Great Ocean Road
Australia, oceania
243 km
300 m
easy
November to April
The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, stretching from Torquay to Allansford along the southeastern coast. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those who died in World War I, it is the world's largest war memorial and one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. The road hugs the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean, passing through rainforest, alongside towering cliffs, and past iconic rock formations.
The most famous landmarks along the route are the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone sea stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Originally formed from the eroding cliffs over millions of years, only eight stacks remain standing (one collapsed in 2005). Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge, named after a shipwreck in 1878, offers sheltered beaches framed by towering cliff walls, and London Arch (formerly London Bridge) demonstrates the ongoing erosion that shapes this coastline, having lost its connection to the mainland in 1990.
Beyond the coastline, the Great Ocean Road passes through the Otway Ranges, a region of ancient temperate rainforest with towering mountain ash trees, fern gullies, and cascading waterfalls. The charming towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell offer accommodation, dining, and surfing. The road is open year-round, and while it can be driven in a single day, most visitors recommend at least two days to properly explore the many lookouts, walking trails, and coastal towns along the way.
Where is it?
Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria, Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -38.6803, 143.1050
Driving Tips
Drive from east to west to stay on the ocean side. Visit the Twelve Apostles at sunset for the best light. Allow at least 2 days. Watch for koalas in the Otway Ranges. Beware of strong winds at cliff lookouts.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Region
- Victoria
- Length
- 243 km
- Max Elevation
- 300 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- November to April
- Coordinates
- -38.6803, 143.1050
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