Great Ocean Road Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rugged coastline
Apollo Bay
Torquay showing a beach as well as a large group of people
Apollo Bay Harbour featuring boating and a marina
Torquay featuring a bay or harbour and a sandy 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 ₹10,573 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹10,573
₹11,631 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Always love"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (914 reviews)
"For the great price the property was adequate. Room quite small, bed was OK, we did not know it was a disabled room which meant the bathroom facilities were all to suit. The higher toilet with small children can be complicated. But it was clean enough and very comfortable for a one night stay. Would ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Torquay Tropicana Motel
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is ₹9,008 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹9,008
₹10,056 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (465 reviews)
"Amazing venue and will be back. Great service, facilities and location."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 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! (658 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 their 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
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala

2 out of 5
90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway, VIC
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Cape Otway. Enjoy free parking, a local area shuttle (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Point Flinders and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (185 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Great place to stay. Only problem we had was that there were no handrails for the steps which were quite steep. Friendly kookaburras we’re a bonus."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
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.

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Cities near Great Ocean Road