LAST UPDATED – 2/18/24 – Great Ocean Road Guide

If you’re dreaming of wild koalas, dramatic cliffs, and one of the most beautiful coastlines on Earth, this Great Ocean Road guide is the perfect place to begin. The Great Ocean Road is a stretch of Australia that feels almost unreal—where rainforest meets roaring ocean, and every curve in the road reveals another breathtaking view. It’s a destination that captures the essence of Australia’s natural beauty in a way few places can.

What makes the Great Ocean Road truly world‑class is its remarkable variety. Towering landmarks like the Twelve Apostles sit just minutes from fern‑filled gorges, quiet beaches, and charming seaside towns. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the scenery, or the sheer sense of adventure, the Great Ocean Road stands among the top travel experiences anywhere in the world.

In this Great Ocean Road guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a smooth and memorable trip: the best times to visit, how to get there, the top sights you shouldn’t miss, and a handful of great restaurant recommendations. With these details in hand, you can plan confidently and make the most of one of Australia’s most unforgettable journeys.

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At a Glance

Before planning your trip, it’s important to make sure you meet Australia’s entry requirements, including the necessary passport, visa, and immunization rules. Having these details sorted early will save you time and stress later.

You’ll also want a quick understanding of Australia’s primary language and its national currency so you can prepare for any translation needs and handle money confidently during your visit. I’ve included all of this essential information in my Great Ocean Road guide below to help you get started.

Passport, VISA, and Immunization Requirements

I’ve included a link to my Australia Passport, Visa, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for Visitors Guide below. This resource will help you understand the legal requirements for entering Australia, including essential information on visas, passports, customs procedures, and recommended immunizations. Be sure to pay close attention to the immunizations section—it’s especially important for ensuring a smooth and safe visit.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Great Ocean Road guide below for you to review.

Visiting the Great Ocean Road VLOG Episode

Why just read about how to tour the Great Ocean Road when you can see it for yourself? In this episode of my Start Exploring Today VLOG series, I show you how to plan your tour of this breathtaking stretch of coastline.

Top Things to See and Do on the Great Ocean Road

One thing that you will never be in short supply of when driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia is amazing things to see and do.  Few road trips in this world are as chock-full of beautiful views, amazing wildlife, and memorable experiences to have.  To assist you in planning your trip to see the Great Ocean Road, I have outlined some of my top things to see and do on the road trip for you to review in my Great Ocean Road guide below.

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Torquay and Bells Beach

The Great Ocean Road officially begins in Torquay, a vibrant surf town that birthed iconic brands like Quiksilver and Rip Curl—proof of how deeply surfing runs in the local culture. Before hitting the road, take time to explore Torquay’s shops and restaurants. Just beyond Torquay lies Bells Beach, one of Australia’s most legendary surf spots. Famously featured in the final scene of Point Break, it draws surfers from around the world with its powerful waves and cinematic reputation.

The Memorial Arch

One of the most iconic stops on any Great Ocean Road guide is the Memorial Arch, built to honor the 3,000 World War I soldiers who helped construct the road. It’s a must-see landmark, complete with a commemorative statue celebrating the 75th anniversary of the road’s construction—perfect for a quick photo op before continuing your journey.

Itinerary Tip: After visiting the arch, head toward Kennett River and don’t miss Teddy’s Lookout just south of Lorne. This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic views, and I’ve included a map to help you find it easily.

Teddy’s Lookout Location Map

Kennett River

When it comes to Australian wildlife, one of the animals people most often want to catch a glimpse of in the wild is the Koala.  Not only is the Kennett River area along the Great Ocean Road one of the best places to find wild Koalas, but you have a great chance of spotting other wildlife in this area as well. 

If you are wondering which locations in Kennett River are best for spotting wild Koalas, I have included a map below those pinpoints where we spotted wild Koalas when we visited.  According to our tour guide, this is one of the best spots to see wild Koalas in the Kennett River area.

Kennett River Nature Walk Map

Apollo Bay

Just before reaching Cape Otway and the Great Otway National Park, you’ll pass through the stunning Apollo Bay. It’s the perfect spot to stretch, grab a bite, and soak in ocean views. The town offers cozy cafes, surf shops, and boutique stores. We loved the fresh pies at Apollo Bay Bakery! For more restaurant tips along the Great Ocean Road, check out the Where to Eat section below.

Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park is one of Australia’s most stunning and diverse landscapes—a must-see along the Great Ocean Road. Its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife make it unforgettable.

Beyond the scenery, the park offers thrilling activities like the Otway treetop adventure, where you walk 150 feet (47 meters) above the forest floor and zipline between platforms. Prefer to stay grounded? Scenic hiking trails wind through the forest, offering chances to spot koalas and other native wildlife.

Cape Otway

Along the coast of Great Otway National Park is Cape Otway, which is equally as beautiful as the rest of the park.  With a stunning coastline and one of the prettiest lighthouses I have seen in my travels, Cape Otway is something that should not be missed during your drive on the Great Ocean Road.

Itinerary Tip:  When you drive to the coast of Cape Otway to see the Lighthouse, make sure you stop to see the breathtaking view at Seal Point as well.  The coastline is beautiful, and you won’t want to miss getting a few pictures of the view.  To help you find your way, I have included a map outlining its exact location to assist you in your planning.

Seal Point Location Map

The Twelve Apostles

Australia has no shortage of beautiful coastlines, but Port Campbell National Park stands out for its wild, dramatic character. Towering limestone cliffs, sculpted sea stacks, grottos, and arches create a landscape shaped by centuries of wind and waves. It’s stunning in photos, but the sound of the surf and the scale of the cliffs make it even more powerful in person.

