Kids Adventures on the Great Ocean Road
Looking for some inspiration for fun family things to do when you visit the Great Ocean Road region?
Here’s our top 10 activities to get you started!
1. See the 12 Apostles
The Great Ocean Road is famous for these offshore rock stacks made of limestone. See them from the 12 Apostles Lookout or take a walk to nearby Gibson’s Steps and make your way down the 86 steps carved in the cliff face to the beach where you will get a view from the sand and see them from below.
2. Learn to surf
You can learn to surf at safe beaches all the way along the Great Ocean Road coast from Torquay to Port Fairy! In summer look for Surf Groms programs, or book a private or group lesson with Go Ride a Wave (Torquay, Anglesea or Lorne), Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak or Go Surf (Warrnambool and Port Fairy).
3. Paddle in a canoe
At Anglesea Paddleboats and Canoe Hire you can hire canoes or motorised paddleboats especially for kids to explore the Anglesea River. If you have your own kayak or canoe, some of our favorite spots to drop in are the Glenelg River at Nelson, Curdies River at Peterborough, Lake Bullen Merri near Camperdown, and the Gellibrand River at Princetown.
4. Climb a lighthouse
You can climb to the top of 3 of the Great Ocean Road region’s lighthouses. Visit Cape Otway Lightstation to learn about the history and shipwrecks nearby Australia’s ‘most significant’ lighthouse and take the thrilling climb to the top for sweeping views of the Southern Ocean. Your can also take a lighthouse tour at Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet, and at Cape Nelson Lighthouse near Portland.
5. Walk to a waterfall
There are so many waterfalls around the Great Ocean Road region. Some of the best ones to visit include;
- Hopkins Falls near Warrnambool
- Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls near Beech Forest
- Stevensons Falls near Forest
- Erskine Falls or Phantom Falls near Lorne
6. Eat fresh fish and chips by the ocean
The smell of the seaside pairs perfectly with fish and chips we think! There are lots of options in every town along the coast, so we suggest you pick the perfect spot, then send someone on the chippie run! Here’s some of our favourite fish and chip shops.
7. Explore a rainforest
The Great Otway National park features areas of cool temperate rainforest – filled with ferns and tree ferns, and ancient trees like Myrtle Beech and Mountain Ash. If you want to walk along the rainforest floor, we suggest a visit to Maits Rest near Apollo Bay, Melba Gully near Lavers Hill, or the Redwoods near Beech Forest.
8. Discover Rock Pools
Discover a whole other eco-system inside a rock pool! Spot sea anemones and if you’re lucky starfish or crabs (don’t touch them!) in the clear protected pools along the water’s edge. Some of the best spots for rock pool exploration are Sunnymead Beach at Aireys Inlet, Wye River, Marengo and Pea Soup beach at Port Fairy.
9. Enjoy a 2 wheeled adventure
If you have bikes or scooters on board, there are loads of foreshore trails and rail trails around the Great Ocean Road region. Some great trails include Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade, Warrnambool to Port Fairy Rail Trail, the Timboon to Port Campbell trail, or Torquay Foreshore Trail. YUou can venture to Koroit which has a skatepark, and for thrill seekers visit the Anglesea Bike Park or the Forrest MTB Trailhead Pump Track. You can also hire bikes of all shapes and sizes at Forrest MTB hire or Ride With Us.
10. Eat ice cream!
We think ice cream and holidays go hand in hand! On the Great Ocean Road you’re sorted with some delicious local ice cream makers keeping everyone cool and refreshed on their visit. Families should not miss the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery at Bellbrae – for a fun chocolatey-themed time. Others you’ll find at popular locations around the region include:
- Dooleys Premium Ice Cream – Apollo Bay and Torquay
- Gelato Gelato – Lorne and Anglesea
- Timboon Fine Ice Cream – Timboon and Port Campbell
Discover Your Next Adventure
Explore more places to stay, play, and reconnect with nature in the Great Ocean Road Region
