The Great Ocean Road is a popular tourist destination in Victoria, stretching along the state’s southwest coast from Torquay (1.5 hours from the CBD) and ending near Warrnambool. This scenic road offers various outdoor activities such as driving, walking, horseriding, surfing, sailing, and cycling, allowing visitors to take in the sights and sounds of nature.
Popular attractions to see along the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic route with many attractions. It is recommended to take your time exploring the area and embark on the Great Ocean Road Tour to experience all it has to offer fully.
Torquay and surrounds
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Surfers and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious options at Surf Coast Whole Foods, including the famous Buddha Bowl and plant-based tacos. Ingredients such as avocado, brown rice, kale, and tofu provide the fuel needed for a day of activities in Torquay.
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Frontbeach Taphouse & Restaurant offers meals and craft beers throughout the day, with panoramic views of Torquay’s front beach for a peaceful dining experience.
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Serenity Accommodation offers well-appointed holiday homes for couples or families in Torquay. The two identical houses are conveniently located, and guests can check in easily using an app.
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Torquay Surfing Academy offers surfing lessons with experienced instructors. They have operated for nearly 20 years and provide all necessary gear for purchase or rental, including wetsuits and surfboards.
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Visitors can swim, surf, or stroll along Torquay’s front beach.
Anglesea and surrounds
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A La Grecque in Aireys Inlet, a Greek-Australian restaurant, offers fresh, simple meals featuring quality seafood and seasonal produce. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
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Aireys Pub is open every day from 11.30 am until late. 1983, the pub was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday fires, but the community came together to save it from closure. Today, the pub has an open beer garden, live music, and an open fireplace. The onsite brewery, Salt Brewing Co, is environmentally conscious, running on a 50kw solar system and partnering with Sea Shepherd to protect the ocean and wildlife.
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Barrakee Beach House is a modern beach house suitable for families, small groups, or couples looking for spacious accommodations. Amenities include Wi-Fi, TV, a pool table, a barbecue, an outdoor spa, and a locked shed for storage. Pets may be allowed.
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Spring Creek Horse Rides offers horseback riding experiences in the scenic Otway National Park, with trails suitable for riders of all levels. Visitors can choose from various options, including sunset rides and Champagne picnics. It is recommended to call in advance to discuss available options.
If you can only choose one activity…
Visit the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery to try a variety of delicious treats.
Lorne and surrounds
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Totti’s, a popular Italian restaurant in Sydney, has opened a new location at the Lorne Hotel in Victoria. The menu features a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including antipasti, pasta, seafood, and woodfired bread.
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With outdoor seating, customers can enjoy a relaxing meal at Ipsos Restaurant and Bar, which is here.
Mantra in Lorne offers many amenities, including extensive grounds, an onsite restaurant, and accommodations suitable for solo travellers and families.
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Start your day with a morning walk along the beach, enjoying the sunrise over the coastline before heading to the historic Lorne Theatre to watch a movie.
If you can only choose one activity…
Live Wire Action Park is an adventure playground just outside Lorne, where visitors can participate in various activities such as climbing, swinging, leaping, wobbling, and flying through a forest of towering eucalyptus trees.
Apollo Bay and its surrounds
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When at the beach, it’s common to crave fish and chips. Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op offers crispy potato chips and local seafood options like crayfish, prawns, and oysters. Enjoy your meal on the deck with a view of the ocean, or purchase fresh crabs and fish to cook at home for a seafood feast.
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The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is a large red-brick building with outdoor seating, serving pub meals and offering a classic pub atmosphere. Be sure to recommend it to the group at the end of the day.
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The Apollo Apartments are situated across from the beach in a contemporary glass and concrete building. It offers a mid-range price point and includes essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, and a kitchen.
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The Great Ocean Walk is a must-visit destination with stunning bush, coast, and sea views. It is a perfect escape from the modern world and allows you to reconnect with nature. Remember to bring plenty of water. You can find maps online or at the tourist centre. Check out our hiking guide for the Great Ocean Walk.
If there is only one activity you choose to do…
Cape Otway, located on the southernmost tip of Victoria’s western coast, offers the opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat. Nearby, you can visit Beauchamp Falls and Hopetoun Falls in Beech Forest.
Twelve Apostles and surrounds
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12 Rocks Beach Bar on the Port Campbell foreshore offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including beer-battered fish, paprika-spiced calamari, and a kids’ menu.
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The Sow and Piglets Brewery is located near Port Campbell’s main beach, offering a variety of seasonal and limited-edition beers, including German-style brews brewed by their head brewer, Julian Widera. It was formerly known as one of the original names for the Twelve Apostles until the 1920s.
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There are several affordable and comfortable accommodation options near the Twelve Apostles. After completing the Great Ocean Road Walk, staying at 12 Apostles Bed & Breakfast can help avoid a long trip home.
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Port Campbell National Park in Australia is known for its wave-sculpted rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Visitors can also explore other historical natural sites in the park.
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Visitors can experience stunning views of the Twelve Apostles by walking the Gibson Steps at Port Campbell National Park and enjoy a beachside lunch afterwards.
Warrnambool and surrounds
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The Pavilion café offers a spacious, modern setting with great views over the bay. They serve delicious options such as ginger wild rice porridge with caramelized pear and almonds, pancakes with honey-roasted stone fruits and whipped mascarpone. They also have a packed lunch menu and good coffee available.
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The Dart and Marlin is a popular establishment known for its selection of craft beers, cocktails, and live music performances. The 19th-century stone building features a fireplace, courtyard, and function space.
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Warrnambool Holiday Village provides accommodation options from one-bedroom deluxe cabins to caravans and camping. It is conveniently located for short stays and offers indoor and outdoor pools. The botanical gardens and a supermarket are within walking distance.
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The Port Fairy to Warrnambool cycle trail spans 37 kilometres and offers scenic coast views, making it a popular choice for cyclists in Victoria.
If you are limited to one option…
The Whale Trail is a popular attraction for both local and international tourists. Information on sightings can be found on the Facebook page, with the prime whale spotting season typically occurring from June to September.