Experiencing this rugged stretch of coast is reason enough to make the journey highlighted in my Great Ocean Road guide. Every viewpoint reveals something new—shifting light on the cliffs, swirling foam around the stacks, and the deep blues of the Southern Ocean stretching into the distance.

Among all the natural features here, the Twelve Apostles remain the most iconic. These massive limestone pillars glow in changing light, and it’s easy to linger as waves crash around them. Though only eight remain today, they’re still breathtaking, as you can see in my image above and in the photo gallery below. For the best photography spots, be sure to check out my Twelve Apostles Photography Map.

Loch Ard Gorge

Heading deeper into Port Campbell National Park, you’ll reach the captivating Loch Ard Gorge—named after the 19th‑century clipper ship Loch Ard, which tragically wrecked near Mutton Bird Island in 1878. Of fifty‑four passengers, only two survived: nineteen‑year‑olds Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael. Tom rescued Eva from the stormy waters, and though their lives later diverged, their story remains one of courage and fate.

In 2009, the arch of Island Archway collapsed, leaving two limestone sea stacks now called Tom and Eva in honor of the shipwreck’s survivors. Walkways around the gorge offer sweeping views of these formations and the surrounding coastline. For the best photo spots, see the Loch Ard Gorge Photography Map in my Great Ocean Road guide below.

The London Arch

In addition to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, the London Arch in Port Campbell National Park is another must-see landmark for visitors traveling the Great Ocean Road.  This beautiful sea stack has had the center of it erode to the point where it formed a natural arch in the stack.  If you are like me and love natural arches, then you will love the London Arch.  Watching the waves break against the sea stack and through the archway is somehow so satisfying.

The Grotto

The final landmark inside Port Campbell National Park that I would like to highlight for you to see as you travel the Great Ocean Road is a feature that is known locally as the Grotto.  This natural arch in the limestone cliffs along the coast is another of the can’t-miss landmarks in the area.  Make sure you have your camera with you when you visit because you will definitely want to capture photographs of the sunlight reflecting off the calm tidal pool inside the grotto and the ocean waves crashing on the other side.

How to Get to the Great Ocean Road

If you are planning on traveling to Australia from outside the country to see the Great Ocean Road, your best bet is to fly into Melbourne.  Once in Melbourne, you can either rent a car to drive the Great Ocean Road or book a tour that will take you to the top spots on the road. 

If you are interested in seeing an overview map of the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding area, I have included one for you to review below.  If you are visiting from within Australia, you can either start your tour of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay (the traditional starting point) or do the tour backward by starting in Allansford.

Pro Tip:  If it isn’t too inconvenient to start in Allansford, it is beneficial to do so because you will miss all of the big crowds by touring the Great Ocean Road in reverse.  If you are looking at tours, be mindful that some small tours drive the road in reverse order for this very reason.  So, if you aren’t planning to drive yourself, but would still like to miss the big crowds, look for small tours that drive the road in reverse order.

Great Ocean Road Route Map

Great Ocean Road Route Stops

Best Times to Visit the Great Ocean Road

Average Temperature (°F)

When many foreign tourists think of Australia, they mistakenly think that the weather is hot all year round.  While the weather tends to be warm in the tropical northern region of the country year-round, the same cannot be said for the more temperate southern coastal region of the country.  In fact, during the winter months of June through August, the weather can actually get fairly chilly near the Great Ocean Road. 

If you would like to visit when the weather is warmer, I would suggest targeting the warmer months.  The weather is warmest in December through February, but that is also the busiest time of the year on the Great Ocean Road.  To avoid the crowds and still have warm weather, I would suggest targeting the shoulder months of October-November or March-April.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

A majority of rainfall that the region around the Great Ocean Road gets throughout the year comes during the late autumn, winter, and early spring months of May through October.  If you are looking to maximize the amount of sunshine you get during your visit, then I would definitely try and avoid the winter months of June through August. 

Instead, I would target the summer months of December through February or the shoulder months of March, April, or November.  These shoulder months tend to see less rainfall than the late autumn, winter, and early spring months but have less tourist traffic than the busy summer months.

Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road

Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest decisions—and expenses—when planning your Great Ocean Road trip. You’ll want accommodations that fit your comfort level and budget, considering amenities, location, and price. If you’re doing the drive as a day trip, stay in Melbourne and rent a car. For multi‑day journeys, book hotels or hostels along the route. My Great Ocean Road guide below includes recommended stays across different price points. You can also explore room‑sharing options like Airbnb or VRBO if hotels or hostels don’t meet your needs.

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Where to Eat on the Great Ocean Road

Most travelers plan how to get there, where to stay, and what to see—but often forget to plan where to eat. Spontaneous choices and local tips are great, but having a few restaurants in mind ensures you don’t miss standout meals. To help you choose, my Great Ocean Road guide includes a list of highly recommended dining options worth adding to your itinerary.

Recommended Tours and Activities on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road packs a lot into one stretch of coastline. You can surf at Bells Beach, walk rainforest trails near Lorne, and spot wild koalas around Kennett River. The cliffs and rock formations at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge add dramatic stops for quick walks and photos.

Kayaking in Apollo Bay is a highlight, offering calm water, big views, and the chance to see seals or dolphins up close. It’s an easy way to experience the coast from the water and break up the drive with something active and memorable. To help you find an activity you might enjoy, I have included some highly recommended options for you to review in my Great Ocean Road guide below.

Great Ocean Road Photo Gallery

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most breathtaking road trips that you can take in this world.  If you are in Australia and decide to take this epic road trip, I would strongly suggest that you bring a camera along with you.  To give you some inspiration, below is a gallery of just some of the many pictures that I took when I toured the Great Ocean Road.

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