The Great Ocean Road runs along Victoria's south-west coast from the surf town of Torquay, past Lorne and Apollo Bay, to the limestone cliffs around Port Campbell. This guide covers the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and London Arch, the Otways, Cape Otway Lightstation, the koalas of Kennett River and Bells Beach, with a helicopter flight and two day tours from Melbourne as alternatives to driving.
What to book ahead
The big change is at the Twelve Apostles. At the new visitor precinct, a timed booking is now compulsory, including your parking space. Book through the visitor centre website before you travel. Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge are not covered by that booking. Book any helicopter flight, the Otway Fly treetop walk in busy periods and your accommodation early, especially for summer, Easter and long weekends.
Getting around
The Twelve Apostles are about 275 km and roughly four hours from Melbourne by road, and the coast road is slow, winding and busy in summer. A hire car gives you freedom to stop, but a day tour from Melbourne handles the driving and the Apostles booking. The two tours in this guide are the small-group eco tour, a 14-hour day with hotel pickup, and the reverse itinerary boutique tour, a 12-hour day in a minibus that reaches the Apostles first. Both are long days, so many visitors prefer to stay on the coast instead.
How many days
One day from Melbourne is possible but rushed. Two days is the sweet spot: spend the first on Bells Beach, Lorne, Kennett River and Apollo Bay, sleep in Apollo Bay or Lorne, and give the second to the Otways and the Apostles, finishing with a night in Port Campbell. With three or four days you can add the Otway Fly, Cape Otway Lightstation and a rainforest walk without hurrying.
Where the headline sights fit
Bells Beach is the first stop for surf fans. Kennett River is the best place for wild koalas, and spring can bring mothers with babies. Great Otway National Park offers the Maits Rest rainforest circuit and waterfalls. Cape Otway Lightstation is a heritage stop, though its tower is closed for conservation works, so expect no climb. Near Port Campbell, the Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch are within a short drive of each other. Loch Ard Gorge beach access reopened in late October 2026 after repairs.
Seasons and safety
Late spring is pleasant, with green hills and mild days, though the weather changes quickly and the coast is windy. Whales are commonly seen from May to October, so spring is the end of the season. Carry layers and a rain jacket. The cliffs are unstable, so stay behind fences and never swim at the stack beaches. In warm months, check the fire danger rating and follow VicEmergency and VicTraffic. Drive carefully at dusk, when wildlife is on the road, and allow more time than the map suggests.
Food and practical tips
Apollo Bay, Lorne and Port Campbell have the most cafes and restaurants, and fuel and supplies are limited between towns, so fill up in the larger towns. Carry some cash and a card, since some places do not take cash. Prices here are given in general terms, so check current fares and tickets before you go. If you only remember one thing, make it this: book the Apostles slot first, then build the rest of the route around it.
