Ultimate Guide to the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road, affectionately known as ‘Greatopia’, is easily one of Australia’s most epic coastal drives.  

This iconic Australian driving route begins in Torquay, Victoria, just a short drive from Melbourne’s thriving food and culture scene, and ends at the South Australian border. 

The Great Ocean Road Touring Route winds past world-famous surf beaches, through lush green rainforest and stops at crumbling limestone cliffs. The perfect way to discover some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders, including the famed rock stacks of the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road also offers unbeatable food and wine among its stunning coastal landscapes. 

^{Credit: Great Ocean Road Marketing / Robert Blackburn}

The Grotto

Tucked away along the coast, near the township of Port Campbell, is the Grotto. Combining the scenic archway of a cave and the abyss of a sinkhole, this natural rock formation is one of Australia’s most interesting geological formations. This has multiple vantage points, but we recommend trying your luck at navigating your way through the crowds to the base of the staircase to catch a glimpse through the arch.

Twelve Apostles

Hallmarked as one of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a must-do Australian attraction. These 45-metre-tall stacks, once part of the coastline, have formed from years of erosion and harsh and extreme weather on this coast. Despite the name, there were originally only eight stacks, but this number is ever evolving as they continue to erode and fall away. That is part of what makes this landmark so special—it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

Gibson Steps

Just minutes from the Twelve Apostles are the Gibson Steps that lead to the beach below. These steps were originally cut out by the local Kirrae Whurrong tribe and have been used for hundreds of years. Wear a pair of your most sturdy shoes as you brave these steep steps. We recommend coming here for sunset, to experience the lowering sun light up the towering limestone pillars.  

Loch Ard Gorge

Another one of the best vantage points of these coastal rock stacks is found at Loch Ard Gorge. After making your way down the spiralling staircase leading you to its sandy shores, you can experience the sheer size of the giant limestone pillars of the former coastline. This is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most unique beaches. 

^{Loch Ard Gorge. Credit: Visit Victoria / Mark Watson}

^{Californian Redwood Forest. Credit: Great Ocean Road Tourism}

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a little village located in the foothills of the Otways between Wye River and Cape Otway. This is the perfect place to take in the stunning contrast of surf on one side and fern gullies on the other. Also, be sure to make a stop at the local museums outlining the rich history of this region.  

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

It is no secret that Melbourne is home to some of the best food and coffee in Australia. Luckily, this zest for good food and drinks has spread along the coast and embedded itself into the culture of the Great Ocean Road. These are some of the top places to grab a coffee and a bite to eat along the Great Ocean Road. 

• Mavis Mavis, Torquay

• The Bottle of Milk, Lorne

• Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay

• Forage on the Foreshore, Port Campbell

Mavis Mavis, Torquay

Mavis Mavis is an unassuming cafe best known for its to-die-for toasties and simply delicious coffee. If you like eating fish, do not look past their tuna melt. Sit in and watch the world go by, or grab it to go and soak up the morning sun down by the beach—either way, you can’t go wrong! 

The Bottle of Milk, Lorne

For a hearty breakfast, don’t look past The Bottle of Milk. Whether you’re craving mouthwatering burgers, veggie delights like the goats cheese stuffed mushrooms, or want to treat yourself to a hot jam doughnut, The Bottle of Milk is worth a spot on any foodie's Great Ocean Road adventure.  

^{The Bottle of Milk Cafe, Lorne. Credit: Visit Victoria.}

^{Forage on the Foreshore, Port Campbell. Credit: Visit Victoria.}

Whether you’re planning a quick road trip or to stay a while, there are plenty of incredible accommodation options along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy stunning ocean views, scenic hinterland retreats, and so much more with these top places to stay along the Great Ocean Road. 

• Melbourne

• Torquay
• Anglesea
• Lorne
• Apollo Bay
• Warrnambool
• Port Fairy

Melbourne

If you are looking for a place to stay before heading out on your Great Ocean Road trip, Discovery Parks Melbourne has you covered. With a range of accommodation options ranging from spacious campsites to deluxe three-bedroom townhouses, there are plenty of ways to stay while exploring this vibrant city.  

Torquay

The first stop along the Great Ocean Road is Torquay. Experience the very best of this beachside town at Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park. This spacious park is bustling with the very best amenities, and with the world's largest swimming pool (the Southern Ocean, of course!) right out the front doorstep, what more could you need? This park also features a range of fishing platforms for keen anglers. Grab a rod, catch dinner, and make use of the on-site facilities to cook up a feast. 

Anglesea

Anglesea Family Caravan Park is a quiet park set amongst the beautiful twisted branches of the victorian Moohah trees. This campsite also attracts an abundance of local animals like kangaroos, rabbits, and more, so keep your eyes peeled. Along with multiple playgrounds, mini golf, a bouncing pillow, a swimming pool, and a heated spa pool, this holiday park is bound to keep the whole family entertained. 

Lorne

Lorne is a quaint little township southeast of the Great Otway National Park. Right in town is the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park. In line with the small town vibe, this is an intimate park with a limited number of sites overlooking the river and just a short walk to the beach. It's the perfect place to retreat for a little bit of solitude on an otherwise busy slice of coastline. This park also has the option of fire pits so you can enjoy a campfire at your site after a big day of exploring.  

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay Holiday Park is a spacious caravan park packed with seasonal facilities. Relax by the pool, cook up a storm in the camp kitchen, challenge your family in the games room, and so much more. Whether you are looking for a base to explore the region or a place to rest up for the night on a Great Ocean Road trip, Apollo Bay Holiday Park is a top contender.  

Warrnambool

Explore the very best of the shipwreck coast at Discovery Parks Warnambool. Conveniently located in the hub of the Great Ocean Road, here you can breathe in the fresh ocean air as you stroll along the promenade, explore the extinct volcano crater at Tower Hill Reserve, and go whale watching out to sea. Best of all, with a huge variety of kids facilities, camp kitchen, activity room, and hire equipment on-site, there really is something for the whole family.  

Port Fairy

If you are looking for a central base to explore the final town on the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy Holiday Park has you covered. With a large range of accommodation options within lush green surroundings and amenities, this is the perfect base to unwind on this slice of the coast.  

PLANNING YOUR GREAT OCEAN ROAD ADVENTURE

Use G'day Parks to plan a Great Ocean Road adventure filled with stunning natural attractions, incredible beauty, and gorgeous coastal towns.

With so many things to see and do, a G'day Parks membership means you can save on a Great Ocean Road trip to remember. Not a member?

FIND OUT MORE

Looking for more accommodation options for your next Australian adventure? Check out the huge selection of G’day Parks throughout Australia.