The Great Ocean Road travels a distance of around 250km along the coast of Australia. With stunning views of the sandy beaches, rainforests, and with winding cliff-top drives. The history of the Great Ocean Road goes back to the end of World War 1. A project was put in place to create jobs for return servicemen. And the road was also to commemorate soldiers that did not return. And it still remains one of the world’s largest continuing war memorials to this day. Even though you can spend days exploring the Great Ocean Road not everyone has the time or budget. So we have given some guidelines here on for some options. On how to travel whether it be by car, campervan or tour .
1 Day Tours
Traveling on a 1-day tour is one of your cheapest options if your traveling on your own. The cost is around $89 including morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch. This gives you great value for money if you only have a short time in the region. And you will visit all your major highlights from the Twelve Apostles to famous Bells Beach. Day tours generally leave Melbourne approx 8 am and return approx 8 pm 7 Days per week. In the summer months( Dec-March) you also have an option of a one-day sunset tour. They depart approx 10.30 am and return approx midnight. And you have the added bonus of amazing sunset at the Twelve Apostles so perfect for those perfect budding photographer
Overnight Tours
If you can stretch it out a little more 2 and 3-day tours are other options.They generally depart Melbourne 3 days per week approx 8 and return approx 8 pm on the last day of the tour. Tours will almost include all your meals while on tour. But that is something good to check with whatever company you are traveling with. The 2-day 1-night tour tends to work in reverse departing Melbourne. And driving straight to the furthest point on the Great Ocean Road to avoid any morning traffic. And giving you an extra time frame on the Great Ocean Road cost is around. With the extra time, you really get to enjoy a more relaxed time. To take in all the surroundings of the Great Ocean Road cost of 2 day 1 night is around $220.
3-Day tours include the Grampians National Park situated 2-hour drive inland from the great ocean road. So you will be looking at 1and a half days on the coast. And 1 and a half inland at the Grampians. So you will get the best of both worlds not just only the Coast but stunning views. From such places as Mackenzie Falls and the Balconies lookout in the Grampians where you will also see and abutment of Australian wildlife.
Driving by car or Campervan
Driving by car or a camper will give you plenty of your own options. Car rentals are around $50 per day and campers anywhere up to 4 people around $80 per day. So between a group of people a really great cheap option, if your planning on a few days on a getaway. Here are some options for your stops along you drive along the coast.
Torquay
Seek the ultimate ride on world famous waves, lace up your boots for and start the Surf Coast Walk or stroll barefoot along sweeping beaches as the sand drifts in the sea breeze. Throw in a line, build castles in the sand, dine with the locals and drink their brew. Begin the journey on the spectacular Great Ocean Road… where coast and hinterland meet in a chorus of oohs and ahhs. Come visit Torquay and enjoy the lifestyle that prompts many to consider a sea change.
Lorne
The Mediterranean of Victoria, Lorne is a breathtaking seaside town, situated on the Great Ocean Road on Louttit Bay. With its jagged and winding coast line, and exquisite waters, Lorne is more than just a seaside town. The beaches are surrounded by the stunning Otway Mountain Ranges, Erskine Falls, the Cumberland River and more, and has been attracting holiday makers, day trippers, athletes, music and art lovers for over a century.
Just under 2 hours drive from Melbourne, and about 45 minutes from Geelong, Lorne makes the perfect weekend getaway. Especially since Lorne has a wide range of accommodation to suit every occasion and budget, including a number of destinations that are pet friendly. Lorne is also the halfway point between Melbourne and the world famous 12 Apostles.
Lorne has its place in the Guinness Book of Records for the Pier to Pub annual 1.2km swim. Which is recognised as the world’s largest ocean swim. Home to a number of festivals, including the iconic Falls Music and Arts Festival held at the end of December and over New Year’s Eve each year. Even the Melbourne Cup makes a visit to Lorne on its tour around Victoria in October.
Lorne has a range of activities suited to people of all ages and interests. The vibrant art scene is represented by the Qdos Art Gallery, a contemporary art gallery set on 1 hectare of land, and includes a sculptured garden, studio and cafe. You can spend hours admiring the stunning views from a wide range of cafes and boutiques that line the pristine coastline. If you are a bit more adventurous you can do some hiking in the Otway Ranges or even catch a fish off the famous Lorne Pier.
Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation’s history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.
See the stunning coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles by foot on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature unfolds at every step. Do the whole walk in eight days or tackle it in sections on weekends away. Immerse yourself in nature by walking the Surf Coast Walk over 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
Or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial.
Take a tour and discover the colourful maritime history of the Cape Otway Lightstation. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouse for dramatic views of the so-called Shipwreck Coast.
Surf the thunderous beach breaks off Johanna Beach and discover the fascinating underwater mini-ecosystems of rockpools in the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary at Aireys Inlet or the sandy shores and rock platforms along the Great Ocean Road.
Ride through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in the nearby Otway Forest Park, or simply relax among the eucalyptus trees and have a picnic at the Sheoak Picnic ground near Lorne.
Traverse fern-laden valleys to discover picture-perfect waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Walk through the mossy forest of Melba Gully and witness the unique night-time spectacle of glow worms.
Visit Maits Rest to discover gorgeous fern gullies or the giant beech trees – some of which are up to 300 years old and walk among the towering Californian Redwoods hidden in the Otway Ranges.
For longer stays, there are excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
Apollo Bay
Located just 197 kilometers from Melbourne, getting to Apollo Bay by car, train, bus, and plane is easy. Travel along the famed Great Ocean Road with show-stopping views around every corner, or save some time taking the backroads, descending into Apollo Bay from the lush Otway rainforest. Visit some of the popular viewing spots – at Kennett River & Bimbi Park, Cape Otway. If you’re on the lookouts, try casting your eyes upwards – you’ll generally find a Koala wedged in the nook of a tree branch and most often fast asleep. Kennett River has a large population and the best way to spot them is to take a leisurely stroll along the Grey River Road. The walk winds through Manna Gum forest – the koalas preferred diet – and is a great way to connect with nature.
The 12 Apostles
One of the most well-known highlights of the Great Ocean Road is The Twelve Apostles.
Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, the massive limestone structures that tower 45 metres above the tempestuous Southern Ocean, leave its visitors awe-struck in wonder at their size and beauty.
Behind the eight remaining stacks (five have fallen since their discovery) are majestic cliffs, around 70 metres high.
Glorious at both dusk and dawn the Twelve Apostles, by the forces of nature has gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs which became arches and when they collapsed, rock islands as high as 45 metres were left isolated from the shore.
Stop and visit the Twelve Apostles Centre before taking the walk to view the amazing Twelve Apostles coastline. The Centre offers insightful cultural heritage stories, shelter and toilets. Walk the short distance (500m) through the tunnel, under the Great Ocean Road to various lookouts offering expansive, breathtaking views.
Check out out some tours for the Great Ocean Road
