Emblazoned with scenery ranking among Australia’s most spectacular, the Great Ocean Road is a creative paradise for novice and professional photographers.
Blending breathtaking and rugged coastline with sprawling rainforest and towering trees, this region sparkles at every turn.
It’s where action abounds no matter the season; a pocket of the country where crowds have gravitated for generations. If you want to get to know the Great Ocean Road in a hurry, you’re in the right place.
1. The 12 Apostles at Port Campbell have been ‘snapped’ more times than a family of twigs but warrant the hype. Frame the formations’ brilliance from several viewing points, but also take time to simply soak up their electrifying aura. Just down the road is equally spectacular Loch Ard Gorge. Here, towering cliffs have been carved in dramatic fashion leaving just a slim opening out to sea.
2. Views from — and incorporating — Cape Otway Lightstation, west of Apollo Bay, are postcard worthy, exposing famous Bass Strait in all its rugged glory. Or try Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet. At the western end of the region, reach the top of Cape Nelson Lighthouse for more stunning panoramas.
3. As you’d expect, the region’s famous beaches provide prime photo ops and often come with designated viewing platforms. These are my top picks:
Bells Beach, Torquay.
Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne.
Point Addis, between Torquay and Anglesea.
Memorial Lookout, Anglesea.
Cinema Point, near Aireys Inlet.
Cape Patton Lookout, between Wye River and Apollo Bay.
Marriners Lookout, Apollo Bay.
4. The viewing platform at Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool combines glittering views with great opportunities to glimpse southern right whales in season (June-October).
5. For a funky photo, stop at Artillery Rocks between Lorne and Wye River and marvel at Mother Nature’s creativity.
Spectacular rainforest and other natural beauty abounds; much of it planted within Great Otway National Park. The park is prime for walks and hoards a series of mesmerising waterfalls.
These include:
Outside of the Otways, grab your camera and shoot away at the dazzling 90m-wide Hopkins Falls near Warrnambool.
There are loads of opportunities to see native wildlife and bird life to try your skills at wildlife photography.
1. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, near Warrnambool lives up to its name and is home to koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and plenty more.
2. Kangaroos consistently roam the fairways of Anglesea Golf Club and make regular appearances at BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park.
3. Kennett River is one of the best places in the country to see koalas in the wild and is also a prime bird-watching destination. It’s worth looking ‘tree-wards’ for cuddly koalas at nearby BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, too.
4. Echidnas roam throughout Port Campbell National Park, and if you feel like your eyes are sharper than eagles, try spotting oft-elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth in Barramunga.
So, grab your camera and explore the region, which stretches from Torquay to Nelson and inland.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
