10 of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, there are plenty of places to stop and things to do while driving on one of the world’s most scenic roads.

Travelling to Victoria soon? Of all the things to do, Great Ocean Road exploration should be at the top of your list. The world-famous Great Ocean Road cuts its way through a bewitching limestone wilderness that is fringed by native bushland teeming with wildlife on one side and the wild beauty of the Southern Ocean on the other.

Along the 255-kilometre route, there is plenty to see and do: from watching humpbacks breaching from a coastal whale-watching platform to booking into a chocolate-making masterclass. Here are the places worth stopping at on the Great Ocean Road.

1. Take in the wild beauty of the Port Campbell National Park

One of the better-known highlights along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. Do not miss seeing this offshore collection of limestone stacks rising proudly out of the ocean, standing 45 metres high. The lookout is located within the Port Campbell National Park and taking time to marvel at them is a requirement of every journey to the region.

view of the Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell National Park — Capture the majestic Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

But don’t just stop at the Twelve Apostles. The Port Campbell National Park has plenty more natural attractions to explore, including London Bridge, an offshore natural arch located just a few minutes’ drive west of the Apostles. The stack, which was formed by a gradual erosion process, was connected to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed to create a detached double-span natural bridge.

two people standing on the London Bridge lookout — London Bridge offers stunning views of the limestone stacks. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Get a sugar hit at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Open every day except Christmas Day, this popular pitstop in Bellbrae is fun for all the family. Book a spot in the Chocolate Discovery class to craft your own chocolate bar and taste a selection of the chocolaterie’s finest or sit down for a decadent chocolate high tea in the private experience room. If you’re short on time and just want a bite to eat, the all-day cafe menu has a mix of savoury and sweet items, including waffles and croissants for brunch, burgers and stone-baked pizzas for lunch, and scones and old-fashioned sundaes for dessert.

3. Head to one of the famed lookouts

The Great Ocean Road provides much by way of rich scenic grandeur – best appreciated from one of the many viewing platforms you’ll find along the way.

Teddy’s Lookout

Take a short drive to the top end of George Street to find the renowned views of the Great Ocean Road sighted on many a Lorne postcard. It delights just as equally in person.

Logans Beach

Between June and September, female southern right whales return to Logans Beach in Warrnambool to birth their young. They often swim within a hundred metres of the shore and a specially constructed platform has been built to view them at play.

Cape Patton

Located between Kennett River and Wongarra, Cape Patton provides dramatic views of the windswept coastline. It marks the western end of what was considered the Great Ocean Road when first constructed by World War One veterans. A plaque at the lookout tells the story.

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Twelve Apostles

Visit the Twelve Apostles at dawn or hang around after the sun goes down to see little penguins – they come ashore each evening on the beach at the base of the 70-metre cliffs.

4. Pay a visit to QDos Arts in Lorne

While Lorne mightn’t be known for its artistic prowess, one venue does well to showcase its unassuming talent. QDos Arts is a studio, gallery, cafe and sculpture park that specialises in fine and contemporary art. It’s the first space of its kind in the region, hosting many gallery exhibitions each year. There is also boutique accommodation onsite, with luxury Japanese-style tree houses perfect for couples or solo travellers.

5. Become a part of the local festival scene

The residents of the Great Ocean Road love a good bash – and visitors can expect a celebration for everything from folk music to seafood.

In March, the Port Fairy Folk Festival – or ‘folkie’ – transforms the historic fishing village into a four-day reverie of musical and theatrical delights. Feast on international and local folk, blues and roots artists alongside street theatre, comedy performances, interactive workshops and inspiring talks.

people gathering at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Dynamic energy fills the air at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

The Bonney Upwelling is the epic natural ocean occurrence that powers a seven-month feeding frenzy for the region’s marine animals. Upwelling Festival celebrates the commencement of this incredibly rich ecological food web with an epic one-day event. Held on the first Saturday in November, visitors and locals alike come for the music, market stalls and whale boat racing, and stay for the absurd street parade of aquatic ornaments and fish flags.

The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is a great way to continue the marine celebrations. The gourmet extravaganza dishes up world-class, locally sourced seafood, straight from the ocean to the people. Take your pick of the morning catch direct from the fishermen, order food from the pop-up restaurants and drink your way through an extensive offering of craft beer, wine and cocktails.

6. Taste some of the Great Ocean Road’s finest

Located in the busy beach town of Torquay, the Great Ocean Road Gin distillery is open on select days seasonally. The owner, Ann Houlihan, uses local botanicals to produce her high-quality, small-batch gin. The citrus-forward Guvvos variety (named after a favourite surfing spot of Ann’s daughter) features a number of botanicals local to the Surf Coast region, including coast daisy, saltbush, pigface, kelp and indigenous eucalypts. Stop by the shop to grab a bottle of gin or some classic G&Ts in a can to take the edge off a warm summer afternoon.

gins and classic G&Ts at the Great Ocean Road Gin distillery — Sip on classic G&Ts or a shiraz G&T.

