Once built as a war memorial, Australia’s Great Ocean Road has become one of the most spectacular driving routes across the globe. Going across the coastline, rainforests, and attractive towns, the journey on this 243-km-long road hosts a number of adventurous activities and worthwhile attractions. Being one of Australia’s top tourist attractions, this scenic route attracts over 6 million tourists each year.
There are various ways to capture the great sights of the whole region. But the most popular options include going via car of your own or owning a rental one, booking a helicopter tour, or going on a bicycle tour. Each method holds its own appeal, and one needs to choose an option based on their likings and preferences.
Although it’s advised to tour the whole trip over a time span of 3–4 days, you can always cover it within a single day as well. To make it convenient for you to make the right choice, here we have covered all aspects of all the different methods that you can use for exploring the Great Ocean Road. Keep reading to know what this incredible journey awaits for you.
Ways To Explore The Great Ocean Road
While renting out a car or going on your own might seem the most suitable choice, there are some other alternatives available as well. Have a look at some of them.
1. Tour In A Helicopter
The helicopter tour is organised by the 12 Apostles Helicopters and features a ride of 15 minutes along with a live commentary guide in English through which you will be guided about the locations over which you will be flying. The experienced pilots will be briefing you about the history and significance of each attraction. A maximum of 7 people of the age group 3-99 can go on this ride at a time. The covered locations include 12 Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, Two Mile Bay, Shipwreck Coast Point Hesse, and Port Campbell National Park. Through this ride, you will be capturing bird’s-eye views of the various regions that cover the Great Ocean Road.
Important Considerations:
- Individuals weighing over 130 kg aren’t allowed.
- A minimum of 3 people is required, and a maximum of 7 people are allowed at a time.
- Food and drinks aren’t included in the package.
2. Tour In A Biplane
Those looking for a rush of adrenaline can go for a ride in the WWII open cockpit biplane. This way, they can see and explore the renowned beaches and cliffs available along the Great Ocean Road. These tours are operated by Tiger Moth World and have been active for 30 years. You can choose from the various flight options available. The tour will begin from Torquay and cover sites like 12 Apostles, Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff Black Lighthouse, Port Phillip Bay, and more. The timings of the flights varies from 20 minutes to an hour. Based on your budget, you can book one. This mode of touring the Great Ocean Road presents you with an opportunity to catch some amazing aerial views.
Important Considerations:
- Good for solo travellers only; those looking for a group experience can go with the helicopter tour.
- For those under the age of 18, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is a must.
- The weight limit for passengers is 120 kg.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol the day prior to your flight.
3. Walking/Bicycle Tour
AllTrails, being a well-known bicycle tour company, specialises in organising multi-day cycling holidays. They offer three great ways of exploring the Great Ocean Road. Either you can go with their Slow Ocean Road Cycle Tour, the Great Ocean Road Cycle Tour, or the AllTrails Great Ocean Walk Tours. Being a slow way of travelling, through the Slow Ocean Road Cycle Tour, you would be able to catch some of the best hidden gems along your journey of the Great Ocean Road. Ride at your own casual pace and see what comes up in your way. In their Great Ocean Road Cycle Tour, you would be going on a four-day tour to experience everything that the great road entails. Via the AllTrails Great Ocean Walk Tours, you would be going for a seven-day guided walk. The locations that you will be covering include Apollo Bay, 12 Apostles, and more. Ranging from beaches and bushlands to wildlife, there will be so much worth looking for.
Important Considerations:
- It is suggested to carry a full water bottle, a spare tube, and proper rain gear.
- They also have a group discount policy that can be taken advantage of by bringing in 3 or more entrants.
- On some tours, a free cycling jersey is provided, while on others, you need to purchase one.
- As the tour continues for a couple of days, the company offers an accommodation facility, and you can choose your travelling companion with whom you would like to get accommodated via an online entry form.
4. Via Car
Exploring the Great Ocean Road via car, whether your own one or a hired one, is considered to be the best option. This way, you would be able to catch a glimpse of those attractions that are not on the main road as well. Stop whenever and wherever you want and spend as much time as you want admiring the attractions of your choice. As the trip would be around 3-4 days long, you can opt for an overnight stay at any of the popular overnight stops, including Apollo Bay, Torquay, Lorne, or Port Campbell. For outdoor adventure, go camping at any of the free camps or paid public campgrounds available on the way.
