The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Last Updated: May 20, 2025
IS AUSTRALIA'S GREAT OCEAN ROAD A CONTENDER FOR THE WORLD'S BEST?
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What is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most discussed coastal highways. It's famed for its stunning scenic views, powerful stories, and sporadic seaside towns. However, before you drive it, you must first know its history.
Why is The Great Ocean Road here?
Australian servicemen and women who'd been fighting in World War I returned to Australia and wanted to build a monument to remember their heroic, fallen friends.
And so, in 1919 the Great Ocean Road was conceived. However, the Great Ocean Road didn't get going until 1922 and took ten years to build, opening in 1932.
How Long is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile (243km) highway that hugs the Victorian coast.
Where Does the Great Ocean Road Start and Finish?
The Great Ocean Road runs between Torquay and Allansford in Victoria, Australia.
It is a deserved and fitting memorial to those who gave their lives for peace. Furthermore, in building the Great Ocean Road, the men and women involved had constructed, the world's largest war memorial. And that record still stands today in 2024.
Does It Deserve The Title 'Great' Ocean Road?
Knowing the background, I truly want to say yes, it does.
I don't want to be disrespectful in any way and want to big it up as much as possible, but I cannot.
I must be true to you, as our readers, and say, that whilst I enjoyed the drive immensely, I think it was more because of the people I was with, the freedom of a campervan, and chasing sunsets on the open road.
Furthermore, comparing my experience on the Great Ocean Road to many other Australian coastal routes or California's Route 1, it simply cannot compete.
Hopefully, I'm doing the Great Ocean Road an injustice, as there are stunning places to visit along the way, and I did have a fantastic time. Likewise, I'm sure you will.
After all, The Great Ocean Road is worth every second you spend on it.
If you are considering driving the Great Ocean Road, I'd recommend taking at least two days. That way you won't be rushing and can genuinely understand and appreciate it. Yet, if time is an issue, you can complete it in a day, and not miss out on too much.
But, sadly, I cannot put it among the top driving roads in the world.
How I Ended Up On The Great Ocean Road
My tale of the Great Ocean Road starts like no other. Uniquely, it begins three months earlier, and 38,000ft in the skies above India on a flight from London to Bangkok.
Random I know, but that's travel for you.
During the flight, I met two girls, Roisin (far left in the pic below), and Delia (second from the right), who luckily bagged the seats behind me.
I'm not sure how we got chatting. I expect the unlimited supplies of alcohol had something to do with it, but I'm glad we did, otherwise, this trip could have been very different. Hence, why I say don't over-plan your travels. The people you meet could send you in very different directions.
We shared nights out in Bangkok, which, in turn, led to parties in Sydney and beyond. So, weeks later, whilst living in Melbourne, I received an excited call saying they were in the city.
This call went on to say they wanted to road trip around Australia and was I interested? They also had another couple of mates who had flown out to see them and wanted to tour the country.
Of course, I said yes before they'd even finished the sentence. It was what I was planning myself, and I was just in need of a motley crew.
The plan was formed.
The Beginning of a Great Adventure
A month had passed as we met one dark and dreary morning in the pouring rain, slightly hungover, tired, and not looking our best. The meeting point was Travellers Autobarn in Melbourne.
As always, I was first to arrive, and gingerly, the crew appeared one by one, some walking, some by bus and some dropped off by car.
We signed our lives away and threw our bags into the van. It wasn't a big van by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, it was going to be home for the next few weeks. Furthermore, it would be transporting us through three states, two time zones and countless miles of sand and tarmac.
If you don't have a van but want to extend your stay on Great Ocean Road, check out a few top hostels along the Great Ocean Road. Remember, this is a popular route, so the earlier you book, the better.
If you have a van, you have a little more freedom on where you stay each night.
Little did I know, I wouldn't see Melbourne again for over six months, or, that this journey would take me around the circumference of Australia, with a short stint in Indonesia thrown in.
The adventure had begun.
The Offical Starting Point
No road trip would be complete with snacks and alcohol (for the non-drivers, of course). Therefore, our first stop was a supermarket on the outskirts of Melbourne to stock up.
Having filled the van with enough drink to sink a battleship, we set off from Melbourne to Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
A huge cheer went up as we came off the roundabout on the B100 and crossed west, over Spring Creek. It's at this point that Geelong Road becomes the Great Ocean Road.
