If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip experience down the Great Ocean Road, look no further. This world-famous stretch of coastline between Melbourne and Adelaide is packed full of incredible natural scenery and attractions that are well worth the journey! We’ve put together a list of the top 12 best Great Ocean Road stops to help you plan your Australian road trip!
Planning a road trip can be incredibly overwhelming. Having a list of the best places to stop on the Great Ocean Road is a great way to kickstart your planning and help you put together the perfect itinerary that includes the things you actually want to see and do.
This is a guest post by Holly from Four Around The World, with edits and additions by Claire
A Great Ocean Road Tour vs Driving Yourself
This article is designed for people driving the Great Ocean Road themselves, so you have a list of where to stop off to see the best places on the Great Ocean Road. Driving from Melbourne, you could do this in one day (with an early start) but it is a very long day, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to drive back to Melbourne on the same day.
As well as being a long and tiring day, you want to be able to make the most of it, and especially if you are the one driving you’ll want lots of stops on the Great Ocean Road to appreciate the beautiful scenery. If you are short on time and only have one day, then taking a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne might be the best option for you.
Tours of the Great Ocean Road will stop off at some of these places, so you won’t be able to see everything but the best part is someone else does the driving so all you have to do is look out of the window end enjoy!
Here are some of the best Great Ocean Road Tours to choose from:
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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip (I (Claire) took this tour and LOVED it!)
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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour
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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip
Pro Tip: Sit on the left hand side of the bus for the best views of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne!
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip
These Great Ocean Road stops will give you some ideas for where to stop along the way, but take your time and decide exactly what you want to see, and when you will be going. Make sure you give yourself enough time to drive between stops safely, and include plenty of breaks for food, toilet stops and to have a rest from driving.
Looking to Hire a Car?
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from lots of different companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. I've used Discover Cars several times on road trips around the world and I love how easy it is to find cheap car hire!
If you’re wondering what to pack for a road trip then check out this road trip essentials post with a printable road trip checklist!
The 10 Best Great Ocean Road Stops
These Great Ocean Road attractions are not to be missed. Whether you are looking for the absolute must-see sights for a quick drive along the famous coastline or planning to spend a few days exploring the southern Victoria region during your Great Ocean Road itinerary, make sure these stops are on your must-see list.
We’ve listed them in order of location, assuming you’re coming from Melbourne. If you are driving the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide, start at the bottom and work your way up!
Bells Beach – Torquay
When it comes to beautiful beaches in Victoria, Bells Beach certainly makes the list! This stunning stretch of the Australian coastline in the small coastal town of Torquay offers a stunning view of the ocean from the lookout points.
It is most well-known for its surfing significance, being host to the world-famous annual surfing competition, The Rip Curl Pro. If you love surfing, you can visit the Australian National Surfing Museum while you’re in Torquay too!
Bells Beach is also a popular spot for hang gliders. You will likely see a few of them gliding through the air from the lookout points and below from the beach too.
Split Point Lighthouse – Aireys Inlet
If you happen to be an Aussie who grew up in the 90s, you might recognise this lighthouse from the Australian children’s television show, ‘Round The Twist’, based on the Paul Jennings book series. Seeing it in person instantly had the theme song stuck in my head!
Even if you’ve never heard of it, a stop at Split Point Lighthouse is a must.
This beautiful historic lighthouse is perched atop a cliff overlooking the ocean and it is an iconic landmark of the Great Ocean Road. The lighthouse offers magnificent views out to sea, with daily self-guided tours. If you visit at the right time of year, you might even spot dolphins or whales migrating.
There are some walking tracks and lookouts beyond the lighthouse and a staircase leading down to the beach as well.
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
When it comes to iconic attractions on the Great Ocean Road, you can’t get much more iconic than this! Often mistaken as being the starting point of the Great Ocean Road, the memorial arch is just beyond Aireys Inlet.
This isn’t the original archway. It has been rebuilt a few times over the years, however, it was constructed in memory of Australian troops who lost their lives during the first world war.
There is a parking area just before the arch where you can pull over and get some great snaps, without halting traffic. There are also signs telling more of the history of the memorial as well.
Teddys Lookout – Lorne
Now for the best view along the Great Ocean Road, you can’t go past Teddys Lookout! This elevated viewing platform is a short drive from the centre of Lorne and you will be glad you made the time to visit.
This is certainly one of the hidden gems of the Great Ocean Road that many people don’t know about.
If you have more time to spend here, there are some walking trails and picnic tables too.
Erskine Falls – Lorne
Around 9km outside of the township of Lorne is Erskine Falls. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road trip and the track to the base of the waterfall is relatively easy to do.
Yes, there are quite a few steps but you can take your time going back up and stop for a break if needed. Okay, there are 240 stairs. Trust me though, the view from the bottom is well worth it. And in the summer months, you can take a dip in the streams below.
Even if you don’t plan to walk down the stairs, there is a viewing platform just a few metres from the start of the track. This view isn’t quite as impressive but still beautiful.
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Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a good place to stop for lunch on a Great Ocean Road day trip or for overnight accommodation on the Great Ocean Road if you’re spending a few days on the route. Apollo Bay Bakery serves excellent pies (the Scallop Pie is their most popular) and the ice cream from Dooley’s was delicious too. There is a car park with toilets here if you’re just passing through.
