The Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia's most iconic coastal drive, winding 243 kilometers along Victoria's stunning southwestern coastline. While the entire journey is filled with breathtaking vistas, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Twelve Apostles—a collection of magnificent limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable Great Ocean Road adventure, with special focus on experiencing the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles.
The Great Ocean Road: A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty
The Great Ocean Road isn't just a scenic drive; it's a living war memorial with a fascinating history. Construction began in 1919 as a project for returning soldiers from World War I, providing employment while creating a vital transport link for remote coastal communities. The road was built entirely by hand using picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows—an extraordinary feat considering the challenging terrain.
Officially opened in 1932, the Great Ocean Road stretches from Torquay to Allansford, hugging the coastline and offering dramatic views at every turn. The road has been classified as an Australian National Heritage site, recognizing both its historical significance and natural beauty.
Today, this engineering marvel takes travelers through a diverse landscape of surf beaches, historic ports, charming coastal towns, rainforests, and of course, the spectacular limestone formations of the Port Campbell National Park, including the Twelve Apostles.
The Twelve Apostles: Nature's Masterpiece
Standing sentinel off the rugged coastline near Port Campbell, the Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks that have been carved out of the mainland by millions of years of erosion. Despite their name, there were only ever nine stacks (not twelve), and due to the continuous forces of wind and waves, only seven remain today after one collapsed in 2005.
These natural sculptures were formed through a remarkable process: the limestone cliffs, originally part of the mainland, were gradually eroded by the wild Southern Ocean. First, caves formed in the soft limestone, which eventually became arches. As erosion continued, these arches collapsed, leaving the isolated stacks we see today—some towering up to 45 meters high.
The Twelve Apostles are particularly famous for the way they transform throughout the day as the light changes. At sunrise, they're often bathed in a golden glow, while sunset casts dramatic shadows and highlights their ochre colors against the darkening sky.
Did You Know?
The Twelve Apostles were originally known as the "Sow and Piglets" until 1922, with Muttonbird Island (near Loch Ard Gorge) being the sow, and the smaller stacks the piglets. The name was changed to "The Apostles" for tourism purposes, and eventually became "The Twelve Apostles," even though there were never twelve stacks.
Planning Your Great Ocean Road Adventure
Best Time to Visit
The Great Ocean Road is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience:
- Summer (December-February): Warm weather and longer daylight hours make this the most popular time to visit, but expect crowds at major attractions, especially the Twelve Apostles.
- Autumn (March-May): A sweet spot with mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful autumn colors in some areas.
- Winter (June-August): The coolest and wettest time of year, but also the most atmospheric, with dramatic skies, frequent rainbows, and the possibility of seeing Southern Right Whales from viewing platforms.
- Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom, and the weather becomes milder, making it an excellent time for hiking and exploring.
How Much Time to Allow
While it's technically possible to drive the Great Ocean Road in a single day from Melbourne, this doesn't do justice to the experience. For a more enjoyable journey:
- 2 Days: The minimum recommended time to appreciate the major highlights without feeling rushed.
- 3-4 Days: Ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace, with time for walks, wildlife spotting, and detours to hidden gems.
- 5-7 Days: Perfect for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the region, including inland attractions like the Otway National Park.
Direction of Travel
Most visitors drive the Great Ocean Road from east to west (starting from Melbourne), but consider these factors:
- East to West: Puts you on the ocean side of the road for better views and easier access to lookouts.
- West to East: Allows you to visit the Twelve Apostles earlier in the day, potentially before tour buses arrive from Melbourne.
Getting There and Around
The Great Ocean Road is most commonly accessed from Melbourne, about 100 kilometers from the eastern starting point at Torquay. Your options include:
- Self-Drive: The most flexible option, allowing you to travel at your own pace. Rent a car in Melbourne or join a car-sharing service.
- Guided Tours: One-day and multi-day tours depart regularly from Melbourne, ideal if you prefer not to drive.
- Public Transport: Limited options exist, but V/Line buses connect some towns along the route.
Twelve Apostles: Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Facilities
The Twelve Apostles Visitor Information Centre is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (extended hours during summer). Facilities include:
- Restrooms
- Information displays about the geology and history
- Café serving light meals and refreshments
- Souvenir shop
- Parking area (free but can fill quickly during peak times)
The Twelve Apostles lookout itself is accessible 24 hours a day, making it possible to visit for sunrise or sunset, which offer the most spectacular lighting for photographs.
Viewing Platforms and Walking Trails
From the visitor center, a paved walkway leads under the Great Ocean Road via a tunnel, emerging on a network of viewing platforms that provide different perspectives of the Twelve Apostles:
- Main Viewing Platform: The closest and most accessible viewpoint offering the classic panorama of the Apostles.
- Eastern Viewing Platform: A slightly different angle, showing the Apostles in relation to the rugged coastline.
