Great Ocean Road

Travel Guide

Bay of Islands Coastal Park which includes rocky coastline
Apollo Bay
Torquay featuring a beach as well as a large group of people
Apollo Bay Harbour featuring boating and a marina
Torquay which includes a bay or harbour and a beach as well as a large group of people

See the giant Twelve Apostles, go surfing or hiking, laze on a secluded beach and spot seals or penguins along Australia’s most famous coastal road.

Drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road to explore Australia’s dramatic southern coastline. Keep your camera ready, because craggy cliffs, charming villages, seal and penguin colonies and secluded beaches are possible sightings on every turn. The trip’s highlights are the impressive free-standing rocks called the Twelve Apostles, separated from the steep cliffs by the eroding effect of the ocean.

The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay, which is an just over an hour’s drive southwest from Melbourne, in the direction of Avalon Airport. The winding road connects Torquay with Allansford in the southern state of Victoria. If you can’t hire a car, take a coach from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Geelong, the departure point for coastal bus services.

Learn how to surf on Bell’s Beach in Torquay, where some of Australia’s famous surf-wear brands started out. Further south is Anglesea, a coastal town surrounded by rainforest. Kayak over the Anglesea River or visit the Sunday craft market .

Enjoy the many cultural delights in Airey’s Inlet or climb the historic Split Point Lighthouse. Explore the Great Otway National Park at Lorne and hike through heath and rainforest to the Erskine Falls. Drive inland from Apollo Bay to do the Otway Treetop Walk.

If you love hiking solo or with a guide, set out on the Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay. The 8-day coastal trail leads all the way to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform in Port Campbell National Park. Camp along the way if you can carry your gear or book hotels along the way.

As seen from Port Campbell National Park, the limestone towers that make up the Twelve Apostles are sure to impress. Don’t be surprised to find only eight rock formations the name is merely symbolical. Return to the viewing deck at dusk to see little penguins waddle ashore.

Finish your road trip at the historic quarter of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool and treat yourself to fresh seafood with ocean views.

Wyndham Resort Torquay

Wyndham Resort Torquay

4 out of 5
100 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC
The price is €122 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€122
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Happy with the staff service ."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Torquay Tropicana Motel

Torquay Tropicana Motel

3.5 out of 5
2 Grossmans Road, Torquay, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (922 reviews)
"It had extras like a pool and spa and a games room!Also free DVD loan and dvd library"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Torquay Tropicana Motel
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €115 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€115
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (474 reviews)
"Great property, especially if you like golf. Wish I had stayed another night to enjoy the facilities (pool, tennis and basketball court). The room was large and modern. The bed-super comfy."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

The Sands Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

3 out of 5
35 Bell St, Torquay, VIC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Torquay. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Front Beach and Torquay Golf Club are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (659 reviews)
"Easy walk to the beach. Plenty of things to do within walking distance or a quick drive."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Beacon Point Ocean View Villas

Beacon Point Ocean View Villas

4 out of 5
270 Skenes Creek Road, Skenes Creek, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Skenes Creek. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (563 reviews)
"Beautiful property and stunning views. Easy driving distance to shops and Apollo Bay. Contactless entry and exit. Business owners were very helpful when I rang. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Beacon Point Ocean View Villas
Aireys Inlet Getaway Resort

Aireys Inlet Getaway Resort

4 out of 5
2 Barton Court, Aireys Inlet, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Aireys Inlet. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
"Cabin 9 was superb - spacious, clean, cosy. Comes with a bathtub. Heater was strong enough to make the place comfortable. However staff were not responsive and couldn’t be contacted via text."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Aireys Inlet Getaway Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do