The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great coastal drives, but it's the towns along the route that give it soul. From the surf culture of Torquay to the artistic charm of Lorne, the fishing village vibe of Apollo Bay, and the dramatic scenery of Port Campbell, each town has its own character and is worth far more than a quick photo stop. Here's your guide to the communities that line this spectacular 243-kilometre coast.
Torquay
The official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Australia's surfing capital. It's where both Rip Curl and Quiksilver were born, and the surf culture runs deep.
- Bells Beach: Just south of town, Bells is one of the world's most famous surf breaks and home to the annual Rip Curl Pro competition (Easter each year). The cliff-top viewing area offers dramatic views of surfers on the reef break below.
- Jan Juc Beach: A quieter alternative to Bells with great waves and a lovely coastal walk to Bird Rock.
- Australian National Surfing Museum: In the Surf City Plaza, this museum charts Australia's surf history and is worth an hour. Free entry.
- Surf lessons: Multiple surf schools operate on Torquay's main beach, with group lessons from $65.
Anglesea
A family-friendly town 20 minutes down the coast from Torquay:
- Anglesea Golf Club: Famous for its resident kangaroo population. Hundreds of roos graze on the fairways - you can see them from the road.
- Anglesea River: Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the calm river.
- Main Beach: Great for families with gentle waves and a seasonal surf lifesaving patrol.
Aireys Inlet & Fairhaven
- Split Point Lighthouse: The white lighthouse (from the TV series Round the Twist) perched on the cliff with walking tracks along the coast. Free to visit the grounds; tours available. - Fairhaven Beach: A long, wild surf beach backed by bush.
Lorne
Lorne is the jewel of the Great Ocean Road - a charming town nestled between the ocean and the Otway Ranges, with a thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants, and a lively summer atmosphere.
- Lorne Beach: A beautiful, long beach perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunset walks.
- Teddy's Lookout: Drive or walk up to this spectacular viewpoint overlooking the coast and the winding road.
- Erskine Falls: A beautiful 30-metre waterfall in the Otways, just a 10-minute drive from Lorne. The walk to the base is short but steep.
- QDos Arts: A gallery and sculpture garden perched in the hills above town with stunning views and changing exhibitions.
Where to eat in Lorne: - Brae (Birregurra): A 30-minute drive inland, Brae is one of Australia's best restaurants. Chef Dan Hunter's degustation menu uses produce from the on-site farm. From $270. Booking essential. - The Lorne Hotel: Iconic pub with ocean views and solid pub meals. - Swing Bridge Cafe: Great coffee and brunch near the river.
Wye River & Kennett River
Two tiny communities between Lorne and Apollo Bay:
- Wye River: A hidden gem with a beautiful beach, a general store, and a peaceful camping ground.
- Kennett River: Stop here to see wild koalas. Walk along the Grey River Road and look up - koalas are almost always in the eucalyptus trees. One of the most reliable wild koala spotting locations in Victoria.
Apollo Bay
A charming fishing village that serves as the halfway point of the Great Ocean Road journey, and the gateway to the Otway Ranges and Great Otway National Park.
- Apollo Bay Harbour: Watch the fishing boats come in and buy fresh seafood. Crayfish and local fish are the specialties.
- Great Ocean Walk: The 104km walking trail starts (or ends) in Apollo Bay. You can do short sections as day walks.
- Otway Fly Treetop Walk: A 600-metre elevated steel walkway through the Otway rainforest canopy, 25 minutes from Apollo Bay. The 47-metre-high Spiral Tower offers incredible views.
- Cape Otway Lightstation: The oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia (1848), set in beautiful coastal bushland. Koalas are frequently seen in the surrounding trees. Entry $20.
Where to eat in Apollo Bay: - Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant: Perched on the hill above town with panoramic ocean views. Greek-inspired seafood. Mains $32-45. - Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op: Fresh fish and chips straight from the boats. Cash preferred.
Port Campbell
The dramatic climax of the Great Ocean Road journey. This tiny town is the base for visiting the Twelve Apostles and surrounding attractions.
- Twelve Apostles: The iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Loch Ard Gorge: A stunning narrow gorge with a fascinating shipwreck history. Multiple walking trails explore the surrounding coast.
- London Arch: A natural rock arch with a dramatic story - it was London Bridge until the connecting span collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists.
- The Grotto: A sinkhole formation with a rock pool at the base. Beautiful at any time of day.
Where to Stay Along the Road
- Budget: Great Ocean Road Backpackers (Torquay), Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, Apollo Bay YHA.
- Mid-Range: Mantra Lorne (resort-style on the beach), Captains at the Bay (Apollo Bay, waterfront apartments), Port Campbell Hostel & Guesthouse.
- Luxury: Cumberland Lorne Resort (contemporary design in the Otways above Lorne), Chris's Beacon Point Villas (Apollo Bay, with spectacular views), Alkina Lodge near the Twelve Apostles.
Practical Tips
- Direction: Drive west (Melbourne to Twelve Apostles) so you're on the ocean side of the road, making it easier and safer to pull over for photos and lookouts. - Time: Allow at least 2-3 days to properly enjoy the towns and sights. Rushing the drive in a day means missing the best of it. - Weather: The coast can be dramatically different from Melbourne's weather. Wind, rain, and fog can roll in quickly. Summer is busiest and warmest. Winter is cooler but atmospheric and much quieter. - Wildlife: Watch for wildlife on the road, especially koalas, wallabies, and echidnas at dawn and dusk.
AUBIS Tip
: Don't rush the Great Ocean Road. Use AUBIS to plan a 2-3 day itinerary that includes overnight stops in Lorne and Apollo Bay, koala spotting at Kennett River, the Otway Fly, and sunrise at the Twelve Apostles. The platform will help you pace the drive so you actually enjoy the journey, not just the destination.