For a reason unknown to any of us, we decided we didn't have enough snacks. I pulled into the first store I found to gather some goodies.
Yet, strangely, the only thing that made it out of the store was another team member.
Guys and girls, meet our Great Ocean Road mascot, Patrice.
Yes, Patrice is a balloon with a face drawn on it. But he became family, riding shot-gun, joining in with drinking sessions, celebrations and activities until his tragic death, and eventual burial a few weeks later in West Australia.
It left the team deflated - oh come on.
Our First Night On the Great Ocean Road
Less than ten minutes from Torquay, we came to our first planned stop, Bells Beach.
Bells Beach was made famous by the badass surfer film, Point-Break in 1991. Sadly for me, I wasn't a lover of the film.
It turned out I wasn't overly fascinated with Bells Beach either.
In part, because we arrived in rapidly fading light and an outrageous downpour. Likewise, I didn't see its significance.
The famous last scene in the film didn't take place on these sands. The scene took place in a national park in India. Therefore, all it was, was a name. Australia boasts far better beaches right around its coast.
After the briefest of stops, we headed fifteen minutes down the road to our accommodation for the night - Anglesea Family Caravan Park.
We set up camp, which consisted of pulling the beers out from under the bed and relaxing around the BBQ. Even Patrice had a stubby. After a few beers, burgers and laughing at our antics last night back in Melbourne, we all crammed back into our camper. Admittedly, it was a little more cosy than we had imagined, especially after only being on the road for four hours. But, at least we kept warm because a chill was in the air outside.
If Patrice could talk.
The Arches
Waking up fresh had never felt so good.
To make things even better, there was a smell of fresh pancakes wafting in on the sea breeze. Moreover, they were free, thanks to the magnificent Anglesea Family Caravan Park.
A refreshing shower later, and we were good to go.
Like excitable puppies, we jumped ]into the van and headed west. The first leg of today's journey hugged the rugged and beautiful sandy coast. The morning spoilt us with sublime sea views to the south with what appeared to be endless sands for mile upon mile.
The Great Ocean Road showed off its elegance and charm, which it had by the bucket load. In under half an hour, we reached, what many, wrongly consider, the actual start to the Great Ocean Road, the impressive, Memorial Arch.
The large arch spanned both lanes and despite many rebuilds, the original name still hangs for all to see. Next to the majestic arch, is a statue which depicts two soldiers building the Great Ocean Road.
As many do, we spent a while jumping around under the arch like kids on a school trip. Although, I fear it may have looked more like an escaped asylum tour.
Even with a countdown, we couldn't get that timed jump right. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic to halt our progress. Otherwise, we would have been up shits creek without a paddle.
A stretch of the legs followed, which meant faceplanting each other into the beach opposite the Memorial Arch. It all seemed a great idea until we had to climb back into the van, which became a mobile sandpit.
Fantastic!
A Worthy Detour - Erskine Falls
Once again, the Great Ocean Road did what it does best, providing staggering sea views.
Until you arrive in Lorne, expect nothing, but uninterrupted views of the gorgeous coastline.
However, the reason we stopped in Lorne, wasn't anything to do with the beach. Although, it did have water and lots of it.
Under fifteen minutes inland from Lorne Visitor Centre is the picturesque, Erskine Falls. The route from the coast to the falls turns from beach to lush, dense, green vegetation.
Jumping out of the van at Erskine Falls car park was stepping into another world. There was a sudden hit of humidity, dampness and a thousand shades of green from luscious palms and trees. The sound of crashing water and the chirp of birds above. Had we somehow teleported to the middle of the Amazon in under fifteen minutes?
Whilst it will never be the most powerful, tallest or the best waterfall you've ever seen, it is beautiful, and one I recommend you explore.
Firstly, it's a good stretch of the legs. Secondly, it's a captivating sight to behold. And finally, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area.
The Great Ocean Road Anthem and an Aussie Tradition
After our time amid the waterfall and luxuriant forest, we dropped back to the coast and the unremarkable town of Lorne.
Before leaving, we grabbed a bite to eat at the public BBQ area on the side of the Great Ocean Road.
With the smell of BBQ and the fresh sea air and views back over the beach, we had found the best spot in Lorne.
Twenty or so minutes of running around like headless chickens and nearly plunging off the cliff were only interrupted by a shout "foods ready".
These public BBQ areas are scattered across the Australian coast and are free to use. All you have to do is bring your food and utensils and clean up after yourself.
