The Great Ocean Road follows Victoria’s south west coastline, showcasing stunning beaches and quaint seaside towns against a striking natural backdrop. With spectacular scenery flanking the roadside, a guided tour is the perfect way to enjoy the Great Ocean Road. Let someone else take care of the driving, so you can concentrate on the view rather than navigating the winding asphalt.
Many tours of the Great Ocean Road journey between Melbourne and Adelaide, adding more highlights to your holiday either side of this iconic stretch. No matter how you decide to bookend your trip, these are just some of the reasons why a tour of the Great Ocean Road should be on your list.
Home to an abundance of superb lookouts and picturesque trails, the Port Campbell National Park ranges from Princetown to Peterborough in south west Victoria. It is the canvas on which many of the Great Ocean Road’s natural masterpieces have been painted, and is brushed with charming vistas, rich history, abundant wildlife and iconic scenes.
Named after the ship Loch Ard which washed up on Muttonbird Island just offshore, the Gorge is carved into the dramatic coastline with impressive grandeur. Only two survivors pulled themselves from the wreck in the 19th century, and the cove sits as a vivid reminder of nature’s vigour. Watch water surge from the blowholes, admire the worn offshore stacks, and drink in the impressive views as the waves hurl themselves at the shoreline.
The centrepiece of the Great Ocean Road’s natural display is The Twelve Apostles. Rising from the ocean, these limestone pillars are an iconic sight which draws crowds from near and far. Only eight columns remain and you can meander along the timber walkways linking viewing platforms to check out the enduring spires towering up to 45 meters above the Southern Ocean and the adjacent cliff faces.
Once connected to the mainland, London Bridge is the perfect expression of nature’s wrath. Now worn away in the centre, the rock formation is severed in two with fierce water swirling between the remaining pillars. There are two viewing platforms overlooking the sweeping coastline where you can admire the expansive views. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for little penguins clambering from the water below.
Peppered along the coastline are quaint seaside towns which greet you with charm and warmth during your tour of the Great Ocean Road. Indulge in some delicious cuisine in the township of Apollo Bay which clings to a striking turquoise alcove. Enjoy a hive of activity as you immerse yourself in bustling main strip of Lorne, or perhaps check out the orange cliffs rising from the water on the outskirts of Anglesea or pop into the national Museum of Surfing in Torquay, where the Great Ocean Road officially starts.