The Ultimate Guide to the Great Ocean Road: Must-See Stops and Tips

When it comes to iconic Australian road trips, the Great Ocean Road is at the top of the list. This 243-kilometre stretch of highway hugs the rugged south-western coastline of Victoria, offering stunning views, lush rainforests, and coastal towns brimming with charm. Suited for anyone wanting an exciting road trip, or just wanting to relax in coastal towns with spectacular views, the Great Ocean Road has something for everyone. In their journey in exploring Australia, our Australian Travel Specialists have visited the Great Ocean Road many times - taking in the sites and experiencing this unique road trip. I've asked the team for their absolute must-do's and travel tips for the Great Ocean Road, and pooled it all together into this ultimate guide. Let's dive into the must-see stops, the ideal time to go, and where to grab the best shots for the folks back home on this famous road.

Must-See Locations on the Great Ocean Road

1. Torquay - The Surf Town that Started it All

If it's your first time visiting Victoria and driving the Great Ocean Road, your journey kicks off in Victoria's surf capital - Torquay. This beach town is home to the famous Bells Beach, known for its world-class waves and the Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition. It's also the home of Australian surfing, with many famous Aussie surf legends having grown up in this beautiful town. Although the surf is incredible, there's still plenty to see and do here in Torquay. With gorgeous headlands and an abundance of cafes and shops, you're bound to enjoy your time here. Whether you’re a surfer or just love the beach, Torquay sets the perfect vibe for the start of your trip. 

• Travel Tip: If you're starting the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, Torquay is just over an hour from Melbourne. Along the way you'll drive through Geelong, a thriving coastal town just 20 minutes from Torquay. Geelong is known for it's great beaches and food scene. Think of it as a more low-key version of Melbourne, with heaps of cafes and thrift shops to explore. If you're driving through, it's worth having a walk around and grabbing a bite to eat here on your trip!

2. Anglesea

The first stop on the Great Ocean Road journey, and just a short drive from Torquay, Anglesea offers beautiful beaches and the chance to spot kangaroos hopping around the local golf course. It’s a relaxed stop, ideal for a quick swim or a leisurely lunch by the water. It's a much smaller town than Torquay, and our travel specialists recommend stopping here if you've driven straight from Melbourne to Anglesea and are looking for a break. The great thing about Anglesea is that the beaches and native bushland here is commonly known for being a habitat for Kangaroos - so if you're on the hunt for these iconic creatures, having a scout around Anglesea Beach, Anglesea Golf Club, or the Bunjil Mirr Lookout will be your best bets! 

• Travel Tip: If you're a motorsport buff, you can drive a bit more inland from Anglesea to the Australian Automotive Research Centre. Here is where a range of automotive manufacturers test a range of vehicles from sports cars to 4-wheel drives before they hit the market. You might also get glimpses of race cars doing a couple laps around the testing grounds!  

3. Lorne

Lorne is popular must-stop town with a bit of everything. Great food, art galleries, fantastic hikes and waterfalls, and beaches. This is where we recommend most people stop for a couple days and explore this beautiful sea-side town. The nearby Great Otway National Park is a fantastic way to reconnect with nature. If you want to stay local, there's 10 waterfalls easily accessible from the township such as Erskine Falls and Henderson Falls. If you're after a more coastal escape, then head to Shelley Beach and explore the rock pools and stunning beach views. If you're after a morning jog, head to the Surf Coast Walk to see the rich ochre cliffs of Bells Beach - it's one of Australia's most spectacular runs! Lorne is also a cultural hub for arts and music, with many festivals such as Falls Music and Arts Festival frequenting around New Years each year. 

• Travel Tip: Lorne is a really popular tourist destination, and probably one of the more popular stops on the Great Ocean Road. So like all popular tourist spots, Lorne can be quite expensive. If you're travelling the Great Ocean Road, it really pays to book ahead so you can get the most bang for your buck. If you need help booking, or want to make sure you get the best deals, speak with our Aussie Travel Specialists and let us find the best deals for you, and build you the perfect itinerary!

4. The Twelve Apostles

Here's what you've been waiting for, and it's well worth the wait! No Great Ocean Road trip would be complete without stopping at the Twelve Apostles. Trust me when I say that photos don't do this landmark justice! These towering limestone stacks, carved by the relentless Southern Ocean of the Bass Strait (the channel between Victoria and Tasmania, one of the roughest Straits in the world!), are the one of Australia's most iconic landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. Although there are only eight of the twelve apostles left standing, the view is still as breathtaking as ever. The stunning headland that surrounds the Twelve Apostles is worth exploring as well. Our team recommend checking out Princetown Beach, or Lock Ard Gorge which are both nearby. 

• Travel Tip: The best way to experience the Twelve Apostles is either at sunrise or sunset. Sunrise is our preferred time, as you can watch the sun rise over the horizon, painting the cliffside golden and providing the best lighting for photographs. It's also when you might see the most wildlife activity in the region! 

