Great Ocean Road

Travel Guide
Apollo Bay
See the giant Twelve Apostles, go surfing or hiking, laze on a secluded beach and spot seals or penguins along Australia’s most famous coastal road.

Drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road to explore Australia’s dramatic southern coastline. Keep your camera ready, because craggy cliffs, charming villages, seal and penguin colonies and secluded beaches are possible sightings on every turn. The trip’s highlights are the impressive free-standing rocks called the Twelve Apostles, separated from the steep cliffs by the eroding effect of the ocean.

The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay, which is an just over an hour’s drive southwest from Melbourne, in the direction of Avalon Airport. The winding road connects Torquay with Allansford in the southern state of Victoria. If you can’t hire a car, take a coach from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Geelong, the departure point for coastal bus services.

Learn how to surf on Bell’s Beach in Torquay, where some of Australia’s famous surf-wear brands started out. Further south is Anglesea, a coastal town surrounded by rainforest. Kayak over the Anglesea River or visit the Sunday craft market .

Enjoy the many cultural delights in Airey’s Inlet or climb the historic Split Point Lighthouse. Explore the Great Otway National Park at Lorne and hike through heath and rainforest to the Erskine Falls. Drive inland from Apollo Bay to do the Otway Treetop Walk.

If you love hiking solo or with a guide, set out on the Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay. The 8-day coastal trail leads all the way to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform in Port Campbell National Park. Camp along the way if you can carry your gear or book hotels along the way.

As seen from Port Campbell National Park, the limestone towers that make up the Twelve Apostles are sure to impress. Don’t be surprised to find only eight rock formations the name is merely symbolical. Return to the viewing deck at dusk to see little penguins waddle ashore.

Finish your road trip at the historic quarter of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool and treat yourself to fresh seafood with ocean views.

Where to stay in Great Ocean Road

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Mount Duneed

While visiting Mount Duneed, you might make a stop by sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Conewarre K47 Streamside Reserve.

Mount Duneed
Torquay Tropicana Motel
Torquay Tropicana Motel
3.5 out of 5
2 Grossmans Road, Torquay, VIC
The price is S$104 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$104
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (727 reviews)
"Comfortable & clean, happy with my stay."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2024

Torquay Tropicana Motel
Wyndham Resort Torquay
Wyndham Resort Torquay
4 out of 5
100 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC
The price is S$175 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$175
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great stay!
"We had a lovely family break. Very spacious rooms with a pool view. We had a kitchen area which was very useful. Breakfasts was beautiful. Staff friendly. Central location, across the road from the beach. Indoor pool great and outdoor spa fabulous as too windy when we were there to swim in the pool. ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2024

Wyndham Resort Torquay
The Sands Torquay
The Sands Torquay
4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is S$201 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$201
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (247 reviews)
"Such a great property. If we had more time in our vacation schedule, I would booked a night before the Great Ocean Road as well as one of two on our return to just explore this little town. Loved the pool after so many days at the beach. Fabulous spot"

Reviewed on 12 Mar,2024

The Sands Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
2 out of 5
90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway, VIC
Stay at this family-friendly campground in Cape Otway. Enjoy free parking, an area shuttle, and a terrace. Popular attractions Cape Otway Lightstation and Station ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"Stayed in a very comfortable retro caravan. Koalas hanging off trees everywhere. All away from the maddening crowds."

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2024

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
3 out of 5
35 Bell St, Torquay, VIC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Torquay. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (604 reviews)
"Location was great, right next to the beach. Tent was clean and had everything needed for our overnight stay. Would definitely stay again for the location to the beach."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
3 out of 5
3/15 Great Ocean Rd, Marengo, VIC
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Marengo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (73 reviews)
"Good location, walk to beach, tidy, exc customer service"

Reviewed on 23 Jan,2024

Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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