Best Places to Stop Off at on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous road trips in Australia. Stretching over 244-kilometres from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a must-do activity for those wanting a break from the city.
With sensational coastline views and incredible rainforests both a huge attraction on this trip, you’ll have the best of both worlds as you cruise along. Keep a lookout for koalas while you’re on the road, as there are plenty high up in the treetops. If you’re looking for the best places to stop off on the Great Ocean Road, then this blog is definitely for you. We hope that you have a great time on your trip!
This trip can be done in as little as 12 hours, but we really do recommend staying a night in Apollo Bay to break it up. You have plenty of places to stop off at and explore, and it’s worth spending an extra day or two to really enjoy the sights along the road.
The Twelve Apostles
We had to start this with the most famous sight of all! Thousands of people travel the Great Ocean Road each year simply to see the Twelve Apostles; numerous limestone stacks that tower over the ocean below. It’s the most picture-perfect spot of the whole road trip, so do take a moment to really step back and marvel at their beauty. The towers are formed due to sea erosion, and with only 8 of the 12 still left standing, it’s clear that this natural beauty won’t be around forever.
Loch Ard Gorge
This is another beautifully scenic spot that will have you reaching for the camera as soon as you step outside of the car. Loch Ard Gorge is named after the Loch Ard ship that was wrecked near this spot in June 1878. The two connected rock pillars at this site are named after the only two survivors of the shipwreck: Tom and Eva.
London Arch
Another gorgeous limestone formation is London Arch. Formally known as London Bridge, this natural beauty is an offshore natural arch located in Port Campbell National Park. Unfortunately, in January 1990, the bridge that connected the arch to the mainland collapsed into the ocean below, so the name was subsequently changed. To this day it’s still very beautiful, and well worth a stop at!
The Grotto
This is easily one of the most picturesque spots on the trip. The Grotto is a magical place to sit and listen to the ocean waves while staring out into the beautiful blue beyond. This is arguably one of the greatest geological gems on the trip, but is often overlooked by tourists on the road - we recommend taking the time to stop off here, as it’s one of the most beautiful spots you’ll see!
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park is a huge 103,000-hectare landscape, filled with oceans, rainforests, heathlands, and beaches. In fact, you’ll drive through the lush forest on your way from Apollo Bay through to the Twelve Apostles. Make sure to stop off at one of the many rainforests inside the park, or perhaps at Cape Otway if you can!
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a beautiful stop that’s a perfect layover for those doing the trip over two days instead of one. It’s got great beaches, a gorgeous town, and delicious restaurants, too! If you’re late for the usual dinner time rush, make sure to stop off at Chopstix Noodle Bar for some delicious food that’s served up until 10:30 pm!
Lorne
Lorne is Victoria’s equivalent to Byron Bay, with its laid back vibe, incredible scenery, and endless cafes. It’s located just after the famous ‘Great Ocean Road’ signpost, so once you’ve got your snaps here, head to Lorne for a bite to eat. The Bottle of Milk is a great cafe option, or Pit Stop Lorne for some fantastic burgers if you want something a bit more substantial.
Bells Beach
This is actually one of the first stops you’ll make after leaving Torquay (which, if you ask us, is also worth a longer stop at). Bells Beach is one of the world’s best surf beaches - with the annual Rip Curl Pro surf competition occurring here. These waves are only for the best surfer’s around, as they’re quite large and pretty scary for the average person. If you can, why not time your visit here to coincide with Easter weekend and the surfing competition? It’ll be a fantastic watch, that’s for sure!
There are so many stops on the Great Ocean Road that are waiting for you to discover. We recommend spreading out your journey over two or three days if possible, to truly make the most of this beautiful stretch of road. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous road trips here in Australia, and it’s clear to see why.
