Great Ocean Road Attractions, Places to Visit & Travel Guide

Torquay, VictoriaATTRACTIONScenic Drive

A 243-kilometer scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, featuring famous limestone formations like the Twelve Apostles, surf beaches, and rainforests.

iHighlights

Info

ATTRACTION

Info

Scenic Drive

Info

Multiple days

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Australia, running between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, it serves as the world's largest war memorial. The route hugs the coastline, providing direct views of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. Visitors drive past surf beaches, temperate rainforests, coastal towns, and towering limestone cliff formations. Major stops along the route include Bells Beach, known for professional surfing, and the Great Otway National Park, where the road winds through tall eucalyptus forests and fern gullies. The most recognized section is the Port Campbell National Park, home to the Twelve Apostles. These massive limestone pillars rise abruptly from the ocean. Other notable geological formations nearby include Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and The Grotto. The road operates as a major public highway with numerous designated lookout points, parking areas, and short walking trails. Travelers typically stop at coastal towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell for accommodation, food, and fuel. The drive requires navigating winding, two-lane roads with varying speed limits and changing coastal weather conditions.

Contact Information

Phone: +61-3-5223-2588

Email: info@visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Why This Place is Special

• The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean
• Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Coast maritime history
• World's largest war memorial constructed by WWI soldiers
• Great Otway National Park temperate rainforests and waterfalls
• Professional surfing competitions at Bells Beach
• Wildlife viewing, specifically koalas at Kennett River

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersAdventure seekersPhotographersNature lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food stalls
• Cafeteria
• Information center
• First aid
• Wheelchair access
• Souvenir shops

Visitor Tips

• Start your drive early around 7:00 AM to avoid heavy tour bus traffic at major stops
• Drive from east to west (Torquay to Allansford) to stay on the ocean side of the road for better views and easier pull-offs
• Carry layers of clothing as coastal weather changes rapidly from sunny to windy and cold
• Download offline maps before starting, as mobile network coverage drops significantly in the Otway region
• Fuel up in larger towns like Lorne or Apollo Bay; gas stations are sparse in some sections
• Allocate at least two to three days to fully experience the stops rather than rushing the entire route in a single day
• Watch out for wildlife crossing the road, especially kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk

Rules & Restrictions

• No stopping on the roadside outside of designated parking bays
• No drone flying at the Twelve Apostles or other national park areas without a specific permit
• Observe speed limits strictly; winding roads have sharp curves and heavy policing
• Do not cross safety fences or barriers at cliff edges
• No camping outside designated holiday parks and campgrounds
• No feeding native wildlife

Safety Information

• Watch out for wildlife crossing the road, especially kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk
• Drive on the left side of the road at all times; use pull-over areas if driving slowly
• Observe changing speed limits; roads are winding with sharp curves and blind corners
• Do not stop on the road; use designated parking bays and pull-off areas for taking photos
• Stay behind safety barriers at all cliff edges due to highly unstable limestone
• Coastal weather changes rapidly; carry warm layers and a windproof jacket even in summer
• Be aware of strong ocean currents and rips; swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches

Discover Events in Torquay

Explore upcoming events, concerts, expos and experiences near you

Loading events...

Location & Address

Great Ocean Road, Torquay to Allansford, South Western Coast, Torquay, Victoria, Australia

View on map

Best Time to Visit

February to March offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-25°C and fewer crowds than the peak December-January holiday season. The skies are generally clear, making it ideal for coastal photography and outdoor activities. Winter (June to August) brings cold, windy weather and frequent rain, but it is the best time for spotting migrating whales off the coast from Warrnambool and Portland.
Peak Crowd: December-January, Easter holidays, and weekends - Australian summer holidays bring maximum local and international tourists
Moderate Crowd: February-April and October-November, particularly on weekdays
Low Crowd: June-August during the Australian winter due to cold, wet, and windy coastal conditions

How to Reach

Air

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is 115 km from Torquay (the start of the road), taking about 1.5 hours by car via the M1 freeway.

Train

Geelong Railway Station is 22 km from Torquay. V/Line trains run regularly from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Geelong, taking about 1 hour.

Road

Accessible via the Princes Freeway (M1) from Melbourne to Geelong, then the Surf Coast Highway (B100) directly to Torquay where the Great Ocean Road officially begins.

Local Transport

Rental cars and campervans from Melbourne or Geelong are the most popular options. V/Line operates public buses along the route, but they run on fixed schedules with limited stops. Daily guided tour buses operate from Melbourne.

Explore Destination Ideas

Discover top attractions, temples, beaches, forts and more — handpicked destinations to inspire your next trip.

Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Great Ocean Road

No restaurants found nearby

Your Questions, Answered

The continuous drive takes about 4 to 5 hours (243 km). However, with stops at lookouts, beaches, and towns, it requires a full 10-12 hour day minimum. Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days to explore properly.

Yes, wild koalas can be spotted in the eucalyptus trees at Kennett River and Cape Otway. Kangaroos are frequently seen in fields at dawn and dusk. Whales migrate along the coast between June and September.

The official route starts in the surfing town of Torquay (about 1.5 hours from Melbourne) and ends in Allansford, near the city of Warrnambool.

Yes, but they are spaced out. Major towns like Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell have fuel stations. It is highly recommended to keep the tank topped up.

Yes, the road is fully sealed and well-maintained. However, it is a winding, two-lane road with sheer drops on one side. Drivers must adhere strictly to speed limits and always drive on the left side of the road.