Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic coastal drives and a must-visit destination. It is spread over 240 kilometers along Victoria's southwest coast. His scenic route offers vistas of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Moreover, you can see famous rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles (12 Apostles), towering limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Lorne and Apollo Bay are coastal towns where you can enjoy delicious seafood, stroll in vibrant markets, and relax on sandy beaches. Eventually, you can immerse in a thrill by choosing fun-filled activities like surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting in the surrounding national parks.

Witnessing the mesmerizing sunset over the ocean horizon is one of the significant reasons that tourists visit here. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply craving scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road tour should be on your list while planning your Australia holiday.

Great Ocean Road at a Glance

Category Information
Location Victoria, Australia
Length Approximately 240 kilometers
Main Attractions Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch
National Parks Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park
Transportation Car, bus, guided tours

Highlights

  • It's amazing to see the Twelve Apostles on one of Australia's most famous coastlines.
  • Sunset is the busiest time to visit the Twelve Apostles. Therefore, arriving two and a half hours early is best so you can set up your tripod cam with the desired view.
  • You must explore the Gibson Steps, a set of stairs descending to a beach next to cliffs with stunning rock formations next to the Twelve Apostles. The rocky outcrops on this beach are known as Gog and Magog. 
  • Loch Ard Gorge is another attractive spot along the Great Ocean Road. Again, the photo opportunities are endless, with a fantastic location by the walkway leading down to the beach. 
  • On the Great Ocean Road, a well-liked stop is the London Arch, formerly the London Bridge. You can get a panoramic view of the bridge.

Experiences at Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road is a hotspot with stunning coastal vistas, iconic landmarks, and outdoor adventures. However, 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road is a prime attraction here. While immersing yourself in the tranquility of coastal towns, you will have many travel experiences that make this Australia's most scenic drive more happening.

Twelve Apostles: Get a visual feast from the awe-inspiring sight of the Twelve Apostles. It is a majestic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. The rugged beauty of these iconic formations stands against the forces of nature and creates a breathtaking panorama that captures visitors' attention.

Beach Break: Stroll along the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Road to admire panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, and lush rainforests. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you walk along winding paths, encounter hidden coves, and observe diverse flora and fauna along the way.

Surfing: Ride the waves at Bells Beach and Torquay, where surfers, from beginners to experts, can enjoy surfing. Feel the thrill of catching the perfect wave amidst the stunning backdrop of coastal cliffs and pristine beaches. It lets you create unforgettable adrenaline-fueled excitement and natural beauty.


Interesting Facts about Great Ocean Road

  • To facilitate road travel in the area and provide employment for a large number of Australian soldiers who had just returned from World War I, work on the Great Ocean Road started in 1919. The Memorial Arch at the eastern end of the route honors the Australian service members who gave their lives fighting in World War I.
  • The lovely route runs from Torquay to Allansford in the west, passing through several picturesque villages, beaches, and viewpoint sites.
  • No surprise they call the treacherous coastline from Moonlight Head to Port Fairy point the ‘Shipwreck Coast’. 240 shipwrecks have been found, but many more are still undiscovered on the ocean floor.
  • Englishman George Bass named the limestone stacks the Sow and Piglets in 1798, but the name was changed in the 1920s to the Apostles. The name change was a marketing decision to draw tourists along the newly created Great Ocean Road.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: December to February is the ideal time to plan your tour of Great Ocean Road. During these months, you will encounter outdoor activities with pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing along the coast.

Q: What are the must-see attractions along the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: Significant attractions include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and scenic coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Q: How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: An entire drive along the Great Ocean Road, including stops, typically takes 8 to 10 hours. However, it is recommended that you allow at least 2 to 3 days to explore the area entirely.

Q: Are there hiking trails along the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: Several hiking trails, including those in Great Otway National Park, offer stunning coastal views and opportunities to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

Q: Can I see wildlife along the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: Absolutely! The surrounding forests and coastal areas are home to koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species, offering excellent wildlife spotting opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Q: What is so special about the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: The largest war memorial in Australia is special. The Great Ocean Road was constructed in 1932 as a monument to Victoria’s First World War veterans and serves as a permanent remembrance of their military service and sacrifice.

Q: Is Great Ocean Road worth it?

Ans: A self-drive road excursion to the Great Ocean Road is a must for most visitors to Melbourne. Additionally, much as in many Australian cities, renting a car and traveling outside the city is always worthwhile.

Q: Is 2 day enough for Great ocean Road?

Ans: In either case, you’ll get to take in a lot of beautiful scenery and pit stops. The Great Ocean Road has a lot to offer in terms of exploration. Two days are sufficient to see some attractions, but a lifetime might be spent discovering them all. You won’t be satisfied with our itinerary because it only gives you a taste of what’s to come.

Q: Can you swim in the Great Ocean Road?

Ans: The Great Ocean Road’s Apollo Bay offers a broad, crescent-shaped sandy beach. It is well-known among families and offers excellent swimming due to its protected waters. In the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and numerous surfing spots are nearby.