Built by returned WWI soldiers, this coastal drive west of Melbourne curves past surf beaches, rainforest, and the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles.
151 mi / 243 km
2 days
November to March
Easy
Left
Toll-free
Iconic stops
Loch Ard Gorge
A dramatic cove tied to a famous 1878 shipwreck story.
Twelve Apostles
Towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, best at sunset.
Great Otway National Park
Fern-filled rainforest, waterfalls, and wild koalas.
Lorne
A relaxed seaside town with cafes and the nearby Erskine Falls.
Bells Beach
A legendary surf break that hosts a world championship event.
Stops on the map
Each numbered marker matches the list above, linked in driving order from 1 to 5. Hover or tap a marker to see the stop name, scroll to zoom, and download the map as an image.
Prefer turn-by-turn navigation? Open the full route in Google Maps with all 5 stops loaded as waypoints in driving order. It opens in a new browser tab.
Tolls & fees
The Great Ocean Road is entirely toll-free. Melbourne city freeways (CityLink) are tolled if you drive through town.
No tolls to estimate
Enjoy the drive. Budget instead for fuel, ferries, and parking.
Traffic & road alerts
Summer weekends and holidays bring heavy tourist traffic and full car parks at the Twelve Apostles. Start early.
Best maps & planning
Plan your drive and check the latest conditions with these trusted maps and official resources.
Driving tips
- Drive on the left. Give way to the right at roundabouts.
- Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos and koalas cross the road.
- Fill up in Apollo Bay before the Otways stretch.
Distances, tolls, and seasons are curated planning references and can change. Always confirm current tolls, opening dates, and closures with the official sources linked above before you travel.