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
For something completely different, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is a trail through temperate rainforest. The walk is only about 30 minutes, and you can see ancient Myrtle Beech trees and giant ferns and possibly spot a carnivorous Otway Black Snail. Watch where you’re walking so you don’t accidentally stand on one!
Maits Rest is just over 15 minutes drive after Apollo Bay, and definitely worth a stop on the Great Ocean Road as it is so different from all of the other places to visit.
Gibson Steps – Port Campbell National Park
Easily one of the most beautiful spots on the Great Ocean Road, the Gibson Steps are located in the Port Campbell National Park and it’s a great place to watch the waves crashing over Gibsons Steps Beach.
The steps lead down to 2 of the most stunning rock formations, often mistaken for being part of the Twelve Apostles. They actually aren’t, but unlike the Apostles, you can actually get right up close to these impressive rock structures, tides and weather permitting.
The mammoth cliffs that surround the area will remind you of just how impressive Mother Nature is too! This is truly a beautiful spot.
And if you’re feeling energetic (after walking down another set of stairs), there is a walking track that will lead all the way to the Twelve Apostles car park. The track is approximately 1km long. Or jump back in the car for a minute until your next stop.
The Twelve Apostles – Port Campbell National Park
While there are no longer 12 formations remaining of the original Twelve Apostles, there is no possible way you can do the Great Ocean Road without making this famous stop! These natural limestone formations have been sculpted over millions of years by the ocean.
This is one of the most photographed sites along the Great Ocean Road and often the most crowded too if you are visiting in the peak season of summer school holidays, but still worth it as it is certainly one of the best Ocean Road stops.
There is no beach access here as the Southern Ocean has already worn away so much of the landscape so to preserve what remains you can only view from the platforms. There is also a helicopter company offering 15-minute rides over the Twelve Apostles if you want a bird’s eye view.
Loch Ard Gorge
Another favourite Great Ocean Road stop is Loch Ard Gorge. These dramatic cliffs have been crafted by the Southern Ocean and it is quite an amazing site. You can take the stairs down to the beach area within the gorge.
The turquoise water is a stunning contrast to the golden sand and rocky gorge.
Loch Ard Gorge beach is a beautiful spot to enjoy a family picnic, and a play in the sand if you have kids. Although depending on the time of day, there is not a lot of shade and the sun can be brutal in summer, so make sure you bring your sunscreen and maybe even a shelter!
Many people do swim here, although take care as that current is very strong!
There are also a few walks in the area, including the Shipwreck Walk, a memorial to the ill-fated namesake, the Loch Ard Shipwreck, which left only 2 survivors who managed to swim to the safety of the beach within Loch Ard Gorge. The walk has some lovely views and is well worth the time.
London Bridge – Port Campbell National Park
The London Bridge, also referred to as the London Arch these days, once connected to the mainland like a giant rock bridge. Visitors to Port Campbell National Park were able to walk out onto the platform for a closer view of the surrounding ocean.
Back in 1990, the section connecting to the mainland collapsed into the ocean, leaving two people stranded at the end. Thankfully unharmed, the pair were rescued. No longer did the London Bridge resemble a bridge!
Regardless, this is still an essential stop on your Great Ocean Road itinerary! The landscape is beautiful from the viewing platform and if you visit at the right time of day, you might even spot Little Penguins on the beach below as they come back to their burrows.
The Grotto – Port Campbell National Park
The final must-visit Great Ocean Road stop for your road trip is The Grotto. This unique rock formation is essentially a shallow cave with an opening at the top, with a window to the sea.
The Grotto is fenced off by a barrier for safety these days but you can still get some epic photos through the ‘window’. Especially if you visit later in the day and the sun is setting.
To get down to the Grotto, there are once again a few stairs, but it’s an easy climb!
Keep an eye out for echidnas on the walking track to the Grotto stairs. They love the scrub area alongside the pathways and you might be lucky enough to spot one on the hunt for some ants to eat!
Great Ocean Road FAQ
How Long Do I Need For The Great Ocean Road?
While you can do the Great Ocean Road drive in a single day, we recommend you spend at least 3 days exploring one of the most beautiful places in Victoria. This gives you time to really enjoy the sights, beyond a quick photo opportunity.
If you are planning to visit the Cape Otway National Park, there are some incredible attractions and lots of native wildlife spotting opportunities in this area. You will need at least an extra day or two, depending on how thoroughly you want to explore this ancient rainforest area.
This is one of the best places to visit on the Great Ocean Road if you want beautiful walking trails and waterfalls galore.
Where Are The Best Places To Stay On The Great Ocean Road?
There are many great stops on the Great Ocean Road if you're looking for somewhere to stay overnight. We recommend planning your accommodation around the places you wish to visit so that you can ensure you have enough time to see and do everything you want in the area before moving on.
Some great overnight stops include Torquay, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Lorne, Wye River, Port Campbell and Warrnambool.
The Great Ocean Road is full of natural beauty, history, and ocean views. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for an epic road trip to cross off your bucket list, this iconic Australian route will leave you with unforgettable memories. Pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the best stops on the Great Ocean Road!
About the Author
Holly is a family travel blogger from Four Around The World. Together with her husband and two kids, they explore the world one adventure at a time, sharing their experiences and tips for travelling with kids. Follow their journey on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.