Important Considerations:
- While going by car, opt for planning the route and booking the accommodation in advance.
- Always drive within the speed limits.
- Keep an account for the fueling stations.
- The coastal drive could feature a mix of various weather conditions; thus, go prepared.
- Keep an eye out for the wildlife that persists in the area.
Top Attractions Along The Great Ocean Road
As the spectacular Great Ocean Road stretches over an area of 243 km, there is an abundance of places spread across the region that are worth paying a visit. From falls to national parks and historic villages, there’s something for everyone. Have a look at some of the key attractions on the Great Ocean Road.
1. Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road often go hand in hand. Basically, these are limestone rock stacks standing in the ocean along the coastline that were formed as a result of erosion of the coast’s limestone cliffs that took place around 10 to 20 million years ago. Giant, strong water waves crashed against a number of rock formations to carve out the current rock stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Once 12 in numbers, now only seven limestone rock stacks are left at the site. Six of them are located next to each other, while the seventh is a bit far from the main viewing platform. The best time to come and catch a view here is during the sunset.
2. Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park is a national park that is spread across an area of 1,750-hectares. Here, you can spot a diverse range of wildlife that includes threatened, rare, and endangered species as well. This park is well-known for the gorges, arches, blowholes, and rock stacks it hosts. The main highlights of this park include the London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. There are a number of trails available that are good for an outdoor adventure. Some of them are the Button Bird Island Lookout Trail, the Loch Ard Gorge-Razorback Trail, and the Thunder Cave Walk Trail.
3. Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls has got its own identity despite being located in an area full of falls. It’s a 30-metre-deep fall that goes into the Erskine River, filled with tree ferns. On your journey to the Great Ocean Road, you can stay here for a while to feel the fine mist of water coming down from such a height. Use any of the two lookout points to take in the amazing views of the surroundings. While the first one offers a great view over the fall, reaching the second one is a bit tedious but worth the effort. Being a 15-minute drive from the Great Ocean Road at Lorne, coming here would definitely be a wise choice.
4. Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park is a national park carrying an extensive Aboriginal history and is spread across an area of 103,185 hectares. It starts in Torquay and makes its way through Princetown and Otways to end in Colac. Throughout its way, it hosts sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, heathland, tall forests, rock platforms, spectacular waterfalls, and serene lakes. The wildlife it has is really one of a kind, as you will find here native animals like kangaroos, koalas, platypus, wallabies, glowworms, rare black carnivorous snails, and more. The main highlights of this park are Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, Otway Lightstation, Great Ocean Walk, Cape Otway, and Apollo Bay. Either take a horse ride or a mountain bike to cover the whole journey.
5. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a protected area situated a short distance from the Great Ocean Road. It is placed in a large volcanic crater and is spread across an area of 600 hectares. Designed by one of Australia’s greatest architects, namely Robin Boyd, it is Victoria’s most remarkable geological formation. This Reserve was declared Victoria’s first National Park in 1892 and is managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative. In here, you will find an extensive range of wildlife consisting of koalas, emus, kangaroos, ducks, swans, blue wrens, and some native birds too. Ranging from easy boardwalks to scenic climbs, this area has enough walking opportunities for people of all kinds. Either tour on your own or take help from experienced local guides as they provide tours about the Aboriginal history and cultural heritage of the area.
Popular Cities And Towns Of The Great Ocean Road Region
There’s no need to rush your journey on the Great Ocean Road, as along with all the key attractions, there are a number of hidden gems located in all of its nearby towns and cities. Visiting these places allows you to make the most of your trip on this one-of-a-kind driving route. Have a look at some of these towns and cities that need to be on your go-to list.
1. Torquay
The town of Torquay is renowned for its surfing culture as it is home to a surfing museum named Surf World, and brands like Quicksilver and Rip Curl were also found here only. The surfing museum exhibits the role of Australia in developing surfing culture around the world. A number of collections of surfcraft, memorabilia, and artefacts are featured on the display. Their surfboard collection features a total of 150+ surfboards. Other than surfing, other popular activities that you can try here include fishing, sailboarding, nature walks, and mountain bike riding. For food, you have options like Samesyn 2.0, Hilbilby Cultured Food, Bob Sugar, Gypsy Burger, Surfcoast Wholefoods, and Number One Restaurant.
