6 Things You Shouldn't Miss on the Great Ocean Road This Summer

Image Credit: @greatoceanroad

Well known for its rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, and popular surf villages, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria's southeast corner is a bucket list item you can visit time and time again.

No trip is complete without seeing the famous landmarks dotted along the road, including the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, The Grotto, Bells Beach, the Kennett River Koala Walk, and all the wonders of Great Otway National Park.

Regardless of which way you drive it – starting in Port Fairy or Geelong – there's always something mystical about this beloved stretch of highway. Pack the car, cue up the tunes, and enjoy this list of things to do on your next trip along the Great Ocean Road!

Image Credit: @mo.no.t

You'll be blown away by this stunning stretch between Torquay to Apollo Bay.

About halfway between these two popular surf spots, the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve provides scenic walks and beautiful lookouts just outside of Lorne.

Image Credit: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Impossible for even your most device-addicted kiddo to ignore, the seaside town of Lorne itself is spectacular. Spend the morning wandering the foreshore here before joining the locals for lunch at the famous Swing Bridge Cafe and Boat House.

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If a picnic is more your style, there are amazing waterfalls within a short drive of the main street of Lorne.

Upper Kalimna Falls, Cumberland Falls, and Sheoak Falls are all equally stunning. The only real problem is fitting them all into one day!

Image Credit: @mick.smith334

We recommend taking this stretch as slow as you can to uncover beaches, seafood eateries, and piers that are perfect for catching sunsets over colourful ocean horizons.

Plan on staying a while?

G’day Parks has several holiday parks to choose from between Lorne and Torquay:

Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park

Image Credit: @julesetien

A drive along the Great Ocean Road wouldn't be complete without a rainforest walk.

If you're looking for an authentic nature experience without the expense and hassle of paying, check out Mait's Rest in the Otway Ranges.

A must-do for anyone passing through the Great Otway National Park, you'll find this secluded 800-meter circular path 15 minutes from Apollo Bay.

Image Credit: Teagan White

Stretch the legs and breathe in rainforest aromas as you scour the area for native wildlife amongst the amazing variety of native flora here. Mait's Rest is also well known for its glow worm population. Bring a flashlight if you plan on staying for the show!

For a complete change of pace, you can also go ziplining at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

Planning to stay the night and explore the Otways a little longer?

Check out these awesome G'day Parks nearby:

Kennett River Family Caravan Park

Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Image Credit: @hamishreed

The extinct volcanic crater here is dominated by sandstone hills and dense vegetation. Be sure to keep an eye out for koalas, emus, kangaroos, echidnas, and turtles, as well as a wide variety of water birds like ducks and spoonbills!

Something of a hidden gem, the Tower Hill area boasts four well-maintained and safe walking trails with varying levels of difficulty. It also has guided tours where you can learn about the reserve's rich ecological history. 

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Touted as Australia's most extreme zipline with levels to suit all ages, this park is well worth an afternoon stop.

Pick between two challenging circuits and take the chance to go face to face with the park's famous Shockwave Zip Coaster. Cruise through the forest canopy as you take the corners at breakneck speeds … that's right, this zipline course takes corners!

Image Credit: @pdwallace

Erskine Falls cascades 30 meters down the forest walls and is only a short deviation off the Great Ocean Road after Lorne. There is a car park a few minutes away from the falls' viewing platform, or you can opt for a more strenuous hike via the Erskine River Walk, which ends up back at Lorne. 

While the dazzling views are well worth the climb, don't forget to pack a water bottle, and maybe a change of clothes, in case you get splashed!

Image Credit: @theaireyspub

Salt Brewing Company at Aireys Inlet is a great spot that serves up some truly creative craft concoctions.

Ales made with blood oranges? Passionfruit-infused IPAs? A sea view? Yes, please! 

Looking for a more primitive vibe? Head to Forrest Brewing Company. 

This laid-back brewery offers a revolving cast of seasonal beers sourced from only local ingredients. It's one of the best places to order up a charcuterie board, grab a summer lager, and spend an evening relaxing on their rustic patio!

Image Credit: @forrestbrewery

Excited about all the things you're going to see on your Great Ocean Road getaway?

You'll find plenty of places to stay overnight on the G’day Parks app or online!

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Central Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel

Port Fairy Holiday Park

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

Barwon River Holiday Park

Discovery Parks - Geelong

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