Although outside Melbourne itself, the Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, showcasing some of the most beautiful natural attractions the country has to offer. It begins 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD in the beachside town of Torquay, and extends 400 kilometres (249 miles) to reach Nelson, which sits on the South Australian border.
Along the way, the spectacular stretch of road provides endless opportunities to take-in the magic of the wild Southern Ocean allowing visitors to marvel in awe of mother nature through walking, horse riding, surfing, sailing or cycling along the water.
A trip along the Great Ocean Road isn’t complete without a visit to the the 12 Apostles, which are spire-shaped rock formations that have stood tall along the coastline for more than 20 million years. The region is also home to the Bells Beach Pro, an international surfing competition held annually that draws local and foreign crowds alike.
Fact about the Great Ocean Road
- It isn’t just about the 12 Apostles. There is plenty of fantastic produce to discover along the way. Pick your own raspberries and blackberries from the Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm.
- It is home to an abundance of native wildlife. At Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve guests can take a 60-minute tour with an Aboriginal guide.
- Experience Australia’s Aboriginal culture throughout the landscapes of the Great Ocean Road.
- It is an Australian National Heritage listed stretch of road.
- It was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War 1.
- It is the world’s largest war memorial.
- It is home to the Great Ocean Road Marathon and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
- In 2004 a walking trail opened, connecting 104km of walking trails that follow the coastline from Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles.
