The Great Ocean Road is a world-renowned scenic drive boasting stunning coastlines, dramatic rock formations, and charming seaside towns. Here are 12 must-see attractions you won’t want to miss on your Great Ocean Road adventure.
Split Point Lighthouse
The Split Point Lighthouse stands tall on a scenic clifftop overlooking the shipwreck coast, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline. The lighthouse was built in 1891 and still remains a vital working lighthouse, guiding ships along the treacherous Bass Strait waters.
Maits Rest
Maits Rest offers a short but epic rainforest experience within the Great Otway National Park. There is a 800-meter loop that you through the cool temperate rainforest where you will be surrounded by towering myrtle beach trees with a lush undergrowth of ferns and moss. This is a really magical place and is one of our favourite spots on the great ocean road.
Otway lighthouse
Considered one of Australia’s most significant lighthouse, Cape Otway Lightstation played a vital role in maritime safety, guiding ships away from the treacherous shipwreck coast. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for stunning views of the surrounding coastline, explore the heritage buildings which include a telegraph station and a radar bunker dating back to World War II, and learn about the lighthouse’s fascinating history.
Erskine falls
Erskine Falls is a popular waterfall located in the Great Otway National Park. The waterfall is a 30-meter cascade surrounded by lush rainforest. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the falls from two lookout points. There are also loads of other spectacular waterfalls in the area also so look into visiting some of those also if you have the chance.
Twelve Apostles
No trip on the Great Ocean Road would be complete without visiting the 12 apostles. It is one of the most iconic images of Australia and just a spectacular spot to visit. The 12 apostles are made up of 8 limestone rock formations that were sculpted by erosion over millions of years and can be viewed from various vantage points along the coastline from the observation deck.
Gibsons Steps
Just a few minutes from the iconic Twelve Apostles you will find Gibsons steps. There are 86 steps calved into the cliffs that lead down to the sandy beach. Its a truly amazing experience walking along the beach with the towering cliffs on one side, the roaring southern ocean on the other and the two giant limestone stacks in front of you.
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is famous for its dramatic scenery, including a stunning secluded beach framed by towering cliffs. The gorge is named after the tragic shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. For a different perspective, there’s a couple of cliff top trails leading to different viewpoints in the area.
London Bridge
London Bridge is a natural archway that was once connected to the mainland, much like a bridge. Sadly, part of the arch collapsed in 1990, leaving behind a stunning natural arch but isolating it from the land it once connected.
The Grotto
The Grotto is a natural wonder that was carved out by millions of years of erosion from harsh winds and ocean waves. There are a number of viewing platforms where you get amazing ocean views and you can walk down the wooden steps into the grotto to the lower viewing platform, where you get amazing views of the ocean framed by the natural arch.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands Costal Park is a scenic stretch of coastline along the Great Ocean Road. It’s known for its dramatic seascapes, lookouts with stunning views, and secluded beaches. The Bay of Islands Coastal Park is a hidden gem along the Great Ocean Road, offering a dramatic coastline sculpted by the Southern Ocean. The park stretches for 32 kilometres between Peterborough and Warrnambool and boasts stunning rock stacks, sheltered bays, and clifftop walking tracks.
Great Ocean Road Portal
The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch was originally built in 1939 to honor World War I returned soldiers who helped to construct the scenic road. The archway has been rebuilt several times over the years due to damage from bushfires and accidents.
Otway Fly Treetop Walk
The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is an elevated walkway stretching 600 meters and reaching 30 meters above the Otway Ranges rainforest. it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Otway Ranges rainforest from a unique perspective from high up in the forest canopy. Not exactly on the great ocean road but well worth the little detour.
All of these stops and more are marked on our Great Ocean Road map. We hope this post helps you plan your Great Ocean Road adventure or inspires you to visit! What are your favourite stops on the great ocean road? let us know in the comments.
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