The Must See Places of the Great Ocean Road Region
Discover the must see places of the Great Ocean Road
Leave behind the daily grind and immerse yourself in the perfect harmony of nature and comfort along the Great Ocean Road. Explore the area’s breathtaking natural attractions, exciting activities, and rejuvenating wellness experiences. Delight in the diverse culinary treats and heritage of its enchanting towns.
DAY 1: Melbourne to Lorne
Drive the iconic first stretch of the Great Ocean Road to Lorne, slowing down and taking the time to stop and enjoy the icons of the eastern stretch. Melbourne to Lorne is around a 2 hour drive, so you have plenty of time to slow down and wind down along the way, while checking out these Great Ocean Road heroes:
Beaches
Bells Beach, Torquay
Can you hear the bells ringing in your ears? With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, and home to the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach is an incredible spot — either in the water or out and a must visit to jump in or watch the pros from the lookout above, coffee in hand.
Sunnymead Beach, Aireys Inlet
Wind down by the sea at the beautiful Sunnymead Beach in Aireys Inlet. Surrounded by towering rockface and sandy-coloured cliffs you can explore, chill or stroll until your heart’s content.
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Sunnyead Beach
Aireys Inlet
Iconic locations
Split Point Lighthouse
Split Point Lighthouse is one of the Great Ocean Road icons as you drive around the bend of the Road, standing tall and lighting the way at the top of Aireys Inlet. Explore the rugged bushland that surrounds the lighthouse or take a tour to the top for spectacular views.
Anglesea River
Spend the arvo in or alongside the Anglesea River. Kayak, paddle, meander or lunch beside, with the perfect backdrop.
Lorne Pier
Stroll down the Lorne Pier with ocean surrounds and the stunning backdrop of Lorne, where the hills meet the sea.
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Lorne Pier
Shipwreck Trail, Lorne
DAY 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay
Today it’s time to venture inland from the coast amongst the towering trees where waterfalls lay, then back to Apollo Bay where the fish are cray.
Venture inland
Phantom Falls
Wind down on the short bushwalk behind Lorne and be greeted with a flowing waterfall at the end. Phantom Falls is one you could sit at for hours.
Lake Elizabeth
Walk the loop or sit and watch for the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth. The stunning, serene lake full of petrified trees is a unique sight in itself.
Apollo Bay Harbour
Watch the fresh seafood coming in at the Apollo Bay Harbour, the home of fresh crayfish, and sample .
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Phantom Falls
Henderson Track, Lorne
DAY 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Heading back amongst the trees then out onto the famous towering cliffs of the 12 Apostles coast.
The Otways
The Redwoods
Hear your echo through the trees at this magic place in the Otways. Stand small amongst the towering Redwoods and get lost in their magic.
Hopetoun Falls
Around the corner from the Redwoods lies Hopetoun Falls waterfall with an easy to reach viewing platform. Stand and take in its beauty.
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Californian Redwoods
Binns Rd, Beech Forest
The 12 Apostles
Gibson Steps
Walk the carved stairs down the cliff face to the sandy shores below and look up in awe at the towering stacks known as Gog and Magog.
12 Apostles
See the giants stand tall. End your day with the famous limestone pillars scattered along the coastline. This is an iconic sight not to be missed.
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12 Apostles
Great Ocean Road, Princetown
DAY 4: Port Campbell to Port Fairy
It’s time to get amongst nature and wildlife and wind up your day, relaxing in Port Fairy.
Warrnambool and Port Fairy
Logan’s Beach Whale Viewing Platform, Warrnambool
Between May and September, visit Logan’s Beach Whale Viewing Platform and keep a look out for the amazing giants of the sea, the migrating whales coming to our shores.
Tower Hill
Experience the sheer magic and magnitude of a lake in crater on an inactive volcano at Tower Hill. The sight alone is worth the visit, let alone the abundance of wildlife that surround.
Port Fairy Wharf
Watch the fishing boats, take a stroll or relax and take in the serenity of Port Fairy with some fish and chips.
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Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
105 Lake View Rd, Tower Hill
DAY 5: Port Fairy to Portland
A day of discovery and awe.
Unique landscapes
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
This is a must experience within the region. The significant UNESCO World Heritage site on Gunditjmara Country, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a place you’re going to want to stop and take time in. Learn about the significance of the landscape on a half day tour that demonstrates how Gunditjmara people worked with these natural resources over 30,000 years ago and beyond.
Blowholes and Petrified Forest of Cape Bridgewater
Resembling trees petrified in time by sand, experience the mystical moonscape of the Petrified Forest. In fact, these are ancient hollow limestone stacks. The neighbouring Blowholes encapsulate the western end of the Great Ocean Road perfectly with their power, roar and might of the dark Southern Ocean against the rough black cliffs.
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Petrified Forest
Cape Bridgewater
Discover Your Next Adventure
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