The Great Ocean Road runs about 240 kilometres along the Victorian coast from Torquay, past surf beaches, rainforest and the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles. Here you'll find all 12 checked spots from our map with tips on route, overnight stays and the best times.
The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay, about an hour south-west of Melbourne. Ideally you drive a rental car or van — that way you can be at the rocks at the best times. Without a car there are day tours from Melbourne or buses to Apollo Bay. The full route with stages and kilometres is on our road trip page.
The road is open all year. Summer from December to March is the warmest and busiest; winter is cool and windy, but with big waves and fewer buses. March to October is best for surfing. At the Twelve Apostles, early morning and sunset are the quietest times.
An eco hostel with a rooftop terrace and sea views, the ideal stopover on the route. A big kitchen, lots of travellers and walking distance to the beach and town.
Campsites right on the beach between Lorne and Apollo Bay, with a pub and café in the little town. Fills up fast in summer — book early.
A cheap national park campground on the Aire River in Great Otway National Park, near Cape Otway Lighthouse. Basic, quiet and often with koalas nearby.
Bells Beach is a legendary point break near Torquay and home to the world's oldest professional surf contest. The waves are big and powerful — for experienced surfers only. Just watching from the lookout above is worth it, especially with a swell between March and October.
A small seaside town with a patrolled beach, cafés and waterfalls in the hinterland. Erskine Falls are 15 minutes inland in the rainforest. Best for swimming from December to March.
The limestone stacks off the cliffs are the best-known sight on the Great Ocean Road. From the viewing platforms you look down on the rocks in the sea. Come early in the morning or at sunset — at midday the buses queue up. The visitor centre is free.
A gorge with a small beach, named after the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878 — only two people survived. Steps lead down to the beach. Don't swim in the gorge; the current is dangerous. Most beautiful in the late afternoon.
Wild koalas often sit in the eucalyptus trees around this little town — one of the most reliable places in Australia to see them in the wild. In the morning, walk slowly along Grey River Road and look up. Don't feed the koalas or the parrots.
The biggest town halfway along and the usual overnight stop before the stretch through the Otway rainforest. There's a supermarket, petrol station, cafés and the harbour. Fill up and stock up — beyond here it gets expensive.
Fresh fish and fish and chips right at Apollo Bay harbour. Cheap, with views of the fishing boats.
A ten- to fifteen-minute scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. More expensive than a lookout, but the best view of the coast from above.
A laundromat in Torquay at the start of the route — handy before several days in the van.
At least two, better three days. As a day tour from Melbourne you spend about 12 hours, mostly on the bus.
Early in the morning or at sunset. At midday it's very busy because of the day tours.
Most reliably at Kennett River on Grey River Road, and also around the Aire River and Cape Otway.
All spots on the Great Ocean Road map. Start and finish: Melbourne. The whole route with stages and kilometres on the Great Ocean Road road trip. Further inland to the Grampians.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.