Quick Answers
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
243 km along Victoria’s coast, from Torquay to Allansford.
Who built the Great Ocean Road?
Returned soldiers, between 1919 and 1932, as a memorial to those lost in the First World War.
What is the most famous sight?
The Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.
“The Great Ocean Road is not just a drive — it is one of the greatest acts of human ambition ever carved into a coastline.”
Australia’s Most Spectacular Coastal Drive
Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria’s surf coast from Torquay to Allansford, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most celebrated scenic drives. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those lost in the First World War, it hugs rugged cliffs, dips into lush rainforest valleys, and sweeps past some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet. Every kilometre reveals something extraordinary.
The Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast
The Twelve Apostles great limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean are the Great Ocean Road’s most iconic sight, and they do not disappoint. The golden light of dawn and the crimson hues of sunset transform them into something almost unreal, and the clifftop boardwalks allow you to view them from multiple angles. The nearby Loch Ard Gorge tells the story of one of Victoria’s most dramatic shipwrecks, while Gibson Steps offers the chance to descend to the beach and stand in the shadow of the stacks themselves.
Surf, Wildlife and Rainforest Along the Way
The journey from Melbourne begins in surf country Bells Beach, home to the world’s longest-running surf competition, is just minutes from the start at Torquay. Lorne and Apollo Bay are charming coastal towns perfect for a rest, a meal and a morning swim. Inland, the Great Otway National Park hides ancient rainforest, waterfalls and koala-filled eucalyptus groves that can be explored on short walks from the road. For wildlife lovers, the Twelve Apostles region is home to short-tailed shearwaters and little penguins that nest in the cliffs.
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Journey
The Great Ocean Road is a 2-4 day experience when done properly, though many visitors attempt a day trip from Melbourne (approximately 2 hours to Torquay). Driving west to east allows you to see the Twelve Apostles in the afternoon light. The road operates year-round, with spring and autumn offering the most pleasant conditions. Car hire is the most flexible option, though guided tours depart daily from Melbourne for those who prefer a guided experience.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Travel Kindly
At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit Australia, we gently ask you to:
- Care for the land and sea — tread lightly, take your rubbish with you, and help keep Australia’s wild places pristine.
- Respect the wildlife — admire our unique animals from a distance, never feed them, and give them room to be wild.
- Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
- Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
- Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.
Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.
