Australia's Most Iconic Coastal Drive

Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne — The World's Largest War Memorial

243 kilometres of dramatic coastline featuring the Twelve Apostles, ancient Otway rainforests, wild koalas, and the Shipwreck Coast — built by 3,000 returned soldiers as a memorial to those lost in World War I. An Australian National Heritage landmark.

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243 kmOf Dramatic Coastline
1919–1932Built by Returned Soldiers
1.2M+Visitors Per Year
20 MillionYears of Geological History

Australia's Greatest Coastal Journey

The Great Ocean Road is far more than a scenic drive. Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria's south-western coast from Torquay to Allansford, it is Australia's most important road — the world's largest war memorial, an Australian National Heritage landmark, and one of the planet's most spectacular coastal journeys. The road was carved along rugged cliffs and through dense bushland between 1919 and 1932 by approximately 3,000 returned soldiers from World War I, using little more than picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, and explosives. Dedicated to the fallen, it remains a powerful monument to sacrifice and resilience.

But the Great Ocean Road is also a journey through deep geological time. The towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles — shaped by 20 million years of relentless Southern Ocean erosion — stand as sentinels along the Shipwreck Coast, where over 200 vessels met their end in the treacherous waters between Cape Otway and Port Fairy. Inland, the Great Otway National Park harbours ancient temperate rainforests with towering Mountain Ash trees, cascading waterfalls, and some of Australia's best wild koala populations. The Eastern Maar peoples, formally recognised as traditional owners of this country by the Federal Court in March 2023, have maintained deep spiritual connections to this land for tens of thousands of years.

A Cooee Tours Great Ocean Road experience goes beyond the typical bus tour. Our small-group journeys are led by expert local guides who bring the geology, maritime history, Indigenous heritage, wildlife, and war memorial significance to life — with unhurried stops timed for the best light at each iconic location.

Heritage ListedAustralian National Heritage — Added 2011
Port Campbell1,750 ha National Park — Shipwreck Coast
200+ ShipwrecksBetween Cape Otway & Port Fairy
Eastern MaarTraditional Owners — Recognised 2023
Aerial view of the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks along the Shipwreck Coast at Port Campbell National Park

Iconic Great Ocean Road Attractions

From ancient limestone sentinels to shipwreck gorges, rainforest canopies to wild koala colonies — the landmarks that make this Australia's most unforgettable coastal journey.

Twelve Apostles limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean at sunset in Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park

The Twelve Apostles

Australia's most photographed natural wonder. Despite the name, there were never twelve — the formations were renamed from "Sow and Piglets" in the 1920s when nine stacks stood. Today, seven remain after collapses in 2005 and 2009, rising up to 45 metres above the Southern Ocean. Formed over 10–20 million years as the sea eroded soft Port Campbell Limestone, the stacks are best viewed at sunrise or sunset when golden light transforms them into a photographer's paradise. Over 1.2 million visitors come each year, and Gibson Steps provides rare beach-level access to stand at the base of these towering formations.

Dramatic 70-metre cliffs and hidden beach at Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck site near Port Campbell
Port Campbell

Loch Ard Gorge

Where dramatic coastal scenery meets one of Australia's most poignant maritime stories. On 1 June 1878, the iron clipper Loch Ard struck a reef near Mutton Bird Island in pre-dawn darkness. Of 54 people aboard, 52 perished — only apprentice officer Tom Pearce, 15, and passenger Eva Carmichael, 18, survived, washed into this narrow gorge. The gorge features 70-metre cliffs, a hidden beach accessible via wooden staircases, and surrounding formations including the Razorback, Thunder Cave, and the Island Archway. Nearly 300,000 visitors explore this site annually.

Ancient temperate rainforest with towering tree ferns in Great Otway National Park Victoria
Great Otway National Park

Otway Rainforests & Waterfalls

Step from windswept coastal cliffs into ancient temperate rainforest, a complete contrast that makes the Great Ocean Road so extraordinary. The Otway Ranges harbour towering Mountain Ash — the world's tallest flowering trees, reaching over 90 metres — alongside ancient myrtle beech, tree ferns, and moss-covered gullies. Walk the Maits Rest Rainforest Boardwalk through undisturbed old-growth forest, or take the Otway Fly Treetop Walk — a 600-metre elevated walkway 25 metres above the canopy. Cascading waterfalls including Triplet Falls, Erskine Falls, and Beauchamp Falls provide stunning rainforest destinations.

Gibson Steps hand-carved staircase descending to beach level beneath towering limestone cliffs near the Twelve Apostles
Near Twelve Apostles

Gibson Steps

The only place where you can descend to beach level and stand at the base of the towering Shipwreck Coast cliffs. Hand-carved into the cliff face in the 19th century (and later reconstructed in concrete), the 86 steps lead down to a pristine sandy beach where two of the Apostles tower above you — a perspective completely different from the clifftop lookouts. Beach access is tide-dependent and conditions can change rapidly, so always check tidal information before descending. On calm days, this is one of the most awe-inspiring vantage points on the entire coastline.

