Leave behind the daily grind and immerse yourself in the perfect harmony of nature and comfort along the Great Ocean Road. Explore the area’s breathtaking natural attractions, exciting activities, and rejuvenating wellness experiences. Delight in the diverse culinary treats and heritage of its enchanting towns.
Drive the iconic first stretch of the Great Ocean Road to Lorne, slowing down and taking the time to stop and enjoy the icons of the eastern stretch. Melbourne to Lorne is around a 2 hour drive, so you have plenty of time to slow down and wind down along the way, while checking out these Great Ocean Road heroes:
Can you hear the bells ringing in your ears? With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, and home to the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach is an incredible spot — either in the water or out and a must visit to jump in or watch the pros from the lookout above, coffee in hand.
Wind down by the sea at the beautiful Sunnymead Beach in Aireys Inlet. Surrounded by towering rockface and sandy-coloured cliffs you can explore, chill or stroll until your heart’s content.
Split Point Lighthouse is one of the Great Ocean Road icons as you drive around the bend of the Road, standing tall and lighting the way at the top of Aireys Inlet. Explore the rugged bushland that surrounds the lighthouse or take a tour to the top for spectacular views.
Spend the arvo in or alongside the Anglesea River. Kayak, paddle, meander or lunch beside, with the perfect backdrop.
Stroll down the Lorne Pier with ocean surrounds and the stunning backdrop of Lorne, where the hills meet the sea.
Today it’s time to venture inland from the coast amongst the towering trees where waterfalls lay, then back to Apollo Bay where the fish are cray.
Wind down on the short bushwalk behind Lorne and be greeted with a flowing waterfall at the end. Phantom Falls is one you could sit at for hours.
Walk the loop or sit and watch for the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth. The stunning, serene lake full of petrified trees is a unique sight in itself.
Watch the fresh seafood coming in at the Apollo Bay Harbour, the home of fresh crayfish.
Heading back amongst the trees then out onto the famous towering cliffs of the 12 Apostles coast.
Hear your echo through the trees at this magic place in the Otways. Stand small amongst the towering Redwoods and get lost in their magic.
Around the corner from the Redwoods lies Hopetoun Falls waterfall with an easy to reach viewing platform. Stand and take in its beauty.
Walk the carved stairs down the cliff face to the sandy shores below and look up in awe at the towering stacks known as Gog and Magog.
See the giants stand tall. End your day with the famous limestone pillars scattered along the coastline. This is an iconic sight not to be missed.
It’s time to get amongst nature and wildlife and wind up your day, relaxing in Port Fairy.
Between May and September, visit Logan’s Beach Whale Viewing Platform and keep a look out for the amazing giants of the sea, the migrating whales coming to our shores.
Experience the sheer magic and magnitude of a lake in crater on an inactive volcano at Tower Hill. The sight alone is worth the visit, let alone the abundance of wildlife that surround.
Watch the fishing boats, take a stroll or relax and take in the serenity of Port Fairy with some fish and chips.
A day of discovery and awe.
This is a must experience within the region. The significant UNESCO World Heritage site on Gunditjmara Country, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a place you’re going to want to stop and take time in. Learn about the significance of the landscape on a half day tour that demonstrates how Gunditjmara people worked with these natural resources over 30,000 years ago and beyond.
Resembling trees petrified in time by sand, experience the mystical moonscape of the Petrified Forest. In fact, these are ancient hollow limestone stacks. The neighbouring Blowholes encapsulate the western end of the Great Ocean Road perfectly with their power, roar and might of the dark Southern Ocean against the rough black cliffs.
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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.