Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Victoria.

A patchwork of coastal towns, jagged cliffs, rainforests, and pristine beaches. Listed as one of the best scenic coastal road trips in the entire world, with hundreds of travellers visiting every day. But how long do you actually need here? A day, a weekend, or more? If so, you might need to stay a night or nights, so here is our list of the best places to stopover in during your adventure.

• Torquay

  Huddled at the very start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is known as the gateway to the road trip. This town may work for a rest stop for those travelling the opposite way, starting their route inland before the coast. Otherwise, it may work for visitors who are planning on spending more than a weekend along the Great Ocean Road, who can easily rest at multiple sops along the way. The town is swarming with beachgoers, with the surf being legendary. It is so great that some of the most famous surf brands such as rip curl and quick sliver started here. Plunge into the cool waters and get refreshed after a day in the car.

• Apollo Bay

  Apollo Bay is the perfect blend of town sites and natural wonders. With local cafes, restaurants, and shops scattered along the coast, promising delicious lunch and dinners as well as friendly locals. Boarding the town is the thick humid rainforest, with fantastic animals, cascading waterfalls, and ancient plant life. Spend a day immersed in the lush greenery before heading back to town for a delicious dinner for two.

• Lorne

  Lorne is one of the most popular stops along the coast, with friendly locals happy to welcome any road trippers. Nestled between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, this town is where the bush meets the beach. Home to Lorne Beach, one of the visited beaches along the coast, you can surf the crashing waves, explore the rock pools, or simply sunbake on the soft sand. With the accommodation only, a short walk from the sea.

• Port Campbell

  The last stop on the agenda, this town is dotted on the edge of the Great Ocean Road. Nearby to the Twelve Apostles and Lord Ard Gorge, this stop is a perfect place to stopover in if you are wanting to reach these attractions before the big crowds. Learn about the fascinating history, rich wildlife, and natural wonders within the area as you spend a full day in Port Campbell.

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.