17 Places to Stop on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most spectacular road trips, with dramatic coastal cliffs, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rainforest walks and small seaside towns to explore.

But with so many places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, how do you decide which ones are worth your time?

I’ve driven this stretch of coastline a few times, and it’s somewhere I’d happily return to again.

On our most recent trip, we experienced everything from pouring rain and muddy walking tracks to sunshine and spectacular coastal views. We missed the koalas at Kennett River, but discovered some fantastic waterfalls and found a few quieter places I enjoyed just as much as the famous Twelve Apostles.

Whether you’re planning a quick trip from Melbourne or a longer Great Ocean Road itinerary, here are 17 of the best places to visit on the Great Ocean Road, plus some practical tips to help you plan your trip.

You don’t need to visit every stop. In fact, I’d recommend leaving some flexibility so you can pull over whenever something catches your eye.

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The Great Ocean Road at a Glance

Location	Victoria, Australia
Distance	243 km, Torquay to Allansford
Starting point	Torquay, around 100 km from Melbourne
Recommended time	3–4 days
Minimum time	One long day for selected highlights
Best way to explore	Self-drive
Famous highlights	Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Memorial Arch
Other highlights	Rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and seaside towns

About the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road officially stretches 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, just outside Warrnambool.

Most people start in Melbourne and travel west along the coast, although you can drive it in either direction.

What makes this road particularly special is that it’s more than just a scenic drive.

Construction began in 1919, with around 3,000 returned servicemen working on the road following the First World War.

The road was completed in 1932 and dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Today, it’s recognised as the world’s largest war memorial.

Of course, it’s the scenery that attracts most visitors.

The road winds past surf beaches, small towns and towering cliffs before reaching the famous limestone formations of the Shipwreck Coast.

There are also opportunities to head inland into the Great Otway National Park, where you’ll find waterfalls, towering trees and beautiful rainforest walks.

One thing I quickly learnt is that there’s much more to the Great Ocean Road than just the Twelve Apostles.

Before You Start: Melbourne to Torquay

Although the Great Ocean Road begins near Torquay, there are a few worthwhile places to stop between Melbourne and the coast.

Werribee

On our most recent road trip, we spent our first night in Werribee, on the outskirts of Melbourne.

We had a leisurely morning before spending the afternoon at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

One of the highlights is the safari experience, where you travel through large, open habitats to see animals such as giraffes, zebras and rhinos.

The zoo also does important conservation work, particularly with threatened species.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Werribee, right in the centre of town and within walking distance of plenty of restaurants.

We were upgraded to a suite, which made it even more disappointing that we were only staying for one night!

You can book Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets here.

Geelong

Geelong is another possible stop on the way to the Great Ocean Road, although we drove straight past without exploring on this trip.

The city has a lovely waterfront, beaches, museums and plenty of places to eat. One attraction worth considering is the National Wool Museum, which explores the history of Australia’s wool industry.

Geelong is also the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula, where you’ll find seaside towns such as Queenscliff and the historic Bellarine Railway.

If you have some extra time, you could easily spend a few hours exploring Geelong before continuing towards Torquay.

Torquay

Torquay is the traditional starting point for a Great Ocean Road trip and one of Australia’s best-known surfing towns.

On our visit, the weather was miserable, with rain pouring down while we stopped for lunch at Pond Cafe.

We didn’t explore nearly as much as I would have liked, but it’s easy to see why Torquay is such a popular summer destination.

If you’re interested in surfing, the Australian National Surfing Museum is worth considering.

There are also plenty of places to stay if you’d prefer to start your Great Ocean Road adventure the following morning.

17 Places to Stop on the Great Ocean Road

These stops are listed roughly in driving order from Melbourne towards Warrnambool.

Some are quick photo opportunities, while others deserve an hour or more. A few require detours into the Otways, so plan those together rather than trying to follow the list as a strict driving route.

1. Bells Beach

Allow 15–30 minutes

If there’s one beach in Australia that can claim legendary status, Bells Beach would certainly be a contender.

Located just outside Torquay, it’s famous for its powerful surf and for hosting the annual Rip Curl Pro, one of the world’s longest-running professional surfing competitions.

You might also recognise the name from the movie Point Break, although the famous final scene wasn’t actually filmed here.

I’m certainly no surfing expert, but I loved standing above the beach watching the long waves roll towards shore.

Even if you have no interest in surfing, it’s worth stopping to admire the coastline.eaking waves make their way into shore.

2. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Allow 20–45 minutes

Every good road trip needs snacks, doesn’t it?

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, near Anglesea, is a popular stop for chocolate lovers.

Confession time. We didn’t actually stop here.

We’d visited the chocolate factory on Phillip Island just a few days earlier and stocked up on enough goodies to last us a while. I decided I really didn’t need any more temptation!

But if you haven’t already had your chocolate fix, you’ll find handmade chocolates, ice cream and other treats, along with a café.

It’s also a good option if you’re travelling with children or the weather isn’t cooperating.

3. Memorial Arch

Allow 10–20 minutes

The Memorial Arch, near Eastern View, is one of the most recognisable landmarks along the Great Ocean Road.

And of course, you need that obligatory photo to prove you’ve been here!

The timber arch stretches across the road and commemorates the returned servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road following the First World War.

There’s parking nearby, along with information about the road’s construction and history.

It’s worth taking a few minutes to read the displays rather than simply snapping a photo and moving on.

One small tip: take your photos from somewhere safe. There’s no need to stand in the middle of the road to get a good shot!

4. Sheoak Falls

Allow 45–60 minutes

There are plenty of waterfalls hidden in the Otways, but Sheoak Falls is one of the easiest to include on a Great Ocean Road trip.

Located near Lorne, the falls are reached by a walking track from a car park just off the main road.

The walk is approximately 1.2 kilometres return, with some steps and uneven sections along the way.

It’s not especially difficult for most people, but you’ll want decent footwear, particularly if it’s been raining.

And I speak from experience!

It was wet when we visited, making the track muddy and slippery. Definitely not somewhere I’d recommend wearing your best white sneakers.

The waterfall itself was lovely, but I also enjoyed the views back towards the winding Great Ocean Road and out to sea.

Like most waterfalls, Sheoak Falls is generally more impressive after rain, so our less-than-perfect weather did have one advantage.

5. Kennett River Koalas

Allow 20–40 minutes

One of the things I love about travelling around Australia is the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

Kennett River, a tiny settlement between Lorne and Apollo Bay, is well known for its resident koalas.

A popular place to look is along Grey River Road, where tall eucalyptus trees provide plenty of places for koalas to spend their days sleeping and eating.

Park safely near the settlement and take a walk along the road, keeping your eyes on the branches above.

Of course, spotting wildlife is never guaranteed.

When we visited, this was the point where the rain really decided to come down. We hurried along the road with our heads down, only occasionally glancing up into the trees.

Unsurprisingly, we didn’t see a single koala!

Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than we did.

Remember to keep your distance from wildlife and watch for vehicles, as Grey River Road is still used by local traffic.

6. Marriner’s Lookout, Apollo Bay

Allow 30–45 minutes

After spending the night in Apollo Bay, Marriner’s Lookout was our first stop the following morning.

Thankfully, the rain had cleared, the sun was shining, and we were rewarded with beautiful views over the town and coastline.

The lookout is in the hills above Apollo Bay, a short drive from the town centre.

From the parking area, it’s approximately a 500-metre walk uphill to the viewpoint.

It’s not particularly long, but there is a steady climb.

The lookout is on private land, with access permitted along the marked walking track, so make sure you respect any signage.

From the top, you can see Apollo Bay stretching around the coastline, with the surrounding green hills providing a beautiful backdrop.

It’s one of those places where you can stand for ages simply enjoying the view.

7. Hopetoun Falls

Allow 45–60 minutes, plus driving time

After exploring Apollo Bay, we headed inland into the Great Otway National Park to visit Hopetoun Falls.

