Greatopia is packed with wonders of its own to explore. Sweet coastal hamlets to potter around? Tick. Glorious vistas and wild country to roam? We’ve got them. Adrenaline-fueled sports and sites etched with history? You betcha.
Experience everything Greatopia has to offer with our ultimate itinerary. You can’t say you’ve done Greatopia until you’ve ticked off these bucket-list stops at these iconic attractions and experiences.
What better place to get your first tick than at legendary Bells Beach? This surfer’s haven just outside Torquay epitomises Greatopia. Wild waves, carefree locals and absolutely stunning views. Home to the Rip Curl Pro, it’s no surprise this beach attracts the world’s best surfers.
Fancy stretching your legs a little longer? The Surf Coast Walk takes in some of the most spectacular views in the country. Beginning in Torquay, the walk hugs the coast for 44km, running through Anglesea and on to Aireys Inlet. Hike along cliff tops and white sandy beaches. Whether you walk or ride, complete the entire trail or just a portion, you’ll be rewarded with wildlife and unspoiled nature at every step.
If Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet looks familiar, that is because it’s famous for its starring role in beloved kids series Round the Twist. Climb to the top for unbeatable views of the Shipwreck Coast or take a tour and discover the fascinating history of the area.
The buzzing little beach town is packed with sweet boutiques, lively restaurants and an epic beach. But when you head for the trees, there are even more joys to be uncovered.
You can’t visit Lorne without getting your passport stamped at a waterfall. While it’s impossible to pick a favourite, we adore Phantom Falls. Explore the fern gully on the 9km hike or simply stop and snap a pic of these 15m falls cascading over granite boulders.
If a chilled day in the sun is more your speed, grab a rod and saunter down to the Lorne Pier. The perfect spot to while away an afternoon, the pier is one of Greatopia’s best fishing spots And the views aren’t half bad either! If you’re lucky you might catch some flathead or salmon for dinner.
Say goodbye to the coastal scrub for now as we head into the hinterlands, deep into the lush forests of the Otways.
Hidden in the bushland of Forrest you’ll find 16 mountain biking trails to explore totalling 65km. Zoom along undulating trails through the enchanting eucalypt forests surrounding the Barwon River. Get a tick at the challenging 6km Barlidjaru trail to Lake Elizabeth, you might even spot some playful platypus in the water.
The Californian Redwood Forest is one of Greatopias most unique destinations. Stop and gaze up at these awe-inspiring 85-year-old giants. The redwoods stand 60m tall beside the river in the Beech Forest. Can you believe these grand trees are still infants? If they reach their full potential, these Californian-native sequoias may one day be the tallest trees in the world!
While you’re in the Beech Forest, Hopetoun Falls are another must-see. 30m tall and surrounded by green ferns, these misty falls are like something out of a fairytale. Pack a picnic, you won’t want to leave.
We’ve arrived at the postcard-pretty stretch of coastline that put Greatopia on the map. But there’s more to the southernmost tip of Greatopia than just the Twelve Apostles.
Stop off at the charming Apollo Bay harbour and gorge on freshly-caught seafood. Rip into a piping hot parcel of fish and chips, nothing tastes better at the beach.
If you want to see Greatopia’s iconic limestone stacks, follow Gibson Steps down to the beach. You’ll be immediately struck by just how large Gog and Magog are. While not officially part of the Twelve Apostles, these two are every bit as beautiful.
Get your next tick at Loch Ard Gorge. Venture inside and watch the waves crashing on the hidden beach, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Take a moment to imagine how the survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck must have felt washing up on this sheltered beach.
If you want to see it all, The Great Ocean Walk spans 110km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and is the best way to hit all the checkpoints. This eight-day highlights reel meanders through rainforests and beaches, along rugged trails and jagged clifftops.
Once you hit the Twelve Apostles, don’t turn around. The best is yet to come.
Take a bucket list tick-earning stroll along Griffiths Island. A short walk from the Port Fairy township, this ecologically diverse area is abundant in native wildlife. A birdwatcher’s paradise, there are more than 80 species to spot. Look out for the colony of shearwater seabirds as they return to their nests at dusk.
Nearing the South Australian border, Budj Bim is a national park and UNESCO Heritage site. Explore the crater lake, lava canals and caves of the bushland and experience Indigenous culture. Visit Kurtonitj and learn how the Gunditjmara people used the volcanic landscape to trap eels.
Our final stop and your very last tick on this journey is Cape Bridgewater. Once a volcanic island, today the area is a lovely bay with limestone caves and a long stretch of beach. Be sure to visit the Blowholes and watch as they shoot sea spray into the air. Take a trip to see the Petrified Forest, you’ll be blown away by these bizarre rock-like formations. Some reach a whopping 20m tall.
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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.
