The Great Ocean Road
Australia’s most famous coastal drive — 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 — a ribbon 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 to the Shipwreck Coast. Here’s how to plan the drive; then dive into the things to do, tours and ready-made itineraries.
The Highlights
Twelve Apostles
Limestone stacks off the Shipwreck Coast, with Loch Ard Gorge and the Gibson Steps nearby — best at sunrise or sunset.
Torquay & Bells Beach
The gateway town and the world-famous Bells Beach, home of the Easter Rip Curl Pro.
The Otways
Cool-temperate rainforest, waterfalls, the Cape Otway lighthouse and the treetop Otway Fly.
Lorne & Apollo Bay
The classic overnight bases — beaches, cafes and koalas in the hills behind.
Great Ocean Road 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
- Weigh up self-drive vs a guided tour before you go
- Watch for whales off Warrnambool (Logans Beach) in winter and spring
Plan the Drive
Great Ocean Road — FAQ
What is the Great Ocean Road famous for?
The Twelve Apostles — towering limestone stacks off the Shipwreck Coast — plus 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 and how long do you need?
The road runs about 240 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 the 3-day itinerary.
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. Our self-drive vs guided guide weighs it up, and see Great Ocean Road tours.
What are the main stops on the Great Ocean Road?
Torquay and Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Otways and Cape Otway, then the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Port Campbell. See the best stops guide.
When is the best time to drive it?
Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer is busiest. Winter brings dramatic seas and whales near Warrnambool. Start early to beat tour-bus crowds at the Apostles.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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