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Australia’s most sensational coastal drive is the Great Ocean Road, and it offers breathtaking views, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. This road stretches along the southeastern coast and becomes the iconic travel route that gets tourists from all around the world. The Great Ocean Road has something for all types of adventure seekers, nature lovers or road trip fanatics. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about this landscaped route, from where it is situated, how you can reach it, where to go to avoid getting lost, and where to stop for a memorable trip.
Location
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is located in a mid-sized coastal region within Victoria, Australia. At around 240 km long, this road runs from the coastal township of Torquay through some of the finest scenery in the country to connect with the small country town of Allansford. The road itself is naturally beautiful with rainforests, stunning ocean views, and limestone formations up the road.
How To Reach Great Ocean Road
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
By Car: Driving is the most common way to explore the Great Ocean Road. It’s only 100 km from Melbourne and it’s an easy road trip destination.
By Bus: On the bus, several tour companies have open tours that cover famous sights along the road. This is the perfect option for a traveller who prefers a structured itinerary.
By Bike: Cycling along the Great Ocean Road is an adventure for adventure seekers who enjoy seeing it through their own eyes. It is quite a good fitness as it varies at the terrain.
Places To Visit Near Great Ocean Road
Here is a list of nearby places to discover around Great Ocean Road in Australia:
1. The Twelve Apostles
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
The Twelve Apostles is one of the famous places of the Great Ocean Road, a collection of limestone stacks standing straight from the ocean. These natural formations are a must-see, and they are located near Port Campbell and are a must-see place, especially during sunrise and sunset. Viewing platforms are offered at the site for the dramatic beauty of the rugged coastline. Some of the stacks have eroded over time, falling, but their magnificence is a top attraction.
Location: Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
2. Loch Ard Gorge
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Another natural wonder located near the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge. The wrecks featured in this historic site are named because both the Loch Ard and the Bellarine had their mishaps in 1878, seeing only two survivors from the Loch Ard manage to reach the shore. Crystal clear waters and sandy beaches make this gorge a perfect place for exploring as its rock formations are outstanding. Stroller-friendly paths allow people to walk along designated trails to see the shipwreck’s history and absorb the truly stunning coastal views.
Location: Near Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia
Best Time To Visit: March to May
3. Gibson Steps
Photo: Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons
Gibson Steps are an iconic feature along the Great Ocean Road, with the visitor getting a closer view of those towering limestone cliffs. Visitors do descend a set of stairs down to the beach where they can see the sheer size of these natural formations. As a result it is a popular place for photographing the rock stacks that stand in the ocean from the beach. The area might be walked in during low tide moments, as one can view the beauty of nature at a close distance.
Location: Great Ocean Road, 1 km from the Twelve Apostles
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Where To Stay
Photo: Francesca Saraco / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
The Great Ocean Road provides a choice of accommodation options for all types of travellers, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Apollo Bay and Lorne are favourite stopovers with their hotels, motels, and beachfront villas. For those who desire a more immersive experience, camping grounds and holiday parks are near national parks. Another great place to stay close to the Twelve Apostles for travellers is Port Campbell.
Where To Eat
Photo: Shawn / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Several restaurants and cafes in the Great Ocean Road serve delicious local cuisine. Coastal eateries serve freshly caught fish, oysters and prawns that most people crave. There are casual restaurants and cafes to more formal dining in towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Along the route are food trucks and bakeries serving tasty bites and coffee for those in a hurry. The charm of the journey is also enjoying a meal with ocean views.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Lance Asper / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is during the spring and summer months. A pleasant weather makes this a nice chance to be outside and keep on the roadsides, drive scenic drives around the area and also get to the beachside stops. In autumn and winter there’s a dramatic wave, but not too many crowds. Whales can be seen along the coast during winter by wildlife enthusiasts. The Great Ocean Road offers a different charm to the seasons, whether you love the warm, sunny days or lush moody coastal vibes.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kegzy75 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
Fuel costs for a self-drive trip along the Great Ocean Road are about AUD 50–100 depending on the distance you are driving. However, if you are travelling to Australia as a tourist the cost of travel might range from $1000 – $2000.
Tips For Travellers
- To avoid crowds, start early and get the best scenic views.
- Bring along comfortable clothing because the weather is unpredictable.
- Avoid winding roads and be alert for wildlife.
- Get to familiar locations to get water and snacks, particularly some of the areas that lack food options.
- Check weather and road conditions before your trip.
Great Ocean Road is an exciting travel destination, which is an intriguing mix of scenic beauty, adventure and cultural importance. This route punishes the traveller with incredible scenery and delights with charming seaside towns. Regardless of how long you’re planning to trek through it, the Great Ocean Road is a must-visit if that’s something that you’re into — whether it’s a day excursion or a longer road trip through its many breathtaking sites.
Cover Photo: Weyne Yew / Unsplash
