Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road — Ultimate Driving Guide

One of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives. Wind past surf beaches, seaside towns, rainforests, and dramatic limestone cliffs between Torquay and Allansford (near Warrnambool). Plan your stops, lookouts, and facilities below.

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At a glance

Distance: ~243 km Torquay → Allansford (near Warrnambool)
Time: 2–3 days recommended (can be done as a long day with limited stops)
Best months: Oct–Apr for beach weather; May–Sep for bigger swells and fewer crowds
Road type: Sealed, winding coastal sections; slower behind caravans in peak season
Ideal for: Scenic driving, short walks, lookouts, families, photographers

Map overview

Key towns and stops: Torquay → Anglesea → Aireys Inlet → Lorne → Kennett River → Apollo Bay → Maits Rest → Cape Otway → Gibson Steps → 12 Apostles → Loch Ard Gorge → Port Campbell → London Bridge → The Grotto → Bay of Islands → Warrnambool.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Torquay to Apollo Bay

Torquay & Bells Beach: Surf capital; views over the breaks.
Anglesea: Riverside walks; amenities in town.
Aireys Inlet: Split Point Lighthouse lookouts.
Lorne: Foreshore, Lorne Pier; lunch stop; Near Me for facilities.
Great Otway National Park: Short rainforest detours.
Apollo Bay: Overnight base; beach and eateries.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Maits Rest: Easy boardwalk through temperate rainforest.
Cape Otway: Lighthouse precinct; koala sightings along the road.
Gibson Steps: Beach access below towering cliffs (check conditions).
12 Apostles: Boardwalk lookouts; arrive early or late for fewer crowds.
Loch Ard Gorge: Short walks to Thunder Cave, Island Arch.
Port Campbell: Stay the night if you’re sunset chasing.

Day 3: Port Campbell to Warrnambool

London Bridge (Arch): Dramatic coastal view; short walk from carpark.
The Grotto: Sinkhole and sea cave outlook.
Bay of Martyrs & Bay of Islands: Fewer crowds, vast limestone scenery.
Allansford → Warrnambool: End the official route; extend to Tower Hill or Port Fairy.

Facilities and stops

Near Me for toilets on arrival in each town.
Accessible Toilets and Adult Change at major hubs.
Public Showers in popular foreshore precincts (e.g., Lorne, Apollo Bay).
Service stations in Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, and Warrnambool.

Short walks and lookouts

Point Addis, Split Point, Teddy’s Lookout (Lorne): Short walks, big views.
Maits Rest Boardwalk: 800 m loop, mostly level.
Castle Cove Lookout: Quick stop with sweeping coastline views.
12 Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge precincts: Multiple short, sealed paths to lookouts.

Accessibility

Sealed paths and accessible lookouts at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge precincts.
Apollo Bay and Lorne foreshore have accessible facilities; check Accessible Toilets.
Some beach access points have seasonal beach matting; check council pages from the Locations hub.

Driving tips and safety

Allow extra time in peak season and long weekends; traffic can be slow.
Rest every 2 hours — see Road Safety & Rest Breaks.
Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk, especially in the Otways.
Strong winds and spray near lookouts — keep a safe distance from edges.

Where to stay

Lorne & Apollo Bay: Great bases for beaches and rainforest.
Port Campbell: Ideal for sunset/sunrise at the Apostles.
Camping & Outdoors for park campgrounds and holiday parks.

When to go

Summer (Dec–Feb): Beach weather, busiest crowds — book ahead.
Autumn (Mar–May): Mild days, great driving conditions.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Fewer crowds, dramatic seas; pack warm layers.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers and increasing sunshine.

FAQs

How long do I need for the Great Ocean Road?

Allow 2–3 days to enjoy beaches, lookouts, and short walks without rushing. A long day trip is possible but limited.

Which direction is best?

Driving west (Torquay → Warrnambool) keeps ocean views on your left, making pull‑outs easier. Either direction works.

Is the road suitable for caravans?

Yes. It’s sealed throughout, but expect slower travel on winding sections and allow overtaking.

Are the 12 Apostles accessible?

Yes, main lookouts have sealed paths and viewing platforms. Check accessible toilets via our Accessible Toilets page.

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