Top 10 Things to See on the Great Ocean Road

Is Australia a dream destination for you? It's a great time to go! The weather is warm and so is the welcome, after a dearth of visitors since 2020. Here to offer a bit of inspiration on a very special part of Australia is local guide James. James is based out of Melbourne, and offers exciting day-long adventures that explore the famous Great Ocean Road. Today he counts down…

The Top 10 Things to See on the Great Ocean Road

10. Kennet River Koala Walk

It wouldn’t be an Ozzy road trip without some great wildlife spotting opportunities. Koala numbers have dramatically declined over the past decade and will likely be on the endangered species list soon, but thankfully The Great Ocean Road is still a hotspot for Australia’s most beloved marsupial, and there is no better place to get a sighting than at the Kennet River Koala Walk. It is just a question of knowing the specific areas they like to hang out in and ensuring you come prepared with a good pair of binoculars. (I can help!)

9. Erskine Falls

With over a dozen accessible waterfalls in the Otway region, it is difficult to know which one to visit. Erskine Falls is widely regarded as the most popular falls, partly due to its close proximity to Lorne (The Great Ocean Road’s most prominent resort-style town). In winter, it is by far the most dramatic of waterfalls, but this can be in stark contrast to summer, when it can quickly become a tourist trap with little more than a trickle of water.

8. Point Addis

Point Addis is a very quiet spot, and (thankfully) not mentioned in too many guidebooks. And this makes it even more special to visit, as you can walk along the stunning clifftop boardwalks unimpeded by crowds. It also has a rich Aboriginal history via the nearby Koori Cultural Walk, which incorporates a two kilometre walk where you are rewarded at the end with an incredible view of the isolated Point Addis National Park.

7. Melba Gully

The township of Lavers Hill has the unfavourable title of being one of the wettest towns in Victoria. However, it is the gateway to the Melba Gully Rainforest, a secluded hidden valley which offers two grades of walking track to tackle (depending on your fitness levels), and one which comes brilliantly alive when glow-worms light up the forest floor. Just make sure you ask a local before you leave Lavers Hill for directions, as it can be quite easy to miss.

6. Marriners Lookout

Marriners Lookout offers unparalleled views over the township of Apollo Bay. It can be quite busy during the day with very limited car parking, so try and visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and more favourable photographic conditions. Although it is open to the public, it has actually been privately owned land by the same family for multiple generations, so please try and respect the areas within which you walk.

5. The Redwoods

These Californian Redwoods were planted here back in 1939, and have continued to thrive in local conditions. They are one of the area’s best kept secrets and have just recently been made easier to access with the upgrade of a gravel tack to a sealed road. Although still considered young for redwoods, they are an impressive sight! They are a 30 minute detour off The Great Ocean Road, so you really need to be seeing the region over 2 days or more to include a visit to this mystical woodland.

4. Triplett Falls

Whilst detouring to visit The Redwoods, you can also drive a little deeper into the Otways range to visit Triplet Falls. Whilst not as dramatic as Erskine Falls, it’s little wonder why this is the locals’ favourite waterfall. Not only does it have a unique three tiered cascading waterfall (easily visible from well positioned vantage points - even in summer!) but it also encompasses a delightful 60 minute loop walk through the Otway Forest to reach the falls.

3. Loch Ard Gorge

Aside from it’s incredible natural beauty, Loch Ard Gorge also holds one of the area’s most fascinating tales along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast. For it was here that an immigrant ship carrying 54 passengers from England ran aground on nearby rocks. 52 people sadly perished, but 2 remaining passengers were washed up ashore into the Gorge itself. You can follow in their footsteps and access the actual beach where they were washed ashore.

2. Maits Rest

Maits Rest is perhaps the most famous rainforest in the region. It has only just re-opened (2021) after a multi-million dollar track upgrade. So not only does it now have great accessibility (even in the wettest of weather), but it is easy to find and has ample parking. Be warned though, this all makes for a busy attraction, so try and hit this one in the early morning or late afternoon to get the full ancient atmospheric rainforest experience.

1. The 12 Apostles

Of course….we have saved the best for last. The 12 Apostles is without a doubt the most photographed site on The Great Ocean Road. Be sure to avoid it in early afternoon (2-5pm) or you will be rubbing shoulders with the mass convoy of day tripping tourist buses. For many, The 12 Apostles is the main reason why people visit The Great Ocean Road and worthy of any bucket-list, but remember…..it is just one of the many sites that makes this area so special. So while it may be the jewel in the crown, don’t rush the rest of the road, or you might miss some of the other incredible (sometimes hidden) sights.

Want to see the Great Ocean Road with someone who can get you to all the right places at all the right times? Get in touch with James and plan the perfect day or more of exploring.