Great Ocean Road · Travel guide · Updated 2026

The Majestic Great Ocean Road: Australia's Scenic Coastal Drive

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most breathtaking coastal routes. Stretching over 240 kilometers along the southeastern coast, this iconic drive offers stunning sea views, rugged cliffs, and lush rainforests. It's a journey that showcases the natural beauty of Victoria, making it a must-visit for any traveler. The road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is dedicated to the memory of their fallen comrades. This historical significance adds depth to the scenic beauty, giving travelers a sense of connection to Australia's past. Along the way, you'll encounter charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, each offering unique local experiences and flavors. One of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that rise majestically from the ocean. These natural wonders are best viewed during sunrise or sunset when the light plays beautifully on the formations. Other notable stops include the Great Otway National Park, where you can explore ancient rainforests and waterfalls, and the Cape Otway Lightstation, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.

Port Campbell

Port Campbell National Park

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Great Otway National Park

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Princetown

Twelve Apostles

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Peterborough

Bay Of Islands

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Port Campbell

Loch Ard Gorge

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Eastern View

Memorial Arch at Eastern View

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Bellbrae

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

Lorne

Erskine Falls

Explore the Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along Australia's southeast coast featuring stunning views, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles.

When is the best time to go to Great Ocean Road?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsDec–Mar
Longest daylightNov–Feb
Driest periodJul–May

Explore places in Great Ocean Road

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Great Ocean Road sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Loch Ard Gorge

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell National Park, where dramatic cliffs meet the Southern Ocean's sparkling waters.

    Loch Ard Gorge

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Discover the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where chocolate dreams come true amidst breathtaking coastal views.

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Memorial Arch at Eastern View

    Explore the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, a historical landmark along the Great Ocean Road, celebrating Australia's coastal beauty and rich heritage.

    Memorial Arch at Eastern View

    Erskine Falls

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Erskine Falls, a stunning natural waterfall in the heart of Victoria's Great Otway National Park, perfect for hiking and relaxation.

    Erskine Falls

    Teddy's Lookout

    Experience the stunning coastal views at Teddy's Lookout, a picturesque vista point on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

    Teddy's Lookout

    Bay Of Islands

    Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Bay of Islands Coastal Park, where stunning cliffs meet the Southern Ocean's waves in Victoria, Australia.

    Bay Of Islands

    London Bridge

    Experience the natural beauty of London Bridge, an iconic rock formation on the Great Ocean Road, perfect for photography and relaxation in Victoria, Australia.

    London Bridge

    Great Otway National Park

    Explore the breathtaking beauty of Great Otway National Park, a haven for nature lovers with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and memorable adventures in Victoria, Australia.

    Great Otway National Park

    Cape Otway Lightstation

    Discover the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, where maritime history meets stunning coastal views on Australia's Great Ocean Road.

    Cape Otway Lightstation

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Twelve Apostles

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Twelve Apostles, a must-see coastal wonder along Australia's Great Ocean Road.

    Twelve Apostles

    Port Campbell National Park

    Explore the stunning landscapes and iconic rock formations of Port Campbell National Park along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

    Port Campbell National Park

    Loch Ard Gorge

    Experience the breathtaking cliffs and azure waters of Loch Ard Gorge, a must-visit destination along Australia's famous Great Ocean Road.

    Loch Ard Gorge

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Explore the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for a sweet journey filled with artisanal chocolates, creamy ice creams, and delightful experiences.

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Memorial Arch at Eastern View

    Discover the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, a historic landmark along the Great Ocean Road, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Australia's past.

    Memorial Arch at Eastern View

    Erskine Falls

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Erskine Falls in Great Otway National Park, a captivating natural wonder perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

    Erskine Falls

    Gibson Steps

    Explore the majestic Gibson Steps along the Great Ocean Road, where stunning cliffs meet pristine beaches in a breathtaking natural wonder.

    Gibson Steps

    Teddy's Lookout

    Experience the breathtaking views of Teddy's Lookout on the Great Ocean Road, where the Southern Ocean meets lush coastal forests.

    Teddy's Lookout

    Bay Of Islands

    Discover the breathtaking coastal beauty and diverse wildlife of Victoria's Bay of Islands Coastal Park, a natural paradise for every traveler.

    Bay Of Islands

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Discover the sweet side of the Great Ocean Road at this artisan chocolaterie, where fine chocolates and creamy ice creams await.

    Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

    Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

    Experience the best of local craft brews and delicious cuisine at Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, a true gem along Australia's scenic coast.

    Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

    Apollo Bay Bakery

    Discover the flavors of Apollo Bay at Apollo Bay Bakery, a coastal gem known for its fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts, and welcoming atmosphere.

    Apollo Bay Bakery

    Cheese World and Museum

    Experience the rich world of cheese and wine at Cheese World and Museum in Allansford, a culinary treasure on the Great Ocean Road.

    Cheese World and Museum

    Wildlife Wonders

    Discover the magic of Australian wildlife at Wildlife Wonders, where nature meets conservation on the Great Ocean Road.

    Wildlife Wonders

    Anglesea General Store

    Discover the Essence of Anglesea at the General Store: Where Community Meets Local Flavors in a Scenic Coastal Setting.

    Anglesea General Store

    Great Ocean Road Bakery

    Experience the delightful flavors of the Great Ocean Road at the Great Ocean Road Bakery in Lorne, a must-visit for every traveler.

    Great Ocean Road Bakery

    Sweet View - The Great Ocean Road Lolly Shop

    Discover Sweet View on the Great Ocean Road, where delightful sweets and breathtaking coastal views create an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

    Sweet View - The Great Ocean Road Lolly Shop

    Great Ocean Road Story

    Discover the captivating history of the Great Ocean Road through engaging exhibits at the Great Ocean Road Story Museum in Lorne, Victoria.

    Great Ocean Road Story

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Sydney opera house side view.jpg - Wikipedia
    Destination guide

    More about Australia

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    Explore Great Ocean Road in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:The twelve apostles Victoria Australia 2010.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Loch Ard Gorge Panorama July 2005.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:London Arch Great Ocean Road.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Gibson Steps rainbow and wave Great Ocean Road.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:The-Grotto-Australia-2008.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Port Campbell National Park, Australia, 2015-11-29.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:SplitPoint 0072.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Apollo Bay Great Ocean Road.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park VIC.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Bells-Beach-View.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby country regions around Great Ocean Road, from connected city edges to neighbouring counties, coastlines, and countryside escapes.

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