About The Great Ocean Road
Most people have heard of Australia’s most famous road trip, but did you know that this National Heritage-listed 243km stretch of beautiful coastline is in fact the world’s largest war memorial? Constructed by returning soldiers from the First World War to commemorate their fallen comrades.
The journey begins at the seaside town of Torquay, home to the world-famous Bells Beach and the birthplace of Australia’s most famous surf brands. The memorial then finishes at the largest city along the road, Warrnambool which is a great place to enjoy a picnic on their sheltered beaches and at the right time of year, catch the juvenile southern right whales frolicking in the waves.
The journey takes you along the Surf and Shipwreck Coast, amazing tourists with the multitude of picturesque scenes as you travel through rainforests and along sheer cliff edges. The road is jam-packed with well-advertised tourist stops and the sparsely populated Victorian coastline has encouraged a wide selection of wildlife to flourish such as wombats, koalas, kangaroos, and platypus.
Great Ocean Road Tours
If you’re a foodie and love seafood you will be drooling over the vast variety and quality of freshly caught delights on offer along the shorefront. Crafty individuals will find themselves right at home with the selection of seaside markets and artistic sculptures along many of the coastal walks. There is a 100-kilometer trail from Apollo Bay to Gibston Steps, the Great Ocean Walk, if you don’t feel up for the full eight day hike you can join the trek at various points to enjoy a taste of the towering clifftops and wave-washed beaches.
Great Otway National Park traverses the Great Ocean Road offering some of the best surf breaks in Australia, breathtaking waterfalls, mossy rainforest and fascinating cave systems full of glow worms. Make sure you take some detours off the Great Ocean Road and get lost in the enchanting Beech Forest full of giant Californian Redwood Trees.
Another essential detour off the Great Ocean Road is the majestic Grampians, a robust group of sandstone mountain ranges, lush forestry, and grand cascading waterfalls. The whole area is a network of bushwalks, climbing tracks, scenic drives and perfectly positioned lookouts for some unforgettable panoramic views. There are some great camping options within the park, allowing you to wake up and have breakfast next the friendly kangaroos in the area!
Great Ocean Road Tours Travel itinerary and things to do:
- Quench your thirst at the award-winning Forrest Brewing Company
- Spot a koala at Kennett River
- Visit the Cape Otway light station, Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse
- Take a helicopter tour or scenic flight over the 12 Apostles
- Discover the skeletons of shipwrecks at Wreck Beach
- Get your adrenaline rush from the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
- Hunt for the wildlife on an inactive volcano at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
- Educate yourself at the Australian National Surfing Museum
- Watch the sunset from Thunder Point Coastal Reserve
Great Ocean Road Tours Can Be Tailored According to Your Needs
Do you want a 2 Day Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour? maybe with National Park entry fees included? With so many beautiful places to choose from, we know that exploring the Great Ocean Road can be confusing for some, which is why we offer various tour options for travelling convenience. For example, one of our most popular tours is the 3 Day Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour, with an overnight stay in the heart of the Grampians where you will see stars like you have never seen before! This tour stops at all the incredible rock formations for you to get your perfect photos next to London Bridge, Lord Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles.
Frequently asked questions about Great Ocean Road Tours
Is the Great Ocean Road expensive to visit?
With the various entrance fees for the National Parks along the way the price can build up, that is why we recommend joining one of our tour options that include all entrance fees.
How long do you need to see Great Ocean Road?
2-3 days. Even though the distance can be covered in a day, to allow enough time to take the unmissable detours and camp under the Milky Way a minimum of two days in recommended.
What is the weather like on The Great Ocean Road?
Rainfall is at its lowest between the summer months of December and February bringing with it the warmest weather. Victoria has a temperate climate, producing four distinct seasons.
When is the best time to visit?
Crowds thin during the winter months from June to August however the weather does worsen which could affect how aesthetically pleasing those photos are, plus if you’re hoping to enjoy the pristine waters along the coast we recommend the warmer months of January and February.
Didn't you convinced? See our Whitsundays Tours!
