town and bay, and is a beautiful, quiet place to absorb the beauty of the area from. It’s also a popular spot for hang gliding, which would be epic. The lookout is actually on private land that’s been donated by the owners for public use, so be sure to take your rubbish with you and minimise your impact.
TEDDY’S LOOKOUT, LORNE
This is one of the best-known lookouts on the Great Ocean Road, with a birds-eye view of the area where the St George River empties into the ocean.
WHERE TO EAT ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD | THE BEST BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER SPOTS
We’ve already mentioned Bottle of Milk in Lorne, but these are a few of our other fave eateries along the Great Ocean Road:
BRUNCH AT THE POND CAFE, TORQUAY
You’ll find the glass-walled Pond Cafe on the Torquay esplanade, although the crowds milling about nearby will probably give its location away long before you arrive there!
This is a fave post-surf hangout spot for locals and tourists beginning their Great Ocean Road road trip, a chilled out, sun-filled space serving up a damn good Aussie brunch and Seven Seeds roasted coffee (delish) right across from the green foreshore.
The menu is tasty and focuses on lots of fresh ingredients and flavour. We opted for the avo toast with chipotle hummus, goat’s cheese and smoked almonds with an added poached egg, and it was a dream!
The tables outside are great for people-watching, especially in the summer when the crowds really take over in Torquay. That said, we’d probably recommend booking a table then, as it was absolutely heaving with people trying to get a table in June (winter) and there aren’t really many spaces going.
THE DETAILS
Where | 39 The Esplanade, Torquay
When | 7am - 3pm every day
LUNCH AT THE TIMBOON FAT COW FOOD CO
One of our favorite things about Victoria is that even in a teeny tiny country town like Timboon, a good cafe serving up delicious, homely food made from fresh produce and local craft beer can still be found. No truer is this than at fat cow food in Timboon, a town famous for its dairy industry.
Quirky, with mismatched furniture and shelves lined with bric-a-brac and secondhand books for sale and classic Aussie tunes playing over the speaker, it’s a great spot for lunch after exploring the Bay of Islands, London Bridge etc.
Our personal faves were the veg frittata and a cheeky chocolate milkshake, but you’ll also find fragrant spicy pho, hearty soups, sweet corn fritters and all your fave baked sweets on their menu too.
Next door, you’ll find the Timboon Corner Store, stocked full of all the gourmet goodies you need to level up your road trip, while the Timboon Whiskey Distillery, Timboon Cheesery, and Timboon Ice Creamery are also worth visiting!
THE DETAILS
Where | 10 Main St, Timboon
GRASSROOTS DELI CAFE IN PORT CAMPBELL
Grassroots Deli Cafe is a weatherboard, homestead style cafe with a wide sun terrace out front serving up fab coffee, tasty food, and the kind of laidback acoustic tunes (think Angus and Julia Stone) you’d expect from a coastal beachy cafe. There’s also a wood fired pizza oven out front too, so
This seems to be the local catch up spot for locals, with lots of friendly groups greeting each other and the friendly waitresses by name and joking across tables. From the sun terrace you can people watch the street, or soak up the green hills and limestone cliffs behind the main road.
Inside, it’s also like a little gourmet and zero waste general store, stocking Olieve and Olie skincare products, keep cups, bamboo toothbrushes, and gourmet goodies made from local ingredients.
THE DETAILS
Where | 28 Lord St, Port Campbell
A few other places we recommend eating or drinking along the Great Ocean Road are:
Lorne | MoVida (yes, the same MoVida as in Melbourne!), Bottle of Milk
Apollo Bay | La Bimba, Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay Bakery
Port Campbell | Forage on the Foreshore
GREAT OCEAN ROAD MAP OF ATTRACTIONS
To help make your adventure easier to plan, we’ve put all the best Great Ocean Road attractions and restaurants listed in this post into the map below. You can filter it by ‘things to do’ and ‘where to eat’ - save it to your phone to access later.
For more essential Great Ocean Road travel information, keep reading to the end of this post!
GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
On our most trip along the Great Ocean Road, we stayed at the Marengo Motel, just outside Apollo Bay. It’s definitely the more budget option, but the accommodation was pretty much in the middle of everything we wanted to explore, simple but comfortable, with just about everything we needed for a few-day stay.
BOOK | Marengo Motel
Other accommodation options we recommend along the Great Ocean Road are:
Lorne | Chatby Lane Lorne
Apollo Bay | Apollo Bay Waterfront Motel, or Captains at the Bay
Port Campbell | Sea Foam Villas
WHEN TO VISIT THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
To be honest, the Great Ocean Road is pretty visitable at any time of year; wild and powerful during the colder months and the ultimate Aussie beach destination in the summer.
We recommend visiting outside of the peak season (December - late January) as the weather is likely to be fairly hot and the crowds absolutely insane. With this comes huge traffic delays, difficulties parking, and a generally just unpleasant experience with thousands of other people everywhere you go.
Timing your visit for the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn), or shifting your visit to winter means you’re more likely to enjoy each location without having to jostle for a position at a lookout.
HOW TO GET TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road will be travelling from Melbourne, so we’ve listed the main travel route from the city here.
From Melbourne, take the Princess freeway (M1) towards Geelong, before taking the Geelong bypass towards Torquay. Here, you’ll join the B100 which later becomes the Great Ocean Road.
HOW TO EXPLORE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Pretty much the only way to explore all of the Great Ocean Road attractions is via vehicle, whether your own rental or on a day trip from Melbourne if time is limited. Here are a few of our fave options:
BY VAN
One of the most common sights you’ll see on the Great Ocean Road is the bright green and purple branding of Jucy Rentals vans. #Vanlifing along this coastline is one of the most popular ways to discover the area — and is something we can personally vouch for having done the very same for a week back in 2017!
BOOK | Book your Jucy Rental
BY CAR
The Great Ocean Road is literally built for epic road trips. If you need to hire a car, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com.
Keep an eye out for both our Great Ocean Road road trip itinerary and our guide to what to know before driving the Great Ocean Road - both dropping soon!
BOOK | Rentalcars.com
BY DAY TOUR
There are plenty of day tour options for those wanting to explore the Great Ocean Road but without the hassle of having to plan it for yourself or rent a car.
We recommend either this day trip from Melbourne that takes in all the highlights in reverse (great for avoiding the crowds at the big attractions!), or this full-day trip that includes sunset at the Twelve Apostles.
BOOK | Search for your perfect Great Ocean Road day trip here
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN AUSTRALIA
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Australia without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident (especially if you’re road tripping the Great Ocean Road!), theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Australia, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
EXPLORE THE BEST OF VICTORIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS
SHIPWRECKS AND SCENERY | The ultimate guide to visiting Loch Ard Gorge, and to the 12 Apostles, Australia’s most iconic coastal landscape
THE BEST OF THE OTWAYS | Our guide to Hopetoun Falls, and the mystical Otway Californian Redwoods
THE BEST OF WARBURTON | Our complete guide to the beautiful Warburton, and the East Warburton Redwood Forest
VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide
DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
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PLAN YOUR AUSSIE ADVENTURE WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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