Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road With a Motorhome

Undeniably one of the greatest coastal drives in the world, Australia’s Great Ocean Road snakes its way scenically along the coast of Victoria from Melbourne. It’s a sensational road. Yes, superlatives are appropriate here. There are some superb Great Ocean Road attractions on the drive.

Built from 1919 to 1932 as both an employment project for World War One veterans and a memorial to those killed in the Great War, it stretches for 243 kilometers (or 151 miles) between the towns of Torquay and Allansford.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Its relatively short length make it the ideal day trip from Melbourne. However, you’re absolutely encouraged to take your time driving the Great Ocean Road. Consider renting a motorhome in Melbourne and spending at least three days in the area. There’s plenty to see and do.

For those looking at going further afield, continue on to Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges, and perhaps over the Nullarbor Plain to Perth.

Top Great Ocean Ocean Attractions

Torquay and Bells Beach

The classic Australian surf and beach town, Torquay is the perfect first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road. Park your vehicle and head out for some beachside exploration. All you need to know is that the outdoor brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver are based in this small town.

Torquay is home to the Australian National Surfing Museum (what better place could there be?). Nearby, you’ll find some of the world’s best waves at Bells Beach.

Kennett River

Between Torquay and Kennett River, there are a few other awesome beach towns. Consider stopping at Anglesea, Aireys Inlet or Lorne for some fantastic sunbathing and swimming.

In Kennett River, an unassuming village, you’ll have an excellent chance to spot koalas in the wild. Countless of these iconic furry animals—together with kangaroos the symbol of Australia, really—live in the trees around the village.

The Otways

More natural delights await just down the road. Arriving in Apollo Bay, known for its mouthwatering seafood and a great place to spend the night, you’ll be mere minutes from waterfalls, lush rainforests, mountain streams and fireflies.

This diversity, from beaches to waterfalls, is exactly what makes the Great Ocean Road so phenomenal. Go for a hike in Great Otway National Park, washing off the sweat afterward with another refreshing dip in the Southern Ocean

Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell National Park

After the beaches and greenery of the first half of the Great Ocean Road, the scenery changes dramatically. The second part is characterized by epic coastal cliffs and rock formations. The start of this world-famous coastline is Port Campbell, a wonderful fishing village that’s the namesake of Port Campbell National Park.

That national park encompasses numerous coastal rock features, bearing names like Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Bridge and the Arch. The main highlight and the star attraction of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, however, is the Twelve Apostles. This collection of magnificent rock pillars, rising up from the wild waters below, is one of the most well-known places in Australia. They’re at their most scenic around sunset and sunrise.