Attractions of the Great Ocean Road: the must, should and could

Attractions of the Great Ocean Road: the must, should and could

We list the best Great Ocean Road attractions that you must, should and could see along the way

The Great Ocean Road in Australia is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world and one of Lonely Planet's Epic Drives of the World. The road stretches for 243 km along Australia's southeast coast and showcases some of the country's most dramatic coastal landscapes.

The Great Ocean Road runs between the Victorian towns of Torquay and Allansford and was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning from the First World War. It is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the war and as such is the largest war memorial in the world.

Day-trippers can fly in and out of the area from Melbourne, but in a perfect world visitors would spend several days exploring the beachside villages, clifftop views and wildlife parks.

We spent a leisurely three days and two nights driving the entire route, stopping regularly to explore the Great Ocean Road's best attractions. We list the key sights you must see, should see and might see along the way, all conveniently shown on a Google map below.

Worth seeing

If you're short on time, be sure to check out these must-see Great Ocean Road attractions.

Bay of Islands

alt="Attractions of the Great Ocean Road Bay of Islands">Atlas & BootsThe first of many dramatic coastal scenes on the Great Ocean Road

Depending on your direction, your first taste of the Great Ocean Road's dramatic limestone coastline will likely be on one of the two viewing platforms in the Bay of Islands. Excellent ocean views of coastal cliffs, rugged rock stacks and rugged coastlines herald Australia's most popular road trip.

London Bridge

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions London Bridge">Atlas & BootsThe stacks were created by wind and water over hundreds of years

London Bridge (also known as London Arch) was once a natural double-span viaduct connected to the mainland where visitors could walk. However, in 1990, the span closest to the shore collapsed unexpectedly, leaving two visitors stranded on the outer span and requiring rescue by helicopter.

The bow

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions The Arch">Atlas & BootsThe arch is sometimes referred to as the London Arch

Not to be confused with London Bridge, the Arch (also confusingly referred to as London Arch) is less flashy but still dramatic in its own right. The arch is at its best when the surf is strong and the big waves climb its inner platform, rush over the rocks and spit out on the other side.

Loch Ard Gorge

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Loch Ard Gorge">Atlas & BootsLoch Ard Gorge is home to an abundance of natural rock formations

On the other side of Port Campbell is Loch Ard Gorge, a small network of paths and viewing platforms along a winding coastline with a fascinating history of shipwrecks and tragedy. Look especially for the Razorback and Island Archway rock formations. There is a map of the area in the main parking lot near the trails (or download it here) to help you navigate to the viewpoints.

12 apostles

alt="Attractions of the Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles">Atlas & BootsThe iconic view of the 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are the most famous of all the Great Ocean Road attractions. Located near Port Campbell and within Port Campbell National Park, the giant limestone stacks rise 45 m (148 feet) above the stormy ocean below. Behind the eight remaining stacks (the others are said to have collapsed) are rows of imposing 70 m (230 ft) high cliffs.

Gibson steps

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Gibson Steps">Atlas & BootsThe offshore stacks of Gog and Magog at Gibson Steps

The offshore stacks of Gog and Magog at Gibson Steps are not considered part of the nearby 12 Apostles, but are arguably just as noticeable. Gog and Magog are the local names for the two stacks visible from the observation deck and beach at the base of the stairs - a great opportunity to dip your toes in the Southern Ocean.

Should see

If you have a little more time, add these must-see Great Ocean Road attractions to your itinerary.

Bay of Martyrs

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Bay of Martyrs">Atlas & BootsThe Bay of Martyrs has a terrible history

The 2.5 km long Bay of Martyrs, its lower cliffs, calmer seas and numerous reefs and sea stacks offer the best swimming along this stretch of coast. Aside from the beautiful views, the name refers to the shameful events at nearby Massacre Bay, where European settlers drove the local Kirrae-Wurrong Aborigines off the cliffs to a horrific death.

The grotto

alt="Attractions of the Great Ocean Road The Grotto">Atlas & BootsThe cave of the grotto

The Grotto is another dramatic site along the Great Ocean Road. Spray from the waves below can cast a fine mist over those on the observation deck. Expect rainbows on a sunny day! The calm and clear water in the cave casts reflections in contrast to the ever-moving ocean directly behind it.

Split Point Lighthouse

alt="Attractions on the Great Ocean Road Split Point Lighthouse">Atlas & BootsAre you going around the turn?”

