NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION This road stretches almost 180 miles (300 km) along the coast of Victoria, Australia
VISITORS PER YEAR 250,000
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES
Jan: 73°F (23°C); Apr: 66°F (19°C); Jul: 57°F (14°C); Oct: 64°F (18°C)
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is acclaimed by Aussies and others alike as the continent’s most stunning coastal route, and with good reason.
One of the first highways in the country built specifically for tourism, it follows the southern coast of Victoria for roughly 180 miles (300 km), winding its way through some astounding ocean scenery. The loosely defined Great Ocean Road region includes well-known sites such as the 12 Apostles, the protected Otways rain forest, and for those with an appetite for the sea, Bells Beach, the continent’s only coastal mountain range. And, of course, there’s the Great Ocean Road itself.
Practical Information
Getting There and Around The Great Ocean Road was built expressly for touring vehicles, although there are several day-hikes possible. Cycling is not an option in most parts.
When to Go Aug–Nov and Mar–May, when the weather is cool. The mountainous regions have chilly evenings any time of the year.