Updated on November 6, 2025
Where does the Great Ocean Road Start?
The road officially begins in the town of Torquay. The plan was initially described as the ‘South Coast Road’, which would start at Barwon Heads, follow the coast around Cape Otway, and end near Warrnambool.
A one-day trip would generally end at Port Campbell (or just past to see the former London Bridge & The Grotto) before returning inland to Melbourne. Some say it ends at Allensford… some say it goes all the way to the South Australian border!
Where does the Great Ocean Road End?
It ends not far past the fishing village of Port Campbell; Allansford is considered the official end of the Ocean Road drive.
Visitors can see the London Arch (formerly known as the London Bridge until an arch collapsed in 1990). Then there are the Arch and the Grotto before reaching the Bay of Islands and Peterborough, where the road goes inland and is finished. There is certainly more beautiful countryside to see beyond the Ocean Road, though.
How long is The Great Ocean Road?
It is 238 kms or 148 miles from Torquay to Allansford, which are considered the start and end points of the Great Ocean Road.
From Melbourne to the beginning of the road at Torquay, the drive is 104.5 km, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
To drive from Torquay all the way to Port Campbell, it is 187 km / 3 hours 7 minutes driving. That is according to Google Maps, though the reality is that not many people would be driving it non-stop, as you’d miss all the good bits and the fun.
| ROUTE | DISTANCE | TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Torquay | 104.5 kilometres/ 65 miles | 90 minutes |
| Torquay to Lorne | 46 kilometres / 28.5 miles | 50 minutes |
| Lorne to Apollo Bay | 47.3 kilometres / 29 miles | 60 minutes |
| Apollo Bay to Lavers Hill | 51.4 kilometres / 32 miles | 50 minutes |
| Lavers Hill to 12 Apostles | 40 kilometres / 25 miles | 45 minutes |
| 12 Apostles to Port Campbell | 11.2 kilometres / 7 miles | 10 minutes |
| Port Campbell to Colac | 77.6 kilometres / 48 miles | 60 minutes |
| Colac to Melbourne | 152 kilometres / 94.5 miles | 2 hours |
| TOTAL TIME | 8 HOURS DRIVING |
Can You Drive The Great Ocean Road in a day?
Yes. Bus tours generally complete the return day trip in 11-12 hours. Self-driving offers the benefit of stopping when and where you please, allowing you to take longer to drive the Great Ocean Road route, but it is a long way, with loads to see. More than one day is preferable. Read our suggested itineraries for more information.
Where are the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles are within the Port Campbell National Park, all the way along towards the end of the Ocean Road (from the Melbourne direction).
The Port Campbell National Park is the location of all the famous sights such as Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Islands…
How many Apostles are left?
6 of the 12 Apostles remain. Though some say 8 remain!
Despite the name, 12 rock formations were never really a part of the Twelve Apostles! Over the years, some of the rock stacks have fallen victim to erosion and crumbled into the sea. The last one fell in 2005.
So, how many are left? It depends on which ones you want counted and how small the stack can be to be still included in the official count, as the base of two of the Apostles can still be seen from the main viewing platform.
The 12 Apostles viewing area has two main lookout points, one offers the classic view, and the other looks back east towards Gibson’s Beach, where another two stacks can be seen. These are not part of the 12 Apostles count, though, as they are known as Gog and Magog. It is all a bit confusing, but who cares, they are an incredible sight anyway.
What are the best Great Ocean Road stops?
Our Great Ocean Road map shows 50 of the best stops and attractions, helping travellers plan an itinerary for their Great Ocean Road holidays.
Is it safe to tow a caravan?
Yes, caravans can safely be towed on the Great Ocean Road.
Huge tour buses also use the road, though it is narrow in many sections; it is safe to tow caravans. Being mindful of other vehicles and using slow vehicle lanes to let other drivers pass, if necessary.