London Arch natural limestone bridge formation on the Shipwreck Coast Great Ocean Road
Port Campbell National Park

London Arch (London Bridge)

One of the coast's most dramatic demonstrations of erosion's relentless power. Originally a double-span natural bridge connected to the mainland, the inner arch collapsed suddenly on 15 January 1990 — famously stranding two tourists on the outer section, who had to be rescued by helicopter. The remaining offshore arch is a striking reminder that this coastline is in constant geological flux. The lookout offers sweeping views along the Shipwreck Coast and is one of the less-crowded stops compared to the Twelve Apostles, making it ideal for contemplative viewing.

Apollo Bay seaside town with crescent beach and green hills along the Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay & the Surf Coast Towns

The charming seaside towns strung along the Great Ocean Road are destinations in their own right. Apollo Bay, nestled between rainforest-clad hills and a crescent beach, is the perfect lunch stop — try the legendary fish and chips from the Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-Op using the day's freshest catch. Lorne offers boutique shopping, excellent restaurants, and the famous Erskine Falls nearby. Torquay is Australia's surf capital, home to the Australian National Surfing Museum and gateway to Bells Beach — venue of the iconic Rip Curl Pro competition since 1961.

The World's Largest War Memorial

More than a road — a monument carved into the coastline by the hands of 3,000 returned soldiers who gave their labour as a memorial to those who never came home.

The Great Ocean Road was born from both grief and necessity. As World War I drew to a close in 1918, Chairman of the Country Roads Board William Calder proposed employing returned soldiers to build roads through Victoria's remote western coast — then accessible only by sea or rough bush track. Howard Hitchcock, a Geelong mayor who would become known as the "Father of the Road," formed the Great Ocean Road Trust in 1918 and raised funds through private subscriptions, community concerts, and swimming carnivals.

Construction began on 19 September 1919. The work was brutal — soldiers carved through rocky cliffs and dense scrub using picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, horse-drawn carts, and explosives. They were paid ten shillings and sixpence for an eight-hour day and lived in tent camps that moved along with the road. The advance survey team managed only about three kilometres per month through the rugged terrain. Several workers were killed during construction, particularly on the treacherous final sections along steep coastal mountains.

The road was completed and officially opened in November 1932 — 13 years after construction began — with Victoria's Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Irvine presiding over a ceremony near Lorne's Grand Pacific Hotel. Tragically, Howard Hitchcock had died of heart disease just months earlier, though his car was symbolically driven behind the governor's in the opening procession. The Memorial Arch at Eastern View, first erected in 1939, marks the gateway and has been rebuilt multiple times — after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and a 1990 storm collapse. The Great Ocean Road was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2011.

3,000+Returned Soldiers
1919–193213 Years of Construction
243 kmOf Coastal Road
2011National Heritage Listed

Wildlife Encounters Along the Great Ocean Road

From wild koalas sleeping in roadside eucalyptus to migrating southern right whales — the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's premier wildlife corridors.

🐨 Wild Koalas — Kennett River

Grey River Road at Kennett River is one of Australia's best wild koala spotting locations. Visitors typically see 15–30 koalas sleeping or feeding in roadside eucalyptus during daytime visits. The area also attracts rainbow lorikeets, king parrots, and sulphur-crested cockatoos that may land on visitors. All Cooee Tours packages include dedicated koala stops with extended photo time.

🐋 Southern Right Whales

From June to October, southern right whales migrate through waters off the Shipwreck Coast. Warrnambool's Logan's Beach is a renowned nursery site where mothers and calves can be observed from dedicated viewing platforms. Clifftop lookouts near Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles also provide whale-watching opportunities during season.

🦘 Kangaroos & Wallabies

At dusk, kangaroos and wallabies emerge to graze along the roadsides and in cleared areas near Apollo Bay, Anglesea, and Cape Otway. The Anglesea golf course is famous for its resident mob of eastern grey kangaroos. Drive carefully at dawn and dusk — wildlife road crossings are common along the entire route.

🐦 Birdlife & Penguins

The diverse habitats — coast, rainforest, heathland — support exceptional birdlife including yellow-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras, wedge-tailed eagles, and sea eagles. At dusk, little penguins return to their burrows near London Arch and at the breakwater in Warrnambool. The Otway rainforests harbour lyrebirds and powerful owls.

Great Ocean Road Tour Options

From action-packed day trips to leisurely multi-day explorations — choose the pace that suits your travel style.

