Great Ocean Road Travel Guide
Australia’s most famous coastal drive — 243 km of surf beaches, rainforest and cliffs, climaxing at the Twelve Apostles, built by returned soldiers as a war memorial.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most famous coastal drive — 243 km of tarmac hugging surf beaches, rainforest and dramatic cliffs, climaxing at the Twelve Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean. Built by returned soldiers after WWI as the world’s largest war memorial, it runs from the surf town of Torquay past Lorne and Apollo Bay, through the Otways, to the Shipwreck Coast. This is your complete Great Ocean Road planner — where to go, when, and how to do it well, family-run since 1974.
Surf coast, rainforest and the Southern Ocean’s great stone stacks — one road, endlessly rewarding.
Where to Go
Torquay & the Surf Coast
The gateway town, Bells Beach and the surf-culture start of the drive.
Torquay → SeasideLorne & Aireys Inlet
Classic coast towns, Split Point Lighthouse and Erskine Falls behind Lorne.
Lorne → The baysApollo Bay & Cape Otway
A fishing town, koalas at Cape Otway and Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse.
Apollo Bay → RainforestThe Otways
Cool-temperate rainforest, waterfalls, the Otway Fly and Maits Rest.
The Otways → The iconTwelve Apostles
The limestone stacks, Loch Ard Gorge and the Gibson Steps of the Shipwreck Coast.
Twelve Apostles → WildlifeWildlife
Koalas, kangaroos, whales and rich birdlife along the coast and in the Otways.
Wildlife →The Essentials
Driving the Road
Distances, timing, the winding coast and self-drive vs guided.
Getting around → When to goBest Time to Visit
Seasons, crowds, whales and the best light at the Apostles.
Best time → Where to stayWhere to Stay
Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell — the best overnight bases.
Where to stay → Where to eatWhere to Eat
Seafood, cafes and produce along the coast and in the hinterland.
Where to eat → What’s onEvents 2026
The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach and the coast’s calendar.
Events → GuidedGreat Ocean Road Tours
Day trips and overnights with the driving handled.
Tours →Tips
- Give it a full day one-way, or an overnight at Lorne, Apollo Bay or Port Campbell
- Start early to reach the Twelve Apostles ahead of the tour buses
- The road is winding — allow more time than the distance suggests
- Continue the loop as the Great Southern Touring Route via the Grampians
- Prefer guided? See our Great Ocean Road tours or the 3-day itinerary
Great Ocean Road — FAQ
What is the Great Ocean Road famous for?
The Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast, surf at Bells Beach, the Otway rainforest, and one of the world’s great coastal drives — built by returned WWI soldiers as a war memorial.
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
About 243 km from Torquay to Allansford. Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles is roughly 3–4 hours direct, but the drive deserves a full day or, better, an overnight. See getting around.
How many days do you need?
A day covers the highlights in a rush; two to three days lets you enjoy the coast towns, the Otways and the Apostles at sunrise or sunset without feeling hurried. See best time to visit.
Should you self-drive or take a tour?
Both work — self-driving gives freedom; a guided tour means you enjoy the views instead of the wheel and winding roads. See also the self-drive vs guided guide.
Where does the Great Ocean Road start?
At Torquay, about 1.5 hours south-west of Melbourne via Geelong. The official Memorial Arch is at Eastern View, near Aireys Inlet. See Torquay & the Surf Coast.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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