Australia's Most Famous Road
The Great Ocean Road is a 243 km stretch of coastal road in Victoria, built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to their fallen mates from World War I. Today it's Australia's most famous driving route — and one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world.
Starting from Torquay (just 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne), the road hugs the coast past legendary surf breaks, through ancient temperate rainforest, and past the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone stacks.
Day 1: Torquay to Lorne
Distance: 72 km | Drive Time: 1 hour
Start at Torquay, the surf capital of Australia and home to Bells Beach — the world's longest-running surf competition (Rip Curl Pro) has been held here since 1961. Even non-surfers will appreciate the powerful Southern Ocean waves crashing into the limestone cliffs.
Continue along the coast to Anglesea (where kangaroos graze on the golf course) and Aireys Inlet (Split Point Lighthouse, the one from the TV show Round the Twist). Stop at the lookouts along the way — each bend reveals a new breathtaking vista.
Lorne is the Great Ocean Road's premier seaside village. Walk to Erskine Falls in the hinterland (20-minute drive, short walk), browse the galleries, and enjoy fish and chips on the foreshore.
Where to camp: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park has prime position right on the beach.
Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay & Otways
Distance: 45 km | Drive Time: 1 hour
This stretch is the most dramatic — the road clings to cliffs above the ocean, and every corner opens up a new spectacular view. Drive slowly and stop at the numerous lookouts.
Apollo Bay is a laid-back fishing town with excellent seafood restaurants and a beautiful curved beach. Use it as your base to explore the Otway Ranges — one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in Australia.
Highlights in the Otways include:
- Otway Fly Treetop Walk — A 600-metre elevated walkway through the rainforest canopy, 25 metres above the ground.
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk — An easy 30-minute boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech forest.
- Cape Otway Lightstation — Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, with koalas commonly spotted in the surrounding eucalyptus trees.
- Triplet Falls — A beautiful cascade hidden deep in the Otway forest.
Where to camp: BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park. Bimbi Park near Cape Otway offers bush camping with regular koala visitors.
Day 3: The Twelve Apostles & Beyond
Distance: 90 km from Apollo Bay | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Leave the coast briefly as the road passes through the Otway Ranges, then emerges at Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles. These dramatic limestone stacks, carved by millennia of Southern Ocean waves, are one of Australia's most photographed landmarks.
Visit at sunset for the most dramatic light — the stacks glow gold and orange as the sun drops into the ocean. Helicopter flights offer a spectacular aerial perspective (about $150 for 15 minutes).
Nearby, explore Loch Ard Gorge (named after the shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878), London Arch (a natural rock bridge over the ocean), and The Grotto (a sinkhole with ocean views).
Where to camp: Port Campbell Holiday Park is close to the Twelve Apostles. Princetown Recreation Reserve is a budget option.
Campervan Tips for the Great Ocean Road
- Vehicle restrictions: Vehicles over 7.5m may face restrictions on some bends. Check VicRoads for current conditions.
- Direction: Driving Torquay to Port Campbell (west) keeps you on the ocean side of the road for the best views. The return can be via the inland highway (faster).
- Pull over: There are regular pullover bays. Use them to let faster traffic pass — it's courteous and safe.
- Weather: The Great Ocean Road can be wild in winter (June–August) with storms and large swells. Summer is busier but warmer.
