Great Ocean Road

An Iconic Australian Road Trip

Home of the Twelve Apostles

The spectacular Great Ocean Road in Victoria’s south begins approximately 100 kilometres from Melbourne and stretches 242 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, just out of Warrnambool. The road’s most well-known attraction is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks near Princetown in Port Campbell National Park. Only eight apostles remain due to erosion.

Built by WWI veterans between 1919 and 1932, the Great Ocean Road is the world's longest war memorial. A Great Ocean Road tour could be done in one day, though most adventurers take a few. There are pretty holiday towns, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife - koalas, emus, echidnas, kangaroos, platypus, and glowworms!

Travel the Great Ocean Road on Your Victorian Holiday

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Join us as we unearth all aspects of Victoria as we rove the highways and byways of this diverse state. Delve into bustling metropolitan Melbourne, travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the 12 Apostles. Traverse The Grampians to Ballarat and experience history at Sovereign Hill. Dig up our gold mining history in Bendigo and board a paddle steamer in Echuca before discovering the beauty of the High Country.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Join us on an unforgettable journey from Melbourne to Adelaide, designed for travellers over 50 who seek a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian Sports Museum, where the rich sporting history of Australia comes to life. Explore the charming coastal town of Port Fairy with a local guide before taking a nostalgic ride on the horse-drawn tramway at Victor Harbour. Then, unwind as you board the elegant PS Murray Princess for a leisurely 4-night cruise along the serene Murray River, experiencing the tranquillity of Australia's waterways.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
8
days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island. Join us as we make tracks for Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you'll enjoy an off-road safari through the sights and savannah, encountering wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and inquisitive ostriches. Experience the thrill of a helicopter scenic flight over the iconic Great Ocean Road, taking in breathtaking coastal views. Explore the fascinating geological wonders of Alexandra Cave with a local guide at Naracoorte Caves National Park. Discover the unique wildlife of Seal Bay Conservation Park and the rugged beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, home to stunning landscapes and iconic Australian wildlife. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and adventure, ensuring a memorable journey through some of Australia’s most remarkable destinations.

Experience the Rugged Beauty

The Great Ocean Road on the windswept south-west coast of Victoria is undoubtedly one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Starting at Torquay, the road winds along the seaside cliffs following the wild Southern Ocean, reaching its conclusion at Allansford. 

Great Ocean Road holidays take visitors to destinations like Great Otway National Park, London Arch, Memorial Arch, Loch Ard Gorge, and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Some favourite spots to stop include Bells Beach, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and the Twelve Apostles.

More adventurous travellers take on the 100-kilometre Great Ocean Walk or one of the many hiking or biking trails. There are also great surfing spots and excellent bushwalking tracks.

Most visitors are happy to drive the iconic road at their leisure, stopping off at seaside towns to sample local produce or take in a museum, gallery, or one of the many historic attractions.

An Iconic Australian Road Trip
An Iconic Australian Road Trip

The World’s Longest War Memorial

The Great Ocean Road trip that many Australians have either completed or have on their bucket list was built by returned servicemen in the early 1900s. The project was created with a threefold purpose. 

The first was to provide work for First World War returned servicemen. Secondly, the Great Ocean Road would be a utilitarian memorial to all Australian First World War servicemen and women. Finally, the road would serve a practical purpose by providing residents and tourists access to this spectacular piece of coastline.

Construction on this enormous undertaking began in 1919, and over 3000 returned servicemen suffered the rough coastal working and living conditions to complete the project in 1932. The 242-kilometre road is now known as the longest war memorial in the world.

In 2011, the Great Ocean Road was added to the Australian National Heritage List to recognise its historic and natural significance.

Frequently asked questions

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

Most people like to take their time enjoying a leisurely Great Ocean Road holiday. Some want to pack it all into one day, which, at 242 kilometres, is easy to do. However, there is more to see and do along the way that would be ideal to complete in two to four days.

How many of the Twelve Apostles are left?

Today, only eight of the 12 apostles remain. The weather and wild Southern Ocean conditions continue to erode the limestone stacks. Eventually, all the apostles will crumble into the ocean.

Does it matter which way you drive the Great Ocean Road?

Most prefer a Great Ocean Road trip from east to west - Torquay to Allansford. There are outstanding views no matter which direction you travel; however, starting in Torquay makes it easier to pull into all the lookouts along the way.

How did the Twelve Apostles get their name?

English sailor George Bass named the formations the Sow and Piglets or Sow and Pigs, with the sow being Mutton Bird Island and the Apostles, her piglets. In the 1960s, the name was changed to The Apostles for marketing purposes. The name evolved into the twelve apostles, even though only nine stacks were visible then.

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