Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria and Great Ocean Road Tourism.
A winding, undulating drive that cruises along the edge of where the ocean meets the forest – the wild appeal of the western end of the Great Ocean Road is fairly self-explanatory. In partnership with Visit Victoria, we take a trip down the stunning expanse.
The western end of the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most spectacular drives. The iconic stretch of bitumen spans more than 200 kilometres, taking in lush escarpment, stunning ocean views and gourmet pit stops of every stripe. All you need is a decent set of wheels to enjoy them.
Construction on the road began in 1919, as a means for thousands of returned servicemen to earn a wage after World War I. They hand-carved and occasionally blasted the terrain between Lorne and Eastern View, finishing up in 1932 at Apollo Bay, the mouth of the Otways.
But today the drive extends veritably all the way to the South Australian border. This wild stretch of coast plays host to an adventurous set: surfer-types with eyes forever on the horizon, kitted-out hikers heading for the wilderness beyond Cape Otway when it’s cool, and fisherman pushing on to Portland for a pristine catch. Then there are the sightseers, who flock to the Twelve Apostles all year round. While only eight of those towering limestone stacks remain visible above water, they’re just as alluring as ever – as are a growing set of dining and drinking options in nearby Warrnambool
An abundance of topnotch breweries, cellar doors and small artisan producers dot the surrounding hinterland – most of them less than an hour apart. There’s lots to cover – and always something to catch the eye.
Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria and Great Ocean Road Tourism.
Learn more about partner content on Broadsheet.Welcome to The Great Ocean Road
EAT
You’ll find everything from artisanal produce pit stops to long wine-paired lunches along the food trails of the Great Ocean Road.
DRINK
From the cold coastal climate to the volcanic soils at Tower Hill, nature is at play in the handcrafted hooch you’ll find along the Great Ocean Road.
DO
Discover astounding art in the streets and laneways of historic Warrnambool, or trek around Victoria’s largest dormant volcano. If you’re visiting in winter, there are whale-watching lookouts galore.
STAY
Between a modular home in the Timboon bush and a headland hotel boasting natural hot springs, the road is paved with luxury stays.
Itinerary
Winding Down on the Great Ocean Road
Most towns on the Great Ocean Road are no more than an hour apart. Pick a few spots and spend a day winding your way through them.
Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria and Great Ocean Road Tourism.