2. Apollo Bay
The coastal town of Apollo Bay is located on the eastern side of Cape Otway. It features swimming and surfing beaches, a boat harbour, and a marina that is a hub of fishing fleets. Those who are not interested in sea activities can opt for taking a ride on horseback or go shopping in the gift shops, galleries, and tea houses around the beach. Besides beaches, some of the key attractions over there include Great Otway National Park, Marriner’s Lookout, Apollo Bay Foreshore Reserve, Carisbrook Falls, and Hopetoun Falls. If visiting on Saturday, head to their foreshore market for artwork, local crafts, and fresh produce.
3. Port Campbell
Named after Captain Alexander Campbell, the coastal town of Port Campbell features amazing coastal views that are worth admiring on your trip to The Great Ocean Road. The activities that you can try here include hiking, fishing, swimming, surfing, and wandering on the beaches. The key attractions here include Port Campbell Pier, Port Campbell National Park, Thunder Cave, and more. There are a number of cafes and restaurants selling tremendous foods to be enjoyed with an amazing view of the sea. With it, you can enjoy the fresh seafood paired with locally crafted beers and wine from local producers.
In Summary
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic and scenic routes. With views spanning over to the coastline and charming towns, there’s so much worth admiring and exploring. Irrespective of how long you take to explore the area, one thing is certain: you are going to have an excellent time. Either go on your journey by exploring it via air or go with the car option to cover everything in detail. What we suggest is to go on touring this stunning coastal highway via car, as it will allow you to view all the main attractions that the region hosts. So don’t wait any longer and plan out your itinerary today only.
Frquently Asked Questions
Where Does The Great Ocean Road Start And Finish?
The Great Ocean Road is a 240 kilometre long road that starts in Torquay at the iconic Great Ocean Road gate and ends at the small town of Allansford, situated just outside of Warrnambool.
How Long Is The Great Ocean Road?
This Australian National Heritage-listed road, which is also the world’s largest war memorial, is around 240 kilometre (150 mile) long that snakes around the south-eastern coast of Australia.
Can You Drive To Great Ocean Road From Melbourne?
Yes, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, i.e the iconic Great Ocean Road gate is located at a distance of around 208 km from the Melbourne CBD. On an average, you can cover this much distance in a time of around 2.5 hours.
Can You Drive The Great Ocean Road In One Day?
Yes, for those short on time, covering the whole of the Great Ocean Road in one day is possible. Doing so will take them anywhere around 9 hours; thus, it’s advised to start your journey as early as possible to not miss a beat.
How Many Days For The Great Ocean Road?
In general, people take around anywhere between 3-4 days to complete this iconic journey. While touring, they come across a number of worthwhile attractions, such as Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Erskine Falls, Bells Beach, the Great Ocean Walk, the Kennet River Koala Walk, and more. They also enjoy relaxing and chilling out in various of the holiday towns that come their way.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Ocean Road?
Although the Great Ocean Road gives a breathtaking experience all year round, it’s best to visit this iconic place in the summer, as the skies are quite clear during this time, allowing you to take in the amazing views.
When Was The Great Ocean Road Built & Who Built The Great Ocean Road?
The construction of the Great Ocean Road began on September 19, 1919, when around 3000 ex-servicemen of World War I came back to build a war memorial for their associated servicemen who got killed in the war.
Why Is The Great Ocean Road So Famous?
The Great Ocean Road is 243 km long and is the world’s longest war memorial built by ex-servicemen of World War I. It took a total of 13 years to complete. This memorial serves as a reminder for all of the services and sacrifices that ex-war servicemen and women gave for the nation.
Which Way Is Best To Do The Great Ocean Road?
The most preferred way to do the Great Ocean Road is to cover it from east to west. This means you would be beginning your journey in Torquay at the iconic Great Ocean Road gate and would finish in Warrnambool. Throughout your journey, you will be able to see a number of amazing attractions such as Twelve Apostles, Memorial Arch at Eastern View, Port Campbell National Park, Erskine Falls, and more.