Roadtrip the Great Ocean Road, Victoria – Adventure Awaits
Roadtrip the Great Ocean Road Victoria and you’ll be in for a thrilling journey along one of Australia’s spectacular coastlines. It’s a 240 km trip give or take, usually starting from Torquay near Melbourne. Packed with sights, you’ll marvel at the Twelve Apostles (well, now eight, due to ferocious weathering and erosion), rising from the Southern Ocean. You’ll see the Loch Ard Gorge, dive into lush rainforests of the Great Otway National Park and unwind at charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. It’s an unforgettable Aussie on- the- road adventure waiting for you!
So, let’s start…
1. Melbourne to Torquay
- Distance: Approx. 95 km
- Drive time: Approx. 1 hr and 15 min
- Torquay is famous worldwide for its surf beaches, so lap up fun in the sun and swim, surf or have a bite to eat beachside watching the waves. Jan Juc Beach is patrolled for swimmers and suited to small boards, while Bells Beach is for the advanced surfer and hosts the thrilling and legendary surfing competitions, like Rip Curl Pro. Cosy Corner is perfect for kids as is Angelsea main beach, and the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary is a good spot for snorkelling and diving. You can get your steps along the Surf Coast Walk taking in the breathtaking views and try not to miss the fabulous Surfworld Museum – the world’s largest surfing and beach culture museum celebrating the groovy years of Australia’s surfing history. You’ll discover the fun, fear, colour and beauty of riding waves!
2. Torquay to Apollo Bay
- Distance: Approx. 92 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 27 min
- Welcome to Apollo Bay with its vibrant harbour, fishing boats, yachts and water bursting with activity! There’s a stunning sandy beach and waterfront restaurants and takeaways to pick up the freshest of seafood and coastal charm. Stroll the Great Ocean Walk offers coastal views. or you can hop on a fishing charter. Mariners Lookout provides panoramic vistas of the bay. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Cape Otway Lightstation is a must, offering guided tours and sweeping ocean views.
3. Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (well, Seven of the Twelve Apostles)
- Distance: Approx. 97 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 15 min
- The Twelve Apostles are iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. If you’re lucky to see it at sunset all the better! Look out for the The Gibson Steps as well, 10-15 min drive west of Port Campbell, which provide a unique opportunity to descend to the beach for an up-close encounter with towering cliffs. These steps were originally cut by a local tribe hundreds of years ago.
4. Port Campbell (Twelve Apostles) to Loch Ard Gorge
- Distance: Approx. 8 km
- Drive time: Approx. 9 min
- Check for beach access opening time as currently closed.
- This is a stunning gorge with tragic shipwreck history next to The Twelve Apostles. It’s named after the clipper ship “Loch Ard,” which tragically wrecked nearby in 1878, resulting in one of Australia’s most infamous maritime disasters. The popular natural rock formations like The Arch and London Bridge Road are about a 10 min drive west of Port Campbell and offer stunning views of the coastline and here, The Port Campbell National Park also boasts various walking trails and lookout points for visitors.
5. Port Campbell to the Great Otway National Park
- Port Campbell to Princetown (Eastern entrance of the Great Otway National Park):
- Distance: Approx. 30 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 30-40 min
- Port Campbell to Glenaire (Northern entrance of the Great Otway National Park):
- Distance: Approx. 70 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 15 min -30min
- Port Campbell to Lavers Hill (Central entrance of the Great Otway National Park):
- Distance: Approx. 50 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr
- The Great Otway National Park is home to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Staying at Travellarks handpicked accommodation, you’ll be able to explore so much natural reserve covering approx. 103,000 hectares and you’ll love the rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, towering eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls. There’s the spectacular Maits Rest Rainforest Walk of ancient trees, and Triplet Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled in lush vegetation is a magical setting that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The park is also home to Cape Otway Lighthouse for panoramic coastal vistas and if you have time, try the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for exploring the rainforest canopy, and pristine beaches like Johanna Beach and Blanket Bay.
6. Great Otway National Park to Lorne
- Distance: Approx. 64 km
- Drive time: Approx. 1 hr
- Arrive in Lorne and you’ll instantly see that the main attraction is the pristine beach, ideal for swimming and surfing, and nearby landmarks like Teddy’s Lookout, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Erskine Falls and Sheoak Falls, both within easy reach, are stunning waterfalls amid lush rainforest. The town’s vibrant atmosphere extends to its iconic pier, perfect for fishing and birdwatching. Shop, dine, and explore the biennial Lorne Sculpture Biennale. A beautifully unique experiences can be had – swim with dolphins, take a boat tour to gaze into wonderful marine life. Or, back on land, explore the enchanting world of glow worms on guided tours through nearby rainforests, or go on rock pooling adventures, abseil, rock climb or totally relax in forest bathing experiences…from wildlife spotting tours to art and craft workshops, Lorne’s offerings go on and on. You may need more time here.
7. Lorne to Warrnambool
- Distance: Approx. 164 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 2 hrs and 5 min
- Welcome to Warrnambool! Renowned for its maritime history and unique experiences like whale watching at Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform. Experience the history at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and discovering native wildlife at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Art enthusiasts can admire Australian artworks at the WAG – Warrnambool Art Gallery, while nature lovers can enjoy Hopkins Falls and picturesque beaches like Lady Bay Beach and Stingray Bay, ideal for relaxation and water fun. Warrnambool is a memorable stop on your Great Ocean Road journey, before beginning your journey back to Melbourne.
Roadtrip the Great Ocean Road, Victoria allows you to experience the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, including the stunning coastal scenery, iconic landmarks, and natural attractions, while also incorporating a visit to the Great Otway National Park. It provides a well-balanced road trip experience with manageable driving distances each day and ample time for exploration and relaxation.
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