Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Guide to the Great Ocean Road
Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along on the Great Ocean Road – one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.
The Great Ocean Road at a glance: Top experiences
- Rock formations: See the iconic 12 Apostles rock formation, where limestone stacks rise from the ocean.
- Hot springs: Sink into one of 15 steamy pools at Deep Blue.
- Wildlife spotting: Spot native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and emus in the Otways.
- Regional dining: Seek out quaint cafés, breweries and sought-after restaurants like Brae.
- Charming towns: Pop into cute towns along the way, like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Anglesea.
Located just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne is Torquay, The Great Ocean Road’s official starting point. To get to here, fly into Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport and hire a car for an epic self-drive tour. If you don't feel like driving, there are coaches and tour experiences available to pre-book from Melbourne.
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) is located 110km (68mi) from Torquay; domestic and international arrivals
- Avalon Airport (AVL) is located 49km (30mi) from Torquay; domestic and international arrivals
- Hire car options are available at both airports and in central Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic experience all year round. However, the best time to drive is during summer as the skies are clear, and you can see the winding cliff faces along the shoreline.
- High season: Summer (December to February)
- Low Season: Winter (June to August)
From the iconic limestone 12 Apostles to magnificent national parks, there are spectacular accessible experiences available along the Great Ocean Road.
- Arrival: Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport, you’ll find a host of accessible facilities and services. From Melbourne, you can hire a private transfer to Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
- Getting around: While there is an accessible bus route along the Great Ocean Road, the best way to experience this spectacular region with limited mobility is by hiring a wheelchair-accessible car in Melbourne. You can also choose to embark on a group guided tour with AAT Kings.
- Accessible experience highlights: Wander a level pathway to admire the 12 Apostles, pay a visit to one of the Great Ocean Road’s accessible beaches, and explore the spectacular natural environment at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Get up close to local animals during a tour with Wildlife Wonders, who can ensure their tours are suitable for travellers with limited mobility, sensory sensitivities or are hard of hearing.
- Helpful resources: Browse accessible experiences and accommodation and explore the national park accessibility guide from Parks Victoria.
