Adventure awaits behind every twist and turn of the Great Ocean Road – home to Victoria’s most epic outdoor experiences. Even the most avid thrill seekers will find an adventure they have never done before.
See the 12 Apostles from the sky above – by parachute or in a luxury helicopter, walk the treetops of the Otways or to the top on an ancient volcano. Feel the spray from towering waterfalls, horse ride along seemingly endless beaches, bike-hike along old world rail trails and kayak through the heart of Anglesea or to a visit a friendly seal colony.
Whatever adventure your choose, take an action packed journey to the most extreme adventures, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences on one of Australia’s greatest roads. We dare you.
Seen the Twelve Apostles before? What about from up above? Get a new perspective on this world-famous icon on a Twelve Apostles to Bay of Islands tour with Twelve Apostles Helicopters. In 25 minutes you will travel over 90km in a luxury helicopter, soaring over 9 landmarks of the Great Ocean Road.
Your knowledgeable pilot will point out the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Sentinel, The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and the Bay of Islands. If those great icons aren’t enough you’ll also be mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs, craggy stacks, pristine bays, crashing waves… and maybe a pod of dolphins or even a whale.
Thrill seekers can brave the newest adventure on the Great Ocean Road — skydiving over one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders. As your luxury aircraft climbs to the jump height the magnificent Bay of Island, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Martyrs and the 12 Apostles lay out below you. Take a moment to enjoy one of the most beautiful views you’ve even seen. And then with a ready, set, go… you and your skydiving super instructor will be freefalling straight to them. Let the adrenaline surge for 60 seconds before your parachute opens at 5,000ft then peacefully soar over this spectacular landscape with your own wings. This is a one in a lifetime experience at a one is a lifetime place. Unforgettable!
This elevated experience set in the towering treetops of the Otways is not for the faint hearted. The Shockwave Zip Coaster is the most extreme zip line in Australia, twisting and turning for 525 exhilarating meters through the towering treetops of the Otways. And the Super Circuit is the most challenging of the treetop trails with 53 mid-air trails, suspended bridges, tree scaling activities, Tarzan swing and a supercharged 10m QuickJump bungee — it’s not just a physical challenge but a mental challenge too!
Get a bird’s eye view as you wander the 600m long, 30m high elevated rainforest walk through the lush Otway National Park. This 1h experience offers unrivalled views of the region’s flora and fauna from the rainforest floor into the soaring heights of the towering treetops. Don’t miss the 47m Spiral Tower and cantilever perched above Young’s Creek, a truly exhilarating experience that allows you to gently sway with the rainforest canopy.
It’s rumored there are over 400 in The Great Otway National Park. One not to miss is the roaring Hopetoun Falls, plummeting 30m into the Aire River. Soak up view from the upper platform (20m from the carpark) or descend the 200 steps – the kids will love feeling the fine spray on their faces. The lower platform is roughly a 1km, 30m minute trip but don’t worry, there’s a rest stop at the bottom if big or little kids need to rest their legs.
Not too far away is another must-see of the Otways — The Redwood Forest. The Aire River flows through the forest and its banks are lined with native ferns that make way for the towering 85year-old California Redwoods. On this 500m easy walk the whole family wander through their massive trucks, jump over fallen logs and gaze up at an awe-inspiring canopy. The lack of undergrowth muffles sound making it feel like an enchanted forest — you could imagine that fairies might just live here.
With more than 400 volcanos, the Volcanic Plains and Lakes area is the third largest volcanic plains in the world. Set yourself the challenge to trek to the summit of the biggest volcano in Victoria – Mt Elephant (360m). Whilst technically still ‘active’ Mt Elephant last erupted (maybe) 180,000 years ago and is aged between 30,000 — several million years old. The moderate rated summit walk is a 3.4km loop (hiking poles are available from the visitor center) and rewards with the stunning views of the endless plains and lakes of Western Victoria. The view in endless.
The Anglesea River snakes through the center of this vibrant seaside town. Hire a canoe, fun- boat or SUP from the iconic Anglesea Paddle Boat and Canoe Hire and get paddling on the calm waters of the Anglesea River before exploring Coogoorah Reserve, a 2.5km circuit bustling with birdlife, flora and fauna.
Animal lovers will love this guided kayaking tour to visit the friendly Australian Fur Seal Colony at Marengo Marine Sanctuary – an easy 150m paddle on two-seater kayaks from Marengo Beach. Founder Mark has been running this is awesome experience for over 11 years, it’s the only one like it on the Great Ocean Road.
All the equipment and instruction you need is provided for this 1.5h adventure around the two reefs of the Marine Sanctuary – home to hundreds of adolescent, mainly male Australian Fur Seals. Watch from the water as they comically clamber down from the rocky outcrops to greet their new friends. These playful ‘sea-puppies’ will put on a show – leaping, diving, bobbing and weaving, wanting to prove that when it comes to water agility, we’ve got nothing on them!
Discover the tall forests, historic bridges, grasslands and magnificent lakes of this area as you ride the picturesque 34km rail trail between Timboon, Cobden to Camperdown. Forgot you bike? Don’t worry, Ride with Us has a large selection of e-bikes, mountain bikes and children’s cycles, seats and trailers for hire.
Whether you one or do them all! Adventure is always a Great Call on the Great Ocean Road.
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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.
