A JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER
The Great Ocean Road region is an untamed world of nature and inspiration. Named for the spectacular 243km stretch of coastal road at its heart, this place has long lured seekers and free spirits.
SHAPE YOUR OWN STORY.
Car touring is the best way to explore its depth and breadth. Create your own adventure, starting where the Great Ocean Road snakes a rugged coastline carved by the Southern Ocean. Destinations and hidden gems are waiting to be discovered from Torquay to the South Australian border. Then seek the road less travelled, looping into the hinterland, across volcanic lakes and plains, through ancient rainforests, whimsical villages and rural heartland. Wander where the wild things are. Where bygone mariners sailed and pioneering surfers embraced their birthright. Shape your own story where wellness thrives in salty air. Where modern-day adventurers dare and food artisans push new boundaries. Stay a few days and witness stunning sunsets and star-filled skies.
GETTING HERE.
The Great Ocean Road region is easily reached and closer than you think. By car from Melbourne, take Princes Freeway and Geelong Ring Road to reach the Surf Coast, Great Ocean Road and beyond. From the Mornington Peninsula, add another dimension to your journey with a 40-minute bay crossing with car ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff with Searoad Ferries. The region’s western reaches are within a comfortable drive of Adelaide. If you’re fly-driving, collect your rental car at Melbourne, Avalon, or Adelaide Airports. Trains run regularly between Melbourne, Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool and buses run the coastal route.
| visit ptv.vic.gov.au for details
TASTE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Unlock the essence of this magical place and its people in gourmet experiences.
EMBARK ON A FLAVOUR-FILLED JOURNEY.
Local produce takes centre stage at eateries throughout the region –buy seafood as fresh as can be and delight in paddock-to-plate menus and vibrant café culture.
> Pick up fresh crayfish in Apollo Bay, Port Fairy or Portland. For a variety of locally caught seafood, look no further than Allfresh Seafood in Warrnambool
> Great coffee is available throughout the region, but for a brew with a view, find a spot overlooking the Warrnambool Breakwater and beach at the Pavilion Café & Bar.
> In the Otways you will find delicious local produce available at farm gates and general stores in the area. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at The Perch in Lavers Hill for a paddock (and ocean) to plate experience.
> Regular farmers markets take place in Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Apollo Bay and Torquay.
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> Enjoy and celebrate a true paddock-to-plate experience at Common Ground Project, Freshwater Creek
> The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie is an essential stop for indulgent treats and gifts to take home to your loved ones.
> Enjoy baked delights – at Great Ocean Road Bakery, Hulms Bakery in Colac or try a scallop pie at Apollo Bay Bakery
> Celebrate local flavours and venture to Apollo Bay Distillery for a Gin Blending Masterclass.
Crayfish, Apollo Bay
NATURE’S WORLD
Nature on an epic scale – powerful ocean, towering coastal architecture, and ancient landscapes. Tune into the natural world where siren songs call.
MIND-SHIFTING SHORELINE.
Explore Port Campbell National Park, famed for stunning coastlines shaped by the forces of the Southern Ocean. From a secluded cove or a clifftop platform, witness nature’s drama at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Traverse the Bay of Martyrs Trail, starting at Peterborough for a magical combination of sight-seeing and soulsearching.
WATERFALLS AND WHIMSY.
The Otways, where healthy rainfall nurtures year-round cascading waterfalls. Take fairy steps along mossy trails, through fern gullies, and beneath ancient trees to reach Beauchamp Falls, Phantom Falls or venture to them all. Abilities accessible, Stevenson’s Falls Enjoy beautiful scenic drives on winding forest roads.
CHASE WATERFALLS OR WINDSWEPT VISTAS.
> From Lorne, Erskine Falls is within easy reach. Dare to go deeper: in the Great Otway National Park trek through ancient mountain ashes to Triplet Falls or traverse the steep steps to the base of nearby Hopetoun Falls – a mystical place shrouded in forest sounds.
> Soak up nature’s majesty at Cape Otway Lightstation – a historian’s delight and a photographer’s nirvana complete with panoramic ocean vistas and huge, starry skies. Stay the night for a truly unique experience.
Stevenson’s Falls
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Commune with creatures, big and small, where wild spirits roam. Leave the car in the car park – go deep into the region’s untouched landscapes to see native wildlife in its element.
BY THE WATER.
> Between June and October, stand sentinel on windswept dunes at Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to spy southern right whales and their calves. Whales can be spotted along the coast from Torquay to Portland.
> At Cape Bridgewater, embrace a 2-hour return walk or guided boat tour to sight seals basking on rocks between fishing expeditions.
> Canoe across Lake Elizabeth’s mirror-still waters in search of elusive platypus.
ON LAND.
> At Wildlife Wonders in Apollo Bay you can take a tour with an expert guide to meet the cutest locals in their natural habitat.
