It’s Australia’s iconic driving destination with an incredible coastline, but what is the best part of the Great Ocean Road?
It’s hard to determine what is the best part of the Great Ocean Road. There are so many fantastic destinations. The coastline has everything from beautiful beaches, to unique wildlife and incredible rock formations. If you are planning a visit to Melbourne, a day trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must. Taking a day tour from the city is the best way to see the highlights of the Great Ocean Road all in one day.
But when it comes to determining the best part of the Great Ocean Road – we think it depends on you. If you love nature, wildlife, beaches or dramatic landscapes, you’ll find some magical destinations on this iconic coastline.
What is the best part of the Great Ocean Road?
Port Campbell National Park
Twelve Apostles
The most famous attractions on the Great Ocean Road are the 12 Apostles rock formations. These limestone stacks along Australia’s southern coastline are the absolute highlight of any visit to the Great Ocean Road. These rock formations need to be seen to be believed – they rise out of the Southern Ocean – up to 45 metres tall. The Apostles were once part of the coastal cliffs, however the wind and waves carved the cliffs into caves, then arches and eventually tall columns.
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is a secluded beach surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. It is a beautiful beach but also the site of the Loch Ard Disaster. The Loch Ard ship set sail from the UK in 1878 and reached Bass Strait after a three month journey. The ship had trouble navigating the rough waters, and it wrecked on rocks adjacent to the gorge. Of the 54 people on board the Loch Ard, only two survived the shipwreck. The story of the Loch Ard adds a whole new layer to your experience when visiting the gorge today.
Southern Ocean
Experience the wild Southern Ocean either from the cliff top viewpoints or by descending Gibson Steps to the beach. This area is known for large swells and big waves crashing ashore. It is these waves that have played a part in carving the cliffs and the famous 12 Apostles. There is also a chance in winter to spot whales passing by the coastline. For Southern Right whales the Southern Ocean is a breeding ground and nursery during wintertime.
Surf Coast
Surfing History
Surfing in Australia started with Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku who brought the sport to Australian’s in 1915. In the 1960’s free spirited surfers set up their own board-riding clubs and began to change and revolutionise the surf culture in Australia. It was around this time that surf brands RipCurl and Quiksilver were created in Torquay. Today Torquay is renowned for its surf beaches and surf culture. It is also the start of the Great Ocean Road which you can travel along to see big waves, protected surfing reserves and local surfers in action.
Memorial Arch
The Great Ocean Road is dedicated to the Australian’s that lost their lives in the first world war. The iconic Memorial Arch was built to acknowledge the 3000 servicemen that worked on the road from 1919 to 1932. The construction of the road was a project that provided many jobs for returned servicemen after the war. These days the Memorial Arch can be viewed from a designated area beside the road. View the information boards and plaques detailing the construction of the Great Ocean Road and commemorating the 50th and 75th anniversaries of the road opening.
Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park stretches along the coast from Torquay to Princetown and inland through the hinterland of the Otway Ranges. You can spot koalas, take a walk amongst nature and revel in the rainforest.
Koalas
On the Great Ocean Road you can see koalas in their natural habitat. Either in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township or the Otway Ranges. Both areas are part of the Great Otway National Park. These iconic Australian animals can be found in the eucalyptus trees. Their diet consists of solely eucalyptus leaves and as such they can be found close to their food source.
Nature Walks
In this national park there are many walking trails. Therefore you can stroll along the forest floor to discover unique wildlife, rainforest and waterfalls. From the trail you can view lush ferns, as well as towering mountain ash eucalyptus trees. Wildlife includes black snails, insects and birds and even the odd wallaby or koala.
On Tour with Go West
After 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business. We are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000. We are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we guarantee to provide you with an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons. Our day tours explore all of the best destinations in Victoria – including the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Yarra Valley and more.
We operate two tours to the Great Ocean Road:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
- Spend the day touring the famous Great Ocean Road, with incredible views around every turn
- Enjoy coffee, tea and cake at our first stop on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
- Visit the Memorial Arch and learn about the history and construction of the Great Ocean Road
- See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay for a lunch break, with your choice of many cuisines on offer
- Take a walk through towering eucalyptus trees and lush ferns in the Otway Rainforest at Maits Rest Walk
- Visit the coastal look out for the most famous view – the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
- Time permitting, walk down the staircase carved into the cliffs at Gibson Steps
- Visit the incredible beach at Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour
- Depart Melbourne later in the day to tour the famous Great Ocean Road, with incredible views around every bend
- Visit the Memorial Arch to learn about the construction of the Great Ocean Road
- See wild koalas in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Enjoy a lunch break in one of the Great Ocean Road’s scenic coastal towns
- Drive through the Great Otway National Park
- Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
- Visit the famous 12 Apostles at dusk to watch the sunset and stay to see the colours lighting up the sky
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
