Stretching 240 km from Torquay to Allansford, the Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most iconic road trip. It has the wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas; nature with cool-temperate rainforests, redwoods and waterfalls; engaging history, from lighthouses to shipwrecks; and, of course, the unparalleled ocean vistas that define the drive.
Countless roadside overlooks, many clustered around Port Campbell National Park, showcase rock formations that for millions of years have been — and still are — masterfully shaped by the ocean and weather. The most renowned is the Twelve Apostles, a group of (now seven) majestic limestone pillars shooting up over crashing waves.
Just don’t expect to be alone when you take in the breathtaking views, especially if you go during the busy summer season. Spend at least one night along the route and visit the most popular spots late in the afternoon or early in the morning to minimise the clash with Melbourne daytrippers.
Weather-wise, the best time to drive the Great Ocean Road is from December through February, when the sun makes the legendary limestone formations glow in golden tones. To…
Although driving the Great Ocean Road is a monumental experience, planning what to do along the way doesn't have to be. Here, we cover both the iconic must-see…