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You’ve probably heard a lot about it, but will the reality of the Great Ocean Road live up to your expectations?
Absolutely! Hugging a stretch of coastline at the bottom of the Australian mainland in Victoria, this is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. And with awe-inspiring views around every hairpin bend, the journey is very definitely the destination!
Officially, the Great Ocean Road covers 243 kilometres of the Surfcoast Highway from Torquay at the eastern end, to Allansford in the west. Torquay is a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The most popular attractions along the route are the limestone sea stacks known as the 12 Apostles, and their counterparts Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. While one certainly can’t deny the gob-smacking beauty of these natural phenomena, there’s a lot more to experience in the region.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do on the Great Ocean Road.
Watch our video of ten top things to do on the Great Ocean Road:
Top 10 Things to Do on the GREAT OCEAN ROAD, Victoria, Australia, 2026 | Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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1. See the 12 Apostles
Let’s just get the elephant in the room out of the way first. Yes, the Apostles are a little short on numbers these days. But you know what? Nothing, absolutely nothing, can take away from (or, indeed, prepare you for) the sight, sounds and salty splendour of the monumental limestone landmarks that define this region. Millions of years of time, pounding tides and corrosive winds have carved the coastline into a series of hive-like cliff caves, and the majestic columns of rock that have separated from the mainland have become one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions.
The 12 Apostles Visitor Facility near Port Campbell is the start point for the short walk that takes you under the highway and out to the viewing platforms that overlook the Apostles. From there you can descend down the Gibson Steps to the windswept beach at the bottom of the 70-metre-high cliffs.
As you continue the drive along the Great Ocean Road, there are various other well-facilitated viewing sites, purpose-built to make the most of the astonishing grandeur of the limestone stacks known as Loch Ard, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands.
2. Pay your respects to the past
The history of Australia’s involvement in World War I is embedded in each and every curve of the Great Ocean Road. The idea of linking isolated and hard to reach towns along the wild lower reaches of the country was born from a desire not just to transform an arduous journey, but to create gainful employment for servicemen returning from the Great War — and to build a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in the devastating conflict.
And what a memorial it is! Work by the returned soldiers began in 1919 and, hewn out of the solid rock by hand, countless man hours were expended on the road’s construction over the next decade and a half. Finally, in 1932, the full length of the cliff-hugging route was declared open. Visit the Memorial Arch at Eastern View to learn more.
3. Get a taste of surf culture
It will come as no surprise to hear that surfing culture is alive and well in this part of the world. Based on the number of surfwear outlets and the presence of the Australian National Surfing Museum, it’s fair to say Torquay is the Great Ocean Coast’s surfing capital. Schedule a visit to nearby iconic Bells Beach — the site of the annual Rip Curl Pro (the third event on the World Surf League World Tour) — and take the opportunity to learn to hang ten yourself.
4. Step back in time at Cape Otway Lightstation
Cape Otway Lightstation is mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1848. While its impressive proportions are dwarfed by the sheer majesty of the coastline over which it presides, its immaculately preserved heritage goes beyond the jaw-dropping views. Built as a beacon to seafarers after a series of tragic shipwrecks, the lighthouse rises out of the forests of the Otway Ranges to stand as an enduring symbol of history and hope.
If you venture up the spiral stairway and step out onto the perimeter of the observation tower you’ll be able to soak up some truly fabulous views, but that’s not the only thing that will take your breath away — hold on tight because the wind up there is crazy! There are several other points of interest in the lighthouse precinct, including the Telegraph Station, the WWII Bunker, the Indigenous Cultural Centre, and the Whale Interpretive Site. Please note: Access to the lighthouse is currently not permitted for safety reasons. It will not reopen until repair work has been carried out.
5. Dive into the region’s fabulous food scene
The region is renowned for its culinary culture and there’s no shortage of innovative experiences to keep foodies well and truly satiated. Top eateries include A La Grecque with its modern Greek flavours at Aireys Inlet, the sustainable paddock to plate ethos of Brae in Birregurra, and Chris’s Restaurant in Apollo Bay for southern Mediterranean-inspired fare.
For a more casual affair, try the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in the main street of Apollo Bay. The bistro serves generously sized meals in a warm and welcoming setting. Think salmon and King Island scallop penne with chorizo. You get the picture.
6. Hit the markets
You’ll find a number of excellent farmers’ markets along the Great Ocean Road, packed with local vendors plying their delicious wares. Time your visit to coincide with the charming once-a-month Aireys Inlet Markets, the Apollo Bay Farmer’s Market (third Sunday of the month), or the fabulous Torquay Farmers Market (every Saturday). The latter offers an abundance of seasonal produce and artisanal food products.
7. Tuck into a flaky legend
A pie is just a pie until you drop into the Apollo Bay Bakery. Their legendary scallop pie goes beyond the hype, and when you’re chowing down on a flaky, buttery parcel of creamy scallops, it’s easy to think that this is why you came to the Great Ocean Road in the first place.
Tip: Walk off your indulgence by following the well-marked Apollo Bay History Trail. The gentle signposted walk takes in ten historical points of interest.
8. Be pampered at Saltair Spa
For the ultimate bliss out, set your GPS for one of Australia’s top ranked spa and wellness centres on TripAdvisor — Saltair Spa. There are two locations in Torquay and one in Lorne. Saltair’s range of pampering and wellness treatments utilise the finest aromatherapy oils, mineral polishes, and all manner of soothing elixirs — all designed to rejuvenate body and soul. You’ll walk away feeling like you’re on cloud nine.
9. Explore the Otway Ranges on a e-bike
If you prefer to find inner peace through physical activity, hit the Old Beechy Rail Trail on an e-bike tour with Otway e bikes. The tour is conducted on electric power-assisted bikes — and if the going gets tough, the ‘e’ gets going! You’ll get training on the bike’s features in your pre-ride briefing. All you need is a moderate level of fitness, the ability to ride a regular bike, and the desire to get up close and personal with the glorious Otway Ranges.
10. Take to the treetops at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Despite the name, you don’t have to fly through the air with the greatest of ease (although you can if you like!) to enjoy the magical and slightly surreal experience of the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures in the Beech Forest. Offering a unique vantage over the lush rainforest, the Treetop Walk truly is sightseeing with a difference. You’ll meander 600 metres through the forest on the towering 25-metre high steel walkway, above the canopy of tree ferns and side-by-side with the soaring trunks of Mountain Ash. Set aside your fear of heights for the rewards of scaling the Spiral Tower and stepping out onto the cantilever — and yes, it sways, but you’re completely safe.
Now for the flying-through-the-air bit. Otway Fly’s Zipline Tour takes the experience to a whole new level — but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Suspended 30 metres above the ground, you’ll zip from station to station accompanied by a guide who narrates about points of interest along the way. The 2.5-hour experience is exhilarating, educational, and a lot of fun!
Need a place to stay?
The International Motel
Apollo Bay makes the perfect central base from which to explore the beauty of the Great Ocean Coast and the surrounding Otway Ranges. While there’s no dearth of accommodation options in this laid-back town, The International Motel is an excellent choice.
With a truly central location right opposite the gorgeous beach, the hotel is a short walk from all the town’s restaurants and bars and right next door to the renowned Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. The rooms are much more spacious than you would expect, and even the standard options offer a separate lounge area and very large bathroom. Features include a fridge, microwave, toaster, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The free Wi-Fi is a boon for overseas travellers.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.
Browse our range of Great Ocean Road tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Cover image: Visit Victoria. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel writer and author. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy, and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind, and an open-ended ticket. Her first two novels — The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and Sincerely, Me — are now available in bookstores.