This stop requires a detour from the Great Ocean Road, but if you enjoy waterfalls and rainforest scenery, I’d definitely recommend making the effort.

Even the drive was beautiful.

We followed winding roads through the hills, and with the sun finally appearing after all the rain, there was mist hanging between the trees.

Hopetoun Falls drops approximately 30 metres into the lush rainforest below.

There’s a viewing area near the car park, but for the best view you’ll need to follow the walking track down to the lower platform.

That means descending around 200 steps.

Of course, what goes down must come back up, so be prepared for the climb afterwards!

The track was wet and slippery when we visited, although the upside was that there was plenty of water flowing over the falls.

I also enjoyed spotting all the different mushrooms growing among the damp vegetation.

This was one of my favourite stops in the Otways.

8. The Redwoods, Otways

Allow 30–45 minutes, plus driving time

Just down the road from Hopetoun Falls is another fantastic stop, the Californian Redwoods.

If you’re visiting one, I’d recommend visiting both.

We’ve all heard of the enormous redwood trees in California, some of the tallest trees in the world. Well, you can walk among them right here in Victoria.

These coast redwoods were planted in 1936 as an experimental plantation.

They’re still relatively young compared with their American cousins, but they’re already incredibly impressive.

Walking beneath the towering trees is quite an experience. The straight trunks seem to go on forever, and the forest has an almost magical atmosphere.

The redwoods grow beside the Aire River, making this a lovely place for a short wander.

The Otways are also home to platypuses, although spotting one is very much a matter of luck.

There’s no admission fee, but check road conditions before visiting, particularly after heavy rain.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

9. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Allow around 2 hours for the treetop walk, plus driving time

One of my favourite experiences in the Otways was walking through the rainforest at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

Rather than looking up at the towering trees from the forest floor, here you get to walk amongst them, high above the ground.

The main attraction is the 600-metre-long elevated treetop walkway, which reaches heights of around 25–30 metres above the forest floor.

There’s also a spiral tower that takes you even higher, to approximately 47 metres above the ground.

If you’re comfortable with heights, make sure you walk out onto the cantilevered platform. It gives you fantastic views across the rainforest, although be warned, it does sway a little!

I loved this experience.

The treetop walkway is only part of the visit. You’ll also walk through the forest to reach it, so allow enough time for the whole circuit.

Otway Fly offers ziplining experiences too, with guided tours taking approximately 2.5 hours. If you’re interested in both activities, allow considerably longer than two hours.

You can check tickets and availability on the Otway Fly website.

I’d recommend dedicating a substantial part of a day to Hopetoun Falls, the Redwoods and Otway Fly rather than trying to squeeze everything into a busy coastal itinerary.

10. Cape Otway Lightstation

Allow 1-2 hours, plus driving time

Cape Otway Lightstation is one of the places we missed on our Great Ocean Road trip.

We’d taken the inland route to visit Otway Fly, so didn’t have time to make the additional detour to the lighthouse.

It’s definitely somewhere I’d like to visit next time.

Built in 1848, Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.

Standing high above Bass Strait, it once guided ships navigating this notoriously dangerous stretch of coastline.

It’s sometimes called the Beacon of Hope, and you can imagine how welcome the sight would have been for ships arriving in Australia after months at sea.

The lighthouse is part of a larger historic precinct, which includes the former lightkeepers’ quarters, a telegraph station and other heritage buildings.

There’s also a café.

2026 update: The lighthouse tower is closed for conservation work, so visitors cannot currently climb to the top. The heritage precinct remains open Friday to Tuesday, with reduced admission prices during the works. Check the official website before visiting, as arrangements may change.

You can also check accommodation at Cape Otway Lightstation if you’d like somewhere a little different to stay.

11. Gibson Steps

Allow 30–45 minutes

Gibson Steps is one of the most spectacular places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, particularly if you want to experience the coastline from somewhere other than the top of the cliffs.

When you first arrive at the car park, you can’t see much of the beach below.

