Road Trip Along the Great Ocean Road

Winding along 243 kilometers of Victoria's spectacular coastline, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those who died in World War I, this epic road trip not only showcases breathtaking ocean vistas but also rainforests, wildlife, and charming coastal towns. From the iconic Twelve Apostles to hidden beaches and ancient forests, the Great Ocean Road offers a perfect Australian adventure.

History of the Great Ocean Road

Before embarking on your journey, it's worth understanding the remarkable history of this coastal highway:

• Construction began in 1919 as a project to employ returning soldiers from World War I
• Built largely by hand using picks, shovels, and explosives
• Took 13 years to complete, officially opening in 1932
• Serves as the world's largest war memorial, dedicated to casualties of WWI
• Originally a toll road until 1936 when it became public

The road's construction was incredibly challenging, with workers often suspended from cliffs by ropes to carve the road into the steep coastal cliffs. Today, it stands as a testament to their perseverance and engineering achievement.

Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip

When to Go

The Great Ocean Road can be traveled year-round, but different seasons offer distinct experiences:

• Summer (December-February) - Warmest weather (20-25°C/68-77°F) and busiest period. Perfect for swimming and beach activities, but expect crowds at major attractions.
• Autumn (March-May) - Mild temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F) with fewer tourists. The landscape takes on beautiful golden hues.
• Winter (June-August) - Coolest season (10-15°C/50-59°F) with occasional rainfall. Ideal for whale watching (June-September) and enjoying misty, dramatic coastal scenes without the crowds.
• Spring (September-November) - Pleasant temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F) with wildflowers blooming along the route. A great balance of good weather and manageable visitor numbers.

How Long to Spend

While the Great Ocean Road could technically be driven in a single day from Melbourne, this would be rushing one of the world's great road trips. For a more enjoyable experience:

• 2 days - A good minimum to see the major highlights
• 3-4 days - Ideal for a relaxed pace with time to explore towns, beaches, and hinterland
• 5+ days - Perfect for a comprehensive experience including hiking, wildlife spotting, and side trips

Direction of Travel

Most visitors drive from Melbourne to Warrnambool (east to west), but there are advantages to traveling in the opposite direction:

• Driving west to east puts you on the ocean side of the road, with better views and easier access to lookouts
• You'll encounter fewer tour buses, which typically travel east to west
• You can visit the Twelve Apostles early in the morning before the crowds arrive

Must-See Attractions Along the Way

The Surf Coast (Torquay to Apollo Bay)

Beginning in Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, this section is characterized by world-famous surf beaches and charming coastal towns:

• Bells Beach - Legendary surf spot home to the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition
• Anglesea - Known for its abundant kangaroos, often spotted at the local golf course
• Aireys Inlet - Home to the historic Split Point Lighthouse, offering panoramic coastal views
• Lorne - A popular seaside town with excellent restaurants, art galleries, and Teddy's Lookout for spectacular views
• Kennett River - One of the best places in Australia to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat
• Apollo Bay - A picturesque fishing village surrounded by hills, perfect for overnight stays

The Shipwreck Coast (Apollo Bay to Port Fairy)

This section features the road's most dramatic coastal scenery and famous rock formations:

• Great Otway National Park - Ancient rainforest with towering trees, ferns, and several stunning waterfalls including Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls
• Cape Otway Lightstation - Australia's oldest working lighthouse, built in 1848
• Twelve Apostles - The iconic limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean
• Loch Ard Gorge - Named after an 1878 shipwreck, this beautiful gorge features towering cliffs, a narrow inlet, and pristine beach
• London Arch - Formerly known as London Bridge until its partial collapse in 1990
• The Grotto - A unique geological formation that's part blowhole, part archway, part cave
• Bay of Islands - Often overlooked in favor of the Twelve Apostles, but equally spectacular with fewer crowds
• Warrnambool - The official end of the Great Ocean Road, famous for whale watching between June and September
• Port Fairy - A charming fishing village with well-preserved 19th-century buildings and cottages

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Beyond the famous attractions, the Great Ocean Road offers many lesser-known treasures:

• Marriners Lookout - A stunning viewpoint above Apollo Bay, perfect for sunrise
• Johanna Beach - A secluded beach with powerful surf and stunning coastal scenery
• Melba Gully - Known as the "Jewel of the Otways," this rainforest walk features glow worms after dark
• Castle Cove - A beautiful, less-visited beach between the Otways and the Twelve Apostles
• Maits Rest - An accessible rainforest boardwalk showcasing ancient trees and ferns
• Gibson Steps - 86 steps leading down to the beach for a ground-level view of the massive limestone stacks
• Childers Cove - A secluded beach west of the Bay of Islands with dramatic rock formations

Wildlife Encounters

The Great Ocean Road region is home to abundant wildlife in diverse habitats:

• Koalas - Easily spotted in the wild at Kennett River (along Grey River Road) and Cape Otway
• Kangaroos - Often seen at dawn and dusk in Anglesea, Cape Otway, and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve near Warrnambool
• Southern Right Whales - Visit Logans Beach in Warrnambool from June to September
• Australian Fur Seals - Visible at the viewpoint near the Cape Otway Lighthouse
• Native Birds - Including kookaburras, rosellas, and rare species like the rufous bristlebird
• Platypus - Occasionally spotted at Lake Elizabeth in the Otways (guided dawn/dusk canoe tours available)

Practical Tips for Your Journey

Driving Advice

• The winding coastal road requires cautious driving, especially during wet weather
• Allow plenty of time between destinations—the journey is part of the experience
• Be prepared for limited mobile reception in some areas
• Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk
• Fill up your fuel tank whenever possible as service stations can be sparse in some sections

Accommodation

Popular places to stay overnight include:

• Lorne - A vibrant town with numerous accommodations from luxury to budget
• Apollo Bay - A relaxed fishing village with a range of hotels and vacation rentals
• Port Campbell - The closest town to the Twelve Apostles
• Warrnambool - The largest city on the route with all services
• Port Fairy - Historic charm with boutique accommodations

Book accommodation well in advance during peak summer season and school holidays.

Beyond Driving

Enhance your Great Ocean Road experience with these activities:

• Scenic Flights - Get a bird's-eye view of the Twelve Apostles and coastline
• Hiking Trails - Try the 100km Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles
• Food Trails - Explore local produce including dairy, chocolate, and seafood
• Mountain Biking - Extensive trails through the Otway Ranges
• Aboriginal Cultural Experiences - Learn about Indigenous heritage at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve