Map and Itinerary Planner

Our map (on the website) highlights 50 amazing places to see, suggested stops, and things to do on a drive along the Victorian coastline to the 12 Apostles and into the Great Otway National Park. Beaches, forest, wildlife, waterfalls, and so much more.

Planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary can be daunting if you do not know what to expect.

1. How long do you need to see everything? Read our 1,2, and 6 day Great Ocean Road itineraries to decide which road trip will suit you best, perhaps you only have time for a day trip or can extend it once you know how much there is to see?

2. Are you wondering where to stay? Reading our itineraries can help. There are luxury resorts, motels, hotels, cottages, backpackers, cabins and camping grounds. 3. If you are from overseas do you feel comfortable to self drive on the left hand side of the road? If not, perhaps an organized tour from would be a good choice? We can show you the best tours.

4. What is the Great Ocean Road weather like? We cover that in our FAQ’s.

5. What are the best attractions, things to see and where to stop along the way? We know the Great Ocean Road tour route really well and have detailed highlights on the map below.

6. What else is there to do? There is so much more to do! We have listed a load more things such as gourmet food places, micro breweries, suf schools and tree climbing parks at the end of the page.

At the bottom of the page is a link to download a free PDF of this list of attractions along the Great Ocean Road. 50 OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE ON A GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRIP

Beginning in Melbourne and going along the Great Ocean Road in order of towns, attractions and things to do.

1. Melbourne – This is usually the starting point of a tour or road trip down the Great Ocean Road. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne – Fun Things To Do In Melbourne.

2. – The second largest city in , it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. The esplanade is a fun place for families with an old fashioned carousel, swimming pool with a high dive board and painted bollards to giggle at. If you wanted to stay in Geelong there is plenty of good accommodation.

3. Torquay – This is where the fun starts! A popular little holiday town with surf shop outlets and the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre nearby.

4. Bells Beach – Famous for the Rip Curl Pro surfing challenge that is held every Easter weekend since the 1960s. It is also well known for featuring in the movie ‘Point Break’.

5. Anglesea is a really sweet little town with safe beaches where you can learn to surf, hire a kayak perhaps and visit kangaroos on the local golf course (you have to go to the clubhouse and book a tour of the course). You can also stay in the local caravan parkand see kangaroos there!

6. Point Addis, the beach here is just amazing! On the way down to the point, there is a walk called the ‘Koori Cultural Walk’ which is well worth doing. You can walk to a lookout point and return or continue on a number of tracks, one leads down to the beach.

7. is another sweet little seaside town with great beaches, cafes and a relaxed vibe. Visit the Split Point Lighthouse and follow walking trails along the beaches.

8. Great Ocean Road Sign. A definite ‘must stop’ on your journey! Pose for a photo, walk on the long, long, beach and read the historical plaques.

9. Lorne: The largest town along the Great Ocean Road and definitely the busiest. There is so much to do here, great beaches, playgrounds, cafes, and restaurants as well as fabulous shops. Walk to Erskine Falls from the town or relax…

10. Erskine Falls: The most popular waterfall in the Otways and a short drive from Lorne or do the 7.5 km hike (each way) from Lorne! The road in is steep and parking limited, not advisable to take a caravan down here!

11. Allenvale Mill Free Campground – This is a free campground which is walk-in only so you need to be prepared to carry camping gear in, it’s only a 5-minute walk and a great spot with ‘long drop’ loos. A number of walking tracks lead off from here. You can walk to the coast and the Cumberland River or visit more waterfalls, which is why this spot is included in our top 50 things to do.

12. Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne – A fab photo opportunity and a view that is often used in advertising for the Ocean Road. Drive or walk from Lorne, other walking tracks lead off from the lookout point, making Lorne an ideal base for full-day hikes, or even overnight if you wanted to carry a pack and camp at Allenvale Mill free-camp perhaps! Lorne is an excellent town to Find great accommodation choices for Lorne here.

13. Beach stop with parking for longer vehicles – So close to Lorne, this lovely beach has a large parking area so it is good for caravans etc. Walking tracks opposite lead up to Teddy’s Lookout and beyond.

