These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Our website uses cookies. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. The iconic spots and landmarks on the Great Ocean Road can be covered within a day as it is stretches for only about 243 Km (151 miles). Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. Most of the people here were Chinese. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. 12. You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. A relaxed pace - The only 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road experience, allowing ample time for all the 'must-sees' along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Beyond. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Check our. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. The Great Ocean Road tour allows you to witness the spectacular surf coast of Torquay and Lorne, with their sandy white beaches and curling waves. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary, 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2023 Guide]. Dogs are permitted to join you in a vehicle driving along the length of the Great Ocean Road, even when the highway passes through areas of national park. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia. We still had a long ways to go. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Find more of them listed here. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. From Torquay to Warrnambool (the last town on the Great Ocean Road), expect to spend at least 4 hours of driving which doesnt include stops. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. A softUsvista Inc. venture! For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. Copyright 2023 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 | 252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |, What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Weather Local Weather Forecasts. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Check, (2 hrs Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. We know what you mean by just taking your time and booking the day of but we would recommend booking in advance as it is so much busier now. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Don't be an idiot. 8 Days or so of hiking from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles following the coastline with views and experiences not possible by car or bus. The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check. Reserve your spot here. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. Some of the largest waves I have ever seen were crashing onto the rocks, sending up sprays of water at least thirty feet in the air. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Phone: +61 3 5227 9100 Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566) Getting to the Great Ocean Road By Car Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD 1hr 17min The step by step directions below should take you there: - Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway - Continue onto Princes Freeway - Continue onto Geelong Ring Road - Follow the signs for Torquay Great commentary. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Stunning photos. You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. Please enter your email address or username. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! There are 2 main routes to reach the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - an inland road that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong to Warrnambool, or drive over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. Stops. Your email address will not be published. It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). . Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Thanks for your support, kind friend! These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We want to book accommodation as we go . If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the . hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. You can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. It stretches for 243 kms. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Wendy Report inappropriate content 34 mins), (3 hrs Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! The landscape varies depending on which route you take. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Read 1 review. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. 1. Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Purchase tickets. The Great Ocean Road is the most famous coastal road in Australia and meanders along sheer limestone cliff tops, spectacular jutting headlands beside the edge of pristine beaches. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where youll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. The gorge has been named after a ship Loch Ard ran aground nearby and the rock pillars are named Tom and Eva after the only two survivors. Going up is going to be a task though! Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Chasing waterfalls? A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Planning a trip to Australia? What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Find out more here. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. Required fields are marked *. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day 1 - Melbourne to Lorne Setting out on the first section of the Great Ocean Road will take you from the Victorian capital of Melbourne to the coastal town of Lorne. Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. The Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.Winding through varying terrain along the coast . DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Read all of our articles in our. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. The worlds largest war memorial is built along the road whose story began in 1919 when World War I heroes returned home and started building a memorial for their martyrs. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Kms. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches.