Road Trip Guide
Great Ocean Road: The Surf Coast Drive
Melbourne to Allansford
Start
Melbourne
Finish
Allansford
Distance
243 km
Duration
3-5 days recommended
Best Months
March - May
Budget
$$
EV Ready
8/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Melbourne
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Anglesea
Wildlife & Rest
Stop at the Anglesea Golf Club to see hundreds of Eastern Grey Kangaroos lounging on the greens. It's a great spot for a break before the road gets windy.
Kennett River
Wildlife & Coffee
The best place on the entire road to see wild koalas and colorful King Parrots. There is a small general store for coffee and snacks.
Princetown
Nature Walk
A great place to stretch your legs on the boardwalk over the Gellibrand River wetlands before the final push to the Twelve Apostles.
Insider Driving Tips
Drive from East to West (Melbourne to Allansford) to stay on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to pull into lookouts.
Start your days at sunrise to beat the large tour buses that typically arrive at the Twelve Apostles around midday.
Fuel up in major towns like Torquay, Lorne, or Apollo Bay, as petrol stations become sparse and more expensive in the remote sections.
Pack layers; the weather on the Shipwreck Coast can change from bright sunshine to horizontal rain in a matter of minutes.
Watch for wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn; kangaroos and wallabies are frequently seen near the roadside.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Torquay
Fisho's Torquay
“A modern take on the classic Australian fish and chip shop. They focus on sustainably caught local seafood. Try the grilled snapper with a side of their famous salt and pepper squid while sitting on the grass overlooking the esplanade.”
Bells Beach Lookout
Capture the iconic amphitheater of waves that has made this beach a surfing legend.
Rocky Point
A great spot for long-exposure photography of the waves crashing against the jagged rocks at high tide.
Point Addis Marine National Park
Located just a short drive from the main beach, Point Addis offers spectacular panoramic views from high limestone cliffs. It's a much quieter alternative to Bells Beach, featuring the Koori Cultural Walk where you can learn about the local Wadawurrung people's connection to the land.
Bells Beach
Beach
“As the official start of the Great Ocean Road, this world-famous surf beach offers dramatic limestone cliffs and legendary waves.”
Australian National Surfing Museum
Museum
“It is the world's largest surfing museum, showcasing the rich history and evolution of board riding culture in Australia.”
Point Danger Marine Sanctuary
Nature Reserve
“This scenic headland features a beautiful war memorial and provides excellent opportunities for reef exploring and coastal walks.”
Lorne
The Bottle of Milk
“A local institution known for the best burgers on the coast. They use premium Victorian beef and fresh local ingredients. The 'Seven Mile' burger is a must-try for any hungry traveler.”
Erskine Falls
A 30-meter drop into a lush fern gully, perfect for capturing the verdant beauty of the Otways.
Lorne Pier
Great for shots of local fishermen at dawn with the town lights reflecting on the bay.
Teddy's Lookout
Located at the end of George Street, this lookout provides a breathtaking view of the Great Ocean Road as it snakes around the peaks of the Saint George River. It is the quintessential 'road trip' photo opportunity that many tourists miss.
Erskine Falls
Waterfall
“A stunning 30-meter waterfall set within a lush rainforest canyon just a short drive from the town center.”
Teddy's Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“This easily accessible platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Saint George River and the winding Great Ocean Road coastline.”
Lorne Beach
Beach
“A beautiful, family-friendly stretch of golden sand perfect for surfing, swimming, or enjoying a scenic stroll along the foreshore.”
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay Bakery
“Famous for their Scallop Pie—a regional delicacy. It features fresh local scallops in a creamy curry sauce, encased in flaky golden pastry. It’s an essential culinary stop.”
The Harbour
Capture the colorful fishing boats docked in the marina against the backdrop of the green Otway foothills.
Skenes Creek
A few minutes before town, this spot offers dramatic rocky outcrops and crashing surf.
Marriner's Lookout
A short, steep walk on private land (accessible to the public) that offers the best bird's-eye view of the Apollo Bay township and the sweeping coastline. It's particularly magical at sunset.
Marriner's Lookout
Scenic Viewpoint
“A short walk rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Apollo Bay township, the rugged coastline, and the rolling green hills.”
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Nature Walk
“This accessible boardwalk takes you through an ancient temperate rainforest featuring giant tree ferns and towering mountain ash trees.”
Apollo Bay Harbour
Waterfront
“The perfect place to watch local fishing boats come in and enjoy some of the freshest seafood found along the Great Ocean Road.”
Cape Otway
Lightstation Café
“Located within the lighthouse precinct, this cafe offers scones with jam and cream that are legendary. It’s the perfect place to refuel while soaking in the maritime history.”
Lighthouse Road
Look up! This is the premier spot for photographing wild koalas in their natural habitat.
Cape Otway Lightstation
The stark white lighthouse against the deep blue of the Southern Ocean is a classic composition.
Blanket Bay
A secluded beach and camping area at the end of a dirt track. It’s a pristine pocket of coastline where the forest literally touches the sand, often completely devoid of other tourists.
Cape Otway Lightstation
Historic Landmark
“As the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, it offers breathtaking clifftop views and a fascinating look into the region's maritime history.”
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Nature Trail
“This accessible boardwalk winds through ancient, lush cool-temperate rainforest featuring giant tree ferns and 300-year-old Myrtle Beech trees.”
Lighthouse Road Koala Spotting
Wildlife Viewing
“This scenic drive is world-renowned as one of the best places to see wild koalas lounging in the manna gum trees that line the road.”
Port Campbell
Forage on the Foreshore
“A restaurant dedicated to hyper-local produce. They forage for ingredients along the coast and work with local farmers to create a menu that truly represents the Otway and Shipwreck Coast region.”
The Twelve Apostles Lookout
The classic shot. Best taken at golden hour when the limestone glows bright orange.
Loch Ard Gorge
Walk down to the beach to capture the towering cliffs from below, emphasizing the scale of the gorge.
The Grotto
Part blowhole, part archway, part rock pool. At low tide, the Grotto provides a perfectly framed view of the ocean through a limestone cave. It’s a geological wonder that feels like a natural art gallery.
Twelve Apostles
Natural Landmark
“These iconic limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean are a breathtaking highlight of the Great Ocean Road.”
Loch Ard Gorge
Coastal Feature
“This dramatic site offers a mix of stunning cliff views, sandy beaches, and a fascinating shipwreck history.”
The Grotto
Geological Formation
“A unique sinkhole and sea cave that provides a perfectly framed view of the ocean through its natural limestone arch.”
Allansford
Cheese World
“The cellar door for the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory. You can do a free cheese tasting and learn about the history of dairy farming in the region. Their vintage cheddars are world-class.”
Bay of Islands
Often overlooked in favor of the Apostles, this area offers equally stunning limestone stacks with far fewer crowds.
Logan's Beach Whale Platform
During winter months, capture the majestic Southern Right Whales nursing their calves just offshore.
Hopkins Falls
Located just north of Allansford, these are one of the widest waterfalls in Australia. They are particularly impressive after rain and offer a beautiful, serene spot for a picnic away from the coastal winds.
Cheese World
Museum & Specialty Store
“Learn about the rich dairy history of the region while sampling award-winning cheeses and local produce at this iconic factory outlet.”
Hopkins Falls
Waterfall & Nature Reserve
“Marvel at one of the widest waterfalls in Australia, which is especially impressive and photogenic after heavy rainfall.”
Premier Speedway
Motorsports Venue
“Experience the high-octane thrill of world-class dirt track racing at one of the country's most renowned speedway circuits.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Otway Fly Treetop Walk
A 600-meter-long elevated walkway 25 meters above the ground through the rainforest canopy.
Why It's Worth It
“It provides a completely different perspective of the Otways, allowing you to walk among the giants of the forest.”
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Located inside a dormant volcano crater near Warrnambool, this is a haven for emus, koalas, and kangaroos.
Why It's Worth It
“It's one of the most significant geological and cultural sites in Victoria, with deep links to the Gunditjmara people.”
Timboon Ice Creamery
Head inland from Port Campbell to the tiny town of Timboon for artisan ice cream made from local milk.
Why It's Worth It
“The 'Apple Pie' flavored ice cream is legendary, and the drive through the lush valley is beautiful.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
While possible, it is not recommended. You would spend 8-10 hours in the car and miss the best walks, waterfalls, and wildlife. 3 days is the sweet spot.
Summer (Dec-Feb) offers the best weather but is very crowded. Shoulder seasons (March-May and Sept-Nov) offer a great balance of mild weather and fewer tourists.
There are no tolls on the Great Ocean Road itself. However, if you are driving from Melbourne, you may encounter tolls on the CityLink or West Gate Freeway.