Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the most celebrated coastal drives in the world — and one of the few that genuinely lives up to its reputation. Stretching 243 kilometres along Australia’s southern coastline from Torquay to Allansford, it hugs sea cliffs, dips through rainforest, passes surf breaks famous around the world, and culminates at the Twelve Apostles — a collection of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean that ranks among the most photographed sights in the Southern Hemisphere.
If you’re visiting Melbourne and don’t do the Great Ocean Road, you’ve made a serious mistake.
Getting There from Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay, approximately 95 kilometres southwest of Melbourne (about 1.5 hours by car). Renting a vehicle is strongly recommended — public transport options are limited and don’t allow the flexibility this drive demands.
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Day trip vs. overnight: The Great Ocean Road can be done as a rushed day trip from Melbourne, but 2–3 days is strongly recommended to stop properly at each highlight. Rushing it is one of the most common traveller regrets in Australia.
The Route: West to East or East to West?
Driving west (Torquay → Twelve Apostles) means you’re on the ocean side of the road for most of the drive — better views and easier pull-offs. This remains the gold standard for the best experience.
Must-Stop Highlights Along the Great Ocean Road
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Bells Beach: Legendary among surfers worldwide, Bells Beach hosts the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro (which held its 2026 event in early April). Even if you don’t surf, watching the swells roll in against the sandstone cliffs is worth 20 minutes of your time.
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Lorne: The first major town on the route, Lorne is a charming seaside village with excellent cafes and boutique shops. Grab a coffee and walk the pier at sunrise for the best local vibes.
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Apollo Bay: Nestled between forested hills and the ocean, Apollo Bay is an ideal overnight base. It marks the start of the Otway Ranges section — where the road climbs inland through lush rainforest before returning to the coast.
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Cape Otway Lightstation: The access road here is lined with eucalyptus trees where koalas sleep in the forks of branches at eye level. This is one of the most reliable places in Australia to see wild koalas — scan every tree!
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The Twelve Apostles: The undisputed centrepiece. Only eight stacks remain standing today due to ongoing erosion. They glow orange and gold at sunrise and sunset; allow at least an hour here.
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Loch Ard Gorge: A 10-minute walk from the Apostles, this gorge tells the haunting story of the 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck. The turquoise water enclosed by sheer limestone walls is breathtaking.
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London Bridge (Now London Arch): After its partial collapse in 1990 (stranding two tourists!), the remaining arch is a dramatic reminder of the Southern Ocean’s power.
Wildlife on the Great Ocean Road
Beyond the famous Cape Otway koalas, look out for:
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Kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and dusk in roadside paddocks.
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Southern right whales visible from headlands between June and September.
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Echidnas occasionally crossing the road through the Otway Ranges.
Where to Stay
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Lorne: Best for a lively first-night base with top-tier restaurants.
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Apollo Bay: Ideal for the midpoint, gateway to the Otways.
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Port Campbell: The closest town to the Twelve Apostles, perfect for early sunrise access.
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Camping: Johanna Beach and Aire River campgrounds are stunning and bookable through Parks Victoria.
Costs (2026 Estimates)
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Car Rental (Melbourne) | $65 – $160 / day |
| Petrol | $1.90 – $2.30 / litre |
| Mid-range Accommodation | $150 – $270 / night |
| Twelve Apostles Entry | Free |
| Otway Fly Treetop Walk | ~$32.00 / adult |
Best Time to Visit
The road is driveable year-round, but March through May (autumn) and September through November (spring) offer the best balance of mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (December–February) is peak season; ensure you book accommodation months in advance.
Pro Tip: The Southern Ocean doesn’t do anything gently. The waves are enormous, the light is dramatic, and the landscape demands your full attention. Give it.