14. Sheoak Falls – The falls are worth stopping for as the walk is quite pretty and the views good. Best seen in the winter or after heavy rains. Chasing waterfalls? Find all of them listed here.

15. Cumberland River – A super popular camping site with cabins to rent as well. The walks from the Cumberland River reserve are superb, climbing up into the Otways to Waterfalls alongside the river. The beach opposite is perfect for families. Find out prices to rent a cabin or camp. Or stay nearby in Lorne. 16. Artillery Rocks – This is a really interesting spot to stop. No signage, it is 12.5km/18 mins from Lorne. The rocks are eroded and stand up like ‘cannonballs’ hence the name. It is a very popular fishing spot. Be careful on the rocks as waves can come crashing in without warning.

17. Mt Defiance Lookout – A small car park area with good views along the coast and information plaque.

18. Shipwreck Memorial – The W.B. Godfrey, built in Greenock, Scotland, was shipwrecked at this site in 1891. Some remnants of the iron hull can still be seen at low tide. Worth stopping to read more of this fascinating history.

19. Wye River – A good beach stop to break up the journey and a popular pub with views. ‘Wye Not’ stop for a cuppa, book accommodation or camp overnight in the Big 4 Holiday Park. Lots of the properties here are named with a ‘wye…’ Wye Worry, etc…

20. Koalas in the wild at Kennett River – One of the best places to see Koalas in the wild! Kennett River is a tiny little village with a cafe and it gets super busy as everyone wants to see koalas! Drive along Grey River Road a few km’s and look out for the cuddly critters in the trees. If you stay in the area overnight, you can visit glowworms up in the forest too!

21. Cape Patton Lookout – Another good spot to stop and stretch your legs after driving the winding Ocean Road! Fantastic views along to in the distance.

22. Carisbrook Waterfall – If you fancy another stop, this waterfall is a nice walk, uphill, with some good views. Best seen in winter/spring and after heavy rains.

23. Rocks and Cairns @ Carisbrook Creek – People started making cairns from the rocks on the beach here a few years ago and it has really caught on! After heavy seas, they tend to get knocked over, but people keep building them again. A good bit of fun, especially if you have kids in the car.

24. Apollo Bay – The second largest town on the Great Ocean Road but still a laid back and lovely place to stop. Plenty of parking, loads of accommodation and a safe beach that stretches for miles, plus free to use BBQs on the foreshore a skate park and playground!! This is a really good base to stay a few days and relax, hike or may do the waterfalls circuit drive up in the Otways.

25. Marriners Lookout – Spectacular views over Apollo Bay and a top spot to take a picnic perhaps. You can walk from the town or drive to the car park and then walk a short way. The road is quite steep and the parking limited, but worth a visit.

26. Elliot River – If you have time, this is a nice diversion and usually a quiet area to explore. The ‘Great Ocean Walk’ which is a 7-day hike to the 12 Apostles from Apollo Bay passes by here. You could even stay in Apollo Bay for the night and do some hiking? 27. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – Stop here and walk! It is a must-see spot, even if you are only doing the Great Ocean Road in a day, add it to your itinerary. The wonderful old Myrtle Beech Trees and tall tree ferns are stunning. It only takes about 20 minutes, no to do. Small day tour buses usually always stop in here too, so you could always book a tour from Melbourne?

28. Cape Otway and Historic Lighthouse – One of Australia’s most historic lighthouses, the Cape Otway Light Station is well worth a visit if you have plenty of time (not on a day trip on the Ocean Road though). You can tour the lighthouse, at a cost of course, and there is accommodation in the old lighthouse keepers house. Koalas are plentiful in the area, a few bush camping spots too. Find accommodation options here.

29. Aire River – There is a fab camping ground here, booked via Parks Victoria. No showers, just a long drop loo. Lovely walks, a pretty river to canoe on (byo canoe). Nearby cottages are available to rent if you want to stay awhile to relax in this area.

30. Johanna Beaches – Not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, but very popular with surfers! Camping near the dunes, this is a perfect spot if you want a bit of serenity.

31. – The crossroads, turn left to continue on the Great Ocean Road (about 45 minutes to the 12 Apostles) or turn right to visit waterfalls and the Otway Fly Tree Tops Walk. There is a small choice of good accommodation if you want to make this an overnight base to visit waterfalls etc.

32. Triplet Falls – A fabulous walking track beneath massive trees and through the cool temperate rain forest to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area. Well, they are all pretty really!

33. Otway Fly Treetops Walk – Brilliant walk on elevated walkways through the treetops. The Otway Fly is also home to a tree zip lining course. Paid entry, loads of parking and a cafe on site. This is very close to the Triplet Falls bushwalk.

34. Hopetoun Falls – Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though does involve steps. A viewpoint from the top provides a good photo op. Find all the waterfalls in the area here.

35. Californian Redwoods – This is an unexpected surprise. Not far from Hopetoun Falls is a plantation of giant Sequoia Trees. A really peaceful spot by a small river. Once you enter the little forest, it seems so quiet with pine needles underfoot dulling and noise. It is not too far to this spot from Apollo Bay, following Binns Road.

36. Beauchamp Falls – One of our favorites. There is a free camping area here, too. The walk to the falls is fabulous, it takes about 30 minutes, and has historic signage along the way. 37. Mt Sabine Waterfall – The walking track into Sabine Falls is about 2.5 hours each way. These are the highest and most remote of the waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. Apollo Bay is a good base to stay to access some of these waterfalls.

38. Stevenson’s Falls, Otways – This is another really pretty waterfall in the Otways. You definitely need a few days to explore this area. The walk to the falls is not too far, but it’s pretty and the falls are worth the trek. There is a free campground not too far awaywhich is really popular.

39. Melba Gully – Another historic spot along the Ocean Road and a superb walk. If you have time, stop in an see the massive trees, follow the historic signs and, at night, you can see glow worms! Stay nearby if you want to see the glow worms at night – and take a torch to use on the track.

40. Princetown, near the 12 Apostles – Princetown is a tiny little village with some good accommodation options and cafe plus a wetlands walk that is worth taking time to do if you can. There is also a camping park in the village and low-cost camping at the Princetown Recreation Reserve. Find all our camping sites along the Great Ocean Road here.

41. Information sign and lesser-known lookout – There is a small parking area with an information board here. If you follow the path a short way there is also quite a good view along the coast to the 12 Apostles. 42. Gibson’s Steps to the Beach – My favorite beach of all! 88 steps have been hand carved into the limestone cliff face (now concreted for safety). The lead down to the beach with waves crashing in and the cliffs towering above. You can see two of the rock formations of the 12 Apostles from the beach too. Read all about what to see and do in the 12 Apostles area here.

43. The 12 Apostles – The famous Twelve Apostles! A massive car park, information kiosk, small selection of snacks and a walkway to the viewing area to see the Apostles. Fab at any time, beautiful for sunset or sunrise and almost always busy as we all want to see this area! Helicopter rides can be taken from beyond the car park, book ahead or take your turn if you have time to wait a little while.

44. Gorge – One of the best stops along the way. It does get busy in peak times too, but there is more space for everyone to spread out a bit more to see compared to the 12 Apostles. 3 or more hours can easily be spent here doing the walks and going down on the beaches. No toilets, water taps or shop. The Loch Ard is one of the most famous shipwrecks on the Victorian Coast, read all the history as you walk.

45. – A little fishing village less than 15 minutes drive from the 12 Apostles. Lots of accommodation to choose from, a microbrewery and good places to eat. An ideal spot to spend a night or two. 46. The Arch – A short walk down to the viewing area and another place to see. The Arch was formed over thousands of years. Good views back towards the Apostles coastline.

47. London Bridge, Australia! No longer a bridge as it fell down in 1990, unexpectedly, and left two people stranded on the newly formed island. Luckily, no one was hurt! It is now known as and worth stopping in to see. At dusk, little penguins can be seen coming ashore, you have to stay on the viewing platform and can’t get close though.

