10 Must-See Spots on Your Great Ocean Road & Beyond Journey
Australia’s Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of the world’s most iconic coastal drives—stretching about 243 km along Victoria’s coastline. Whether you’re booking a Great Ocean Road tour or driving yourself, this route delivers dramatic cliffs, rainforest detours, surf towns, and limestone stacks that look unreal in golden hour light.
Below are 10 essential stops to build a memorable Great Ocean Road & Beyond trip—without feeling rushed.
1) Torquay (Start Point + Surf Culture)
Torquay is where the journey begins. Stock up on snacks, grab a coffee, and ease into the coastal vibe before the road starts throwing views at you nonstop.
2) Bells Beach (Legendary Surf Lookouts)
Even if you don’t surf, Bells Beach is worth it for the cliff viewpoints and the power of the waves. It’s one of the most famous surf spots in Australia.
3) Lorne (Coastal Town + Quick Waterfall Detour)
Lorne is ideal for a lunch stop—beach walks, cafés, and an easy waterfall side-quest if you want to stretch your legs.
4) Kennett River (Koala Spotting)
This is one of the classic places to scan the gum trees for koalas. Keep it low-key and respectful—quiet wins here.
5) Great Otway National Park (Rainforest + Treetop Walk)
Swap ocean cliffs for lush rainforest. The Otway Fly treetop walk gives you a canopy-level view over the ancient Otways—an excellent contrast to the coastal scenery.
6) Apollo Bay (Overnight-Friendly Base)
Apollo Bay is a great town to stay the night: calm beach, solid food options, and an easy hub for both coastal and Otways exploring.
7) Gibson Steps (Beach-Level Apostles View)
Before you hit the main platform, do Gibson Steps for the “down on the sand” perspective. Parks Victoria specifically recommends it as part of the Twelve Apostles experience.
8) The Twelve Apostles (Iconic Limestone Stacks)
The headline stop. These limestone sea stacks are the star of the drive—especially at sunset when the colour shifts across the cliffs.
9) Loch Ard Gorge (Shipwreck Coast Drama)
A few minutes from the Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge combines wild scenery with shipwreck history—golden sand, towering cliffs, and short walks to nearby formations.
10) Port Fairy (Beyond the Road: Heritage + Harbour)
Finish strong with Port Fairy’s historic charm and relaxed coastal energy—perfect for slowing down after the big scenery days.
Planning Tips for a Smooth Trip
Go for 2–3 days if you can
You can do it in a day, but it becomes a photo-sprint. Two to three days lets you actually enjoy the stops, plus the Otways detours.
Best photo times
- Sunrise: quieter viewpoints, softer light
- Sunset: especially for the Twelve Apostles (a top recommendation from Parks Victoria).
Book accommodation early
Apollo Bay and Port Campbell fill up quickly in peak periods.
Weather + road conditions matter
Coastal conditions change fast—and there have been recent closures from severe weather/flooding in the Otways region, so it’s smart to check live road updates before you leave.
Enjoy the local side of the towns
Small towns often have community vibes—markets, surf club fundraisers, and even quirky local events like Carp fishing raffles.