Panoramic view of the Twelve Apostles and Southern Ocean coastline
Full Day — 12 Hours

Classic Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Our most popular tour. Depart Melbourne early and follow the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Bells Beach, the Memorial Arch, and Kennett River for koala spotting. Lunch in Apollo Bay, then through the Otway Ranges to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps before returning via the inland route.

Includes:Twelve Apostles · Loch Ard Gorge · Gibson Steps · Kennett River koalas · Apollo Bay lunch stop · Memorial Arch · Bells Beach · Otway rainforest walk · Expert guide · All transport
From $95 per person →
Sunset golden light on Great Ocean Road coastal cliffs
Full Day — 13 Hours

Sunset & Wildlife Experience

Our reverse-itinerary tour designed to avoid crowds. Head directly to the Twelve Apostles for uncrowded morning viewing, explore Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch at leisure, then work back along the coast for koala spotting, rainforest walks, and a spectacular sunset stop — the formations glowing in golden and rose light.

Includes:Reverse itinerary (fewer crowds) · Twelve Apostles sunrise/sunset · London Arch · Loch Ard Gorge · The Grotto · Kennett River koalas · Rainforest walk · Sunset photography stop · Expert guide
From $125 per person →
Winding Great Ocean Road through coastal hills and forested valleys
2 Days / 1 Night

Ultimate Great Ocean Road Adventure

The definitive experience. Spread across two unhurried days with overnight accommodation in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay. Includes extended time at all major attractions, a sunset and sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Walk coastal trail, Otway lighthouse, whale watching (seasonal), and more remote Shipwreck Coast sites most day-trippers never reach.

Includes:All Day 1 attractions · Overnight accommodation · Sunset + sunrise at Apostles · Great Ocean Walk section · Cape Otway Lighthouse · London Arch · Bay of Islands · Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve · Extended Otway exploration · Some meals
From $395 per person →

Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road

Spectacular year-round, each season brings its own character to this ever-changing coastline.

🌺 Summer (Dec–Feb)

Warm weather (20–25°C), long daylight for twilight photography, safe swimming at Apollo Bay and Lorne, and the Bells Beach surf season in full swing.

Note: Peak tourist season — book early. Arrive at the Twelve Apostles before 8 am or after 4 pm to avoid crowds.

🍂 Autumn (Mar–May)

Mild temperatures (15–22°C), spectacular autumn colours in the Otway Ranges, fewer tourists at major attractions, and ideal conditions for the Great Ocean Walk hiking trail.

Best for: Photography, hiking, peaceful exploration.

🐋 Winter (Jun–Aug)

Prime whale-watching season — southern right whales at Warrnambool's Logan's Beach. Dramatic ocean swells crashing against the Apostles. Cooler temperatures (10–15°C) but quiet attractions and moody light.

Best for: Wildlife, storm-watching, avoiding crowds.

🌸 Spring (Sep–Nov)

Wildflower blooms across coastal heathlands, baby wildlife emerging, pleasant temperatures (15–20°C), and the transition to longer, warmer days. Humpback whales also migrate through in late spring.

Best for: Nature lovers, families, spring wildflowers.

Planning Your Great Ocean Road Tour

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Getting There

Melbourne to Torquay (start of the road) is about 90 minutes via the Princes Freeway and Surf Coast Highway. We depart from central Melbourne with hotel pick-ups. The compact coastal route means all major attractions are accessible within a single day, though two days allows a far more relaxed experience.

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Best Photo Spots

Arrive at the Twelve Apostles before 8 am or after 4 pm for golden-hour light. Gibson Steps provides unique beach-level perspectives. Loch Ard Gorge is best in morning light. The Memorial Arch at Eastern View and Teddy's Lookout above Lorne are quieter gems for dramatic shots.

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Where to Stay

Apollo Bay is the ideal central base with excellent restaurants and access to both coast and rainforest. Port Campbell puts you closest to the Twelve Apostles for sunrise. Lorne offers a resort-town atmosphere with boutique shopping. Book accommodation well in advance during summer and school holidays.

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What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (uneven surfaces at lookouts), SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, layered clothing (weather changes rapidly), camera with spare batteries, reusable water bottle. Binoculars for whale watching (Jun–Oct). Waterproof jacket for ocean spray at cliff lookouts year-round.

⚠️

Safety

Always stay behind safety barriers at cliff lookouts — erosion can cause sudden collapses. Check beach flags and tide charts before swimming — rips are common. The road has many tight curves — drive carefully and use pullover bays. Mobile phone coverage is patchy in remote sections between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.

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Entrance Fees

Most natural attractions are free — including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and Gibson Steps. Optional paid experiences include the Otway Fly Treetop Walk (A$32 adults), 12 Apostles helicopter flights (from A$145), and Cape Otway Lightstation (A$19.50). Parking is generally free but fills quickly in peak season.

