Discover the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria. Travel one of the world's most scenic roads through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach, on the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road itself.

Experience resort towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, and the historic villages of Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

Winding along the western coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road offers stunning ocean views, beachside activities, laidback coastal towns and maritime villages. You will find limitless opportunities to leave everyday life behind.

The Great Ocean Road region stretches westwards from the regional city of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula to the South Australian border. Along with striking ocean views, the region contains laidback coastal towns and maritime villages. There are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, fishing and whale watching.

The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria's rugged south west coast, taking visitors on one of Australia's greatest and most spectacular coastal drives. From Torquay to Nelson, almost 300 kilometres to the west, the road snakes past cliffs, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, rainforests and sunken ships.

One of the most visited stretches of the road is Port Campbell National Park, home to significant areas of native bushland and fauna. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the coastline has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking natural features. Wander the boardwalks and paths at the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, Bay of Islands and Loch Ard Gorge.

The Great Ocean Road has a rich maritime past. Historic towns such as Port Fairy and Portland allow you to enjoy seafaring village life, with their fishing wharves, old pubs and beautifully preserved colonial buildings. As well, a number of ships from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have foundered off the rugged shipwreck coast, and their histories are recounted in many of the museums in the region.

Restaurants and cafes in lively coastal communities offer freshly caught seafood or a latte fix. Surfing is a major draw. The resort town of Torquay is widely regarded as Australia's surfing capital and nearby Bells Beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the surfing World Professional Tour, attracting many of the world's best board riders each Easter.

Beach heaven
Some of the world's best beaches are found along the Great Ocean Road. From protected family coves to pounding surf there is a stretch of coast to suit. Some beaches are patrolled by lifeguards in summer.

Whales and Wildlife
In winter, the Great Ocean Road becomes a viewing spot for southern right whales as they migrate to give birth. One of the best vantage points is a viewing platform on Logan's Beach, Warrnambool Foreshore, where you may also see bottlenose dolphins. Australian fur seals are best seen from Cape Bridgewater's viewing platform. On the land, koalas and kangaroos are often seen, and for birdwatchers, Griffiths Island at Port Fairy has a large colony of short-tailed shearwaters.

Great Ocean Road
While the Twelve Apostles area is known for its scenic beauty, there is also plenty of adventure to enjoy. The brave can try abseiling and rock climbing, while those who like to get their feet wet can enjoy surfing, canoeing and kayaking. Bushwalking and mountain bike climbing gets you up-close to nature, while coach or four-wheel drive tours are ideal for a day's rest.

Shipwreck coast
Aboriginal people knew this shore well and cut steps into the cliffs to reach marine food sources. European explorers realised the coastline's dangers and mostly gave it a wide berth, but it still claimed vessels and the title the Shipwreck Coast.

Self-drive
The Great Ocean Road is perfect for a self-drive add-on to your holiday. Many people drive from Melbourne to Adelaide, stopping off for a few nights along the way. Plenty of hotels, self-contained cottages, resorts and even farms offer overnight stays, and there are dozens of quality restaurants and takeaways too.