Top stops on Australia's Great Ocean Road

Driving the 243km (151 mi) of the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Allansford takes about four hours without any stops, but that's far from the ideal way to experience it. While the views from the car are undeniably stunning, the true magic of this iconic coastal route in Australia lies in the unmissable stops that showcase the state of Victoria's extraordinary natural beauty and the delicious locally produced bites to eat along the way. It’s these highlights that make Australia's Great Ocean Road one of the best road trips in the world.

Weather on the Great Ocean Road

The most popular time to drive the Great Ocean Road is during Australia's peak summer months (December to February), but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best time to go. The long sunny days and balmy evenings sound enticing, but the crowds and inability to be spontaneous because of everything being booked up may put you off. Spring (September) and fall (March to May) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall welcomes crisp air and the start of whale-watching season. Winter, while slightly chilly, is peak whale-watching season.

How many days should I spend?

Travellers tight on time could tick off the Great Ocean Road in one day with a fast-paced schedule that focuses only on the highlights, such as the 12 Apostles and Lord Ard Gorge. For a more relaxing trip, two to three days gives you more time to explore some of the lesser-known spots of the Great Ocean Road and even throw in a few hikes there. Spoiled for time? Venture further from the beaten track and detour to spots like Grampians National Park and Mount Gambier.

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Best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

Bells Beach

Before your Great Ocean Road adventure even really begins, you’re blessed with one of Australia's best beaches and a top spot for surfing. Renowned for its powerful waves, Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition every Easter. Aside from surfing, the stunning cliffs and sweeping ocean views make it worth the stop.

Split Point Lighthouse

An iconic landmark on the Great Ocean Road, Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet was built in 1891 as a beacon for sailors navigating the rugged coastline. Your visit can be as short as grabbing a few snaps with the "White Queen," or you can climb to the top to enjoy it in full glory.

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the wall of water cascades 30m (98 ft) into a fern-filled gorge, creating an extraordinary sight. Want to feel like you’ve earned the waterfall? Take the picturesque 7.5km (4.7 mi) walking route from Lorne, which takes you alongside the Erskine River and lesser-visited waterfalls. Visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

Kennett River

Koalas are synonymous with Australia, and the Kennett River Koala Walk is one of the best places to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat. Look for koalas chilling in the eucalyptus trees, taking a nap, or munching on some grub. Make sure to also visit tranquil Kennet River Beach, especially if surfing in Australia is on your bucket list. Kennet Point is the place to go.

Apollo Bay

A few hours in Apollo Bay won’t be enough. This stunning village is known for its postcard beaches, supreme surf, fresh seafood, and being the gateway to the Great Otway National Park, an awesome stop that’s famous for its three cascading waterfalls. Apollo Bay is a top destination for food lovers. Several of our favourite places to eat on the Great Ocean Road (listed below) are in Apollo Bay, and the scallop pie is an absolute must-try.

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12 Apostles

Arguably one of the most iconic sites on the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles is a group of limestone rock formations formed over millions of years through erosion. Count as many times as you like, but you’ll never get to 12 — only eight of the formations remain today. Sunrise and sunset are incredible to watch from here, but because the site is so popular, you definitely won’t be the only one there.

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Lord Ard Gorge

Also located in Port Campbell National Park and not far from the 12 Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge is another impressive coastal formation in Victoria. The dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters make for a spectacular vista from above, but make sure to take the short walk down a set of stairs to the beach, too.

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London Bridge

Not to be confused with the iconic landmark in England, the London Bridge of the Great Ocean Road is a remarkable natural rock formation that once resembled a bridge. After the arch collapsed in 1990, it left behind two isolated rock pillars, which were once connected to the mainland.

The Grotto

Rounding off our list of incredible rock formations on the Great Ocean Road is the Grotto. Part archway, sinkhole, and cave, this natural wonder truly is screensaver-worthy. Try out the multiple vantage points to pick your favourite. Is it above with the energetic waves crashing below or at sea level where you can enjoy the Grotto up close?

Must-visits near the Great Ocean Road

Detour from the Great Ocean Road and explore some of the area’s other highlights that are often left off most road-trippers' itineraries.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is the second-largest town in South Australia, and it's named after the dormant volcano that it's situated on the slopes of. The town's dramatic volcanic landscapes will leave you in awe, especially the Blue Lake, imprisoned within a volcanic crater, which transforms into a stunning, vibrant blue during the summer months. Other highlights include the Umpherston Sinkhole, a beautifully landscaped sunken garden, and the Engelbrecht Cave, where you can explore an underground limestone cave system. Leave time to wander the town's impressive streets, rich in heritage and history.

Grampians National Park

If you reach Allansford and aren’t ready for your adventures to end, continue for 1.5 hours to one of the best places near the Great Ocean Road: Grampians National Park. Part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape, the area is home to the largest number of ancient Aboriginal rock art and paintings in southern Australia. Nature-wise, you’re in for a treat. Grampians National Park has world-famous hiking trails, insane mountain views, and stunning waterfalls. You might not be the only one on the trail because kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and native birds love to enjoy this place as much as you do.

Where to eat on the Great Ocean Road

All that exploring and ogling at unbelievable views will undoubtedly leave you with a rumbling stomach at the end of the day, and there’s nothing worse than researching where to eat when you’re already hangry. Here are some of the best places to eat along the Great Ocean Road.

Breakfast spots

A filling breakfast fuels you for a day of adventures, so kick off your trip with brekkie at Bomboras in Torquay. Get your coffee fix at Little Crumb Bakery in Apollo Bay, or devour some avocado toast at Laneway 73 in Anglesea.

Lunch and dinner restaurants

Eat at Victoria’s oldest inn, Merrijig Kitchen, in Port Fairy. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s growing in the garden or harvested by local farmers. If you’re a fan of food with a view, you’ll love Pavilion Café & Bar overlooking the ocean in Warrnambool. Other great spots to check out include A La Grecque and Lovehouse, both in Anglesea.

Snack stops

Snacks are an essential part of every road trip, and even if you’ve stocked up on plenty, you should still make a stop at these spots. Indulge in Apollo Bay Bakery’s famous scallop pie or grab an outrageously good ice cream from Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Have space for more? Try an array of locally produced delights on the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail.

Best bars on the Great Ocean Road

After a long day of driving, it’s great to unwind with a refreshing beer, an elegant glass of wine, or a nonalcoholic drink in one of the Great Ocean Road’s best bars. With so many breweries, you can turn your road trip into a mini beer bar crawl. Beer lovers should hit up Blackman’s Brewery in Torquay, Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay, and Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. in Koroit. Need a bar that ticks all the boxes? Otway Estate is elite for beer, wine, and spirits.