THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Great Ocean Road extends between Torquay and a junction with the Princes Hwy (A1) some 9km east of Warrnambool. It does NOT extend further. When you reach this junction you are on National Highway 1 which extends right around the country. The 'extension' of the Great Ocean Road to the South Australian border is merely a marketing ploy to save publishers having to bring out a separate brochure for that area. it is a disgrace that Tourism Organisations in Victoria seem to endorse, or at least promote, this misleading information.
The strategy downgrades both roads which have their own attractions.
In this guide we will refer to the section west of Warrnambool as the 'Discovery Coast', a term more appropriate as it encompasses the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Portland, and its hinterland where the first European settlement of Victoria occurred. (See South West Discovery) for information.
Editor's Opinion.

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LEFT: The Grotto near Port Cambbell and RIGHT: The lighthouse at Cape Otway near Apollo Bay

Putting aside the previous, the Great Ocean Road is internationally recognised for its beauty and diversity. Much of the road follows the coastline and, where it diverges, it passes through magnificent rainforest areas with waterfalls, walking trails, ranges and pretty villages offering tea rooms, cafes, craft galleries and varied accommodation.
The original road was built by returned soldiers from the Great War as an employment opportunity and to service farmers along the coastline who were only served by rough dirt roads leading to the coast from Wincje;sea and Colac.

The fascinating Loch Ard Gorge, named from a shipwreck nearby.

The principal towns along the way are Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, and Peterborough. between these larger centres are small seaside towns offering popular surf and swimming beaches, B&B and motel accommodation, galleries and craft shops, and nearby scenic attractions.

View over Apollo Bay from Marriners Lookout.

To properly explore the road you should allow at least 3 days, however it is possible to drive the length, see the main attractions, and return to Melbourne in a long day, a round trip of some 600km.
Even better, is to include the Great Ocean Road on a several day, Great Southern Touring Route round trip, which also takes in the Grampians National Park, Historic Ballarat, the Spa Country around Daylesford, and wineries of the Macedon Ranges region. See the Great Southern Touring Route guide for information on this extended tour.

  : LEFT: Stephensons Falls near Forrest in the Otway National Park and RIGHT: Entry to the park near Marengo.

This guide will concentrate only on the Great Ocean Road and what to see and do along the way. You can download a free guide with maps and suggestions from the download page.

Select an area from below to automatically open it on this page.

Wilkins Tourist Maps produce a map in this area. You can pick up a Great Ocean Road map from accommodation houses and some information centres in towns in this area.