48. The Grotto – We love this spot. The Grotto is a sinkhole. The path winds down to where the ocean can be viewed through an arch.

49. Bay of Martyrs – This is an area with a sad history but very pretty. Stop in to read the information and learn more about Australian history.

50. Bay of Islands – A miniature Apostles, sort of. Smaller limestone stacks in a sheltered bay with walking tracks along the coast and to the beaches. Local accommodation can be found in Peterborough if you plan to stay here overnight. The 7-Day Great Ocean Road Walk 8 Days or so of hiking 104 km from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles, following the coastline, with views and experiences not possible t by car or bus. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. This is one of Victoria’s best bush, beach and ocean walks. Find out more and plan your adventure here…

Or

A company called Walk 91 provides assistance to plan your walk along the GOR Walk, either with luxurious accommodation and meals provided or the budget self-catering option. Read more here… Activities and Attractions Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the region also has activities to keep visitors busy for days. Ziplining, surfing, hores riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few... Lorne

 Live Wire Park Ziplines, tree climbing course, and fun!  Health and Hire, (HAH) Lorne Beach. A super little ‘Gourmet Sustainable Cafe’ and the spot to hire a bike, surfboard, SUP (stand up paddleboarding) etc.  Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids and more.

Otways

 Otways Trees Adventure Park  Otway Fly – Tree Top Walk and Zip Lining

Surf Lessons

Go Ride a Wave! Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. Boat, Canoe and Kayak Tours or Hire

 Anglesea paddle boat and canoe hire.  Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak – Learn to Surf, Kayak to a Seal Colony, Bike and Walk the Otways.  GORATS (Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours)- Personalised tours by bike or paddling down rivers.

Horse Riding

Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago!

Gourmet Food Trail  Apostle Whey Cheese – Cooriemungle (near Port Campbell)  Berry World – Timboon  Farm Fudge – Timboon Colac Road Jancourt East  Gorge Chocolates – Cooriemungle  Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie – Bellbrae  Otway Blueberries – Gellibrand  The Place of Wonder – Port Campbell Rd, Newfield  Timboon Fine Icecream – Timboon Micro Breweries & Great Pubs  Bells Beach Brewing – Torquay  Blackmans Brewery Bar – Torquay  Forrest Brewing Company – Forrest  Great Ocean Road Brewhouse – Apollo Bay  Otway Estate Brewery – Prickly Moses Beer – Barongarook  Salt Brewing Company / Rogue Wave Brewing- Aireys Inlet  Sow & Piglets Brewery – Port Campbell  Timboon Distillery – Timboon  Wye Beach Hotel – Wye River, Craft Beer on Tap  ANDY’S TRAILS – Beer, Wine, and Gourmet Food Tours. A safe option to take if you want to get the most out of a microbrewery tour experience.

Great Ocean Road Bus Tours If you want to get the most of a day trip down the Great Ocean Road but do not want to self-drive, a bus tour will be the perfect option. A number of the tour bus companies operate longer trips down the Ocean Road and on to Adelaide... We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Find out more here. Helicopter Joy Rides

 Scenic helicopter flights leave from near the 12 Apostles visitor center behind the car park.

 Or how about a flight from Apollo Bay? These trips follow the coast, passing the Cape OtwayLight Station and parts of the coast that you can’t see or access from the road. Apollo Bay Aviation provides a variety of trips, read more on their website.

 Helicopter Tour from Melbourne! Well, this is one way to experience The Ocean Road in a day. Helicopter Tours operate out of Melbourne, offering a few different choices including a flight to the Twelve Apostles for lunch and then down to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins come ashore. They land by the 12 Apostles so passengers can take in the most famous section of the Ocean Road and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch – Proposals… Anniversaries… Just because you want to… Heading Onwards - Adelaide, Grampians etc. Many travelers continue on to and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. Find good prices and choices of accommodation:  Warrnambool Accommodation  The Grampian Mountains and Halls Gap  Adelaide Accommodation  Melbourne Accommodation Find all our suggested touring itineraries from 1 to 6 days and more information about the 12 Apostles on the website.

https://explorethegreatoceanroad.com.au