> For emus, explore a crater-bound ecosystem at Tower Hill
> Kangaroos can be spotted at Princetown on the Gellibrand River Estuary, and even closer to towns on golf courses at Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne
> Stroll the boardwalk to see roos gathering at dawn and dusk on the flats of the Gellibrand River Estuary at Princetown.
> At Point Danger in Portland you can visit Australia’s only mainland Gannet Colony. Spend a while and watch the young ones learning to fly.
Koala, Tower Hill
WATER-BASED ADVENTURES
Do something you’ve never done before. Take yourself down to the sea –or a lake or a river – and immerse yourself in the natural world.
FEEL THE FREEDOM.
Kayak, sail, swim, surf, dive and more. Line-up on the same shore breaks that lured 1960s surfing pathfinders to make Torquay the spiritual home of surfing. Dozens of beaches fringe the region’s southern edge – seek out your favourite among secluded coves, resort seafronts and remote rocky shorelines. Be aware of your surroundings and swim at patrolled beaches.
Where the forest meets the sea, discover rivers teeming with diversity and wander into the hinterland for vast lakes shimmering with potential.
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> Kayak Seal Tour – Take an unforgettable adventure with a fully guided tour to see the Australian Fur Seal Colony nestled within the Marengo Marine Sanctuary, Apollo Bay.
> Hire a Paddle Boat – Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool is the place for some giggles and fun with the whole family.
> Fish Portland – Get game fishing on a charter boat tour out of Portland where the Bluefin tuna are legendary.
> SUP Anglesea River – Hire a paddleboard and paddle your own path through the estuarine waters of Anglesea or, for the more adventurous, head out to sea.
> Paddle it out on the Glenelg River Canoe Trail – Running 75kms form Dartmoor to Nelson through the Lower Glenelg National Park with 7 campsites along the way reserved exclusively for canoeists.
Torquay
LAND-BASED ADVENTURES
Leave the beaten path behind for adventure-based activities in big nature. Make terra firma your platform for leaping into the new.
Walk or hike for hours or days on end. Reach into fresh territory; go far enough to find yourself. At Visitor Information Centres, glean information and discover your best options among Great Ocean Walk, Surf Coast Walk, Great South West Walk and a host of others.
Feel the freedom of two-wheeling in nature. Cycle MTB central in and around the Otways township of Forrest or try the Eumerella Trail Network in Anglesea. Some coastal and rail trails in the region can be shared with walkers. Stroll amidst the towering giants of the Otways Redwood Trees or delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Gunditjmara people with a tour of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape near Budj Bim National Park
For high-flying thrills, soar with Tiger Moth World, 12 Apostles Helicopters, or Apollo Bay Aviation. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, experience the exhilaration of skydiving above Peterborough with Skydive 12 Apostles!
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> Seek new horizons on the Great Ocean Walk, hugging the coastline for 104km from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles.
> Ride Forrest – Get physical testing out the rainforest obstacles on the super-long and ultra-fast Yaugher Super Loop.
> Fish Lake Purrumbete – Land one that didn’t get away: cast out from the bank for a catch-of-the-day trout.
> Power walk the super-scenic 8.2km stint of the Surf Coast Walk from Bells Beach to Point Addis.
Great Ocean Walk
SEASIDE VILLAGES
Seek out like-minds, unknown stories, artists and food artisans in the region’s seaside villages, rural towns, and regional cities. Each has a distinctive voice, a character, and an ethos. Together they are the heart and soul of the Great Ocean Road region.
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES.
> Dive into surf culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
> Come out and play at Anglesea. Its brilliant beach and boardwalk are perfect for family adventuring. Be empowered to try something new and find the joy in achieving a first.
> Explore Aireys Inlet’s laid-back charm by scaling its lighthouse and traversing nearby trails. Refuel at local cafés and restaurants, then add a dose of fun with a round of Great Ocean Road Mini Golf
> Fall in love with Lorne – a cultured classic seaside hot spot where artists and holidaymakers mingle. Stop in at the Heritage Centre and experience The Great Ocean Road Story.
> Discover pure peace and serenity in down-to-earth Apollo Bay – a tranquil harbour village on the edge of the Otway’s rainforest.
> Fish, swim and amble a perfect pine-fringed bay at Port Campbell.
> Colac is a tranquil escape from city life, with its historic streets and scenic beauty. Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Colac or enjoy picturesque views while dining at Lake View Café
> Experience the larger-than-life charm of Warrnambool, a welcoming and historically rich city bursting with lively energy. Take a step back in time at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Stroll along the awardwinning 5.7km Foreshore Promenade or rejuvenate your senses in the therapeutic waters of Deep Blue Hot Springs
> At Port Fairy, sync into a community dedicated to artistic expression, history and culture.
> Harbour-side Portland is an ocean frontier where bold adventurers set out to discover the wildest, most dramatic nature.
