Clare Lynton
December 1, 2020

Great Ocean Road Travel Guide - Best Attractions, Accommodation & Tips

Where is the Great Ocean Road?

The all famous Great Ocean Road should be high up on your must visit (or re-visit!) list. Stretching along the southern coast of Victoria, Australia, it starts from Torquay, and finishes at Allansford, stretching 243km in total. Our top 10 round up is only just scratching the surface to get you exploring and feasting from Melbourne to Port Campbell and back again.They don't call it the Great Ocean Road for nothing. Tick off our 10 must-do options from Melbourne to Port Campbell and back again.

How long should I spend on the Great Ocean Road?

While there are day tours that take you out of the Great Ocean Road and back within a day, we recommend planning it out for at least 4-7 days to allow you time to drive down the scenic route, enjoy the towns along the way, soak up the attractions, and make the most of it. The five towns you should visit on the way are: Torquay, Lorne, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell.

Must Visit Attractions on the Great Ocean Road

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway. The Otways.
Photo by @fabiooliveira⁠

The Otways  |  Check out www.visitotways.com for more

Start by getting lost amongst this stunning world just over a couple hours' drive from Melbourne. As Visit Otways describe it best: "Slide down the sand dunes, explore the Otway forests, swim the sea, taste the salt, climb trees, float on the river, breathe the wild air, gaze at the stars…and enjoy the natural world."

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway
Photo by @vaidasav⁠⠀

Hopetoun Falls  |  Head to www.visitvictoria.com for updates

A half hour drive will then have you venturing about Hopetoun Falls. With an upper viewing platform and stairs down to the base you'll get the best of both perspectives.

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway
@backpackercars_australia @12apostleshelicopters⁠⠀

Twelve Apostles  |  Head to www.visitvictoria.com for more

Choose your own adventure: grab a vehicle tough enough to take on Australia with through @backpackercars_australia. Or take to the skies and see the entire Shipwreck Coast by air with 12 Apostles Helicopters⁠.

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway. Featuring Loch Ard Gorge.
Photo by @racheeymary⁠

Loch Ard Gorge  |  Visit www.parks.vic.gov.au for updates

Just 3 mins drive from the Twelve Apostles will get you up close and personal with this region's unique rocky cliffs. Stroll along one of the walking tracks or take a break and dip your feet into the clear blue water. Bliss.

Where to Drink on Great Ocean Road

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway. Featuring Forrest Brewing Company.

Forrest Brewing Company  |  Open Fri-Mon from 9am

With these opening times, you'll be able to grab breakfast and a beer to match. ⁠Pop in for locally brewed beers while you explore the Otways, or even sneak away on a day trip (it's a 2 hour drive from Melbourne).

Great Ocean Road Restaurants

Great Ocean Road Restaurants
Photo by @racheeymary⁠

Yield Birregurra  |  Fri & Sat evenings, or vegan lunch every 1st Saturday

Dig into gnocchi (or not, depending on the season). With an ever-changing menu to match the seasons, Yield will have you trying the best on offer from local farmers across 9 dishes.

Great Ocean Road Restaurants

Moons Espresso Bar  |  Open 7 days 7am - 3pm

Grab coffee and a buddha bowl - simple yet satisfying. It's enough to set you up for a full day out exploring, while leaving room to enjoy a local lunch (or perhaps a gourmet trail?).⠀

Great Ocean Road Restaurants
@12apostlesfoodartisans⁠⠀

12 Apostles Gourmet Trail  |  Here's the map

Fill your tummy and taste your way around the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. Whether your friends are foodies or not, there's sure to be a few of these that will change their mind.

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway. Featuring Skenes Creek Beach House.

Skenes Creek Beach House  |  Sleeps up to 10 from $300 AUD per night

Bring the crew and settle in at this stylish treetop stay in Skenes Creek, pretty much on the doorstep to The Otways. Only issue will be who gets the bath first.

#GoHyperlocal Guide to Great Ocean Road - Curated by Travis for your next Australian getaway. Featuring La Perouse Lorne.

La Perouse Lorne  |  Sleeps 2 from $420 AUD per night

Netflix and chill at La Perouse. All four of the uniquely designed rooms come with ocean views and original works by Australian artists. ⁠Now that's an immersive experience!

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