Towering cliffs kissed by crashing waves. Forest canopies threaded with zip lines. Hot springs steaming beneath a southern sky. You haven’t truly explored Australia until you’ve travelled the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road isn’t just a scenic drive. It’s a sequence of unforgettable experiences that define Victoria at its most raw, refined, and real. These adventures are more than must-dos; they’re once-in-a-lifetime encounters shaped by the land, the culture, and the community.
We work in partnership with local operators and cultural custodians to bring you the most trusted and immersive experiences this coastline has to offer. Here are ten experiences you simply can’t have anywhere else.
1. Soar Over Coastal Icons from the Sky
Few sights compare to the grandeur of the Twelve Apostles from above. Rising from the Southern Ocean like ancient monuments, these limestone stacks are best appreciated from the sky.
A helicopter tour with 12 Apostles Helicopters delivers a breathtaking perspective over the Shipwreck Coast, Loch Ard Gorge, and pristine coastal formations. This is not just sightseeing, it’s a cinematic, sky-high introduction to one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.
2. Walk the Living History of Budj Bim
Before roads and resort towns, Gunditjmara people engineered a complex aquaculture system across the volcanic plains of southwest Victoria. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, now recognised by UNESCO, is where visitors can explore one of the world’s oldest known engineered water systems, which is still visible and culturally significant.
Led by Gunditjmara guides, tours reveal eel traps, stone channels, and cultural stories that deepen your understanding of this place and its people. It’s not just history, it’s living heritage.
3. Wander Among Wildlife by the Sea
Just minutes from Apollo Bay lies a rare conservation sanctuary where the forest meets the sea. Wildlife Wonders allows guests to explore protected bushland, guided by environmental experts.
Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and diverse birdlife appear as you walk along gentle trails designed to protect and preserve their habitat. No cages, no crowds, just an intimate, ethically managed experience where your visit supports local conservation work.
4. Zip Through the Otway Treetops
Above the forest floor, amidst towering trees and filtered sunlight, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures delivers an elevated rush. Zip lines, rope bridges, and suspended pathways let you experience the Otways like never before, in full flight through the canopy.
Whether you’re conquering a fear or chasing a thrill, this adventure suits kids, adults, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature in motion.
5. Ride the Waves in Australia’s Surf Capital
Torquay is more than the start of the Great Ocean Road, it’s the birthplace of Australian surf culture. With Bells Beach and Surf City Plaza at its core, this town lives and breathes the saltwater lifestyle.
Beginners can take surf lessons on Torquay’s main beach, while seasoned riders test their mettle at world-famous breaks. Whether you’re riding waves or soaking up surf history, the rhythm of the ocean is part of every experience.
6. Step Into the Past at Flagstaff Hill
Perched on the coast of Warrnambool, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village takes you back to Victoria’s seafaring past. Through cobblestoned streets and heritage buildings, visitors encounter the stories of shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and early settlers who shaped this coast. Interactive exhibits and evening light shows make this a cultural highlight for families and history lovers alike.
7. Watch the Giants of the Sea from Shore
Each winter, Warrnambool’s Logans Beach transforms into one of Australia’s premier land-based whale viewing spots. Here, southern right whales arrive to calve and nurse, often within metres of the shore.
With viewing platforms and interpretive signage, no boat is needed, just a good pair of eyes and a sense of wonder. The best time to visit is between June and October.
8. Unwind at a Seaside Thermal Sanctuary
Along Warrnambool’s beachfront, The Deep Blue Hot Springs offer a rare blend of ocean air and geothermal heat. This open-air sanctuary is fed by an underground aquifer, delivering naturally warmed mineral waters to a network of therapeutic bathing pools.
Visitors can alternate between steamy soaks, a modern bathhouse, and spa treatments, all in a serene, coastal setting. It’s wellness, grounded in place.
9. Find Peace in Luxury at Anchors Port Campbell
Tucked into 30 acres of tranquil hillside near the Twelve Apostles, Anchors Port Campbell offers three award-winning villas that redefine boutique accommodation.
With panoramic countryside views, contemporary design, and unmatched privacy, this is a retreat made for couples, creatives, or anyone seeking a quiet luxury close to nature. It’s not just where you stay, it’s how you experience the landscape.
10. Sip Coastal Brews with a View
Finish your coastal journey with a relaxed pint at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay. With over 100 craft beers, an inviting bistro menu, and occasional live music, it’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Taste the region’s character in every glass and enjoy a moment to reflect on the adventures behind you.
Plan Your Experiences Today
The Great Ocean Road isn’t one destination, it’s many. It’s a place where limestone cliffs, Indigenous knowledge, wildlife sanctuaries, luxury stays, and ocean rhythms collide in unexpected harmony. Each of these experiences stands apart, but together they form something truly unforgettable.
So if you’re crafting a bucket list, craving a cultural escape, or chasing the kind of memories that stick, this coastline delivers. Plan your journey with Visit Great Ocean Road and turn your next trip into something extraordinary.
