At a Glance

Calling it a 'road' is massively understating the importance of this incredible region of Victoria. This quote was on the wall of an apartment on the Great Ocean Road and Wordsworth might have easily been talking about the Great Ocean Road.

“Two Voices are there; one is of the Sea, One of the Mountains; each a mighty Voice” William Wordsworth, 1888    

One of the roads to get there winds along a glorious coastline and day-trippers might get to see the Twelve Apostles at midday but for the discerning visitor, sunrise and sunset are the times to visit. An overnight stay on Cape Otway gives you the chance to explore the ancient Gondwanan forests and catch glimpse of the rare carnivorous snail. You can paddle with platypus, kayak with seals or take one of the world-famous walks. There are majestic cliff-top vistas at the far western-end to rival anything you'll see elsewhere and a ground-breaking wildlife rehabilitation centre and accommodation. There are numerous escarpment views to die and in Warrnambool, you can seek time with Emus and Koalas in the depths of a flooded volcano run by the local Aboriginal group Worn Gundij. There's the Flagstaff Hill experience, seasonal whale-watching and an increasingly large number of boutique distilleries and food establishments to keep you occupied. You don't know the Great Ocean Road and its hidden secrets until you've left the road.  

Nearby

A trip to the Great Ocean Road can be combined with travel to:

• ● Melbourne
• ● The Grampians
• ● Ballarat Goldfields
• ● Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
• ●  Geelong & The Bellarine

When to visit

The  Great Ocean Road is worth visiting any time of year but climate is the main factor (see below). Outside the summer season, the area tends to draw fewer crowds, particularly around the more popular sites.  

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Climate

Southern Australian summers (Dec – Feb) can be hot, as they are influenced by northerly winds from the desert. Winters are influenced by Antarctic fronts and June – Aug can be particularly cool but autumn and early winter are still good times to visit, as they are quieter, there is less rainfall than in spring and the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road is beautiful that time of year. 

Webinar

Meet our travel specialists and learn about the diversity of things you could do on the Great Ocean Road.

Films about the people, nature and places 

Short films about the Great Ocean Road.