Winding along Victoria's breathtaking southwest coastline, the Great Ocean Road is far more than just a route from point A to point B—it's one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives and an Australian National Heritage listed road. Stretching 243 kilometers (151 miles) from Torquay to Allansford, this iconic road trip combines dramatic ocean vistas, lush rainforests, charming coastal towns, and some of Australia's most recognizable natural landmarks.
The History Behind the Road
Beyond its natural beauty, the Great Ocean Road has a poignant history. It was built between 1919 and 1932 by approximately 3,000 returned soldiers from World War I, serving as both a memorial to those lost in the war and a project to employ veterans upon their return. Constructed using only picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, and horse-drawn carts, the road represents an extraordinary engineering achievement and stands as the world's largest war memorial.
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip
How Much Time Do You Need?
While it's technically possible to drive the Great Ocean Road in a single day, doing so would mean missing the opportunity to fully appreciate this magnificent coastline. To truly experience what the route has to offer:
- 2-3 days: A good minimum timeframe, allowing stops at major attractions and some exploration
- 4-7 days: Ideal for a comprehensive experience, with time to explore inland areas, hiking trails, and lesser-known spots
Which Direction Should You Drive?
Most visitors drive from Melbourne heading west (starting in Torquay and ending near Warrnambool), but there are advantages to driving east:
- Driving west (Melbourne to Warrnambool): You'll be on the ocean side of the road, making stops easier. This is the traditional route.
- Driving east (Warrnambool to Melbourne): You'll encounter fewer tour buses (which typically travel west), and you can time your visit to the Twelve Apostles for morning light, when crowds are typically smaller.
Highlights Along the Great Ocean Road
Surf Coast (Eastern Section)
The journey begins in Victoria's unofficial surfing capital:
- Torquay: Visit Bell's Beach, famous for its powerful swells and the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition. Explore the Australian National Surfing Museum or shop at surf brand outlets.
- Anglesea: Watch kangaroos grazing on the local golf course and enjoy family-friendly beaches.
- Aireys Inlet: Climb to the top of the Split Point Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
- Lorne: A sophisticated seaside resort town with excellent dining options, the magnificent Erskine Falls, and a vibrant arts scene.
The Otways (Middle Section)
Moving west, the road winds through the spectacular Otway Ranges:
- Apollo Bay: This fishing village marks the transition from surf beaches to more dramatic, rugged scenery.
- Great Otway National Park: Venture inland to discover ancient rainforests, ferny gullies, and cascading waterfalls. Don't miss the Otway Fly Treetop Walk for a unique perspective from 25 meters above the forest floor.
- Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, with panoramic views from the top and the chance to spot whales during migration season (May to October).
Shipwreck Coast (Western Section)
The most famous stretch of the route features iconic rock formations carved by the relentless Southern Ocean:
- The Twelve Apostles: The undisputed stars of the Great Ocean Road, these limestone stacks rise majestically from the tempestuous Southern Ocean. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views and photographs. Despite the name, there were only ever nine stacks (with eight currently remaining as erosion continues to shape the coastline).
- Loch Ard Gorge: Named after an 1878 shipwreck, this picturesque gorge tells the story of Victoria's treacherous "Shipwreck Coast." The dramatic cliff formations, small beach, and tragic history make it a compelling stop.
- London Bridge: Once a double-span natural arch, the first span collapsed dramatically in 1990, leaving two tourists temporarily stranded. Now known as "London Arch," it remains an impressive geological feature.
- The Grotto: A unique formation that's part-blowhole, part-archway, and part-cave, offering a window to the ocean through eroded limestone.
- Bay of Islands: Often overlooked in favor of the Twelve Apostles, this series of rock stacks offers equally stunning views with fewer crowds.
Beyond the Coast: Inland Detours
While the coastal views are the main attraction, some of the region's treasures lie inland:
- Forrest: A hub for mountain biking enthusiasts with excellent trails and a renowned local brewery.
- Timboon: Discover gourmet food producers, including an artisan distillery and dairy.
- Volcanic Plains: Explore crater lakes, volcanic cones, and the unique landscapes formed by the region's volcanic past.
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: An extinct volcano near the western end of the Great Ocean Road, offering abundant wildlife viewing in a unique crater setting.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
Best Time to Visit
The Great Ocean Road can be driven year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
- Summer (December-February): Warm weather perfect for beach stops, but this is peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices and more crowds.
- Autumn (March-May): Mild temperatures and fewer tourists make this an excellent time to visit.
- Winter (June-August): Dramatic ocean conditions and the possibility of whale sightings, with lower accommodation rates, but potentially rainy and cold weather.
- Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom and wildlife becomes more active, offering pleasant conditions before the summer crowds arrive.
Driving Considerations
- The road is winding and can be challenging in parts. Take your time and drive carefully.
- Fill up your fuel tank regularly, as service stations can be sparse in some sections.
- Mobile phone coverage can be patchy, especially in the Otways region.
- Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Check road conditions during winter months when landslides can occasionally close sections of the road.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation along the Great Ocean Road ranges from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options:
- Coastal Towns: Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell offer the most options, from upscale hotels to caravan parks.
- B&Bs and Guesthouses: Charming options are scattered throughout smaller towns and rural areas.
- Farm Stays: Experience the rural lifestyle on working farms in the hinterland.
- Camping: Numerous campgrounds in national parks and private facilities (booking ahead is essential during peak periods).
Book accommodation well in advance during summer, public holidays, and weekends, as the most desirable options fill quickly.
Responsible Tourism
The Great Ocean Road traverses delicate ecosystems and culturally significant areas:
- Stay on marked paths and viewing platforms, especially around the limestone formations which can be unstable.
- Take all rubbish with you and consider picking up any litter you find.
- Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding animals.
- Support local businesses to contribute to the communities along the route.
- Be aware that many areas have Aboriginal cultural significance; always show respect and follow guidance at heritage sites.
The Journey's End
The Great Ocean Road officially ends near Allansford, but many travelers continue to Warrnambool, a substantial regional city with attractions including Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and the possibility of whale watching at Logan's Beach between June and September.
From Warrnambool, you can either return to Melbourne via an inland route (approximately 3 hours on the Princes Highway) or extend your journey along the Shipwreck Coast to Portland and beyond to South Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Great Ocean Road delivers on its reputation as one of the world's great coastal drives, offering a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and culinary experiences. Whether you're chasing the perfect photograph of the Twelve Apostles bathed in golden light, walking among ancient trees in the Otways, or simply savoring the freedom of the open road with the ocean as your constant companion, this iconic Australian journey creates memories that last a lifetime.
Take your time, venture beyond the famous landmarks, connect with local communities, and discover why generations of travelers have fallen in love with this magnificent stretch of Victorian coastline.
