Great Ocean Road
Sweeping bends past surf breaks, koala-filled eucalypts, and the limestone Twelve Apostles rising out of the Southern Ocean. Built by returning WWI soldiers — the world's largest war memorial.
The Great Ocean Road is a 243 km coastal road in Victoria, Australia. It runs from Torquay to Allansford in about 8 hours of driving. Highlights include Bells Beach, Apollo Bay and Twelve Apostles. Best driven October – April; rated easy difficulty.
- Road length
- 243 km
- Duration
- 8 hrs
- Vehicle
- Car
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best season
- October – April
- Likes
- 13,900
Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.
Best time to drive
October – April
Expect more visitors over December–February; shoulder months are usually quieter and often offer better light.
General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.
How many days for Great Ocean Road?
Plan around 2 days for this route.
At ~5 hours of driving a day, you'll want 1 overnight stop along the way. The route has 4 recommended stops to help you break it up.
Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.
The route at a glance
Stops along the way
- ●
- 01Open in MapsBells Beach
World-famous surf break.
- 02Open in MapsApollo Bay
Lunch and a koala detour up Otway.
- 03Open in MapsTwelve Apostles
The signature stop.
- 04Open in MapsLoch Ard Gorge
Quieter cove — equally dramatic.
- ◆
Travel tips
- ★Drive west for the apostles on your left.
- ★Park-and-walk at lookouts — pull-offs are tight.
- ★Sunrise/sunset for best light at the Apostles.
Music for the road
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Frequently asked
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road takes about 8 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 243 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is 243 km long, running from Torquay to Allansford.
When is the best time to drive the Great Ocean Road?
Best driven October – April. Expect more visitors over December–February; shoulder months are usually quieter and often offer better light.
Is the Great Ocean Road hard to drive?
The Great Ocean Road is rated easy difficulty. It is classified as a coastal road.
What are the main stops on the Great Ocean Road?
The route runs from Torquay to Allansford, with key stops including Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge.
Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria, Australia. It runs between Torquay and Allansford.