Top 10 things to see on The Great Ocean
10. Kennet River Koala Walk
It wouldn't be an Australian road trip without some wildlife spotting opportunities. Koala numbers have sadly been reducing over the past few decades, but fortunately The Great Ocean Road is still a hotspot for Koala's. And there is no better place to get a sighting on a koala in the wild, than on the Kennet River Koala Walk. It's just a question of knowing where they like to hang out and coming prepared with a decent pair of binoculars. Fortunately our guides have you covered on both fronts.
9. Erskine Falls
With over a dozen accessible waterfalls in the Otway region, it is difficult to know which one to visit. Erskine Falls is widely regarded as the most popular falls, partly due to its close proximity to Lorne (The Great Ocean Road’s most prominent resort-style town). In winter, it is by far the most dramatic of falls, but this can be of stark contrast to summer, when it can quickly become a tourist trap with little more than a trickle of water.
8. Point Addis National Park
Point Addis is a very quiet spot, and (thankfully) not mentioned in too many guidebooks. And this makes it even more special to visit, as you can walk along the stunning cliff top boardwalks unimpeded by crowds. It also has a rich Aboriginal history via the nearby Koori Cultural Walk, which incorporates a two kilometre walk where you are rewarded at the end with an incredible view of the isolated Point Addis National Park.
7. Melba Gully Rainforest
The township of Lavers Hill has the unfavourable title of being one of the wettest towns in Victoria. However, it is the gateway to the Melba Gully Rainforest, a secluded hidden valley which offers two grades of walking track to tackle (depending on your fitness levels), and one which comes to alive when glowworms light up the forest floor. Just make sure you ask a local before you leave Lavers Hill for directions, as it can be quite easy to miss.
6. Marriners Lookout
Mariners Lookout offers unparalleled views over the township of Apollo Bay. It can be quite busy during the day with very limited car parking, so try and visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and more favourable photographic conditions. Although it is open to the public, it has actually been privately owned land by the same family for multiple generations, so please try and respect the areas within which you walk.
5. The Redwoods
These Californian Redwoods were planted here back in 1939, and have continued to thrive in local conditions. They are one of the areas best kept secrets and have just recently been made easier to access with the upgrade of a gravel tack to a sealed road. They are still a 30 minute detour off The Great Ocean Road, so you really need to be seeing the region over 2 days or more to include a visit to this mystical woodland.
4. Triplet Falls
Whilst detouring to visit The Redwoods, you can also drive a little deeper into the Otway’s to visit Triplet Falls. Whilst not as dramatic as Erskine Falls, its little wonder why this is the locals favourite waterfall. Not only does it have a unique three tiered cascading waterfall (easily visible from well positioned vantage points - even in summer!) but it also encompasses a delightful 60 minute loop walk through the Otway Forest to reach the falls.
3. Loch Ard Gorge
Aside from it’s incredible natural beauty, Loch Ard Gorge also holds one of the areas most fascinating tales along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast. For it was here, that an immigrate ship carrying 54 passengers from England, ran aground on nearby rocks. 52 people sadly perished, but 2 remaining passengers were washed up ashore into the Gorge itself. You can follow in their footsteps and access the actual beach where they were washed ashore.
2. Maits rest Rainforest
Maits Rest is perhaps the most famous rainforest in the region. It has only just re-opened (2021) after a multi-million dollar track upgrade. So not only does it now have great accessibility (even in the wettest of weather), but it is easy to find and has ample parking. Be warned though, this all makes for a busy attraction, so try and hit this one in the early morning of late afternoon to get the full ancient atmospheric rainforest experience.
1. The 12 Apostles
Of course….we have saved the best for last. The 12 Apostles is without a doubt the most photographed site on The Great Ocean Road. Be sure to avoid it in early afternoon (2-5pm) or you will be rubbing shoulders with the mass convoy of day tripping tourist buses. For many, The 12 Apostles is the main reason why people visit The Great Ocean Road and worthy of any bucket-list, but remember…..it is just one of the many sites that makes this area so special. So while it may be the jewel in the crown, don’t rush the rest of the road, or you might miss some of the other incredible (sometimes hidden) sights.
