Known as one of the most picturesque roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road is also an iconic Australian route. Winding along the coast, through rainforests and passing cute seaside towns, this road trip offers spectacular views and plenty of adventures. So, let’s get started on the things to Do on Great Ocean Road.
The essential facts
- The 243-kilometre Great Ocean Road stretches from Torquay to Allansford, a 10-minute drive from Warrnambool.
- The road starts about 100 km from Melbourne.
- It is the longest war memorial in the world.
- Veterans of the First World War built the road between 1919 and 1932.
- You can visit the coastal route in one day or spend several days discovering it.
- It is home to Australia’s amazing wildlife.
- The most popular attractions are Bells Beach, Memorial Arch, Great Ocean Walk (100 km), Great Otway National Park, Kennett River, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, Port Campbell National Park, and Tower Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tourist Attractions Along The Great Ocean Road
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to think that the 12 Apostles are not the only attraction on your journey along the Great Ocean Road.
The entire region, from Torquay to Nelson and inland to towns like Colac, is a mix of natural attractions.
If you like more arranged tours, we recommend joining the Great Ocean Road Tour.
Hopetoun Falls
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most picturesque places on the Great Ocean Road. It is a sheltered sandy beach nestled among the cliffs.
The waves crash into the gorge and come onto the beach at high tide. When the weather is calm, the bay turns into a turquoise-blue colour. We recommend tourists visit this place at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds.
The Redwoods
Redwoods is a charming California redwood plantation in the Otway Forest around Apollo Bay. Redwoods are not native to the Great Ocean Road but add to its charm.
Get lost under these giants! Beechwood is easily accessible on foot from the car park, but the roads around it are not suitable for large vehicles.
Marriners Lookout, Apollo Bay
Near the seaside town of Apollo Bay, the panoramic Mariners Lookout is situated, which shows almost the bird’s eye views of the Great Ocean and its coastline.
Don’t miss this gem; it’s just a short drive from town and a brief walk from the lookout.
Whale Watching in the West
On this whale-watching trail between Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, also known as the Whale Corridor, you’ll see the southern ocean’s whales, blue whales and the occasional killer whale.
Lower Kalimna Falls
The Lower Kalimna Falls may not be the largest waterfall on the Great Ocean Road, but it is undoubtedly one of the most impressive. There is a prominent place under the rock ledge where the water flows down, so you can enter the cave and watch the waterfall from the back.
You’ll need to walk three kilometres through the bushes to see the Cape Otway.
Griffiths Island Lighthouse Walk, Port Fairy
Beauchamp Falls
The three-kilometre round-trip walk to Beauchamp Falls is challenging but definitely worth it!
Stepping out of the rainforest to discover a mini-canyon surrounded by lush ferns and shaded by tall eucalyptus trees is an adventure that brings you back to nature and native wildlife.
Point Addis
Erskine Falls
Just a few minutes from Lorne, Erskine Falls is a popular destination for those travelling the Great Ocean Road.
It is a wonder in itself, one of the largest waterfalls in the region. The easy walk to the viewing platform or the descent down the stairs is well worth it to feel the cool mist on your face from 35 metres above.
Childers Cove
Not far from the end of the official Great Ocean Road is the relatively unknown beach of Childers Cove, which lies a little off the beaten track.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a spot there. Visit it at low tide to enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and the impressive rock formations.
The 12 Apostles
Last but not least are the 12 Apostles. These natural rock formations lie on the Great Ocean Road, but the viewpoint is very busy and the only thing that can make the view even more beautiful is to have it all to yourself. Be brave and go there early in the morning before sunrise.
You might also be interested in these places about the state of Victoria
The Mornington Peninsula
Our Winery Tours Mornington Peninsula are designed for all occasions, from spontaneous get-togethers to joyous celebrations. Check out our recommendations, or choose your favourite venues. We cater to small and large groups, including door-to-door transfers on every tour.
Would you like to book wine tours from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula? We can arrange transfers within the city and beyond on request.
The Grampians National Park
Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery that will stay with you forever on this small group (maximum 8 people) National Park tour.
Join the Grampians National Park Tour and undertake an initial 4.2-kilometre hike that takes you past spectacular rock formations, including the Grand Canyon and Quiet Street, before reaching Pinnacle, the park’s most iconic landmark. This famous jagged rock formation is an incredible sight; there’s plenty of time to savour the view and take some great photos.
The Yarra Valley
Founded in 1862 as one of the region’s first wineries, St Hubert’s helped position the area as a premium wine destination and led the Yarra Valley’s wine renaissance in the 1960s.
In 2017, the company launched a journey to reinvent this historic brand and took the first progressive steps towards St Hubert’s.
As one of the pioneers of premium winemaking, they are excited to create an innovative wine cellar that will become the benchmark for tasting rooms. Join Yarra Valley Wine Tours to taste these unforgettable wines.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Watch little penguins dart across the sand at dusk during the Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade. Explore the walks after dark to see, smell and hear these penguins greeting their neighbours and partners. As you walk, watch for native wildlife, including marsh wallabies, eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese and short-tailed shearwaters.
Book Phillip Island tours to hear conservation stories and penguin facts from a private ranger, or opt for a self-guided tour and enjoy free interactive activities in the Visitor Centre.
