Check out this guide to the seasons to determine which is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road.
If you are planning a trip to Melbourne and want to visit the famous Great Ocean Road, consider what time of year is best for you to visit. Throughout the year the weather changes and this can affect your experience of this beautiful coastline. There are also different natural events, such as wildlife spotting, which will vary throughout the year. You may also want to take into account how busy the Great Ocean Road is at various times of the year.
The destination – Great Ocean Road
Australia’s most scenic coastal drive – The Great Ocean Road – winds its way along Victoria’s southern coastline. Just a short drive from Melbourne you’ll find epic surf beaches, winding turns, lush rainforest and spectacular rock formations.
There are many iconic locations to stop and visit along the Great Ocean Road. Join us on a tour for the highlights of this spectacular region.
What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?
Summer
Months: December, January, February
The summer months are the most popular time to visit the Great Ocean Road. The warm temperatures combined with beautiful beaches and spectacular coastal views, draws visitors from all over the world.
Summer is the time that Melburnians take their holidays to the Great Ocean Road. The charming coastal towns are buzzing with activity and the long days keep the action going well into the night. In the peak of summer the sun sets around 9.30pm, meaning there are plenty of daylight hours to enjoy this spectacular coastline.
Temperatures can range from 25-35 degrees celsius. A refreshing dip in the Southern Ocean is the perfect way to cool off on the hotter days. Tour the Great Ocean Road at this time and you’ll get a taste of a real Aussie summer – sun, surf and beaches.
If you take a tour of the Great Ocean Road with us in summer, we will do our best to avoid the crowds. However, this is the peak season for visitors, so keep in mind there will be plenty of other people enjoying the coast as well. A good option is to take our Great Ocean Road sunset tour which departs the city later than the other tour buses.
Autumn
Months: March, April, May
Autumn on the Great Ocean Road is when things start to slow down. There are less visitors and the heat of summer disappears. It is common to get cool mornings and evenings, but clear sunny days in between. This makes it a great time for sightseeing and taking photos from the many viewpoints and lookouts.
However, also because of this, it’s always good to bring a jacket, even if the weather forecast is for a warm day. If you are wondering what to bring on our Great Ocean Road tour, check out this handy list of what to pack.
In autumn, it’s a great time to spot wildlife. Without the long hot days, animals like koalas and wallabies no longer need to rest out of the sun, so they tend to be more active with the cooler weather. On tour we stop at Kennett River for guaranteed sightings of wild koalas.
Winter
Months: June, July, August
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a tour of the Great Ocean Road if you prefer to see it without the crowds and with nature at its most spectacular. Winter season brings a whole new dimension to this coastline, with big waves, strong winds and the return of whales.
The full force of nature can be experienced in winter along the Great Ocean Road. Famous sites like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge have been carved from the elements over many thousands of years. The winter months bring large swells and stronger winds, as well as some rain. This has carved an incredible coastline that needs to be seen to be believed.
Winter is also the best time of year for spotting whales. Southern Right whales and Humpback whales make an annual journey from Antarctica to Australia’s coastline. In winter they can be spotted frolicking off the coast.
Spring
Months: September, October, November
Spring is a great time to visit the Great Ocean Road. The days become warmer and longer, giving plenty of reasons to go outside and explore. The winding turns and scenic lookouts greet you with a renewed outlook and a sense of calm after the winter.
The sunny days are great for exploring the beaches on the Surf Coast and in the Port Campbell National Park. You can also keep an eye out for baby wildlife, like koalas and wallabies, keeping close to the mothers.
It’s also a beautiful time to take a walk through the Otway Rainforest because the streams are full and the ferns a lush green after the winter rain. We visit Maits Rest on our Great Ocean Road tour to explore the rainforest.
Want to visit the Great Ocean Road?
Come and explore Victoria’s Surf Coast and more must-see destinations near Melbourne. Enjoy a 12 Apostles tour, visit picturesque cities and townships along this world-famous coastline, and soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge. There’s much more to the Great Ocean Road than just the photo opportunities, come and see for yourself!
Tour Highlights:
- Spend the day touring the Great Ocean Road
- Stop for morning tea on the beach at Victoria’s Surf Coast
- View the spectacular Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park
- Explore the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
- See koalas in the wild at the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay for lunch
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
