Everything you need to know about road tripping the great ocean road
What is The Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is literally world-famous! It is a scenic highway located in the southeastern part of Victoria, going towards Adelaide from Melbourne. Stretching for about 243 kilometres, it winds along the breathtaking coastline between the towns of Torquay and Allansford.
How long does it take to drive the entire Great Ocean Road?
The drive itself typically takes about 4 to 5 hours if you’re covering the full length from Torquay to Allansford without making extensive stops but if you’re coming from Melbourne you will need to take into the account the time it will take you to get out of the city (traffic is notoriously bad in Melbourne) and the time you will want to spend in each of the towns as I’m sure you’ll want to stop for food, swims, and to take in the views. I recommend you leave at least 2 days (one night stay) at the very least.
What is so special about the Great Ocean Road?
Great Ocean Road is special because it has that real ‘Australiana’ vibe to it, meaning it looks straight out of an Australian postcard. You’ll see nature in Australia at its best, from koalas and kangaroos to breathtaking beaches. Great Ocean Road has it all.
Is it difficult to drive the Great Ocean Road?
The drive itself isn’t difficult and the road is an easy drive and well kept but keep in mind that at busy times the roads can get pretty busy. In the height of summer, many Melburians and tourists alike flock to towns like Lorne to escape the city and enjoy the beaches so keep in mind that parking is really difficult in the more popular towns.
Where does the Great Ocean Road begin and end?
The Great Ocean Road begins in the town of Torquay, which is located about 100 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. You’ll know you are at the start because there is a big wooden sign overhanging the road! This is a popular spot for people to stop and take photos.
The road then winds along the scenic coastline, and you’ll go through notable towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay before reaching its official end point at Allansford. Allansford is situated near Warrnambool, about 275 kilometres away from Melbourne.
What you will find here
This post will tell you about my experience doing this road trip, my favourite places to stop along the way, and where to eat! This is my personal experience and opinion as someone who has actually done the trip so I hope it helps you make your own Great Ocean Road road trip a little easier!
What is there to do at the Great Ocean Road?
See the Twelve Apostles
Even though the Twelve Apostles are near the end of the Great Ocean Road I’m going to start with these as this is the iconic image you will probably think of when you think of the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are limestone rocks and despite the name, there were never twelve stacks.
Situated within Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles offer breathtaking views and the main viewing site attracts millions of visitors each year who come to witness the beauty of these majestic sea stacks and the surrounding coastal scenery. It gets really busy at the viewing platform but it is quite big and has a massive car park. I have been twice and have found a carpark both times.
Enjoy Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is my favourite town along the Great Ocean Road because it is more relaxed than Lorne but still has exceptional beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy.
celebrate summer in Lorne
Lorne is the most popular town along the Great Ocean Road and is where most Melburnians go to enjoy summer away from the city. As such, it gets pretty busy and a little hectic. I would call it the Byron Bay of VIC but without the hippies (which means it is not a vegan haven, unfortunately).
Explore Cape Otway
Cape Otway is located in Great Otway National Park. This is my favourite place to visit along the coast and is an excellent place to spot koalas doing what they do best – hanging around. Make sure you visit the lighthouse, which is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Cape Otway Lighthouse has guided ships along the treacherous coastline since 1848.
hike the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a popular trail hike from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and goes through Great Otway National Park and past Cape Otway Lighthouse. There are lots of amazing government campsites along the walk too where you’ll get breathtaking views of the coast. Just keep in mind this is not a loop hike so if you have a car/campervan you will probably want to organise a shuttle bus to pick you up and take you back to the car park where you left your car/campervan (there’s plenty along the walk).
What are the best vegan eats in/near the Great Ocean Road?
This might sound mean but there aren’t any. There are a few places that offer vegan options but the ones I have tried I can’t really recommend so recommend you bring food with you or stop at a supermarket for supplies. There are many picnic tables and electric barbecues at the beach and parks so I would have myself a vegan BBQ, which is a quintessential summer activity in Australia.
When is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?
The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is during summer. This is because the Great Ocean Road gets very cold and windy during winter. In summertime, all of the shops will be open as some are seasonal. I have been to the Great Ocean Road during winter in August and it was still beautiful, just be prepared for frosty mornings and bring a beanie and puffer jacket to get you through the cold chill.
How do you get to the Great Ocean Road?
The only real way to reach the Great Ocean Road and see the sights is by driving. It starts in the town of Torquay, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive southwest of Melbourne. Take the M1 freeway to Geelong and then follow the signs to Torquay. If you don’t drive, you could join a tour guide.
What are the best hotels to stay in when visiting the Great Ocean Road?
Where to stay in Hakone
BEACHFRONT ReSORT:
BOUTIQUE MOTEL:
COTTAGE:
VERDICT
Is the Great Ocean Road worth visiting?
This is one of the most important things to see and do when visiting Melbourne. If you are considering coming to Melbourne, make sure that you have put aside at least two days to visit the Great Ocean Road because you don’t want to miss this one!
Did this article about a melbourne road trip speak to you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!