Lorne is the most difficult town to park with a caravan. There is an area suitable for parking down on the beach front. Cypress Avenue has a grassed area that is open to parking, no charge. Google map directions.
Otherwise, a number of good spots can be found along the way where pull in parking bays are quite large.
What is the weather like along The Ocean Road?
The temperatures below have been sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology and relate to the average temperatures in the town of Apollo Bay.
The wettest months are during winter and early spring. Whilst it can get somewhat nippy in the winter, this can be an excellent time to tour the area anyway. The summer averages make it seem like it is not overly warm along the coast, but days can get hot, honest, they can.
| Month | Daily Min. (°C) | Daily Min. (°F) | Daily Max. (°C) | Daily Max. (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Summer) | 13.9 | 57.02 | 21.9 | 71.42 |
| February (Summer) | 14.6 | 58.28 | 21.8 | 71.24 |
| March (Autumn) | 12.8 | 55.04 | 20.1 | 68.18 |
| April (Autumn) | 11.5 | 52.7 | 18.0 | 64.4 |
| May (Autumn) | 9.5 | 49.1 | 15.7 | 60.26 |
| June (Winter) | 8.3 | 46.94 | 13.6 | 56.48 |
| July (Winter) | 7.3 | 45.14 | 13.1 | 62.78 |
| August (Winter) | 7.9 | 46.22 | 14.0 | 57.2 |
| September (Spring) | 8.9 | 48.02 | 15.8 | 60.44 |
| October (Spring) | 9.5 | 49.1 | 17.6 | 63.68 |
| November (Spring) | 10.6 | 51.08 | 19.2 | 66.56 |
| December (Summer) | 12.2 | 53.96 | 20.6 | 69.08 |
Where is the best place to see koalas in the wild?
Yep, you can see koalas in the wild along the Ocean Road. Kennett River is one of the most popular places to see them. Drive on up Grey River Road a little way and keep a lookout for little round lumps in the trees. They are quite often down near the shop too.
Cape Otway is another great spot for koala spotting.
Koalas can sometimes be seen at Teddy’s Lookout and in the bush surrounding Lorne.
Can I see a platypus in the wild?
Yes, though it is not guaranteed. Most Australians have never seen a platypus in the wild. It is such a wonderful experience.
The best-known spot to see them is at Lake Elizabeth, up in the Otway Ranges. It is not guaranteed to see them; dawn and dusk are the best times. It is possible to join a canoe tour on Lake Elizabeth with a chance of seeing wildlife.
What is a glow worm & where can they be seen?
Seriously? Worms that glow? Not really, they are the larvae of a little critter known as a fungus gnat. Glowworms use bioluminescence to entice food, which gets stuck on their sticky threads that hang down.
Found in both Australia and New Zealand, they can be in caves, cool rainforest, and under embankments. They are susceptible to light, so please do not touch them, shine torches on them, or take flash photos.
The best-known place to see them is Melba Gully near Lavers Hill. Maits Rest, about a 20-minute drive west of Apollo Bay, is also a good spot, and the Grey River Picnic area beyond Kennett River is good too.
Where can Kangaroos be seen?
Kangaroos can be seen in many spots along the Ocean Road. The Anglesea golf course is a favourite; however, do not wander onto the course as it is private property. The Golf Club offers guided Kangaroo tours, and their restaurant is rather good.
Kangaroos near Lorne- just out of Lorne, heading West, there is a large parking area where the St George River meets the sea. The paddocks opposite have mobs of kangaroos grazing in the evenings and early morning.
Late in the day and early evening are the best times to see them out and most open grassland areas near bushland will provide opportunities. Kangaroos often gather on recreation fields and golf courses where the grazing is easy. The Big 4 Holiday Park in Anglesea is well known for roos grazing within the park.
The recreation reserve in Princetown is another well known place to see them in the wild. The reserve offers low cost camping and is close to the 12 Apostles.
One of the best spots to see Kangaroos near Melbourne is in the Dandenong Ranges. It is less than an hours drive.