These BBQs are a luxury for all to enjoy at any time of the day or night. Do not mistreat them or leave without cleaning up after yourself.
We could never do this in the UK, as some twat would either a) set fire to them, b) spray paint c) nick the gas, d) never clean it or e) all of the above, and that saddens me greatly.
Keep this great tradition alive and look after these sites.
While Lorne was rather unremarkable, something remarkable did happen. Roisin introduced us to her favourite tune of the time, Lucy Spraggen's - Tea and Toast, meaning the road trip had its final component, a travel anthem.
Along with a few more of Lucy's travel-vibey tunes, we hit the repeat button and chased the horizon.
A Soaking at Apollo Bay
After 50 minutes of nothing bar sea views the Great Ocean Road led us to the small town of Apollo Bay.
By the time we arrived in Apollo Bay, we were, yet again, craving food. So, having heard good things about the town, we decided to check it out.
Of course, our tour of Apollo Bay started with the most delicious multi-flavoured ice cream. Even Patrice had one, despite his diet.
We wandered onto the beach to eat them whilst listening to the oncoming crashing waves. Somehow, yet again, we ended up wet and covered in sand, and more distressingly, I'd ruined my new shoes.
If Lucy Spraggan was our road trip artist, dump tackle beach rugby, was our sport. Granted, tackling into the waves was a silly move. But a win's a win.
Similarly to Lorne, there wasn't much to shout about in Apollo Bay. It appeared that the towns relied upon their beaches. In truth, there was plenty of that all along this coastal road.
Before long we moved on, feeling a little downbeat about the two towns we had visited today. Neither lived up to the hype.
Now the Great Ocean Road leaves the coast and weaves through sporadic dense woodlands and open fields. Again, afar cry from the usual views of Australia's southern coast.
This change in scenery only lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes before the sea returns.
The Twelve Apostles
After being reunited with the sea, we came across arguably the Great Ocean Road's main event, the Twelve Apostles.
We got a little unlucky because as we arrived and parked up, the weather took a turn for the worse. A storm had been brewing out at sea and was coming at us, fast. The mist and rain fell, as we ran down to the viewing platform. Then, my camera started playing up. Typical.
Looking out over the Twelve Apostles was awe-inspiring, yet there was an air of sadness.
Why?
Because, as I stood there, looking out over the remaining Apostles, I knew that one day soon, they would be gone. They would be lost for future generations as they lie in their shallow watery graves.
The Twelve Apostles were so beautiful, yet I could barely count eight, let alone twelve.
It's heartbreaking.
Once again, soaking wet, we clambered back into the van. Frankly, this was the most intense, beautiful and exceptional moment on the Great Ocean Road.
Having left the Twelve Apostles, we drove on to the small town of Port Campbell for the night, but don't worry, we do, revisit.
The night in Port Campbell was full of drinking, card games and that good-old traveller's favourite dinner, pasta and sauce. Due to the weather, and a few drinks, we crashed early.
That, was a good thing, as tomorrow we were heading back to the Twelve Apostles for sunrise.
Watching the Sunrise On The Great Ocean Road
Bright and breezy the following morning, we eagerly shot back to the Twelve Apostles before sunrise.
Unfortunately, yet again, the weather wasn't playing ball with us.
But all was not lost.
The rain held off, and despite the cloud's best efforts, a flash of red filled the sky illuminating the Twelve Apostles in all their glory.
That is why people come for sunrise and sunset, that moment of perfection from Mother Nature herself.
Granted, it was a fleeting glance, but at least we had seen it.
Whilst the sunrise didn't work out for me, I'd advise you to plan your Great Ocean Road tour to coincide with sunrise or sunset at the Twelve Apostles.
Although, if you have the money, I'd advise a helicopter tour over these majestic rock stacks. I should imagine it would be astonishingly beautiful.
Yet again, with sadness and slight disappointment, we left the Twelve Apostles and headed onward across Australia.
The great thing about the Great Ocean Road is that disappointment doesn't get the chance to linger. There is always something new and fresh, just around the corner.
The Big Send Off for the Great Ocean Road
A short drive back through the small town of Port Campbell, you'll see the glorious London Bridge.
I may not be a detective, but there is something not quite right in the name.
This bridge has either grown legs and ran across the world to get here. Or, whoever named it, was very, very lost and confused. Either way, once I had gotten over that, I had to admit it was a special sight.