But walk towards the viewing area and suddenly there’s an incredible stretch of sand, enormous limestone cliffs and two towering rock formations known as Gog and Magog.

The view from above is impressive enough, but if conditions allow, you can also descend the approximately 86 steps to the beach.

The steps are named after Hugh Gibson, a local landowner who improved access during the nineteenth century, although the area has a much longer history of Aboriginal use.

Standing on the beach beneath those enormous cliffs gives you a completely different perspective of the coastline.

Just remember that this isn’t a swimming beach. The waves and currents can be dangerous, and it’s important to keep your distance from the cliffs because of rockfall risks.

Beach access reopened in February 2026 following safety works, but may close again depending on conditions. Always follow the signs.

12. Twelve Apostles

Allow 1–2 hours

The Twelve Apostles are undoubtedly the most famous attraction along the Great Ocean Road.

You’ve probably seen them in tourism advertisements, on postcards and in countless photos on social media.

And yes, they’re absolutely worth seeing.

But here’s a confession.

I don’t necessarily think they’re any more spectacular than some of the other places along this stretch of coastline.

Don’t get me wrong, the sight of those enormous limestone stacks standing out in the Southern Ocean is incredible.

But there are equally dramatic formations nearby, and some come without quite so many people.

The Twelve Apostles were formed over millions of years as waves eroded the limestone cliffs, eventually creating caves, arches and freestanding rock stacks.

Despite the name, there were never twelve individual stacks standing here at once. Some have collapsed over time as erosion continues to reshape the coastline.

The viewing platforms offer excellent views, particularly when the light is right.

If you can, I’d recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Another popular option is taking a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles. I haven’t done this yet, but it’s something I’d love to experience on a future visit.

Visiting the Twelve Apostles in 2026

There have been major changes here since my visit.

The new Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre opened on 16 October 2026, providing exhibitions, food options, visitor facilities and improved access to the viewing areas.

Advance bookings are now required. Visiting remains free until April 2027, when an entry fee is scheduled to begin.

You can book your Twelve Apostles visit on the official website.

Allow around one to two hours to explore the visitor centre and viewpoints.

13. Loch Ard Gorge

Allow 45–90 minutes

Loch Ard Gorge is another of the most popular places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, and we actually spent more time here than we did at the Twelve Apostles.

The gorge is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with a narrow opening allowing the Southern Ocean to flow into a beautiful, sheltered-looking beach.

It’s a spectacular sight, particularly when you’re standing on the sand looking up at those enormous cliffs.

The good news is that beach access reopened in late October 2026, following several years of closure due to rockfalls and damage to the staircase.

Visitors can once again walk down to the beach, although new fencing has been installed to keep people away from potentially unstable cliffs. Make sure you stay behind the barriers and follow the signs.

The gorge takes its name from the Loch Ard, a sailing ship that was wrecked nearby in 1878.

Of the 54 people on board, only two survived: Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, both teenagers.

It’s an incredible survival story, and one worth learning about while you’re here.

There’s much more to explore than the gorge itself, with several walking tracks leading to different viewpoints along the cliffs.

We particularly enjoyed walking to Thunder Cave, where the ocean surges into a narrow opening in the rocks, sometimes creating an impressive booming sound.

You can also visit viewpoints overlooking Mutton Bird Island, where short-tailed shearwaters return to nest during the warmer months.

I’d recommend allowing at least an hour here, particularly now that you can walk down to the beach again.

You can read more about the reopening and the new safety measures on the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority website.

14. London Bridge (London Arch)

Allow 15–20 minutes

London Bridge is another dramatic example of how the Southern Ocean continues to reshape this coastline.

These days, it’s known as London Arch, although plenty of people still use its original name.

Until 1990, the limestone formation was connected to the mainland by a natural bridge.

Then, on 15 January 1990, part of the bridge suddenly collapsed into the ocean.

Two visitors happened to be standing on the section that remained, leaving them stranded on what had suddenly become an island.

Imagine that!

Thankfully, they were eventually rescued by helicopter.

Today, you can admire the remaining arch from a viewing platform overlooking the ocean.

It’s a relatively quick stop, but definitely worth pulling over for.

I find it fascinating to imagine how different this coastline might look in another hundred years.

15. The Grotto

Allow 20–30 minutes

I’ll admit that I wasn’t particularly excited about visiting The Grotto.

I’d been to a few other places called grottos around the world, and some had been a little underwhelming.

But this one surprised me.

The Grotto is a fascinating limestone formation that’s part cave, part arch and part natural rock pool.

From the car park, follow the path towards the coast before descending the steps to the lower viewing platform.

Here, you can look through the limestone arch towards the brilliant blue water of the Southern Ocean.

The contrast between the still water in the foreground and the waves crashing beyond is beautiful.

I’m glad we made the effort to walk down rather than simply looking from above.

There’s an upper viewing area for those who don’t want to tackle the steps, but I think the lower viewpoint is what makes this stop special.

Stay within the designated viewing areas and don’t attempt to climb down to the water.

16. Bay of Islands

Allow 30–60 minutes

Now, I don’t want to say this too loudly, but I think I might have liked the Bay of Islands even more than the Twelve Apostles.

There, I’ve said it!

This stretch of coastline has many of the same features as the more famous attraction, with enormous limestone stacks rising out of the ocean beneath rugged cliffs.

But when we visited, it felt much quieter.

We arrived just after sunset, when the last of the light was fading and the rocks had taken on beautiful muted colours.

It was one of my favourite moments of our entire Great Ocean Road trip.

The Bay of Islands Coastal Park stretches along the coast between Peterborough and Warrnambool, with several viewing areas and walking tracks.

At the main Bay of Islands lookout, there are platforms offering views in different directions, so take the time to explore both.

If you’ve been rushing between attractions all day, this is somewhere I’d recommend slowing down and simply enjoying the view.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ve seen everything once you’ve visited the Twelve Apostles. The coastline further west is every bit as impressive, and often considerably quieter.

17. Childers Cove

Allow 30–45 minutes

Childers Cove is another stop that’s on my list for the next time I drive the Great Ocean Road.

By the time we reached this part of the coast, the sun had disappeared and we still had to get to our accommodation, so we reluctantly kept driving.

But from everything I’ve seen, Childers Cove looks like a beautiful place to explore.

Located west of the main Bay of Islands lookouts, it’s a quieter alternative to some of the more famous attractions.

The small beach is surrounded by towering cliffs, creating an almost hidden cove.

There are also nearby coves and coastal viewpoints to explore.

Access involves walking paths and steps, so it’s not suitable for everyone, particularly those with limited mobility.

The beach is unpatrolled and can be dangerous for swimming. I’d treat this as somewhere to explore and enjoy the scenery rather than somewhere to take a dip.

Two More Places Worth Stopping

Even though this article covers 17 places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, there are always more things to see.

Here are two additional places worth considering if you have the time.

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

Located between Apollo Bay and Cape Otway, Maits Rest is a good option if you’d like to experience the Otways rainforest without committing to a long hike.

The approximately 800-metre circuit takes you through temperate rainforest, with towering trees, ferns and moss-covered logs.

Much of the walk follows a boardwalk, although there are some steps and uneven sections.

Allow around 30 minutes, or longer if you’re like me and keep stopping to look at everything.

I haven’t done this walk yet, but it’s on my list for next time.

Bay of Martyrs

The Bay of Martyrs is another spectacular coastal viewpoint near Peterborough.

Like the nearby Bay of Islands, it has dramatic limestone formations, cliffs and beautiful ocean views.

It’s generally quieter than the Twelve Apostles and makes an easy addition if you’re travelling towards Warrnambool.

There are coastal walking opportunities and viewpoints, so it’s worth allowing a little time rather than simply taking a photograph and leaving.

How Many Days Do You Need for the Great Ocean Road?

You can see some of the Great Ocean Road highlights on a long day trip from Melbourne, but I wouldn’t recommend rushing it if you have more time available.