What Our Guests Say

"The Twelve Apostles at sunset were absolutely breathtaking — our guide timed it perfectly. But what surprised me most was learning the Great Ocean Road was built by returned soldiers. The war memorial history added so much depth to the experience. We spotted over 20 koalas at Kennett River too. Unforgettable day."— Sarah J., Melbourne
"We've done Great Ocean Road tours with three different companies over the years — Cooee Tours was clearly the best. Small group, comfortable vehicle, and Marcus our guide was exceptional. The Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck story had everyone in tears. The 2-day tour is absolutely worth it for the sunrise at the Apostles."— James & Emma T., London, UK
"As a landscape photographer, I needed time at each location — not a rushed bus tour. Cooee delivered perfectly. Ample time at each Great Ocean Road stop, expert advice on the best viewpoints, and we visited during optimal golden-hour light. Gibson Steps from beach level is a perspective you simply can't get from the clifftop. My best Australian shots."— Michael C., Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 km from Torquay to Allansford near Warrnambool. Driving non-stop from Melbourne takes approximately 3–4 hours, but you won't want to rush. A day trip typically takes 12–13 hours round-trip from Melbourne with stops at major attractions. We strongly recommend a 2-day tour for the most relaxed, comprehensive experience — overnight stays in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell allow unhurried exploration of the Twelve Apostles at sunrise, Otway rainforest walks, and wildlife spotting without time pressure.
How many of the Twelve Apostles are still standing?
Seven limestone stacks remain today. Despite the name, there were never actually twelve — the formations were originally called "Sow and Piglets" (with nearby Muttonbird Island being the "Sow") before being renamed in the 1920s for tourism purposes, when nine stacks stood. A 50-metre stack collapsed dramatically into the sea in July 2005, and another fell in 2009, leaving the seven we see today. The remaining stacks rise up to 45 metres above the Southern Ocean and are made from Port Campbell Limestone formed 10–20 million years ago. Erosion continues at approximately 2 centimetres per year, and existing coastal headlands are expected to eventually become new stacks.
Why is the Great Ocean Road a war memorial?
The Great Ocean Road is the world's largest war memorial. It was built between 1919 and 1932 by approximately 3,000 returned soldiers from World War I who carved the road along rugged coastal cliffs using picks, shovels, and explosives. The project — championed by Howard Hitchcock, known as the "Father of the Road" — provided employment for returning servicemen while creating a permanent memorial to the fallen. Workers were paid ten shillings and sixpence per eight-hour day and lived in tent camps that moved along with the road. The Memorial Arch at Eastern View, first erected in 1939, marks the gateway. The road was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2011.
Can I see koalas along the Great Ocean Road?
Yes — Kennett River on Grey River Road is one of Australia's best wild koala spotting locations. The roadside eucalyptus trees are home to a large wild koala population, and visitors typically see 15–30 koalas during daytime visits. Look up into the tree forks for sleeping or feeding koalas. The area also attracts rainbow lorikeets, king parrots, and sulphur-crested cockatoos. All Cooee Tours Great Ocean Road packages include dedicated koala spotting stops with extended photo time.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The Great Ocean Road is spectacular year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. Summer (December–February) provides warm 20–25°C weather for beach swimming and surfing. Autumn (March–May) brings mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and colourful Otway foliage. Winter (June–August) is prime whale-watching season with southern right whales at Warrnambool. Spring (September–November) delivers wildflower blooms, pleasant temperatures, and baby wildlife. To avoid peak crowds at the Twelve Apostles during summer, visit before 8 am or after 4 pm.
Who are the traditional owners of this region?
In March 2023, the Federal Court of Australia formally recognised the Eastern Maar peoples as the traditional owners of over 8,500 square kilometres of land in south-western Victoria, including the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast. The Gadubanud (King Parrot) people are the traditional custodians of the Otway Ranges. The Wadawurrung people hold custodianship of the eastern sections near Torquay and the Surf Coast. These communities have maintained deep spiritual and cultural connections to this country for tens of thousands of years. Cooee Tours acknowledges and respects these ongoing connections.
Is the Great Ocean Road suitable for families?
Absolutely. The Great Ocean Road offers family-friendly experiences including safe supervised swimming beaches at Apollo Bay and Lorne, easy walking tracks with accessible viewing platforms at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, wildlife spotting at Kennett River (children love the koalas and parrots), rock pool exploration, and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk (popular with children aged 5+). Supervise children carefully near cliff edges — many lookouts have low barriers. Cooee Tours family packages include child-appropriate pacing with snack breaks and engaging, educational commentary.

Experience the Great Ocean Road

From the Twelve Apostles to ancient rainforests, wild koalas to the world's largest war memorial — let us craft your perfect Great Ocean Road journey.

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