The Road
The Great Ocean Road ranks as one of the world’s most scenic drives and touring routes. Officially, the eastern end of the road begins at the Surf Coast town Torquay and follows the contours of the coast to the Shipwreck Coast city of Warrnambool.
As a touring route, the road extends from Geelong in the east, to Nelson in the west. The Surf Coast section of this mighty road contains some the coast’s best scenery.
A Tale of Courage
Building of the Great Ocean Road was fraught with danger and what appeared to be impossible engineering challenges. It took the fighting Anzac spirit of returned Australian soldiers from the first world war to blast out the rugged coastal route. The project was seen as a way of employing them after the war to create a lasting memorial to their fallen comrades.
Lookout for the Lookouts
Sweeping ocean and bush views are yours as you travel the Great Ocean Road. There are a number of lookouts along the way where you can stop and take in the breath-taking scenery.
The Great Ocean Road is almost one continuous lookout, with ever-changing coast and bush vistas. But there are many special places where you can stop and savour stunning views. You’ll be well rewarded.
Bells Beach: Ocean and beach views from lookout platforms at Bells Beach Surfing Reserve. Access from Torquay via Bells Boulevard, or Great Ocean Road.
Point Addis: Impressive ocean, beach and sandstone cliff views toward Bells Beach and Anglesea. Point Addis Road, off the Great Ocean Road, between Torquay and Anglesea.
Anglesea: Breath-taking coastal views from elevated memorial lookout. Just up from Great Ocean Road, via Harvey Street.
Aireys Inlet: Drive/walk up to Split Point lighthouse. Ocean views over Eagle and Table rocks. There is another lookout at the end of Boundary Road, off the Great Ocean Road.
Cinema Point: Spectacular views back towards Eastern View, Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet from one of the road’s highest vantage points. There is a signposted turnout on the Great Ocean Road about 8km west of Aireys Inlet.
Lorne: Teddy’s lookout is one of the best along the road. It provides stunning vistas from its platform high above the coast where the St George River empties into a small cove. Off the Great Ocean Road, at the end of George Street, it is a short walk through the bush from the car park.
Mt Defiance: Panoramic ocean views toward Artillery Rocks. Turn out just off the Great Ocean Road, between Lorne and Wye River.