7. Discover some under-the-radar natural gems

While the heavy hitters are definitely worthy of exploration, you should also consider adding some of these lesser-known gems to your itinerary. In summer, locals swim at Childers Cove. Drive 19 kilometres west of Peterborough and turn off the Great Ocean Road at Nirranda South to find its wonderful seascapes.

a person walking with trail of barefeet on the sandy beach at Childers Cove — Frolic barefoot in the sand at Childers Cove. (Image: Visit Victoria)

For striking limestone cliffs, dramatic rocks and relatively few people, try Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs. Both are located near Peterborough and feature sprawling headlands to traverse and colourful wildflowers to admire, minus the heavy crowds that converge at some of the more famous sites during high season.

a man admiring the view on the Bay of Islands — Admire dramatic views of the bay. (Image: Visit Victoria)

8. Take a surfing history lesson in Torquay

Torquay is world-renowned as Australia’s surfing headquarters – making it worthy of a spot on your Great Ocean Road hit list. The Australian National Surfing Museum on Beach Road (of course!) is a great place to start.

surfboards on a blue background at The Australian National Surfing Museum — Start your day by immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant surf culture. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Learn about the history and evolution of the sport and gain an understanding of exactly how it cemented itself as part of our national identity.

an aerial view of Torquay Beach — Torquay Beach is renowned for its spectacular surf breaks. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re a keen surfer, you’ll find plenty of action at Jan Juc, Torquay front and Torquay back beaches. Finding breaks suitable for intermediate or beginner surfers shouldn’t be too hard, but as always, watch the conditions and ask for advice if you’re unsure.

a surfer riding a surfboard at Torquay Beach — Surf’s up! (Image: Visit Victoria)

As the home of the famous Rip Curl Surfing Competition, Bells Beach is an iconic surf spot known around the globe.

surfers holding their boards at Bells Beach — Get your surfboards ready at Bells Beach. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Powerful Southern Ocean swells roll in over the shallow reef, giving visitors a front-row seat to the waves that draw thousands of surfers from around the world each year.

a surfer on Bells Beach at sunrise — Hit the waves at first light. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Watch local surfers ride the waves from one of the cliffside vantage points – the clifftop carpark has great views.

Top off your assimilation with a visit to one of the major surf brand giants that call Torquay home: both Rip Curl and Quicksilver have stores in town for you to visit to stock up on surf gear and summer threads.

the lookout on Torquay Beach — The water conditions at Torquay Beach are ideal for surfing. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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9. Walk to Griffiths Island

This ruggedly beautiful one-hour walk in Port Fairy takes in secluded beaches, a shearwater colony and the old 19th-century lighthouse. It’ll guide you along all the best scenic locations of Port Fairy, past heritage buildings and old stone churches.

the Port Fairy lighthouse on Griffiths Island — The 19th-century lighthouse stands proudly on Griffiths Island. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Named after John Griffiths, who established Port Fairy’s whaling industry on the island in the 1830s, the island is home to a shearwater bird colony. Each day they return in swarms to their nests after fishing out at sea. Be sure to keep on the walking track to avoid disturbing the nests burrowed into the sand.

a couple walking on a piece of land at Griffiths Island — Go for a peaceful island walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Explore the Winter Whale Trail

If you’re travelling along the Great Ocean Road from May to September, be sure to keep the possibility of a whale sighting top of mind. During this period, it’s possible to spot migrating southern right whales, humpbacks, blue whales and even orcas if you’re lucky. There are some great vantage points along the trail, including the Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform in Warrnambool, East Beach in Port Fairy and Wade Street Viewing Platform in Portland, although if you’re near the beach you could be blessed with a whale sighting at almost any time during this period – a solid reason to get along to the Great Ocean Road during the cooler months if ever there was one!

Discover the best restaurant along the Great Ocean Road.

A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.

Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.

1. It’s easy to get to

An aerial view of Pt. Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula. — Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)

At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).

2. The coastline is stunning

Mount Martha Bathing Boxes — Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.

The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.

Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.

For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.

3. Taste exceptional food and wine

Crittenden restaurant mornington peninsula — Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.

While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.

Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.

Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.

And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.

4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors

A quiet moment on the green as he prepares for the perfect swing. — Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.

Bring your hiking boots, because from beachside strolls to breathtaking cliffside walks, the Mornington Peninsula boasts incredible scenic trails for all fitness levels.

The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).

The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.

5. Lean into wellness and relaxation

From an aerial view, a woman drifts peacefully across still, crystal-clear water. — Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.

Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.

Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.

6. Get a culture fix

Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate during long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. — Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)

Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.

If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.

7. Gorgeous accommodations

The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.

For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.

Start planning your long weekend at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

10 of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, there are plenty of places to stop and things to do while driving on one of the world’s most scenic roads.

1. Take in the wild beauty of the Port Campbell National Park

2. Get a sugar hit at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery