Best places to visit along the Great Ocean Road- Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is a stunning coastal drive that stretches for over 240 km in Victoria, Australia. The Australian National Heritage listed drive offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff or just looking for a memorable road trip. The Great Ocean Road has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best places to visit along the Great Ocean Road. Including the famous Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park.

With its stunning scenery and rich history, the Great Ocean Road is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. We hope to help even more traveler’s discover the beauty and wonder of this iconic Australian destination.

Bay of Islands

You can start the Great Ocean Road drive from either Torquay or Allansford. We started our road trip from Western Australia, driving across the Nullarbor, into South Australia and through Allansford in Victoria. The first destination on our best places to visit on the Great Ocean Road is Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands coastline stretches over 32 kilometres and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, sheer cliffs and unusual rock formations. There are 2 viewing platforms at the Bay of Islands. To get to the first timber platform follow the path for 120 meters. The second viewing platform is located just off the main path. This platform is slightly larger than the first and offers even more uninterrupted views.

London Bridge

London Bridge once was a double-spanning bridge connecting to the mainland. On 15^th of January 1990 it had a massive structure collapse, with part of the bridge collapsing into the ocean. Now known as London Arch, the weaker layers toward the base had eroded away by wind and water forming the arch. This collapse highlights the ever changing structure of this coast. There are two viewing platforms at different elevations and are close to the carpark.

Loch Ard Gorge

The Lock Ard Gorge is another popular tourist spot on the Great Ocean Road and you can see why. The picturesque gorge offers a protected bay sheltered by two yellow-washed cliff faces and an inlet of clear, blue water. There are wonderful walking trails with views of the jagged cliff tops, the bay and acres of coastal scrub.

See the Loch Ard Gorge from different perspectives along the trails and lookouts. The Loch Ard Gorge location received its name after a large clipper ship engraved with the name Loch Ard beached on nearby Muttonbird Island in 1878 after a tumultuous journey from England.

The Grotto

The Grotto is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. This geological formation features a picturesque archway that opens up to a mesmerizing pool of clear blue water. As you walk down the stone stairs and get closer to the pool, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the ocean and the rugged coastline. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this breathtaking spot.

Gibson Steps – the best place to visit on the Great Ocean Road.

Our favourite place to visit on the Great Ocean Road is Gibson steps. The 86 steps were originally carved into the face of the cliff by local settler Hugh Gibson. Thus earning the name Gibson Steps. The best time to take photographs in front of 70m high vertical cliffs is at sunrise or sunset (weather permitting).

These two rock stacks are viewable from Gibson Steps car park 1 km to the east of the Twelve Apostles. If the small car park is full you can park at the main 12 Apostles carpark. From there take the 1.1 km Great Ocean Walk that leaves from the south side of the Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility.

The stunning giant limestone stacks are named Gog and Magog.

The Twelve Apostles

The number one visited attraction in this region is the world-famous 12 apostles. Rising out of the Southern Ocean are the 45m tall, limestone pillars that were once connected to the mainland cliffs. There is a main viewing platform and also a board walk which gives you a number of different perspective of views.

While the 12 Apostles are an amazing site any time of the day. Sunrise and sunset are the best time to see the apostles (weather permitting). We visited both at sunset and sunrise and unfortunately both times were cloudy.

The main large parking area is designed for the 1.2 million annual visitors. A tunnel takes you under the Great Ocean Road to extensive boardwalk and viewing platforms.

How many Twelve Apostles are left?.

The Twelve Apostles can be seen as seven limestone rock stacks. Six of them are visible in the classic view to the west. The seventh is located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform.

There were never 12 Apostles to begin with and they were not always called the Apostles. (They were originally called Sow and Piglets). There were only nine rock stacks at the beginning of the 21st century. Then on 3rd pf July 2005 one collapsed and another in 2009.

The rough waves not only destroy the ‘Apostles’, or rock stacks, but they form them too. The arches and bridges you will see along this stretch of coast will one day collapse. Then they come stacks which will in turn collapse back into the ocean from where they came.

Want to read more about incredible road trips through Australia? Check out our Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Byron Bay, The Kimberley and Exmouth guides.

Great Otway National Park

While driving the Great Ocean Road we made our way inland to the Great Otway National Park. Great Otway National Park is a vast natural reserve covering over 100,000 hectares of land. The park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged coastline, rainforest, and scenic waterfalls. In the north are tall forests, fern gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Visitors to the park can explore numerous walking trails and enjoy panoramic views from the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Go on a wildlife watching tour to spot koalas, kangaroos and other native animals. The park also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, and outdoor recreation such as mountain biking and surfing. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Great Otway National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Victoria.

Californians Redwoods

The Californian Redwoods, also known as the Redwoods Forest, is a stunning grove of towering redwood trees. The forest features trees that are over 60 meters tall and over 300 years old. Making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. Explore the forest via a scenic walking trail that winds through the towering trees.

The Californian Redwoods offer a unique opportunity to experience a little piece of California’s natural beauty in Australia. Enjoy walking around fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Beauchamp Falls

My favourite waterfall in The Great Otway National Park. Beachamp Falls is accessed via a scenic 3km walking trail that winds through the lush rainforest, offering visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty. The falls cascade over a rocky cliff face, dropping approximately 20 meters into a tranquil pool below. There is also a viewing platform which is a great spot to take some long exposure shots.

The sound of the rushing water combined with the surrounding greenery creates a truly peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. With its stunning natural beauty and serene surroundings, Beauchamp Falls

Hopetown Falls

Hopetoun Falls is another beautiful waterfall located in the Great Otway National Park. The falls are accessed via a short walking trail that leads visitors through the lush rainforest, offering glimpses of the surrounding flora and fauna. The waterfall drops approximately 30 meters into a picturesque pool below, surrounded by towering trees and moss-covered rocks.

Visitors can enjoy the scenic views from the viewing platform or or venture closer to the base of the falls for an up-close experience as the water crashes into the Aire River. 

Elizabeth Lake

Elizabeth Lake is a beautiful and serene lake located in the Great Otway National Park. Surrounded by lush forest and home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas, Elizabeth Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The lake is approximately 1.8 kilometers long and offers scenic walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Additionally, the lake is known for its stunning reflection of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. If you visit at dusk or dawn you can try and find the elusive platypus that live in the lake or you can book a canoe tour. Overall, Elizabeth Lake is one a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Great Otway National Park.

Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is a natural wonder that boasts stunning views and outdoor activities for all. This river offers the perfect setting for a tranquil stroll or an adventurous hike through the surrounding hills and forests. The crystal clear water is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, or simply relaxing on the sandy banks. As you explore the area, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, and colorful bird species. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem on the Great Ocean Road, where you can connect with nature and soak up the beauty of the Australian landscape.

Memorial Arch

The gateway or ending to the Great Ocean Road. This iconic attraction is without a doubt the most photographed image along the Great Ocean Road and makes a great photo that you have ticked off an item on your bucket list.

The Memorial Arch is a significant landmark that commemorates the construction of this iconic coastal road. Originally built by returned soldiers in the aftermath of World War I, the Memorial Arch stands tall as a tribute to the thousands of soldiers who labored for over a decade to complete this marvel of engineering. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of their courage and sacrifice and continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

In conclusion, the Great Ocean Road is a spectacular destination that showcases the natural beauty of Australia’s coastline. From the rugged cliffs to the pristine beaches, there are countless sights and experiences to be had along this scenic route. By following our list of best places to visit along The Great Ocean Road you can make the most of your adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime. So start planning your trip today and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning coastal drives.

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