5. Port Campbell

Port Campbell is another stop on the Great Ocean Road that you'll more than likely visit right after you stop by the Twelve Apostles. This little seaside village is a great spot to refuel and take in more of the coastal views surrounding it. There's more stunning attractions nearby, including London Arch (previously known as London Bridge before it partially collapsed), the Bay of Martyrs, and the gorgeous Bay of Islands. If you enjoyed the Twelve Apostles, you'll love Bay of Islands - it's a large bay with similar limestone islands and a stunning beach and rockpools. 

• Travel Tip: In between London Arch and Bay of Martyrs is a hidden rockpool area called The Grotto. Tourists usually aren't as aware of this location, so it's a good spot to escape the crowds and relax. It's also a great spot for photos of the coastline due to the low crowds and stunning nature of the rockpools.

6. Warrnambool

End your journey in Warrnambool, a charming coastal town with plenty to offer. If you’re travelling between May and October, you might even catch sight of Southern Right Whales as they migrate along the coast. Don't miss a visit to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village for a taste of the town’s rich maritime history. 

• Travel Tip: If you've arrived at Warrnambool and are still itching for some extra scenic sights on your road trip, head to the small town of Port Fairy and check out Port fairy Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse was built in 1859, and is one of the oldest buildings in this region. It's also a perfect spot for some Astro photography!

Best Time of Year to Do a Great Ocean Road Road Trip

The best time to travel the Great Ocean Road really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. To cut straight to the point, I've broken it down by season below:

• Summer (December to February): If you’re all about beaches and sunshine, summer is a great time to go. Just be prepared for busier roads and higher accommodation prices, as this is peak tourist season. It’s also the best time for surfers looking to catch a wave at Bells Beach due to the lower winds at this time of year. Temperatures can range from the high 20's to the mid 30's in Summer, so it can be quite hot.
• Autumn (March to May): For fewer crowds and more comfortable weather, autumn is ideal. The temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, but you’ll also have cooler conditions for hiking and sightseeing. In late May it can get quite cold, so make sure if you're visiting during this period you pack some warm clothes just in case!
• Winter (June to August): While winter might not seem like the obvious choice, it’s actually the perfect time if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the dramatic coastline in all its moody glory. Plus, this is prime whale-watching season near Warrnambool. Victoria's winters are notoriously cold, so keep that in mind if you're planning on visiting during this season. It's also a really good period for surfing in Torquay, but make sure you pack a wetsuit if you're planning on diving into the ocean in Winter!
• Spring (September to November): My personal favourite season, spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder weather, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the national parks. It’s also shoulder season, meaning you’ll get the benefit of fewer crowds without the peak summer heat. A lot of our Aussie Travel Specialists preferred spring when travelling the Great Ocean Road, mainly due to the weather and it being a lot quieter.

For more information on travelling and visiting Victoria, check out our Ultimate Guide to Victoria for more info on all things Victoria, including when to go, what to see, and extra little local tips!

Our Bonus Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

• Take your time: While you can technically drive the Great Ocean Road in a day, it's best to spread it out over 2-4 days to fully enjoy the experience. There’s so much to see, and rushing would mean missing out on the little gems along the way. Especially if you're wanting to experience all the beaches, national parks, and restaurants each town offers!
• Book accommodation ahead: Especially during peak season, accommodation can fill up fast, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and book in advance.
• Pack layers: Victoria is often touted by locals to have "four seasons in one day" kind of weather, meaning it can be unpredictable, especially along the coast. Having some extra layers, or some summer clothes, will keep you comfortable, no matter the season. Just don't be surprised if you arrive in winter and you find yourself wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the morning, but needing a puffer jacket in the evening!
• Respect wildlife: There’s a good chance you’ll encounter wildlife, like kangaroos and koalas, along the way. Be mindful of speed limits and keep an eye out for animals, especially at dawn and dusk when these animals are most active. It's also good to practice caution if you do encounter these animals. As much as a kangaroo or koala looks cuddly, they don't always take kindly to humans approaching them or trying to pet them. So if you do encounter wildlife in the wild, it's best to admire them from a safe distance!

Begin your Great Ocean Road Journey

The Great Ocean Road is truly one of Australia's most scenic and diverse road trips, offering everything from surf beaches to towering cliffs and rainforests. It's also one of the most convenient road trips that can be shortened or extended depending on what you're after. If you're planning a Great Ocea Road road trip, check out our Great Ocean Road Classic tour, or Explore the Great Ocean Road Tour for some inspiration! Want the best advice on accommodation, car hire, and general Australia travel tips? Chat with our Aussie Travel Specialists and let us help create your perfect Great Ocean Road itinerary!

If you're after some more Aussie road trip ideas, check out Our Must-Do Road Trips in Australia blog for more incredible adventures in Australia.