Planning your road trip along the Great Ocean Road? You’re not alone, and you’re in for something unforgettable. Stretching over 240 kilometres of wild coastlines, ancient rainforest and vibrant townships, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic journeys, and with so much to take in, it can be hard to know where to start and stop.
We have helped thousands of visitors shape memorable trips through Victoria’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether you’re arriving from overseas or heading down from Melbourne for the weekend, these seven stops have been carefully chosen to help you experience the very best of the journey. Let’s begin where the road does: in Torquay.
1. Torquay: Surf Culture and Coastal Charm
The gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is where the drive begins and the coastal spirit takes hold. Known as the birthplace of Australian surf culture, this town is packed with character, energy, and salt-air appeal.
Catch the waves at Bells Beach, a globally recognised surf break, or explore the Australian National Surfing Museum, where board design, archival footage and coastal history come together. In town, boutique surf shops, beachside cafés and weekend markets keep the buzz going.
This is the perfect place to ease into road trip mode. Stretch your legs along the foreshore, pick up local produce, and let the rhythm of the coast guide you westward.
Explore Bells Beach
Visit the Surf Museum
2. Lorne: Seaside Retreat with Forest Soul
Lorne is where laid-back beach culture meets towering eucalyptus. This lively seaside town offers the best of both worlds: ocean on one side, dense forest on the other.
Walk along Lorne Main Beach in the morning, enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay, then head inland to Erskine Falls, a 30-metre cascade surrounded by ancient fern gullies. Or follow one of the foreshore walks and discover a blend of art, history and natural beauty along the Erskine River.
Lorne makes a great overnight stop, with excellent accommodation, eateries, and access to some of the Surf Coast’s best short hikes.
Visit Erskine Falls
Things to do in Lorne
3. Apollo Bay: Seafood, Surf and Serenity
Nestled between rolling hills and ocean, Apollo Bay is the kind of place that makes you linger. The vibe is relaxed, the seafood is freshly caught, and the views are uninterrupted.
Order a plate of scallops or flathead at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op, walk the crescent-shaped beach, or try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking with seals. Families will find safe swimming spots, and the township itself has a friendly, welcoming feel.
If you’re planning to stay a night or two, this is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Otways.
Fresh seafood in Apollo Bay
Local Attractions in Apollo Bay
4. Cape Otway Lightstation: Step Back in Time
Follow the forested detour to Cape Otway, and you’ll find a windswept headland where stories of survival, navigation and ancient culture converge.
The Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848, is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. It stands watch over the Southern Ocean, a coastline once known as the Shipwreck Coast. The site also shares the history of the Gadubanud people, Traditional Owners of the region.
Climb to the top for panoramic views, explore the heritage buildings, and learn about the lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked in isolation on this dramatic stretch of land.
5. Loch Ard Gorge: More Than Just a View
A short drive from the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is where nature and history collide. It’s named after the Loch Ard, a sailing ship that ran aground nearby in 1878. Of the 54 people on board, only two survived.
Today, you can stand on the sand where the survivors came ashore, walk cliff-top paths to The Razorback and Tom and Eva Lookout, and feel the power of the ocean echoing through the gorge walls. It’s less crowded than the Apostles but every bit as compelling.
Paths are well-marked, with options ranging from accessible lookouts to short stair descents to the beach.
6. The 12 Apostles: A True Natural Wonder
The final and most iconic stop, the 12 Apostles are the image most travellers picture when they think of the Great Ocean Road. These towering limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean, formed over millions of years by the relentless force of wind and waves.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light, and avoid peak hours for a more peaceful experience. The viewing platforms provide panoramic perspectives, and for those seeking something truly memorable, a scenic flight offers a bird’s-eye view of the coastline in full scale.
This is where the journey reaches its crescendo, and where many visitors fall a little in love with Victoria’s wild southern edge.
Visit the 12 Apostles
Sky Dive or Fly over the 12 Apostles
7. Tower Hill: Wildlife and Volcanic Landscape
Just outside Warrnambool, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences along the Great Ocean Road. This extraordinary location sits inside a dormant volcanic crater, making it not only a haven for native animals but also a geological wonder.
Wander through eucalypt forest and wetlands where emus roam freely, koalas perch in low-hanging branches, and kangaroos graze quietly in the shade. Boardwalks and trails range from gentle loops to elevated lookouts, all offering excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching.
Please respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and not feeding the animals. Early morning or dusk is the best time to visit.
Tower Hill is also a place of deep cultural significance. Join a guided Worn Gundij Tour to learn about the traditional stories of the Gunditjmara people, whose connection to this land stretches back tens of thousands of years.
Plan Your Great Ocean Road Itinerary
By now, you’ll have a clear sense of what makes the Great Ocean Road such a compelling destination for first-time travellers. It’s not just the grandeur of the landscapes, but the rhythm of the journey itself, one shaped by cliffs, forest, wildlife and stories that unfold around each bend.
To see all seven stops at an enjoyable pace, we recommend allowing at least three to five days. Check out our regional guides, accommodation listings and seasonal highlights to shape your ideal route.
