The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives, offering stunning scenery and a chance to explore the country’s natural beauty. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with the family, or with friends, a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience. But planning your road trip can be overwhelming, especially if you must familiarise yourself with the area at first. That’s why we’ve compiled this complete road trip planner to help you make the most of your journey.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road
The best time to tour the Great Ocean Road depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’d rather avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather, visit during the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring. The weather during these seasons is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists.
Suppose you’re a beach lover and want to enjoy the warm weather; visit during summer. However, prepare for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this peak season.
If you want to see the Southern Right Whales, visit during the winter months, as these are the best times to see these majestic creatures as they migrate along the coast.
The Best Way to Get to the Great Ocean Road
If you’re flying into the area, opting for a Melbourne Airport Car Hire is best. Driving yourself around will give you greater flexibility regarding your itinerary, and you won’t have to adjust your plans to fit the local transport schedules.
You can also drive your discount rental car to visit a guided tour office with accommodation and a tour guide. This is an excellent option if you’d rather sit back and relax while someone else does the planning for you.
Places to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road
With your car rental Victoria, the Great Ocean Road has plenty of accommodation options for all types of travellers and budgets. From luxury hotels and resorts to cozy B&Bs and camping sites, you’ll find something that suits your preferences.
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, consider one of the many resorts or hotels along the coast. If you’re on a budget, camping sites and holiday parks offer affordable and fun accommodation options. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Backpackers and Hostels
Top Attractions to Visit Along the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are countless attractions to visit along the way. The most famous attraction is the Twelve Apostles, a massive collection of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean. Other popular interests include the Loch Ard Gorge, the Otway National Park, and the Great Ocean Walk.
The Twelve Apostles are an absolute must-see and are a pinnacle of any visit to the Great Ocean Road. These towering limestone formations are genuinely breathtaking, and there are multiple lookout points where you can get a great view of them.
The Loch Ard Gorge is another must-visit attraction along the Great Ocean Road, and this stunning gorge is named after a ship that wrecked there in 1878. The gorge is a popular spot for swimming and exploring, and several walking trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.
The Otway National Park is a great place to experience Australia’s natural beauty. The park has lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. Several walking trails throughout the park, including the famous Otway Fly Treetop Walk, offer stunning views of the forest canopy from above.
Best Places to Eat Along the Great Ocean Road
Plenty of dining options are along the Great Ocean Road, from casual cafes and beachside eateries to fine dining restaurants. The region is known for its fresh seafood, but you’ll also find plenty of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. We’ve highlighted three of your must-visit food spots when driving along the Great Ocean Road.
Chris’s Restaurant
280 Skenes Creek Road, Skenes Creek, Victoria, 3233
Chris’ cuisine is contemporary, blending Southern European and Middle Eastern influences. Their specialty is fresh seafood, along with a range of Greek dishes that are particularly popular. Simplicity is key, and Chris focuses on showcasing the ingredients’ natural flavours. They won’t be on the menu if they can’t find fresh ingredients.
The wine list highlights the best wines from the region and the finest wines that represent Australia’s greatest wine regions. These wines have been carefully chosen to complement our menu, with prices to suit all budgets.
Brae
4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra, Victoria, 3242
World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, No. 57. Good Food Guide 2020 Restaurant of the Year
Located on a hillside in Birregurra, Victoria, Brae is a contemporary restaurant and six luxurious guest suites nestled on an organic farm. It’s a place where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy food grown straight from the land. Their ever-changing set menu features produce from Brae Farm, the surrounding areas, and local ethical producers, showcasing a uniquely Australian cuisine that respects nature and seasonality.
At Brae Farm, organic principles are employed to grow various seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, olives, and wheat grains. The free-range chickens provide eggs, while bees produce honey and assist with pollination. The farm and its food production, which forms the centrepiece of the daily menu, are designed for guests to explore, with walking paths and signage guiding visitors to reconnect with their food and where it’s sourced.
Merrijig Kitchen
1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy, Victoria, 3284
Make a booking for an unforgettable gourmet experience at Victoria’s oldest inn. Merrijig Kitchen offers a daily-changing menu that features seasonal produce sourced locally wherever possible and inspired by French cuisine. You can expect to indulge in delicacies such as new-season whole artichokes, duck-liver parfait, Portland Mirror dory with chickpeas and Portarlington mussels, and an entire menu of French cheeses.
The award-winning wine list perfectly complements the food, with a focus on small-production wine growers who practice sustainable techniques. Each wine is carefully selected to showcase outstanding vineyards from Victoria and France.
Tips for Driving the Great Ocean Road
Driving the Great Ocean Road can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your road trip:
- Take your time: The Great Ocean Road is long and winding, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Please don’t rush to get to your destination, as the journey itself is part of the experience.
- Watch out for wildlife: The Great Ocean Road is home to plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. Be sure to watch out for these animals while driving, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
- Stay on the designated routes: The Great Ocean Road has designated routes and parking areas for a reason. Stay on the designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid damaging the environment.
- Check the weather: The weather along the Great Ocean Road can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before setting off. Bring warm clothes and rain gear, just in case.
Prepare for an Epic Adventure
A road trip along the length of the Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning scenery, plenty of attractions, and delicious dining options. By following this road trip planner, you can make the most of your journey and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the Great Ocean Road has something to offer everyone.
All Best Explored with a Hire Car
Alpha Car Hire has a wide range of rental vehicles. From zippy compact car rental options to robust family-sized large suv rental services, we are more than confident that we can match your travel needs with the perfect rental vehicle for your trip!