There’s much more to see than just the Twelve Apostles, and part of the fun is pulling over when you spot something interesting.

I recommend allowing at least three days, particularly if you want to explore the waterfalls and rainforest of the Otways as well as the coastline.

Our most recent trip was over three days and two nights, and I still would have happily added another day.

If you’re short on time, you can visit some of the highlights on an organised tour from Melbourne. Just be prepared for a long day and limited time at each stop.

Browse Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne on GetYourGuide.

Great Ocean Road Itineraries: 2, 3, 4 or 5 Days

There are several ways to organise your road trip, depending on how much time you have.

2 Days / 1 Night

This is the minimum I’d suggest for a self-drive trip if you want to enjoy the scenery without spending the entire time in the car.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Leave Melbourne early and head towards Torquay, stopping at Bells Beach, Memorial Arch, Sheoak Falls and Kennett River.

Stay overnight in Apollo Bay.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

Start with Marriner’s Lookout if the weather is clear, then continue towards the Twelve Apostles.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, The Grotto and the Bay of Islands.

With only two days, I’d skip the longer inland detours to the waterfalls and Otway Fly.

3 Days / 2 Nights

I think three days is a good balance between seeing the highlights and not feeling too rushed.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Follow the coast through Torquay, Lorne and Kennett River, stopping wherever you like along the way.

Stay overnight in Apollo Bay.

Day 2: Explore the Otways

Spend the day exploring Hopetoun Falls, the Redwoods and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

You could also add the short Maits Rest Rainforest Walk if time allows.

Return to Apollo Bay for a second night.

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

Explore the Shipwreck Coast, from Gibson Steps and the Twelve Apostles through to the Bay of Islands and Childers Cove.

This itinerary is particularly good if you enjoy nature walks and waterfalls.

4 Days / 3 Nights

With four days, you can slow down and enjoy more of the smaller towns along the way.

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay

Consider stopping in Werribee or Geelong before spending the afternoon exploring Torquay.

Stay overnight in Torquay.

Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay

Visit Bells Beach, Memorial Arch, Lorne, Sheoak Falls and Kennett River before arriving in Apollo Bay.

Day 3: Explore the Otways

Spend the day visiting waterfalls, rainforest walks and Otway Fly before returning to Apollo Bay for another night.

Day 4: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

Explore the Twelve Apostles and other Shipwreck Coast attractions, leaving time for the quieter stops further west.

5 Days or More

If you have five days or more, even better!

You could add extra time in the Otways, enjoy leisurely afternoons in the coastal towns or extend the trip beyond Warrnambool.

One place I’d particularly recommend is Port Fairy.

We spent some time here after driving the Great Ocean Road, and I loved wandering around the historic town.

After all the rain we’d experienced earlier in our trip, the sun finally came out, and we had a lovely morning exploring the streets and local markets.

Port Fairy has beautiful old buildings, coastal walks, independent shops and plenty of places to eat.

For a longer trip, you could continue towards South Australia or head inland to the Grampians.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Ocean Road

What are the best stops along the Great Ocean Road?

The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, London Arch and the Bay of Islands are among the most spectacular coastal stops. I’d also recommend exploring the waterfalls and rainforest of the Otways if you have time.

Can you drive the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, but it will be a long day if you’re travelling from Melbourne. You’ll need to choose a few highlights rather than attempting all 17 stops. I’d recommend spending at least two or three days exploring if possible.

Which direction is best for driving the Great Ocean Road?

I recommend driving from Melbourne towards Warrnambool. This puts you on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to enjoy the views and access many of the coastal lookouts.

Where to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road

There are plenty of accommodation options along the Great Ocean Road, from caravan parks and budget motels to boutique hotels and luxury retreats.

For most people, I’d recommend choosing accommodation in one or two of the main towns rather than changing hotels every night.

