RoadAtlas
Great Ocean Road — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Great Ocean Road

Australia

In short: Great Ocean Road is a 660 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 3–5 days, best in Nov–Apr (Aus. summer). Highlights: Melbourne, Torquay, Bells Beach.

Distance
660 km
Duration
3–5 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr (Aus. summer)
LegendaryEasyScenicEV-friendly

Built by WWI veterans as a living memorial, this road winds along the wild Southern Ocean past rainforests, surf beaches, and the Twelve Apostles.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
The route is sealed and straightforward for any vehicle, but the western section can be slow with tourist traffic, strong coastal winds, and sudden weather changes. Summer brings the heaviest crowds around the Twelve Apostles and popular beaches, so start early and fuel up in the larger towns before the gaps widen.
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Stops along the route

Melbourne — Departure — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Departure
Melbourne
Australia's cultural capital. World-class coffee, Hosier Lane street art, and legendary sports culture.
Hotels
Torquay — City — Great Ocean Road — Australia
City
Torquay
Birthplace of Quiksilver and Rip Curl. Australian surf culture was born on these beaches in the 1970s.
Hotels
Lorne — City — Great Ocean Road — Australia
City
Lorne
Chic coastal town with great restaurants, Otway Range waterfalls, and a legendary summer scene.
Hotels
Apollo Bay — City — Great Ocean Road — Australia
City
Apollo Bay
The last town before the rainforest. Fresh crayfish on the harbour and a gateway to the Otway hinterland.
Hotels
Warrnambool — City — Great Ocean Road — Australia
City
Warrnambool
Southern right whales calve at Logans Beach June to September. Watch mothers and calves from the viewing platform.
Hotels
Portland — Arrival — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Arrival
Portland
Victoria's oldest permanent settlement. Wild volcanic sea cliffs at Cape Nelson mark the journey's end.
Hotels

Things to Do

Bells Beach — Landmark — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Landmark
Bells Beach
Australia's most famous surf break, host to the Rip Curl Pro every Easter since 1961.
Cape Otway Lighthouse — Landmark — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Landmark
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse, built 1848. Koalas sleep in every tree along the access road.
Twelve Apostles — Landmark — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Landmark
Twelve Apostles
Towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean surf. The most photographed place in Australia.
Loch Ard Gorge — Nature — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Nature
Loch Ard Gorge
Only two survived the 1878 Loch Ard wreck and swam ashore here. Haunting cliffs and a sheltered cove.
Australian National Surfing Museum — Museum — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Museum
Australian National Surfing Museum
Explore the history of surfing in Australia with exhibits on surfboards, culture, and the evolution of the sport.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures — Adventure Park — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Adventure Park
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Experience a treetop walk and zip-line tours through the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village — Historic Site — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Historic Site
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
A maritime museum and village that brings to life the shipwreck history of the Great Ocean Road.
Scenic Ride
Portland Cable Tram
Enjoy a scenic ride on a restored cable tram through Portland, offering views of the harbor and historical sites.

Where to Eat

Brae — Modern Australian — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Modern Australian
Brae
An acclaimed restaurant offering a seasonal degustation menu sourced from its own organic farm, set in a picturesque rural setting.
Ipsos Restaurant & Bar — Greek — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Greek
Ipsos Restaurant & Bar
A modern spin on Greek cuisine with a superb cocktail list, located in the heart of Lorne.
Apollo Bay Bakery — Bakery — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Bakery
Apollo Bay Bakery
Famous for its scallop pies and a variety of fresh sandwiches and pastries, all handmade on-site.
Merrijig Kitchen — Modern Australian — Great Ocean Road — Australia
Modern Australian
Merrijig Kitchen
Located in Victoria's oldest inn, offering a seasonal menu showcasing local produce in a cozy setting.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Great Ocean Road drive?

The Great Ocean Road covers 660 km from start to finish.

How long does the Great Ocean Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–5 days on the Great Ocean Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Great Ocean Road?

The recommended season for the Great Ocean Road is Nov–Apr (Aus. summer).

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road runs from Melbourne to Portland.

What are the main stops on the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road passes through Melbourne, Torquay, Bells Beach.

Can I drive the Great Ocean Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Great Ocean Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Great Ocean Road?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Great Ocean Road, based on its 660 km length.

Is the Great Ocean Road EV friendly?

Yes — the Great Ocean Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Great Ocean Road safe to drive?

The route is sealed and straightforward for any vehicle, but the western section can be slow with tourist traffic, strong coastal winds, and sudden weather changes. Summer brings the heaviest crowds around the Twelve Apostles and popular beaches, so start early and fuel up in the larger towns before the gaps widen.

What scenic tier is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.