Twelve Apostles & surf beaches
Great Ocean Road
Limestone stacks and a surf coast
Distance
~240 km (Torquay → Allansford)
Duration
2–4 days
Best season
Dec–Feb (summer) & Mar–Apr
Difficulty
Easy · winding coastal
Built by returned WWI soldiers along Victoria's southern coast, the Great Ocean Road curves past surf breaks, fern-filled rainforest and koala-filled gum trees to the Twelve Apostles — limestone stacks standing offshore in the Southern Ocean. Short enough for a weekend, scenic enough to rival any drive on earth.
Along the wayStops
Torquay & Bells Beach
The official start and Australia's surfing heartland, home to a legendary break.
Lorne & Apollo Bay
Relaxed seaside towns with waterfalls and rainforest walks just inland.
Cape Otway
A historic lighthouse and gum forests where wild koalas doze in the trees.
Twelve Apostles
The signature limestone stacks rising from the surf, best at sunrise or sunset.
Loch Ard Gorge
A dramatic cove and shipwreck story a few minutes past the Apostles.
Port Campbell
A snug harbor town to base yourself for the limestone-coast highlights.
Good to know
- Drive on the left, and watch for wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk.
- The Twelve Apostles are far quieter — and far more beautiful — at sunrise or sunset than midday.
- You can run it as a loop from Melbourne, returning faster on the inland highway.
Getting the car
Fly into Melbourne and rent a car; Torquay is about 90 minutes away. Two to four unhurried days let you stop for the walks and viewpoints.
Next route
The G318 (Sichuan–Tibet)