Looping around Victoria’s southern coastline, the Great Ocean Road promises sweeping vistas of land and sea, lush rainforests, colourful towns and dramatic surf. Whether you choose to see it by car, bicycle, motorbike or on foot, it’s an inspiring journey.

Stretching 300 kilometres from Torquay, just south of Geelong, to Peterborough, just east of Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road has become a national treasure since its completion in 1932.

Most people kick off their trip inTorquay, home of the Rip Curl Pro and Sun Smart Classic, the most prestigious event on the professional surfing circuit. A drive along Bells Boulevard will bring you to Bells Beach, where every Easter the world's best surfers descend to tackle the swell and waves that can rise up to five metres. The event is now a 10-day festival attracting large crowds.

The road heads along the shoreline from Anglesea, along the massive cliffs that hug the coast between Lorne and Apollo Bay. It’s worth stopping to explore the town of Lorne along the way. With a population of just over 1000, this attractive town has gift shops, beautiful restaurants and galleries.

As the road weaves through the untouched rainforests of Otway National Park, you’ll see waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and bubbling streams swirl beneath canopies of giant trees and ferns. Stop off and go bushwalking through the lush rainforest scenery – the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk will lead you through to the forest canopy. It’s also a good spot for a picnic.

As the road curves back to the coast, you’ll reach one of the most visited stretches – Port Campbell. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the coastline around Port Campbell has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking rock stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean. Known as the Twelve Apostles, these limestone pillars are one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Victoria.

Erosion has created spectacular shapes in the nearby cliffs, including Loch Ard Gorge, the Arch, the Blowhole and London Bridge. You can view the conflict between land and see from the air by taking a scenic flight, or follow the boardwalks to lookouts and great views of the coastline.

The 120-kilometre coastline between Moonlight Head and Port Fairy is known as the Shipwreck Coast. More than 80 ships sank around here in 40 years spanning the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Warrnambool is the largest town on the Shipwreck Coast and a popular destination for those interested in maritime history. Relics from the period are displayed at Warrnambool's Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Whale watching is also popular here – between May and October, you can see southern right whales and their calves in the shallow waters off Logan’s Beach during their annual migration.

And remember, with the seascapes on one side and great nature walks on the other, driving the Great Ocean Road isn’t the only way to see it. A self-guided, seven-night Great Ocean Walk tour runs from Torquay to Lorne. All you have to carry is a daypack – your luggage is moved for you and a cosy B&B or resort greets you at the end of the day. The walk is about 70 kilometres, and it’s mostly gentle terrain.

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• Nearest City:Melbourne
• Distance to Melbourne:95 km
• Nearest Airport:Melbourne
• Distance to Melbourne Airport:95 km

Local Attractions in the Area

• Great Ocean Road gateway
• Great Ocean Road outdoor activities
• Great Ocean Walk
• Activities and attractions
• Twelve Apostles

Helpful Links for the Area

• Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centres
• Great Ocean Road
• Great Ocean Road map and towns
• Getting here and around

Seasonal Events

• Great Ocean Road events
• Rip Curl Pro
• Apollo Bay Music Festival
• Fun4Kids Festival
• Port Fairy Folk Festival