In contrast to most bridges, London Bridge has a hefty chunk missing. Yet, the missing piece of the puzzle adds to the charm and charisma of the Bridge. That is where London Bridge differs from the Twelve Apostles. One loses a limb and becomes more charming. The other fades and releases a feeling of sadness with its demise.
Overall, the way to view things like London Bridge, and the Twelve Apostles is that how you see it, is not how people before you saw it. Nor is it how people after you will see it. Your view is unique, and when you view this bridge in that way, it makes it a unique and remarkable place.
Furthermore, the rock formation and colour of London Bridge adds a new dimension to an already exquisitely carved rock.
Well played, Mother Nature, well played.
After London Bridge, the Great Ocean Road doesn't let you settle. This grand finale keeps throwing magnificence at you around every corner.
From this point, expect to be in and out of your car to the end. Sadly though, London Bridge is the beginning of the end of the Great Ocean Road and my three-day adventure.
Goodbye to the Great Ocean Road
Across the bay from London Bridge is your next stop, the Grotto.
Over the millions of years, the wind, sea and rain have hollowed out a small sinkhole from the limestone surrounds. Nowadays tourists use it as a stop on the Great Ocean Road, and somewhere to take another dramatic shot of the Australian coastline.
Ultimately, the main event is the Grotto, a small arched cave with two entrances. During low tide in the Grotto, you'll find stunning sea views across a newly formed pool.
However, the whole area is awash with hollowed-out hideouts, crazy rock formations and fun times. Take time to explore the area if you're not in a rush.
Between the Grotto and my next suggested stop, are loads of fantastic rocky bays. If, one takes your fancy, why not give it a go? Although, from the Grotto, my next suggestion is only a ten-minute drive.
The wonderful Bay of Islands is aptly named due to the numerous small rock stacks that line the sea edge.
I will be the first to admit that the views are pleasing to the eye. Yet, it won't be the most exciting part of your Great Ocean Road tour.
So why stop here? Because the Bay of Islands pretty much marks the end of the Great Ocean Road.
From here, the road heads inland for around 25 minutes to the small town of Allansford.
Here, on the eastern fringes of Allansford, the Great Ocean Road ends as it joins the Princes Highway for the final approach into town.
Where Next? and My Final Thoughts
At this point, everything has been about driving the Great Ocean Road. How many of you have thought about the question, of where next? Have you given any consideration to it?
Whilst the world is your oyster, realistically after the Great Ocean Road, you have three options.
Firstly, carry on up the coast to Adelaide in South Australia. It's only a refreshing seven-hour drive, and I should imagine lots more stunning sea views.
Secondly, head back to Melbourne along the Princes Highway, a shorter three-hour drive.
Or...
Finally, do as I did, and head north for an hour and twenty-five minutes to the sublime Grampians Mountain Range.
If I had a choice of returning to the Grampians or the Great Ocean Road, I'd choose the Grampians every time.
To summarize the Great Ocean Road, I'll answer two questions from the top of the blog.
- Is the Great Ocean Road a contender for the world's best?
- Does it deserve the title 'Great' Ocean Road?
Briefly, the answer is no to both.
There isn't enough variation for it to be considered a contender. Furthermore, it doesn't have that wow factor.
Yes, the views are stunning, yes, it's fun, and yes, I had a blast, but I wanted more. It's a short 151-mile stretch along Victoria's beautiful southern coast that offers so much, but to be the world's best I wanted my heart pulsating at every turn, and the Great Ocean Road simply didn't do that for me.
I'm not saying it's a bad option, or a waste of time, because it isn't. Driving the Great Ocean Road is worth doing, but, safe in the knowledge you'll have better times in many other areas of this vast and great country.
I'm not trying to force your hand, but check out this shot taken in the Grampians. Where are you going next?
Leave a Comment
Have you driven the Great Ocean Road?
What did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts as I know many of you loved it more than I did.
Likewise, I love your opinions on my Great Ocean Road blog and adventure. Has it made you want to drive the Great Ocean Road or head elsewhere?
Throw me a comment below or get in touch on Instagram.
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“Absolutely love how you capture the spirit of adventure! Your stories always inspire me to explore more. ”
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“Absolutely love the unique perspective you bring to your adventures! Your storytelling makes me want to pack my bags and explore the unknown.”
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Aww thanks, thats so kind, I love travel and will always recommend packing bags and hitting the open road.