Port Fairy
DISCOVER THE HINTERLAND
Where the forest meets the ocean, and where The Otway’s meet the rich Volcanic Lakes and Plains, choose magical adventures in enchanted settings.
VOLCANIC LAKES AND PLAINS.
Fish in volcanic lakes like Tooliorook, Bullen Merri and Purrumbete where the trout are legendary. Climb Red Rock Lookout or Mount Leura and Sugarloaf to survey fascinating landscapes.
Unearth the geological wonder of eons-old volcanic lakes and plains: find your bearings at Mount Elephant Centre, Tower Hill’s crater-scape or Budj Bim Cultural Landscape.
ECLECTIC COMMUNITIES.
> Forrest boasts world-class mountain bike trails and a stay-awhile brewery, while Birregurra boasts a like-no-other restaurant where local produce rules.
> Meander in Camperdown’s spacious tree-lined streetscapes and pastoral heritage.
> Grab your bike and explore the on-road trails, country lanes and historic buildings of Noorat then lunch at the 100-year-old country pub, where the locals love to linger.
> Browse for antiques and collectables in off-the-beaten-track towns and villages.
Red Rock Lookout
The Australian National Surfing Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Australian surfing through permanent displays and temporary exhibitions and is also the home of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, which recognises significant Australian surfers and the contributions they have made to industry, sport and culture.
ansm@surfcoastvic.gov.au
Watch Chocolatiers at work, discover a wonderland of chocolate, ice cream and desserts plus enjoy the all-day café. Free tastings. Open daily, and just 10mins from Torquay on 15 acres of landscaped grounds.
gorci.com.au
Come play together at Aireys only outdoor mini golf course and experience the history … and fun of the Great Ocean Road. Two custom-built courses have been designed to challenge and entertain players of all ages. Experience mini golf innovation and enjoy the outdoors at this picturesque course situated on the Great Ocean Road in Aireys Inlet.
73 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
T: 1300 942 397 www.gorminigolf.com.au
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD STORY: BUILDING AUSTRALIA’S MOST FAMOUS ROAD
This exhibition is located in the Lorne Visitor Centre. The Great Ocean Road is a memorial to the lost lives and sacrifices of the Australian diggers in World War One. Returned soldiers built the road, conquering steep cliffs, rugged terrain and dangerous weather so that the isolated towns along Victoria’s coastline could be joined together.
OCEAN ROAD BAKERY
Shop 2/32 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne 03 5289 1672
Open 7 days a week with freshly made breads, sourdoughs, rolls as well as delicious cakes, sandwiches, a huge selection of gourmet pies and their famous Chicken Snitty Rolls. Coffee, tea and outdoor seating. greatoceanroadbakery.com.au
15 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne lornevic@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
T: 1300 891 152
66 Murray St, Colac 03 5231 2080
We’ve been servicing the Western District for over 60 years. Our menu includes ‘baked on premises’ hot food, pastries, vegetarian lines, freshly made sandwiches & rolls, coffee and cakes.
FB: HulmsBakeryColac
LORNE GREAT
COLAC
HULM’S BAKERY COLAC
1 Fyans St, Colac 03 4245 1121
Lake View Café is nestled on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, overlooking Lake Colac, offering a sumptuous menu of locally sourced produce, the perfect pitstop on your travels.
FB: lakeviewcafecolac
125 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay 03 5237 6440
Open from 6am - 7 days a week. A popular bakery with locals and visitors. Freshly baked pies, breads, cakes, coffee, salad rolls and sandwiches. Our signature Scallop Pie is full of local Bass Strait Scallops. apollobaybakery.com.au
1255 Skenes Creek Rd, Tanybryn 0416 877 994
Discover the magic of waterfalls and a Grotto jeweled with Glow Worms on private land. Experience the meandering paths through majestic ancient rainforest. Stay in our charming country retreat to explore farm life & pristine wilderness.
TheSourceOtways.com
23-27 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay 03 5237 7165
Try our handcrafted gins, distilled onsite, using local botanicals. Gins can be enjoyed alongside freshly-made wood-fired pizzas. Also, pop by the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse next door for the best local beers! apollobaydistillery.com.au
45A Hickeys Cutting, Skenes Creek 0400 108 513
Ocean-side private retreat & farmstay. Well appointed kitchen, 3 bedroom, 2 shower villa, sleeps 6. Annexed self-contained cabin sleeps 2 more. Spacious, sumptuous & submerged in nature. Short drive to Apollo Bay.
