10 of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, there are plenty of places to stop and things to do while driving on one of the world’s most scenic roads.

Travelling to Victoria soon? Of all the things to do, Great Ocean Road exploration should be at the top of your list. The world-famous Great Ocean Road cuts its way through a bewitching limestone wilderness that is fringed by native bushland teeming with wildlife on one side and the wild beauty of the Southern Ocean on the other.

Along the 255-kilometre route, there is plenty to see and do: from watching humpbacks breaching from a coastal whale-watching platform to booking into a chocolate-making masterclass. Here are the places worth stopping at on the Great Ocean Road.

1. Take in the wild beauty of the Port Campbell National Park

One of the better-known highlights along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. Do not miss seeing this offshore collection of limestone stacks rising proudly out of the ocean, standing 45 metres high. The lookout is located within the Port Campbell National Park and taking time to marvel at them is a requirement of every journey to the region.

view of the Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell National Park — Capture the majestic Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

But don’t just stop at the Twelve Apostles. The Port Campbell National Park has plenty more natural attractions to explore, including London Bridge , an offshore natural arch located just a few minutes’ drive west of the Apostles. The stack, which was formed by a gradual erosion process, was connected to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed to create a detached double-span natural bridge.

two people standing on the London Bridge lookout — London Bridge offers stunning views of the limestone stacks. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Get a sugar hit at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Open every day except Christmas Day, this popular pitstop in Bellbrae is fun for all the family. Book a spot in the Chocolate Discovery class to craft your own chocolate bar and taste a selection of the chocolaterie’s finest or sit down for a decadent chocolate high tea in the private experience room. If you’re short on time and just want a bite to eat, the all-day cafe menu has a mix of savoury and sweet items, including waffles and croissants for brunch, burgers and stone-baked pizzas for lunch, and scones and old-fashioned sundaes for dessert.

3. Head to one of the famed lookouts

The Great Ocean Road provides much by way of rich scenic grandeur – best appreciated from one of the many viewing platforms you’ll find along the way.

Teddy’s Lookout

Take a short drive to the top end of George Street to find the renowned views of the Great Ocean Road sighted on many a Lorne postcard. It delights just as equally in person.

Logans Beach

Between June and September, female southern right whales return to Logans Beach in Warrnambool to birth their young. They often swim within a hundred metres of the shore and a specially constructed platform has been built to view them at play.

Cape Patton

Located between Kennett River and Wongarra, Cape Patton provides dramatic views of the windswept coastline. It marks the western end of what was considered the Great Ocean Road when first constructed by World War One veterans. A plaque at the lookout tells the story.

Twelve Apostles

Visit the Twelve Apostles at dawn or hang around after the sun goes down to see little penguins – they come ashore each evening on the beach at the base of the 70-metre cliffs.

4. Pay a visit to QDos Arts in Lorne

While Lorne mightn’t be known for its artistic prowess, one venue does well to showcase its unassuming talent. QDos Arts is a studio, gallery, cafe and sculpture park that specialises in fine and contemporary art. It’s the first space of its kind in the region, hosting many gallery exhibitions each year. There is also boutique accommodation onsite, with luxury Japanese-style tree houses perfect for couples or solo travellers.

5. Become a part of the local festival scene

The residents of the Great Ocean Road love a good bash – and visitors can expect a celebration for everything from folk music to seafood.

In March, the Port Fairy Folk Festival – or ‘folkie’ – transforms the historic fishing village into a four-day reverie of musical and theatrical delights. Feast on international and local folk, blues and roots artists alongside street theatre, comedy performances, interactive workshops and inspiring talks.

people gathering at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Dynamic energy fills the air at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

The Bonney Upwelling is the epic natural ocean occurrence that powers a seven-month feeding frenzy for the region’s marine animals. Upwelling Festival celebrates the commencement of this incredibly rich ecological food web with an epic one-day event. Held on the first Saturday in November, visitors and locals alike come for the music, market stalls and whale boat racing, and stay for the absurd street parade of aquatic ornaments and fish flags.

The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is a great way to continue the marine celebrations. The gourmet extravaganza dishes up world-class, locally sourced seafood, straight from the ocean to the people. Take your pick of the morning catch direct from the fishermen, order food from the pop-up restaurants and drink your way through an extensive offering of craft beer, wine and cocktails.