Torquay

Torquay is a good choice for your first night if you’re travelling from Melbourne and want to explore Geelong or the Bellarine Peninsula along the way.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and beaches, and you’ll be ready to start exploring the Great Ocean Road the following morning.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is one of my favourite places to stay along the Great Ocean Road.

It’s a convenient base for exploring both the coastline and the Otways.

On our trip, we stayed at Apollo Bay Eco YHA in a private room.

It was affordable, comfortable and had everything we needed, including parking.

I don’t need luxury accommodation when I’m spending most of the day exploring, so this suited us perfectly.

There are also plenty of motels, apartments and holiday homes around town.

Port Campbell

If seeing the Twelve Apostles early in the morning or later in the afternoon is a priority, Port Campbell is a particularly convenient place to stay.

It’s only a short drive from the famous limestone formations, and you’ll also be close to Loch Ard Gorge and other Shipwreck Coast attractions.

It’s a smaller town than Apollo Bay, so I’d recommend booking ahead during summer, school holidays and long weekends.

Warrnambool and Port Fairy

Warrnambool is a good option if you’re continuing west towards South Australia or planning to explore the end of the Great Ocean Road.

It’s a larger town with a good range of accommodation, shops and restaurants.

If you have extra time, I’d also recommend considering Port Fairy. I loved its historic buildings and relaxed atmosphere, and it makes a lovely place to spend an extra night or two.

Compare accommodation prices along the Great Ocean Road on Booking.com.

Tips for Driving the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a relatively easy trip to organise, but there are a few things worth knowing before you leave.

• Allow more time than you think. The road is winding, speed limits are often low, and you’ll probably want to stop more frequently than expected.
• Avoid driving after dark. Wildlife can wander onto the roads, particularly around dawn and dusk. Even as someone who grew up driving in the Australian countryside, I prefer to avoid driving at night.
• Check road conditions. Heavy rain, landslips and maintenance work can occasionally close roads or walking tracks, particularly in the Otways.
• Fill up when you can. There are petrol stations in the main towns, but fewer options once you head inland.
• Pack layers. The weather can change quickly, and it can be much cooler and windier along the cliffs than you might expect.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Some of the best viewpoints involve steps, uneven tracks or muddy paths.
• Keep a safe distance from cliff edges. The limestone coastline is constantly eroding, and barriers are there for a reason.
• Take regular breaks. I recommend stopping at least every two hours, although with all the attractions along the Great Ocean Road, this probably won’t be difficult.

If you’re visiting Australia and need a rental car, I recommend comparing prices through Discover Cars before booking.

Make sure you check the insurance excess, mileage allowances and any restrictions on unsealed roads.

Compare car rental prices on Discover Cars.

Where to Go After the Great Ocean Road

After finishing our Great Ocean Road trip, we were heading back towards Adelaide, but decided to make a detour inland to the Grampians.

Unfortunately, the rain followed us there too!

Despite the weather, we had a great time exploring Halls Gap and the surrounding national park.

If you’re planning something similar, have a look at my guides to things to do in the Grampians and what to do in Halls Gap when it’s raining.

Another option is to continue west towards South Australia, perhaps stopping in Port Fairy and Portland along the way.

Or, if you’re exploring more of regional Victoria, I’d also recommend spending some time in Echuca on the Murray River or Mildura, particularly if you enjoy history, street art and exploring smaller Australian towns.

Final Thoughts: Is the Great Ocean Road Worth It?

Absolutely!

The Great Ocean Road deserves its reputation as one of Australia’s best scenic drives.

The Twelve Apostles might be the attraction that draws most visitors, but I think some of the best experiences are found elsewhere along the route.

I loved exploring the waterfalls and redwoods in the Otways, watching the waves at Bells Beach and discovering just how spectacular the Bay of Islands could be.

And despite the rain that seemed determined to follow us around for much of our trip, I’d happily do it all again.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s to allow more time than you think you’ll need.

There’s so much more to the Great Ocean Road than simply driving from one famous lookout to the next.

Take the detours, explore some of the quieter places and leave time for those unexpected stops.

They’re often the things you’ll remember most.

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