The Major Sights:

12 Apostles

The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks caused by erosion from the sea and wind, off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.  There are only eight of them still standing (there were never 12), rising 150 metres above sea level. The colour of these formations and the coastline is intense and spectacular. Seeing them at sunset & sunrise is magical.

Gibson’s Steps (just near the Twelve Apostles)

Walk down these 86 steps to the beach and get a feel for just how tall and imposing these limestone stacks are. The ones here are affectionately called Gog & Magog and not part of the Twelve Apostles.

London Bridge

Around another bend and you come to London Bridge, since 1990 it is a bridge without a middle! You will be mesmerised as you look at the rock formations and gaze into the Southern Ocean.

Shipwreck Bay

Many photo opportunities as you drive along the Shipwreck Coast. You will understand how dangerous this coastline was to the early explorers.

Razorback

This is another limestone rock formation seen when visiting Loch Ard Gorge. It had me mesmerized looking at the colours and hearing the waves bash against it and soon it became my favourite!

The Grotto

It is not really a blow hole or a cave but a little like a lot of things. It too, is wonderful to see, the colours and light are amazing. Be sure to look at its reflection in the water, it makes a great photo.

Bay of Islands

It is a further 20 minutes down the road from the Grotto and by this stage everyone is suffering from beauty overload but when you arrive you will love what is front of you. It’s a bit like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Razorback all in the one place!

Kennet River

It is here where you get to see koalas in the wild. There is time to take a stroll and look up in the trees for these cute Australian animals. Make sure you don’t call them bears because they are not bears!

Otway National Park

Full of surprises here, beautiful waterfalls, ancient rainforest, wildlife, walking tracks, great views and even ziplining!

The Grampians

If you are on a 2 day tour of the Great Ocean Road you will most likely stay at Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians. A visit to MacKenzie Falls is on every itinerary and it is well worth the little hike and steps!, You will see other waterfalls and visit different lookouts as well.

Loch Ard Gorge

This is a gorgeous little bay and inlet of blue waters, little beach and the most colourful rock formations on either side. Located just three minutes from the Twelve Apostles, it becomes a favourite spot for lots of people. As with lots of sights along the Great Ocean Road, it has a great tale attached to it and your guide will tell you all about it.

Boroka Lookout offers views over Fyans Valley with glimpses of Lake Bellfield in the distance. Reeds Lookout is impressive, with panoramic views over Victoria Valley.  The highlight for some is the hours hike to “The Balconies” an outcrop of rock that has stunning views also out over Victoria Valley. This is the photo you see in many guidebooks and advertising for The Grampians.

Guide to towns on the Great Ocean Road

Below is a little guide of the towns & sights in order from Melbourne and the distance between them. This will give you a better understanding of the timing of the tours. The distances may not be long but there will be times when each sector tacks longer than expected.

Melbourne to Torquay – 105 kms

Torquay to Bells Beach – 6.9 kms

Bells Beach to Anglesea – 12.4 kms

Anglesea to Lorne – 28.5 kms

Lorne to Kennet River – 23.3 kms

Kennet River to Apollo Bay – 24.9 kms

Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles – 87.1 kms

12 Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge – 4.1 kms

Loch Ard Gorge to Port Campbell – 8 kms

Port Campbell to London Bridge – 7.4 kms

London Bridge to The Grotto – 2.1 kms

The Grotto to the Bay of Martyrs 7 Bay of Islands – 9.6 kms

Bay of Islands to Warrnambool – 48.4 kms