If you ever saw Round the Twist when you were younger, be sure to stop by the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet. If you haven't seen the children's television show, pop in to enjoy the beautiful views over the picturesque seaside village and enjoy delicious sponge cake at Willow's Tea House. Kia claims it's the best thing she's ever tried.

Torquay + Bell Beach

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Bell Beach Torquay">Atlas & BootsSurfers at Bells Beach

The internationally recognized surf spot at Bells Beach is worth a quick stop on the way into town. If you're lucky, you'll see the world's best surfers carve up the waves at the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, although you'll likely see more tourists than surfers. The final stop on the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a vibrant seaside resort with a mix of cafes, gelaterias and restaurants - a great place to end your journey.

Could see

If you have time, check out these attractions on the Great Ocean Road.

Port Cambell + scenic viewpoint

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Port Campbell Viewpoint">Atlas & BootsPort Campbell from the scenic lookout

You'll probably drive through Port Campbell and if you're not stopping for long, stop at the scenic lookout on the hill west of town. It's a great spot for panoramic views of the natural harbor, beach and community.

Great Otway National Park and lighthouse

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Cape Otway">Atlas & BootsCape Otway Lighthouse is the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road

Built in 1848, Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia and the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road. It's an interesting change, but we preferred our visits to Split Point Lighthouse and Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. Given the inflated price of entry here, we weren't convinced it was worth the trip.

Lorne

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Lorne">Atlas & BootsSunset over the water of Loutit Bay

The pretty little resort of Lorne is a good base for a lunch break or an overnight stay along the way. We arrived late afternoon and enjoyed delicious gourmet burgers at Bottle Milk Cafe and an idyllic sunset walk around the scenic waters of Loutit Bay.

Kennett River

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Kennett River">Atlas & BootsThe koalas steal the show on the Kennett River

The koalas are the real attraction on the Kennett River. Located halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay, Kennett River is home to a large koala population. The best and easiest way to spot the adorable marsupials is to take a walk through the Gray River Reserve and Picnic Area.

Apollo Bay

alt="Great Ocean Road Attractions Apollo Bay">Atlas & BootsThe beach at Apollo Bay

Halfway along the Great Ocean Road lies the quiet coastal village of Apollo Bay, set in the idyllic lower slopes of the Otway Ranges. Unfortunately it doesn't have a great beach compared to others along the coast. The Saturday market is popular with visitors, as are water sports and leisurely walks in the surrounding countryside.

Map of Great Ocean Road attractions

Must-see: greenShould-see: blueCould-see: yellow

Great Ocean Road Attractions: the essentials

What: Explore the attractions of the Great Ocean Road on Australia's south coast.

Where: The Great Ocean Road's attractions are evenly spaced along Victoria's coast, so you'll never have to drive long. We drove the road in three sections and therefore stayed overnight in three different places along the route. We started at the Comfort Inn Country Plaza Halls Gap in the Grampians, which was clean and comfortable - and within walking distance of Spirit of Punjab, a decent Indian restaurant!

In Port Campbell National Park we stayed at the 12 Apostles Motel & Country Retreat, a simple and rather tired collection of rooms 3km from the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre. We recommend booking another hotel in Port Campbell (anything with a score above eight is a safe bet). Nico’s in Town is a charming Italian restaurant well worth a visit.

We spent our final night at the Lorne Coachman Inn in Lorne, which offered comfortable accommodations just a short walk from the town center. Lorne itself is a lovely place and worth a visit if you have time. Bottle of Milk Café offers delicious shakes and burgers, and a sunset stroll on the beach is a lovely way to end the day.

When: The Great Ocean Road is enjoyable at any time of year. The summer months (December to February) have the best weather, but attractions can be busy and prices increase. The winter months (June to August) include the whale migration season and offer an escape from the heat and the hordes.

How: We recommend renting a 4×4 from Hertz Australia. Our Toyota Rav4 provided a super comfortable way to see the best attractions on the Great Ocean Road. We appreciated the freedom to set our own itinerary – and change it whenever we wanted! In addition to the latest offerings, Hertz Together offers a range of travel guides, articles and destination ideas.

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We drove the Great Ocean Road from Port Fairy to Torquay, opposite the more popular direction. The first part of the drive was excellent as we hugged the coast, but the last part had us looking at traffic and having to cross to find viewpoints, which wasn't always easy on winding roads. Therefore we recommend heading towards Torquay to Port Fairy.

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Australia is a huge country. If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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