How Long is the Great Ocean Road?

How Long is the Great Ocean Road?

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 09/05/2018

Reading time: 3 mins

The Great Ocean Road is a stretch of road that spans along the Victorian Coast of Australia.

It is a famous route, as it takes travellers through an array of attractions and towns. It is one of the world’s best, and most scenic road trips on offer.

  • The Birth

    Constructed between the years of 1919 to 1932. By the returning soldiers of World War I, who built it as a permanent memorial to those who died in the war. It was also used to connect isolated towns, and to provide a better route for tourism and to transfer timber.

  • The Length

    The Great ocean road begins at the east end of the coast in the town Torquay and spans a whopping 243km until the small-town Allansford. Although the beginning of the Great Ocean Road does not begin until Torquay. Majority of travellers will start Melbourne, expanding their travels an hour longer. Travelling through long stretches of farmland and the famous town Geelong, before arriving at the coastline.

  • The Highlights

    Bursting with an array of with attractions, the key motive in travelling this picturesque route is to stop at the many locations along the way. The most renowned stop along the way is the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone rock formations that rise out of the coastline in awing size. Stop and spot the amazing wildlife this area has to offer, one popular site in Kennett River, where you can see the Koalas lazing about amidst the trees. Hidden gems include the Airey’s Inlet Caves or isolated beaches such as Sunnymeade Beach.

How to Travel There?

To experience the diverse attractions of the Great Ocean Road has to offer you must first decide how you will travel. Many travellers choose to join a tour, travelling on a bus with a guide, who can inform you of the history and information this land has to offer. Others decide to hire their own transport, renting a car or motorbike so they can fish out the alternative stops, concealed from the crowds. Otherwise, if interested in a unique experience of the great ocean road, why not take part in the cycling events held in the summertime. Events such as the ‘Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race’, where you can cycle along the coast and experience the size of this windy road. Stay tuned for the Family Route, which provides routes for the whole family, taking off in the next year or two.

Have at least one full day to travel to this amazing location, as driving from Melbourne to Allansford alone takes at least 5 hours with no stops. There are several accommodation options along the way or try to set off early in the morning if you are keen for a 1-day experience.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.