Exploring Oz’s Great Ocean Road

Updated August 2, 2023

The Great Ocean Road is an Australian landmark, stretching 243 kilometers (151 miles) along the southeastern coast – known as Shipwreck Coast — between the Victorian cities of Torque and Warrnambool. The coastline provides views of both the Bass Strait, as well as the Southern Ocean.

The Great Ocean Road was built by returning WWI soldiers and is seen as a monument to the human suffering Australia faced during that war. (As a country of only 5 million people at the time, Australia suffered the most deaths and injuries per population during World War I).

The 12 Apostles

The Great Ocean Road is best known for its 12 Apostles, sandstone and limestone monoliths that have been carved by centuries of wind and waves to form impressive stone stacks punctuating Victoria’s rugged coastline.

The 12 Apostles are actually only eight in number (several of them have fallen into the surrounding sea). The Apostles also used to be called the “Sow and Piglets” until the Australian tourism board got a hold of ‘em.

Here are three ways to best explore the Great Ocean Road:

Hoofing It

You can spend months walking the Great Ocean Road. In fact, that’s how I heard of it, from fellow Milford Trek hikers who had traversed the road in its entirely. There are huts situated in national parks along the way that you can reserve. You can also arrange hotels stops, transport pick up and drop offs, and luggage transfers.

The Victoria Visitors web site has much of the information, as well as a description of all the hiking trail in the area. These 3 walks in particular looked tempting:

Surf Coast Walk: Discover the scenic beauty of Victoria’s famous Surf Coast as you wander along beaches and cliff tops, and through attractive native bushland, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline.
Sheoak Falls Trail: Wander through a cool eucalypt forest to a picturesque waterfall, stunning ocean views and fascinating cave.
Wreck Beach Trail: Explore Victoria’s infamous Shipwreck Coast. Discover the anchors embedded in the sand, all that remains of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji ships that foundered in the 1800s.

Motoring Around

I tooled around the Great Ocean Road for several days, and I think driving the road and stopping off at look outs is also a fine option. Here are three of my favorite look-out spots to consider.

Bells Bay: One of Australia’s most legendary surf spots. And the surfers were out in mass the day I visited, chasing the perfect wave in the perfect sunshine on the perfect beach.
Gibson’s Steps: This is one of the access points to walk on the beach in full view of several of the Apostles. I only spent about 45 minutes here, but I could’ve spent the entire day walking along the shore as the sun came up.
London Bridge: I like the story about this look out spot. Supposedly a man and his girlfriend were on a romantic weekend and were walking out onto one of the sandstone towers called the London Bridge. While they were on the crest, the bridge to the coast fell away, stranding the two of them on the arch. The rescue helicopter was called and the press covered this event, which was viewed by everyone — including the man’s wife. Oops.

Staying Put

Spending a few days at one of the charming little towns dotting the Great Ocean Road is yet another option. Three super cute towns are:

Lorne: This might be my favorite — You’ve gotta love a town where the local race is called the “Pier to Pub” and the winner is the first one to jump off the pier, swim 1.2 kilometers in the bay and order a pint of beer at the local bar. As Aussie as it gets!
Campbell’s Point: I stayed the night in this hamlet of 400 people, with only 1 bar, and only 1 coffee shop open at 9:30 am. If you can stand to wait for your morning joe, Campbell’s Point is for you.
Apollo Bay: I stopped off at Apollo Bay for a picnic lunch. The town is home to Australia’s oldest mainland light house and offers sea kayaking, horseback riding on the beach, and deep-sea fishing – all fun!

Don’t pass up a chance to take to the open road and admire the surf, the shore and these sandstone masterpieces. The Great Ocean Road is aptly named and no trip to Australia is complete without taking in its majestic and rugged beauty.

Erin Michelson is a social entrepreneur and world traveler. A self-styled Adventure Philanthropist, Erin is embarking on a 2-year global giving adventure called Erin Goes Global. Starting in Fiji on New Year’s Day 2011, Erin Michelson will travel to more than 70 counties on 7 continents during 2011-2012. Along the way, Erin will be volunteering with global non-profit organizations, including building wells in Uganda and tutoring young girls in Bangladeshi boat villages. She’s donated $25,000 and is holding monthly polls to see which worthy nonprofits receive the grants!