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Exploring the Great Ocean Road

Just outside of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is a beautiful drive with many different things to see, including gorgeous natural rock formations, wildlife, nature walks, and ocean lookouts.

By: Katie Kessel + Save to a List

If you're in Melbourne and have a day to dedicate some scenic driving, you should definitely take advantage of the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road starts in Tourquay, a small surf town on the coast outside of Melbourne, continuing along the coast with stops along the beach as well as inland. You'll get to enjoy famous stops such as the 12 Apostles while taking in gorgeous beaches and the Victorian countryside. 

The drive is straightforward and well-marked, with signs for all of the major stops along the way. I've highlighted some of the best stops below in order so you can look out for the signs as you drive. That being said, I recommend stopping at other places along the way if you think somewhere look interesting! There are unlimited scenic lookouts, beach towns, and interesting attractions along the way. If you're going to stop for lunch, you can find places to eat in Apollo Bay, which is around halfway through the drive.

If you head back to Melbourne from the end of the GOR, I recommend taking the more direct route through Colac.

Unless indicated below, look out for the car park for each of these stops on the left of the road, as many of the stops and viewpoints are along the ocean.

Bells Beach - When you start out, make your way to Bells Beach, renowned for its famous surfing competitions. 

Memorial Arch - At the historic memorial arch, you can get out on the carpark to the left and take pictures. It was built as a memorial to those that served in WW1. From here, feel free to head down to the beach through a walkway to the left, where you can enjoy the serenity. 

Erskine Falls - If you have time, these waterfalls are beautiful, but an out-and-back from Lorne. From the Great Ocean Road, turn right onto William Street through to Erskine Falls Road, following the signs for about 10km. Though off the track, these falls are extremely impressive and offer a fantastic view both from the upper platform and on a platform below that looks up to the falls.

Teddy's Lookout - As you're leaving Lorne, look out for Teddy's Lookout, a scenic view from the coast and a must-see on the Great Ocean Road. 

Sheoak Falls - Look out for a carpark on the right side of the road after you leave Lorne. This is a 2km return walk through the Otway Rainforest. At the end you can watch the water flow down the rock face and into the pool below.

Kennet River Koala Walk - Stop here to get a look at wild Koalas and colouful birds. Look for a place to park near the caravan park, where you can walk around and see the wildlife.

Mait's Rest Rainforest Trail (Otway Rainforest) - Follow the signs for Mait's Rest as the road heads inland from Apollo Bay. From the car park, take the self guided tour on the boardwalk and admire the trees - some over 300 years old. You can also see wildlife here, including wallabies, koalas, and colourful birds.

Cape Otway Lighthouse - Once you pass Apollo Bay, look out for signs for the lighthouse to the left, which leaves the Great Ocean Road and heads along C157 south towards the beach. You can see gorgeous views of the Otway coastline from here.

12 Apostles - Look out for the car park on the right side of the road. From the car park, head towards the visitors centre, towards the beach. From the boardwalk lookout along the cliffs, you can see the eight remaining twelve apostles, magnificent at any time of the day.

Gibson Steps - From the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre, you can walk to the Gibson Steps (about 45 minute walk return) were you can see the view of the impressive cliffs from the beach.

Loch and Gorge - Admire the limestone cliffs along the walk here, as well as the Archway and Razorback. Also here you can see one of Australia's most famous shipwrecks.

London Bridge - A quick stop where you can admire London Bridge, a stunning arch shaped rock formation off of the coast.

The Grotto - A short walk down to the ocean where you can see a picturesque rock formation with a view of the ocean through the middle.

Bay of Martyrs - Look out for the carpark on the left of the road. From the boardwalk, you can walk along and see the spectacular rock formations. Highly recommended to see them at sunset.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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