The Great Ocean Road region hugs the contours of Victoria's rugged south west coast and offers visitors one of Australia's greatest and most spectacular coastal drives. Along the coast, seaside resort towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay are the perfect base for a seaside escape. They offer stunning beaches as well as some of Australia's best rainforest scenery in the nearby Otway Ranges. One of the most visited stretches of the road is Port Campbell. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the coastline has been sculpted over millions of years to form one of the most famous and spectacular natural attractions in Victoria; a series of striking rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles. In winter, the region also becomes a viewing spot for southern right whales as they migrate north to give birth. Quality restaurants and gourmet produce is plentiful throughout the region, and there’s an abundance of hotels, self-contained cottages, resorts and even farms offering overnight stays.
When to Visit Great Ocean Road
Renowned for its clean air and pleasant climate, the Great Ocean Road enjoys a temperate maritime climate with warm summers (averaging around 23-24 deg CC), sunny springs, colourful autumns (averaging 18-19 deg CC) and cool winters (averaging 13-14 deg CC). Most rainfall occurs over winter however showers can occur during summer, particularly adjacent to the coast. Each year between June and September, Southern right whales can be seen in the waters of Logans Beach near Warrnambool. Warrnambool is known as Victoria’s southern right whale nursery.
Getting Around Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and there are plenty of touring ‘add-ons’ to expand the experience. Drive yourself or join a tour; there are tour operators offering a wide range of experiences. The Great Ocean Road is also rated as the world's best motorcycle touring routes. Officially the Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and winds its way 247 kilometres to Warrnambool. There are trains between Melbourne and Warrnambool via Geelong and buses continue onto Port Fairy, Portland and Mt. Gambier. A bus service from Geelong railway station can also take you along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.