The Great Ocean Road
One of the world's great coastal drives - a spectacular road winding along Victoria's wild southern coast past the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, cliffs, surf and forest.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great scenic drives, a spectacular route winding along the wild southern coast of Victoria, southwest of Melbourne. It sweeps past surf beaches, rainforest and clifftops to its climax at the Twelve Apostles, a line of towering limestone stacks rising from the crashing Southern Ocean. Built by returned soldiers after the First World War, it is also the world's largest war memorial.
What you actually see
- The Twelve Apostles - the towering limestone stacks in the ocean.
- Loch Ard Gorge - the dramatic gorge and its shipwreck story.
- The coastal drive - the winding road past cliffs, surf and beaches.
- The rainforest and wildlife - the Otway forest, koalas and lighthouses.
When to go
The Australian summer and autumn, December to April, for the warmest weather; sunrise and sunset light the Apostles beautifully. It is best over two days rather than a rushed day trip, staying overnight along the coast.
Honest expectations
It is a long drive, and rushing the whole thing as a day trip from Melbourne means hours in the car with little time at the stops; two days is far better. The famous Twelve Apostles viewpoint is crowded at sunset and by tour buses. The number of standing stacks is now fewer than twelve, as the sea erodes them.
Nearby
Melbourne is at the eastern end; the Grampians and the surf town of Torquay are nearby.
What to pack for The Great Ocean Road
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