SKENES CREEK SOUTHERN WATERS FARM southernwatersfarm.com.au
705 Blue Johanna Rd, Johanna 0416 011 468
Just off Great Ocean Road, in the heart of the Otways. These well-appointed cabins have incredible views and are nestled in nature. The perfect homebase to explore the region and relax. Book direct and save.
roostjohanna.com.au
The Perch are passionate about everything food, wine, and hospitality. From sourcing the finest local produce to crafting delicious and memorable flavours, they strive to create a warm and comfortable environment. Enjoy their breathtaking views, feed the native birds, or take a stroll through the vineyard and old-growth forest walking trails.
1-15 Great Ocean Road, Lavers Hill T: 03 5237 3110
Open 11am-2:30pm / 5pm-8:30pm, 7 days | theperchlavershill.com.au
CAMPBELL
10 Cairns St, Port Campbell 0429 986 450
An iconic seaside stay, Port Cottage is perfectly located for exploring the 12 Apostles coastline. Lovingly renovated for up to six guests, this charming home away from home is a short walk to the beach and restaurants.
portstays.com.au
16 Macs St, Peterborough 03 5598 5225
Open daily for all your last minute needs. Large range of bait, fishing tackle and all your grocery and milk bar items. Liquor supplies, including wine, beer and spirits. Golf club hire available. Come for a game of golf at our 9-hole course.
LOCATED DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE BEACH
Lady Bay Resort offers spacious one, two and three bedroom fully self-contained apartments and studio rooms. Our resort includes a restaurant, seasonally heated outdoor pool, gym, games room, conference facilities, day spa. With free Wi-Fi and free outdoor parking the Lady Bay Resort is the perfect venue to explore the Great Ocean Road.
2 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool
03 5562 1662
ladybayresort.com.au
PETERBOROUGH LICENCED GROCER
47 McMeekin Rd, Warrnambool 03 5562 6633
Sustainably sourced local seafood. We operate a factory outlet and speciality retail store where visitors and locals can purchase fresh, local seasonal seafood. Visit our speciality retail store at Shop 11, Norfolk Plaza.
allfreshseafood.com.au
50 Viaduct Rd, Warrnambool 03 5561 1551
Housed within a superb architectural building overlooking the water with views of Lady Bay, Southern Ocean and Middle Islands. Contemporary café cuisine, wine, cocktails & coffee.
pavilion.net.au
Toolong Rd, Port Fairy 03 5568 1462
Quality self-contained cabins, caravan and camping sites, camp kitchen, free Wi-Fi, adventure playground, off-leash dog area, pet friendly cabins and sites. Less than 4km to the town centre.
Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool 03 5559 2050
The ultimate geothermal bathing Sanctuary. Discover a myriad of thermal rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls. The naturally therapeutic minerals and heat leaves you feeling relaxed & rejuvenated.
thedeepblue.com.au
447 Bank St, Port Fairy 03 5568 1588
Six spacious apartments, king size beds and fully equipped kitchen. 14 quality motel rooms, queen size beds, microwave, toaster and kettle. Central location. 4 1/2 -star rated. Book direct and save.
ashmontmotorinn.com.au
22 Sackville St, Port Fairy 03 5568 1082
This unique property is spread across 3 buildings, and provides a variety of accommodation, including 4-star cottages and motel rooms. 5 minutes from the Port Fairy Wharf and 10 minutes from the beach.
seacombehouse.com.au
TALK TO A LOCAL
To help plan and get the most out of your trip visit an accredited Visitor Information Centre.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL.
When travelling, look for this symbol, it denotes accredited Visitor Information Centres, open daily 9am to 5pm.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
T: 1300 689 297
CASTERTON
139 Henty Street, Casterton
T: 03 5554 2440
COLAC
Cnr Queen & Murray Streets, Colac
T: 1300 689 297
(Open Thu – Mon 10am–4pm)
LORNE
15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
T: 1300 891 152
PORT CAMPBELL
26 Morris Street, Port Campbell
T: 1300 137 255
PORT FAIRY
Railway Place, Bank Street, Port Fairy T: 03 5568 2682
PORTLAND
Lee Breakwater Road, Portland T: 1800 035 567
TORQUAY
Surf Coast Plaza, 77 Beach Road, Torquay
T: 1300 614 219
WARRNAMBOOL
89 Merri Street, Warrnambool
Freecall: 1800 637 725
BALLARAT
DRIVING THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Travel times are a guide only and may vary due to the scenic winding nature of roads and di erent weather conditions. The region is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace with lots of detours and stops! Expect travel times to be longer during peak season. Drive on the left in Australia and use slow turn out lanes to allow others to pass. Share the drive – don’t do the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne in one day.
Stay safe: Be aware of the environment within which you are travelling. In an emergency call: 000 (police, fire or ambulance).
VicEmergency hotline: 1800 226 226 (free call). www.emergency.vic.gov.au
To report injured native wildlife, please call 03 8400 7300
Post your photos, itineraries and microblogs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or look for inspiration. Use #visitgreatoceanroad visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
patrolled dates and times visit: www.beachsafe.org.au