The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives, with rugged coastline, ancient rainforest and limestone cliffs. At the centre of this route are the 12 Apostles, but there’s so much more to see along the southern coast of Victoria. From Port Campbell to Apollo Bay, this guide goes beyond the famous rock stacks and shows you the hidden gems, coastal towns and natural wonders that make this route so special.

12 Apostles: Nature’s Artwork

The 12 Apostles are the crown of the Great Ocean Road. These towering limestone stacks rise up from the Southern Ocean and are a sight to behold. The Apostles were formed over millions of years of erosion where the waves carved out caves in the cliffs of the coastline. The caves became arches which then collapsed to leave the isolated rock stacks we see today. Although only 8 stacks remain, the magic of the 12 Apostles is still there.

• Tip: Best time to visit the 12 Apostles is at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and adds a magic to the limestone stacks. Visiting at these times also means you avoid the midday crowds and have more space to take it all in.It is also fashionable to book a 12 Apostles Tour from Melbourne with an experienced guide.

For the ultimate experience take a helicopter ride from the Apostles Helicopters Heliport. This flight will give you a birds eye view of the iconic landscapes and allow you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the coastline and the natural wonders along the Great Ocean Road.

Beyond the Apostles: Port Campbell National Park

After seeing the 12 Apostles head west and explore more of the natural wonders of Port Campbell National Park. This area is full of hidden gems like Loch Ard Gorge, a shipwreck site and London Bridge, a rock formation that collapsed in 1990.

• Must-See: 5 minute walk to London Bridge – Bay and see the cliffs against the Southern Ocean.

Port Campbell: A Coastal Town

Port Campbell is a beautiful coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, perfect for a stop. Whether you need a quick coffee or want to sit and take in the views this town has it all – hot chocolate in cozy cafes to beach walks and everything in between. You can also visit nearby attractions like Sherbrook River, Childers Cove and Anchors Port Campbell.

• Fun Fact: Port Campbell is close to some of the most dramatic scenery on the Shipwreck Coast.

Apollo Bay: Beachside Town with Views

Further down the road Apollo Bay is another stop, famous for its beaches and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. This beachside town is for those who love the beach and want to explore the Otway Ranges temperate rainforests.

• Top Tip: For a nature fix visit Maits Rest and walk through the rainforest, gazing up at the Eucalyptus trees and lush ferns.

Scenic Spots: Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and more

If you want to go inland the Great Ocean Road has some amazing waterfalls including Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and Erskine Falls. These waterfalls surrounded by tree ferns and ancient rainforest are a peaceful escape from the coast. Don’t miss the steep climb to the base of Hopetoun Falls for a close up view of this natural wonder.

The Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs

Beyond the 12 Apostles the Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs are less well known but equally as stunning stops on the Great Ocean Road. These spots are quieter with equally dramatic rock formations and less people. The Bay of Islands is often called the hidden gem of the Shipwreck Coast where the rock stacks continue to amaze with their size and beauty.

Cape Otway and the Otway Rainforest

A visit to Cape Otway is a must for history and nature buffs. Explore the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia’s oldest working lighthouse, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bass Strait. For a deeper experience visit the Otway Fly Treetop Walk and see the rolling hills and green landscapes. The surrounding Otway National Park is home to koalas and platypus and plenty of walking trails through the temperate rainforests.

Wreck Beach: A Historical Journey

If you want an adventure walk down to Wreck Beach at low tide. You’ll be greeted by the eerie remains of shipwrecks along the coast, a reminder of the rough waters of the Shipwreck Coast. Visit the remains of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji, two ships that met their demise here.

Port Fairy: Historic Seaside Town

Beyond the 12 Apostles the historic town of Port Fairy awaits. This seaside town is famous for its 19th century buildings, arts scene and beaches. A walk to Griffiths Island to see the lighthouse is a must and if you’re here between June and September you might see some Southern Right Whales migrating along the coast.

• See: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. An extinct volcano that is now a wildlife sanctuary for kangaroos, emus and koalas. Walking trails and wildlife.

Inland Route: Lavers Hill and Beyond

While the coast gets all the glory, the inland route of the Great Ocean Road is a peaceful haven through rolling hills and ancient forests. As you drive through Lavers Hill you’ll pass through stunning countryside, dense forest and hidden waterfalls like Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls. This route is a contrast to the busy coastal roads and allows you to explore the quieter, more remote parts of Victoria.

Conclusion

The Great Ocean Road is more than just the 12 Apostles. From the towering cliffs and beaches of Port Campbell National Park to the peaceful beauty of inland waterfalls and temperate rainforests, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re surfing at Bells Beach, exploring Port Fairy’s history or taking a helicopter flight over the Apostles, the Great Ocean Road is an adventure.

FAQs

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is about 4-5 hours without stopping. But we recommend 2-3 days to take in the scenic routes and all the hidden gems like Port Campbell and Apollo Bay.

What are the must see stops?

Top stops are the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Cape Otway Lighthouse and Hopetoun Falls. Don’t miss the quieter Bay of Islands and Wreck Beach.

Can I swim at the beaches along the Great Ocean Road?

Yes, there are several safe sandy beaches along the way, Johanna Beach and Myrtle Beach are perfect for a swim. But some areas like the 12 Apostles aren’t safe for swimming due to strong currents.

Are there any good places to eat?

Yes! You can eat well in the coastal towns of Port Campbell, Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill with cafes serving everything from fresh seafood to a hot chocolate.

Worth a helicopter?

Yes, a helicopter flight experience offers a unique perspective, allowing you to see the full scope of the magnificent rock stacks and the dramatic coastline from above.