6. Taste some of the Great Ocean Road’s finest

Located in the busy beach town of Torquay, the Great Ocean Road Gin distillery is open on select days seasonally. The owner, Ann Houlihan, uses local botanicals to produce her high-quality, small-batch gin. The citrus-forward Guvvos variety (named after a favourite surfing spot of Ann’s daughter) features a number of botanicals local to the Surf Coast region, including coast daisy, saltbush, pigface, kelp and indigenous eucalypts. Stop by the shop to grab a bottle of gin or some classic G&Ts in a can to take the edge off a warm summer afternoon.

gins and classic G&Ts at the Great Ocean Road Gin distillery — Sip on classic G&Ts or a shiraz G&T.

7. Discover some under-the-radar natural gems

While the heavy hitters are definitely worthy of exploration, you should also consider adding some of these lesser-known gems to your itinerary. In summer, locals swim at Childers Cove . Drive 19 kilometres west of Peterborough and turn off the Great Ocean Road at Nirranda South to find its wonderful seascapes.

a person walking with trail of barefeet on the sandy beach at Childers Cove — Frolic barefoot in the sand at Childers Cove. (Image: Visit Victoria)

For striking limestone cliffs, dramatic rocks and relatively few people, try Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs. Both are located near Peterborough and feature sprawling headlands to traverse and colourful wildflowers to admire, minus the heavy crowds that converge at some of the more famous sites during high season.

a man admiring the view on the Bay of Islands — Admire dramatic views of the bay. (Image: Visit Victoria)

8. Take a surfing history lesson in Torquay

Torquay is world-renowned as Australia’s surfing headquarters – making it worthy of a spot on your Great Ocean Road hit list. The Australian National Surfing Museum on Beach Road (of course!) is a great place to start.

surfboards on a blue background at The Australian National Surfing Museum — Start your day by immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant surf culture. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Learn about the history and evolution of the sport and gain an understanding of exactly how it cemented itself as part of our national identity.

an aerial view of Torquay Beach — Torquay Beach is renowned for its spectacular surf breaks. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re a keen surfer, you’ll find plenty of action at Jan Juc, Torquay front and Torquay back beaches. Finding breaks suitable for intermediate or beginner surfers shouldn’t be too hard, but as always, watch the conditions and ask for advice if you’re unsure.

a surfer riding a surfboard at Torquay Beach — Surf’s up! (Image: Visit Victoria)

As the home of the famous Rip Curl Surfing Competition , Bells Beach is an iconic surf spot known around the globe.

surfers holding their boards at Bells Beach — Get your surfboards ready at Bells Beach. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Powerful Southern Ocean swells roll in over the shallow reef, giving visitors a front-row seat to the waves that draw thousands of surfers from around the world each year.

a surfer on Bells Beach at sunrise — Hit the waves at first light. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Watch local surfers ride the waves from one of the cliffside vantage points – the clifftop carpark has great views.

Top off your assimilation with a visit to one of the major surf brand giants that call Torquay home: both Rip Curl and Quicksilver have stores in town for you to visit to stock up on surf gear and summer threads.

the lookout on Torquay Beach — The water conditions at Torquay Beach are ideal for surfing. (Image: Visit Victoria)

9. Walk to Griffiths Island

This ruggedly beautiful one-hour walk in Port Fairy takes in secluded beaches, a shearwater colony and the old 19th-century lighthouse. It’ll guide you along all the best scenic locations of Port Fairy, past heritage buildings and old stone churches.

the Port Fairy lighthouse on Griffiths Island — The 19th-century lighthouse stands proudly on Griffiths Island. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Named after John Griffiths, who established Port Fairy’s whaling industry on the island in the 1830s, the island is home to a shearwater bird colony. Each day they return in swarms to their nests after fishing out at sea. Be sure to keep on the walking track to avoid disturbing the nests burrowed into the sand.

a couple walking on a piece of land at Griffiths Island — Go for a peaceful island walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Explore the Winter Whale Trail

If you’re travelling along the Great Ocean Road from May to September, be sure to keep the possibility of a whale sighting top of mind. During this period, it’s possible to spot migrating southern right whales, humpbacks, blue whales and even orcas if you’re lucky. There are some great vantage points along the trail, including the Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform in Warrnambool, East Beach in Port Fairy and Wade Street Viewing Platform in Portland, although if you’re near the beach you could be blessed with a whale sighting at almost any time during this period – a solid reason to get along to the Great Ocean Road during the cooler months if ever there was one!

Discover the best restaurant along the Great Ocean Road.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.