13 Must-see places across the Great Ocean Road region
If you thought the 12 Apostles were going to be the only highlight of your Great Ocean Road trip, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.
In fact, the entire region, from Torquay right through to Nelson and inland to towns like Colac are a mecca of natural attractions.
Here are 13 to get you started.
1. Hopetoun Falls, Otways
Hopetoun Falls is the most picturesque waterfall on the Great Ocean Road and arguably in Victoria too. It’s worth the 500 metre walk down the stairs to see this beautiful place at eye-level; a symmetrical plunge before cascading right underneath the viewing platform.
Tip: Roads are not suitable for caravans or large vehicles.
Discover waterfalls across the region
Erskine Falls
Phantom Falls
Kalimna Falls
Henderson Falls
Sheoak Falls
Stevensons Falls
Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls
2. The Grotto, 12 Apostles Coast
The Grotto
The wild wind and heavy seas have formed a number of picture-perfect rock formations on the Port Campbell coast and The Grotto is some of Mother Nature’s finest engineering.
Suitable for most fitness levels, there’s also pram and wheelchair access to the top lookout, before a steep descent down to the bottom.
3. Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles Coast
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most scenic places to see on the Great Ocean Road; a protected, sandy beach nestled amongst cliffs.
Waves thread their way through the gorge and up onto the beach when the swell is up. And when it’s calm, the inlet turns glassy and turquoise blue. Tour Groups frequent here during the day, time your visit for sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds.
NB: Loch Ard Gorge beach access is currently closed due to cliff instability. Infrastructure developments are ongoing at the precinct so some lookouts may be impacted.
4. The Redwoods, Otways
The Redwoods Otways
The Redwoods are a magical plantation of Californian Redwood trees hidden in the midst of the Otway forest surrounding Apollo Bay. The Redwoods are not native to the Great Ocean Road but they definitely complement its appeal.
Follow your nose and get lost beneath these giants. Easily accessible on foot from the car park but the roads surrounding Beech Forest are not suitable for large vehicles or caravans.
5. Marriners Lookout, Apollo Bay
Marriners Lookout
In the foothills of the seaside village of Apollo Bay sits Marriners Lookout; a panoramic viewing point offering an almost birds eye-view of the Great Ocean Road and its coastline.
Just a short drive out of town and then a short walk to the lookout, don’t miss this gem.
6. Whale Watching in the West
Whale watching in the Otways
7. Lower Kalimna Falls, Lorne
Lower Kalimna Falls is not the biggest waterfall on the Great Ocean Road but is certainly one of the most unique. A large alcove sits underneath a rock ledge where the water trickles, so you can enter the cave and actually watch the falls from behind.
To see this place, you’ll need to take an easy three-kilometre walk through the Otways bush.
8. Griffiths Island Lighthouse Walk, Port Fairy
The Lighthouse Trail of the Great Ocean Road
The gorgeous fishing village of Port Fairy is a good excuse to head further down the Great Ocean Road. Griffiths Island is connected to the mainland via a causeway and it makes for an incredible walk.
The photogenic lighthouse sits at the very tip of the island. You’re bound to spot wallabies and maybe even a Southern Right Whale out at sea from May to October.
9. Beauchamp Falls, Otways
Beauchamp Falls
The three-kilometre return walk to see Beauchamp Falls is challenging but also very rewarding. Emerge from the rainforest to a mini canyon surrounded by lush ferns and shadowed by huge gum trees – it’s an adventure that really takes you back to nature.
10. Point Addis, Anglesea
Point Addis is a popular surf spot among Torquay locals for both the waves and the huge surrounding cliffs. Take the Koori Cultural Walk and you’ll get the first taste of the iconic Great Ocean Road seascape.
Just a two-kilometre walk uphill to a vantage point, it’s moderate in difficulty but sure worth it at the top.
11. Erskine Falls, Lorne
Just minutes from the town of Lorne, Erskine Falls is a popular place to visit for many exploring the Great Ocean Road.
One of the largest waterfalls in the region, it’s a spectacle in itself. The easy walk to the lookout or the trek down the stairs is well worth it to feel the fresh mist hit your face from the 35-metre drop.
12. Childers Cove, Mepunga
A little off-the-beaten-track, nearing the end of the official Great Ocean Road sits a relatively unknown beach, Childers Cove.
If you’re lucky enough you might just have this place to yourself. Visit on low tide for a gorgeous sandy beach with impressive surrounding rock formations.
13. The 12 Apostles
12 Apostles
Last but not least, are the iconic 12 Apostles. These natural rock formations are rightly on everyone’s Great Ocean Road bucket list.
The viewing platform does get very busy and the only thing that could possibly make the views even better, is to have them to yourself. Brave an early morning and get out there for sunrise.
