The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Tour Guide

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most spectacular scenic ocean drives, winding along the dramatic coastline of the Southern Ocean on Australia's South East coast. If you are visiting Victoria or planning an Australian itinerary, consider this the ultimate guide to the Great Ocean Road. From the top things to do to the best Great Ocean Road accommodation, you'll find everything you need to know in the sections below.

About the Great Ocean Road

The National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. The roadway was built by returned servicemen between 1919 and 1932 in recognition of the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and, as such, serves as the world's largest war memorial. The road winds along the coast offering views of several famous landmarks, including the impressive Twelve Apostles.

The Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk is located along a section of the Great Ocean Road between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. A number of guided walks are available, varied in length to suit different travel plans. The Great Ocean Walk End to End is a 7-day, 6-night guided tour that offers the opportunity to take on the entire 105km walking trail. This walking challenge offers a true discovery of the sights, sounds, flora and fauna of this beautiful region. Condensed versions of the walk include: the 4-day, 3-night Twelve Apostles Luxury Walk & Heli, perfect for thrill seekers who are more limited on time, this itinerary takes in some of the highlights of the incredible trail and incorporates a scenic helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles, alternatively consider the 3 day or 4 day classic Great Ocean Twelve Apostles Walk, a comfortable exploration of sections of the walking track with accommodation at the Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia's most important lighthouse.

For general information on the Great Ocean Walk please visit the Great Ocean Walk website
.

Top Things to See/Do Along Great Ocean Road

This beautiful coastal region has much to offer visitors in the way of scenery and activities. Admire the incredible limestone formations of the Twelve Apostles and Bay of Islands rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, formed over millions of years and providing a geological monument to the region’s ancient heritage. Helicopter flights providing a spectacular and unforgettable vantage point to witness these incredible natural wonders.

Immerse yourself in some of Australia's best rainforest scenery in the Otway Ranges beneath tall trees, ancient plant life and lush ferns. Walk among giant tree ferns at Maits Rest, marvel at the glow worms at Melba Gully, or take it all in from the above on the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. 

Visit renowned surf spot Bells Beach, admire the view from Cape Otway Lightstation - the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, and spend some time visiting some of the charming villages on the doorstep of the Otway National Park: Lorne, Apollo Bay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet or Colac.

This region also boasts some of Australia's best restaurants including Brae - currently occupying 44th place in this year's World's 50 Best Restaurants; Fen at Port Fairy - a highly regarded new restaurant serving modern Australian dishes; the beautifully designed and furnished Chris's Restaurant & Villas at Apollo Bay which serves contemporary cuisine with a Southern European and Middle Eastern Influence; and A La Grecque at Aireys Inlet, offering Greek-Australian fare, using only the best quality seafood and seasonal produce.

Where to Stay

Ocean House
The coastal village of Lorne is the home of Ocean House. Ocean House offers luxury self-catering accommodation, uninterrupted views from wraparound terraces across the crashing waves to Loutit Bay and the twlnkling lights of Lorne Pier beyond. This fabulous holiday house features luxury designer finishes, state of the art technology throughout, champagne, chocolates and fresh milk on arrival and is the ideal location from which to discover the Great Ocean Road and enjoy gastronomic experiences at A La Grecque and Brae restaurants.

There are three option for your stay at the Ocean House:
Ocean House: 5 bedrooms, Sleeps 10, from $1250 per night
Ocean Apartment: 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6, from $650 per night
Ocean Apartment Premium: 4 bedrooms, Sleeps 8, from $850 per night


The Boomerangs

Located between the Great Ocean Road and the Great Ocean Walk, The Boomerangs is a beachside luxury retreat, just minutes from the shore of Johanna Beach. This unique, architect designed retreat features, boomerang-shaped cottages with valley, forest & ocean views. Nestled in delightful landscaped gardens, this is a quintessentially Australian accommodation option and ideally located for the sights of the Twelve Apostles, Johanna Beach and the magnificent nearby waterfalls and rainforests.

Priced from $250 per night, each cottage has 2 bedrooms with queen size beds and comfortably sleeps 4 adults.

Please contact us to bespoke your luxury holiday to Great Ocean Road in Australia.