*Time and distance based on the most popular visitor route
One of the most well-known highlights of the Great Ocean Road is the majestic 12 Apostles. Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, these massive limestone structures tower 45 metres above the tempestuous Southern Ocean and leave visitors awe-struck by their size and beauty.
A thriving coastal fishing village nestled in the heart of the Otway Ranges. Apollo Bay makes the perfect place to base yourself on your Great Ocean Road adventure. Whether you enjoy fresh fish & chips at the harbour or enjoy fine dining or the local cafe culture you will find plenty of options here.
Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options.
Located on the banks of the Barwon River, Winchelsea is a rural town steeped in history and surrounded by the fertile farmland of Victoria’s Western District. Fishing is popular in this section of the Barwon River with brown trout, redfin and eels commonly caught nearby.
Where the river meets the ocean, the seaside town of Anglesea boasts towering coastal cliffs and sprawling white beaches.
Beach, bush and kangaroos are the ingredients used to make Anglesea a favourite holiday spot.
Lorne is where the bush meets the beach set, between the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay and the rising majesty of the Otway National Park. With more than 10 waterfalls within 10 kilometres of the township, there are plenty of amazing natural wonders to explore.
The offical start of the Great Ocean Road is 103km from Melbourne CBD and will take approximately 1hr 20mins to drive. The freeway extension (M1) bypasses Geelong, making access to the Great Ocean Road much quicker.
Delve into history and get back to nature in this thriving city by the sea. Wander streets dotted with beautifully maintained heritage buildings and dine on great pub fare while overlooking the busy harbour.
Take a dip in the bay or hang five on the local breaks, build castles of sand and explore the rock pools spying on urchins and crabs. Tap your toes and sway to the rhythm of jigs and reels, ballads and gin joint jazz tunes at the ‘folkie’ or choose nature’s soundtrack of birdcalls and crashing waves.
The Split Point Lighthouse dominates the landscape on the approach to Aireys Inlet, a coastal hamlet where the sweeping curves of the Great Ocean Road welcome you and the dramatic nature of the Great Otway National Park begins.
Escape to the ocean for a relaxing interlude or smash out an adrenaline pumping adventure in Torquay. Home to world famous Bells Beach and the birth place of iconic surf brands, Torquay is the surfing capital of Australia.
Explore ancient rainforest brimming with lush ferns and towering trees, feel the mist from the powerful waterfalls, and hike through the cool undergrowth as the fresh forest air fills your lungs.
Make your dream home in the sand with turrets adorned with seaweed and shells then take a well-earned refreshing dip in the cool waters of the bay. Grab your board and make for the break as you teeter on some of Australia’s best waves.
Approaching the Great Ocean Road from the west, you will enter the region at Nelson if taking the coastal route, or Casterton if travelling via the Coonawarra. Both are just over 5 hours from Adelaide. Take your time and explore the coast and hinterland along your Great Ocean Road journey, we promise you it’s worth it.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
