Want to head off on that perfect Summer road-trip but not sure where? Why not hit the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia? This road doesn’t have its name for no reason, it seriously is great! The Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline of the Southern Ocean. The destination does not disappoint with amazing coastal views, rugged cliffs, rainforests & beautiful green country landscape. There is plenty to do in the area, with more surf breaks than you could ever imagine, hiking trails along the whole stretch and beautiful landscapes and wildlife to view.
Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is in Victoria in Australia. It begins in the town of Torquay and finishes in Allansford.
When should I visit the Great Ocean Road?
This is a destination that is seriously amazing any time of the year! We actually experienced it in Winter and although it was cold, it was still mind-blowing! The best time of the year would be to go in Summer when the skies are clear and you can see all the beautiful landscape. This would be from December to February, however, it is important to note that this is the peak season and it is almost guaranteed to be busy at this time of the year. This is when visiting in Winter can be fun, because you may get these places to yourself.
Road-trip Itinerary:
Stop 1: Torquay
Accomodation: Bells Beach area
- Torquay: This could quite possibly be one of the most iconic parts of the Australian coast when it comes to surfing. Arguably the birthplace of Aussie surf culture it is home to the major surfing brands and the Australian National Surfing Museum.
- Bells Beach: Located in Torquay, this beach is where surfers from all over the world come to compete in the longest running event in competitive surfing – The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. This is an iconic stop on The World Surf League Championship Tour and is held on Easter Weekend.
- Anglesea: This is one of the first stops along the Great Ocean Road. The Memorial Arch was built in 1939, however, has been rebuilt a few times since then. Make sure you stop over at the Memorial Arch to find out why this arch was built and by who.
Stop 2: Lorne
Accomodation: Sharps Track Campground (FREE – 4WD recommended) or Caravan Parks in town.
- Apollo Bay: This beautiful little coastal town is a must-stop along the Great Ocean Road. We found this town to be a lesser known/quieter version of Torquay. The town boasts beautiful landscapes for hiking, fishing or relaxing and waves out the front for surfing.
- Great Otway National Park: This National Park stretches from Torquay all the way through to the Otways Hinterland. It is where the rainforest meets the sea. The park offers many attractions including surfing, hikes and mountain bike trails.
- Johanna Beach: Another famous surf beach! This beautiful beach has a camping ground located at it so you can camp in the forest, wake up next to the ocean and walk from camp to your surf.
Stop 3: Beauchamp Falls
Accomodation: Beauchamp Falls Free Camp (If youre travelling with a caravan or trailer, make sure you drop it at this camp before adventuring & there are limited sites and the carparks for some of these waterfalls are tiny.)
- Hopetoun Falls: This waterfall is an absolute stunner, surrounded by lush greenery and rainforest vibes. It’s just a short walk to the viewing platforms, and totally worth it for the photo alone.
- The Redwoods Otways: Wandering through these giant trees feels like stepping into another world. The forest is super peaceful—and if you look closely, you might spot someone hiding behind a trunk!
- Beauchamp Falls: Tucked away in the Otways, this one’s a bit of a hike but the waterfall at the end is epic. It's right near camp too, so perfect for a quick adventure.
Stop 4: Princetown
Accomodation: Princetown Recreation Reserve (PAID CAMPGROUND – $25 unpowered site/2 people/per night)
- 12-Apostles: The 12-Apostles could arguably be one of the most famous attractions along the Great Ocean Road, with some people visiting the Great Ocean Road just to see the 12-Apostles! They were formed from erosion of the mainland coast’s limestone cliffs. This erosion began 10 to 20 million years ago and eventually formed caves in the cliffs. These caves eventually became arches and the arches became rock stacks, which are now known as the 12-Apostles.
- The Grotto: This is a destination along the Great Ocean Road which we actually hadn’t heard of and completely blew us away – being on of our favourite spots! The Grotto is a geological gem and combines a cave, sink-hole and archway all in the one.
- London Bridge: The London Bridge which is actually a bridge without a middle is a huge attraction along the Great Ocean Road. Originally a natural archway and tunnel, the London Bridge collapsed in 1990. Before the bridge collapsed you were able to walk across the bridge.
- Loch Ard Gorge: Just down the road from the 12-Apostles, this is another beautiful rock stand which is enclosed by a beautiful sandy beach and yellow coloured limestone cliffs. Loch Ard Gorge is the site of the famous shipwreck called The Loch Ard which crashed into the Mutton Bird Island in 1878.
- Bay of Islands: The light limestone found in Peterborough offers for great viewing even in cloudy conditions.
- Gibson Steps: Gibson Steps is located in the town of Princetown. There are 86 steps going down to the beach which were carved into the rock face by the Kirrae Whurrong people. Later Hugh Gibson maintained the steps and opened them to the public.
Stop 5: Port Fairy
This is a beautiful spot to finish your Great Ocean Road road-trip. Port Fairy is a beautiful little fishing village and has streets lined with nineteenth century cottages, old churches and pine trees.
Only have a few days to see the Great Ocean Road? We've got you covered!
This is exactly what we we would do, beginning the Great Ocean Road from Princetown & finishing in Bells Beach:
📍Stop 1: The Grotto
📍Stop 2: 12 Apostles
📍Stop 3: Gibson Steps
STAY: Princetown Recreation Reserve
📍Stop 4: Joanna Beach
📍Stop 5: Hopetoun Falls
📍Stop 6: The Redwoods Otways
📍Stop 7: Beauchamp Falls
STAY: Beauchamp Falls Free Camp
📍Stop 8: Apollo Bay
📍Stop 9: Lorne
📍Stop 10: Bells Beach
It is a few days of early starts & jam-packed days, but so worth it... check it out here👇
Planning a road-trip along the coast of South Australia?
Check out our "Guide to the Coast of South Australia" which is full of epic campsites, road trip itineraries & things to do along the way 🏕️🌊
Check out our guide here: https://sarahandkeelantravels.com.au/products/our-guide-to-the-coast-of-south-australia
2 comments
Loving your guides. We’ll be ready for our trip in a year or two & will be printing & collating all your guides to use as our SKT Aussie Guidebook! 🙌🏼
Guys you are helping us out so much with our GOR/SA trip coming up soon thanks 🙏