GREAT OCEAN ROAD
A natural world of drama and adventure, where untamed spirits thrive.
The road trip of a lifetime is just the beginning. Nature unfolds as you journey rugged coasts, iconic surf breaks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and tracks that twist into the forest.
Wildlife & Nature
You set the pace – lazy beach days, heart-stopping adventure, fresh seafood, native animals at Wildlife Wonders and maritime history you can taste on the sea air. Discover lighthouses, endless coastlines and unforgettable sunsets.
The vast Great Otway National Park spans the Southern Ocean to the volcanic lakes and plains of the south west. It’s a natural for bushwalking, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife spotting, trail running, forest exploring and all sorts of adventure. Come get lost in nature or learn something new, like surfing or kayaking.
The headliner is the 12 Apostles (best seen in the sunset show or from a chopper) and the supporting cast is equally brilliant. Scout out a thumping surf break or a secluded sandy cove. Swing into seaside villages, surf central Torquay, bustling Warrnambool. At Anglesea Golf Club, visit a mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos that call the fairways home.
Food & Wine
Dine at one of Australia's best, Brae - located in Birregurra Brae is currently the highest rated restaurant in Australia (July 2021, 19.5/20 and Restaurant of the Year in the last National Fairfax Good Food Guide) and has consistently ranked in the World’s Top 50 Restaurants. A real treat, you will dine on the very best of fresh local ingredients at this remarkable contemporary restaurant located on it's own working organic farm. Reservations are essential.
Get your gourmet fix with menus bursting with local flavours. The Lightkeepers Café (Cape Otway Lightstation) captures the Otways’ flavours; even the coffee’s locally roasted! And Port Fairy’s Merrijig Kitchen menu changes daily according to what’s seasonal and fresh.
Stay
For resort-style accommodation, try Sunnymead Hotel (Aireys Inlet), Great Ocean Road Resort (Anglesea), Cumberland Lorne (Lorne) or Lady Bay Resort and Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs (Warrnambool). Chocolate Gannets (Apollo Bay), Alkina Lodge (20 minutes from 12 Apostles), and Southern Ocean Villas (Port Campbell) and Anchors Port Campbell are all coastally located. And at Port Fairy, retreat to Merrijig Inn for a memory-making stay.
If at Port Fairy drive north to the Grampians or if at the eastern end of the road head further east to Geelong City and the food and wine of the Bellarine.
MUST DO EXPERIENCES
Twelve Apostles
View this iconic collection of limestone stacks from spectacular cliff top viewing platforms.
Surf legends
Plunge into all things surfing at the Australian National Surfing Museum located at Torquay, or try it yourself by learning to surf on a coastline where Aussie surf culture was born.
Wildlife Wonders
Discover Australia’s natural beauty at Wildlife Wonders. Guided by a conservationist you will encounter unique wildlife living freely in a stunning bushland environment overlooking the ocean in Apollo Bay.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism
Gunditjmara guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Southwest Victoria. Tours starting from the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café show visitors how Gunditjmara people established one of the oldest & most advanced aquaculture systems in the world.
Tree Top Fun
Treetop adventure await visitors at Live Wire Park located at Lorne along the Great Ocean Road. You can zipline, climb, rollercoast or boardwalk your way through aerial challenges. Find adventures for all ages and all abilities.
Maritime History
Take a great selfie from the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, or at Cape Otway Lightstation, spiral up the staircase, meet the lighthouse keeper, discover fascinating history and ogle stunning panoramic Southern Ocean views.
Flagstaff Hill
Embark on a sea-bound adventure on dry land at Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
Food
Sample some of the locally caught seafood, or visit a local grower for some seasonal produce. If it's seasonal and local you want, you wont be disappointed with the menu at Merrijig Inn at Port Fairy.