- Gibson Steps: Located a short drive from the main site, these 86 steps lead down to the beach, allowing you to experience the towering cliffs and two of the Apostles (known as Gog and Magog) from sea level. Note that beach access may be closed during high tides or rough seas.
Photography Tips for the Twelve Apostles
- Visit at sunrise for softer light and fewer crowds
- Late afternoon to sunset offers dramatic lighting as the limestone glows golden
- Include the coastline in wider shots for context and scale
- Bring a tripod for low-light conditions and longer exposures
- Consider using a circular polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the sky and ocean
- Shelter your camera during misty or spray-heavy conditions
Aerial Experiences
For a truly unforgettable perspective of the Twelve Apostles:
- Helicopter Tours: Short flights (15-25 minutes) operate from a helipad near the visitor center, offering a spectacular aerial view of the Apostles and surrounding coastline.
- Scenic Flights: Longer fixed-wing aircraft tours from local airports provide extended views of the entire coastline.
Beyond the Twelve Apostles: Other Great Ocean Road Highlights
While the Twelve Apostles are undoubtedly the most famous attraction along the Great Ocean Road, don't miss these other remarkable sites, many within a short distance:
Port Campbell National Park Treasures
- Loch Ard Gorge: Just three minutes from the Twelve Apostles, this dramatic inlet is named after an 1878 shipwreck. Explore the gorge, beach, and multiple viewing platforms telling the shipwreck story.
- London Arch (formerly London Bridge): Once connected to the mainland, part of this natural arch collapsed in 1990, stranding tourists who had to be rescued by helicopter.
- The Grotto: A unique formation that's part blowhole, part archway, and part cave, accessible via a staircase.
- The Arch: A delicate natural arch framing the turbulent ocean beyond.
- Thunder Cave: A collapsed cave where waves crash in with thunderous force during rough seas.
Coastal Towns and Beaches
- Torquay: The official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and Australia's surfing capital, home to Bells Beach and major surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver.
- Lorne: A popular seaside resort town with a beautiful beach, pier, and numerous cafes and boutiques.
- Apollo Bay: A charming fishing village offering great seafood and access to the Otway Ranges.
- Port Campbell: A quaint coastal town perfect as a base for exploring the Twelve Apostles and nearby formations.
- Warrnambool: The largest city along the route, known for whale watching between June and September.
Great Otway National Park
Just inland from the coastal road, this lush rainforest offers:
- Maits Rest: An easy 30-minute rainforest walk amongst ancient trees and ferns.
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures: Experience the rainforest canopy from an elevated walkway or zipline tour.
- Hopetoun Falls: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, accessible via a walking track.
- Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, with panoramic views of the treacherous coastline.
Wildlife Encounters
The Great Ocean Road region is home to abundant wildlife:
- Kennett River: One of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. Drive or walk slowly along Grey River Road to spot them sleeping in eucalyptus trees.
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: Near Warrnambool, this extinct volcano crater is now a nature reserve where you can readily see kangaroos, emus, koalas, and numerous bird species.
- Whale watching: Southern Right Whales visit the waters around Warrnambool and Port Fairy between June and September, viewable from Logan's Beach Whale Watching Platform.
Practical Tips for Your Great Ocean Road Adventure
Accommodation Options
Consider these recommendations for overnight stays:
- Lorne: A popular first-night stop with accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels.
- Apollo Bay: A good midway point with a range of motels, apartments, and holiday parks.
- Port Campbell: The closest town to the Twelve Apostles, with boutique accommodations and convenient access for sunrise/sunset visits.
- Farm stays and B&Bs: Throughout the region, offering authentic local experiences.
Book accommodation well in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods when the Great Ocean Road becomes extremely popular.
Driving Safety
The Great Ocean Road is beautiful but demands careful driving:
- Drive on the left side of the road (as in all of Australia)
- Be prepared for winding roads with sometimes limited visibility
- Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
- Take regular breaks—fatigue is a major cause of accidents
- Don't stop in dangerous locations for photos—use designated pull-off areas
- Check weather conditions, as storms can cause landslides and road closures
What to Pack
- Layered clothing (coastal weather can change rapidly)
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Raincoat or umbrella (even in summer)
- Camera and binoculars
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks for between towns
- Swimwear (for beach stops)
Mobile Coverage
Mobile phone reception can be patchy along sections of the Great Ocean Road, particularly in the Otway Ranges. Download offline maps before your journey, and consider bringing a paper map as backup.
The Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles represent one of Australia's most spectacular coastal journeys—a perfect blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and diverse experiences. Whether you're capturing the perfect photograph of the limestone stacks at sunset, spotting koalas in the wild, or feeling the spray from crashing waves at Loch Ard Gorge, this iconic route offers memories that will last a lifetime. Take your time, explore the hidden corners, and immerse yourself in the ever-changing landscapes of this remarkable coastline.