Explore the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Roads starts in Torquay and finishes just east of Warrnambool. Visitors should allow at least two days to see the attractions of the Great Ocean Road region. The following is a two-day suggested itinerary from Torquay, to the Twelve Apostles.



1. Torquay. Celebrated as Australia's home of surfing, Torquay is the start of the Great Ocean Road. It boasts beautiful beaches with plenty of shopping, delicious food and scenic coastal walks.

2. Australian National Surfing Museum. The world's largest surfing/beach culture museum. Through colourful exhibitions and displays visitors can experience surfing milestones and immerse themselves in surfing heritage.

3. Surf City Precinct, Torquay. Situated on the Surf Coast Highway, this area is home to such iconic surf brands as Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Strapper and Rojo. Pop around the corner to grab a bargain at the outlet stores in Baines Crescent.

4. Torquay's beaches are world famous. Swim at the Front Beach including the sheltered Cosy Corner or watch the surfers at the Torquay Surf Beach. Enjoy the Torquay section of the Surf Coast Walk. Always swim between the flags on patrolled beaches.

5. Gilbert Street, Bell Street and Torquay Central are the main retail centres with an abundance of cafés, restaurants and boutiques.

6. Surf Coast Walk. This world-class 44-kilometre multi-use trail is located at the start of the Great Ocean Road region from Torquay to Aireys Inlet. The trail's easy access and 12 trail heads make it perfect for short, long or multi-day experiences. For maps and more information drop into a Visitor Information Centre.

7. Point Danger is a spectacular lookout that features an ANZAC memorial.

8. Jan Juc Village. To the south of Torquay lies Jan Juc Village, a sister-town boasting breathtaking beaches and a laid-back vibe.

9. Bells Beach. Just past Jan Juc is the turn off to the famous Bells Beach which was proclaimed the worlds first Surfing Recreation Reserve in 1971. Every Easter, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, formerly known as The Bells Easter Classic, takes place here, making it the longest-running surf competition in the world.

10. Point Addis Marine National Park is located between world famous Bells Beach and Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road. The park features spectacular scenery with wide sandy beaches, crumbling limestone and sandstone cliffs, rocky platforms, and copious small rocky reefs. Alternatively you can embark on the Wadawurrung Cultural Walk.

11. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Bellbrae. Delight in free chocolate and ice cream tastings. Watch the art of chocolate making – from hand crafting to hand packing. Explore the showroom choc-filled with thousands of chocolates and visit the onsite cafe. More info: gorci.com.au

12. Anglesea is a natural playground the whole family will love, from towering cliffs and stunning beaches to abundant flora, native wildlife and coastal walking trails.

13. Anglesea Heath is the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria. Amazingly, about a quarter of Victoria's plant species can be found here including over 100 varieties of orchids.

14. Kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course. Home to around 300 Eastern Grey kangaroos, the club hosts 25-minute guided kangaroo tours. Hear all about the kangaroos from your guide, who will share interesting facts on life cycles, habits and more, while taking you to suitable areas to disembark for photos. Visitors are not permitted to walk on the golf course. Fees apply.

15. Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet. An iconic lighthouse in a spectacular setting. Take the short walking track beyond the lighthouse for views over the cliffs and ocean. Tour fees apply.

16. Memorial Arch at Eastern View was originally built in honour of Major W.T.B McCormack, honorary engineer to the Great Ocean Road Trust and chairman of the Country Roads Board. The Road itself is the memorial to those who served in WW1.

17. Lorne is a charming seaside township with a range of cafés, restaurants and boutiques. A great place for lunch, a swim or to take one of the many walks in the area. If time permits visit Live Wire Park, the first completely off-grid elevated adventure park in Australia. Nestled among the towering Otway treetops inland from Lorne offering electrifying outdoor experiences. Fees apply.

18. Erskine Falls, 10km inland from Lorne is one of the highest and most popular waterfalls in the Otway Region. It's a short walk to the first lookout from the car park, a paved track with steps. For a more challenging but worthwhile experience, you can descend 300 steps to the second lookout, where you'll witness the waterfall in all its splendour. Erskine Falls is not accessible to caravans, large motor homes, or buses.

Erskine Falls is one of ten waterfalls in Lorne, if time permits see our guide Walks and Waterfalls Around Lorne to explore further.

19. Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre. See how 3,000 WW1 returned soldiers conquered difficult terrain and extreme weather to build this remarkable road. This free exhibition is housed in the Lorne Visitor Information Centre and tells the construction story of the Great Ocean Road and the WW1 returned soldiers who built it.

20. Teddy's Lookout, Lorne. At the end of George Street, you can enjoy stunning views of the St George River and the Great Ocean Road coastline.

21. Wye River is a lovely seaside town where you can enjoy beautiful views, a riverside walk, and delicious food at the Pub and General Store.

22. Kennett River Wildlife Walk. Stroll from the fishing platform near the Kennett River bridge along the bank to spot all kinds of wildlife particularly birdlife.

23. Apollo Bay. A laid-back coastal town perfect for a break, you will be rewarded with sweeping town and coastal views at Marriners lookout. If time permits visit Wildlife Wonders, located 5km past Apollo Bay. Join a guided nature walk in the wildlife sanctuary, visit the café or gift shop. Your visit directly supports the ongoing environmental conservation of the unique Otway's environment.

24. Maits Rest is a 30 minute circuit walk through magnificent sub-temperate rainforest about 20 minutes past Apollo Bay. The mountain ash trees, ancient tree ferns and bubbling creek make this a beautiful walk not to be missed. Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

25. Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest lightstation on mainland Australia, playing an important role in Australia's maritime history. Open daily and fees apply: lightstation.com

26. Otway Fly Tree Top Walk in Weeaproinah is a 600 metre-long, 25–30 metre-high elevated walkway that offers unparalleled views of the region's unique flora and fauna. The Zip Line Eco-Tour is a 2.5 hour, fully guided experience. Fees apply.

27. Melba Gully. Walk among ancient mossy trees and giant tree ferns at Melba Gully, a few kilometres past Lavers Hill.

28. Otway Harvest Trail. An easy-to-follow driving route through the beautiful Otway Ranges, find wonderful food, awarded wineries, handcrafted beer, produce and other attractions. More info: otwayharvesttrail.org.au

29. Twelve Apostles. The famous sea stacks of Victoria's South West. Allow at least 2 hours to explore this magnificent area. Although stunning at sunset, the Twelve Apostles are magnificent at any time of day! Discover this remarkable stretch of coastline from the Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge to the Bay of Islands.