GREAT OCEAN ROAD

A natural world of drama and adventure, where untamed spirits thrive.

The road trip of a lifetime is just the beginning. Nature unfolds as you journey rugged coasts, iconic surf breaks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and tracks that twist into the forest.

Wildlife & Nature

You set the pace – lazy beach days, heart-stopping adventure, fresh seafood, native animals at Wildlife Wonders and maritime history you can taste on the sea air. Discover lighthouses, endless coastlines and unforgettable sunsets.

The vast Great Otway National Park spans the Southern Ocean to the volcanic lakes and plains of the south west. It’s a natural for bushwalking, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife spotting, trail running, forest exploring and all sorts of adventure. Come get lost in nature or learn something new, like surfing or kayaking.

The headliner is the 12 Apostles (best seen in the sunset show or from a chopper) and the supporting cast is equally brilliant. Scout out a thumping surf break or a secluded sandy cove. Swing into seaside villages, surf central Torquay, bustling Warrnambool. At Anglesea Golf Club, visit a mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos that call the fairways home.

Food & Wine

Dine at one of Australia's best, Brae - located in Birregurra Brae is currently the highest rated restaurant in Australia (July 2021, 19.5/20 and Restaurant of the Year in the last National Fairfax Good Food Guide) and has consistently ranked in the World’s Top 50 Restaurants. A real treat, you will dine on the very best of fresh local ingredients at this remarkable contemporary restaurant located on it's own working organic farm. Reservations are essential.

Get your gourmet fix with menus bursting with local flavours. The Lightkeepers Café (Cape Otway Lightstation) captures the Otways’ flavours; even the coffee’s locally roasted! And Port Fairy’s Merrijig Kitchen menu changes daily according to what’s seasonal and fresh.

Stay

For resort-style accommodation, try Sunnymead Hotel (Aireys Inlet), Great Ocean Road Resort (Anglesea), Cumberland Lorne (Lorne) or Lady Bay Resort and Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs (Warrnambool). Chocolate Gannets (Apollo Bay), Alkina Lodge (20 minutes from 12 Apostles), and Southern Ocean Villas (Port Campbell) and Anchors Port Campbell are all coastally located. And at Port Fairy, retreat to Ashmont Motor Inn or Merrijig Inn for a memory-making stay.

If at Port Fairy drive north to the Grampians or if at the eastern end of the road head further east to Geelong City and the food and wine of the Bellarine.