The iconic Great Ocean Road is at the top of most people’s bucket lists on their trip to Melbourne. With the road running 240kms all the way to Adelaide, it can be overwhelming to plan. We hope this clear and concise guide to our favourite spots can make your trip planning simple.
How long do I need?
If you have limited time, you can see the highlights of The Great Ocean Road in a day by renting a car or joining a tour.
We suggest taking 1-3 days to fully enjoy the sights.
When to visit?
You can visit anytime of year but December to March will bring you more chance of sunshine. The road is stunning to drive all year round but the sun really makes the ocean colours pop.
Where to stop?
The list below highlights our favourite stops in the order you come across them.
- Torquay
- Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie
- Split Point Lighthouse and Eagle Rock Lookout
- The Memorial Arch
- Lorne
- Erskine Falls
- Teddys Lookout and Mount Defiance Lookout
- Kafe Koala
- Apollo Bay
- Maits Rest
- The Twelve Apostles
- The Arch, London Bridge and The Grotto
Torquay:
Starting your day early in Melbourne, an hour and a half drive will take you to your first stop Torquay. Take a surfing lessons or simply admire the surfers in this surfing paradise. We took our surfing lesson with Go Ride a Wave, who we would highly recommend. Torquay is also the official start of The Great Ocean Road.
Food recommendations: Pholklore Vietnamese restaurant
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie:
Make sure to stop and try some delicious local chocolate. There is also a great cafe to refuel after your surfing in Torquay. We recommend timing your visit to go to a tasting session where you can try 12 chocolates for only $4! These run hourly between 10am and 2pm and no bookings are required, just ask the staff when you arrive!
Split Point Lighthouse and Eagle Rock Lookout:
In Aireys inlet you’ll find a short 30 minute coastal walk to Split Point Lighthouse and Eagle Rock Lookout. The walk is short, flat and well worth it for the views!
The Memorial Arch:
The Memorial Arch marks the gateway to The Great Ocean Road. It stands as a memorial to the WWI soldiers who built it. Pull off to the small parking area to safely snap a pic of the arch before walking down the short ramp to the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve.
Lorne:
Lorne is an ideal pit-stop along the Great Ocean Road, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Erskine Falls:
A short drive from Lorne, provides plenty of waterfalls that cascade through lush greenery and picturesque photo opportunities. Our favourite is Erskine Falls. It’s a short descent down a slippery stairway. However, it’s well worth seeing as it offers a tranquil spot away from the hustle of the local township. Other waterfall options include Phantom falls and Henderson falls.
Teddy’s Lookout and Mount Defiance Lookout:
The Great Ocean Road offers plenty of opportunities to pull in and admire the scenery. The two we would recommend are Teddy’s Lookout and our personal favourite Mount Defiance Lookout. Keep in mind that most of the viewpoints are easiest to pull into on your drive west towards Apollo Bay.
Kafe Koala:
Grab a coffee and stretch your legs by exploring the path alongside the café and try to spot the resident koalas.
Apollo Bay:
A scenic coastal town known for its beaches, free seafood and access to the Great Otway National Park. You’ll find plenty of food and accommodation options here.
Food recommendations: Little Crumb Bakery
Maits Rest
Explore The Great Otway National Park with a short walk through the rainforest at Maits Rest. This short rainforest walk takes you along a raised boardwalk and allows you to get up close to beautiful fern gardens and giant Myrtle Beech trees!
The Twelve Apostles:
This iconic Aussie landmark speaks for itself. Aim to get to The Twelve Apostles for sunset, hopefully you get a less cloudy day than we did!
The Arch, London Bridge and The Grotto:
Many end their journey at the Twelve Apostles but its well worth continuing 15 minutes on to view The Arch, London Bridge, and The Grotto. With a short drive between each it’s easy to tick off all three of these stunning coastal formations.
And there you have it, the top stops on The Great Ocean Road! There are of course plenty more but these are our personal favourites.
House Hoppers 
Leave a comment