Famous route

Great Ocean Road

Built by returned soldiers after the First World War, the Great Ocean Road winds along Victoria's south-west coast past surf beaches, rainforest and limestone stacks, with the Twelve Apostles as its best-known stop.

Region: Surf Coast and south-west Victoria
State: Victoria
Length: About 240 km, Torquay to Allansford
Suggested time: 2 to 3 days
Best season: Autumn and spring; whales June to September
Road: B100, sealed throughout
Speed limit: Mostly 80 km/h, lower through towns

Before you go

Plan at least two days; the road is only about 240 km, but bends, lookouts and stops make it slow going.
Visit the Twelve Apostles at sunrise or late afternoon for better light and fewer coaches.
Never swim at unpatrolled beaches or climb fenced cliff edges; limestone cliffs collapse without warning.

Surf Coast and Otways

From Torquay the road follows the Surf Coast past Bells Beach and Split Point Lighthouse, then hugs cliffs through Lorne and Apollo Bay. Inland, the Otway Ranges hold tall tree ferns and waterfalls, and koalas are easy to see at Kennett River.

Shipwreck Coast

West of Cape Otway lies the Port Campbell National Park, where the Southern Ocean has carved stacks, arches and gorges from limestone. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps are all close together, and many ships were wrecked along this coast in the 19th century.

Driving tips

Drive in the direction that puts the sea on your side if you want to use pull-offs easily, and do not stop on the road for photos. Summer holidays and Easter are crowded, so book accommodation well ahead. Fuel is available in Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool.

FAQs

How long does the Great Ocean Road take to drive?

Driving straight through from Torquay to Allansford takes about 4 hours, but with stops two to three days are more realistic, especially if you add the Otways and Cape Otway.

Is the Great Ocean Road safe for caravans and campervans?

Yes, the road is sealed, but it is narrow and winding, so larger vehicles should drive slowly and use pull-offs to let traffic pass. Some side roads to lookouts have height or length limits.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The B100 is generally counted from Torquay in the east to Allansford, near Warrnambool, in the west. The memorial arch stands at Eastern View, between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.