Experiences & Stays
Discover the heart and soul of the Great Ocean Road region. From artisan producers and culinary delights to coastal adventures and secluded retreats, immerse yourself in experiences crafted by passionate locals.
Explore our carefully curated selection of must-visit destinations below. This list has been hand-curated by local experts to include the top must-do and must-see activities and experiences on the Great Ocean Road, Australia.
Table of Contents
Food & Drink
Babche Wines
Category: Winery | Cellar Door
- An ode to generations past, Babche is a Timboon winery making responsibly farmed wine in small batches without additives. Swing by their cellar door for tastings, by the glass, and simple lunches built on quality local produce. There's a sunny deck for lazing and slow-cooked magic when winter rolls in.
- Location:
- Timboon
- Hours:
-
Thurs - Sun,
11:30am - 4:30pm
- Phone:
- 0487 561 365
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://babchewines.com
Keayang Maar Vineyard
Category: Winery | Restaurant
- Set on the rim of an ancient crater, this family-run vineyard offers breathtaking views over rolling hills. Enjoy elegant wines, handcrafted pizzas, and genuine country hospitality in a peaceful, picturesque setting.
- Location:
- Victoria's Volcanic Plains
- Hours:
-
Wed - Sun, 11:00am - 5:00pm
(Mon & Tue by appointment)
- Phone:
- 0492 423 856
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
-
https://www.keayangmaar.com/
Great Ocean Road Cordial Syrups
Category: Artisan Producer | Tastings
- Elevate your drinks and desserts with hand-crafted syrups made from fresh fruit and all-natural ingredients. Proud winners in Melbourne food awards, these versatile syrups are perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. "No Nasties, just real fruit flavours."
- Location:
- Timboon
- Hours:
-
Wed - Sun, 10:00am - 4:00pm
(Mon & Tue by appointment)
- Phone:
- 0409 029 464
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
-
greatoceanroadcordialsyrups.com
Little Bit of Sweet
Category: Lolly Shop | Sweet Treats
- Step into a nostalgic candy wonderland specialising in classic sweets, gourmet popcorn, and over 300 varieties of pick 'n' mix lollies. A delightful stop for families and anyone with a sweet tooth along the Timboon Rail Trail.
- Location:
- Timboon
- Hours:
- Tues - Sun, 11:00am - 4:00pm
- Phone:
- 0428 363 604
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
-
https://www.facebook.com/LittleBitofSweet/
Sow & Piglets Brew Pub
Category: Brewery | Gastropub | Accommodation
- A laid-back microbrewery in Port Campbell crafting German- and English-style beers on tap, paired with wood-fired pizzas. The perfect coastal stop for Great Ocean Road travellers seeking craft beer and social vibes.
- Location:
-
18 Tregea St, Port Campbell,
Victoria 3269
- Hours:
- Everyday, 2:00pm – 8:00pm
- Phone:
- +614 8821 6432
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://sowandpigletsguesthouse.com.au/
Adventure & Activities
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak
Category: Adventure Tours | Water Sports
- Your gateway to the wonders of the Great Ocean Road. Offering beginner surf lessons, board rentals, and guided kayak tours in the Marengo Marine Sanctuary—spot Australian sea lions in their natural habitat.
- Location:
- Apollo Bay
- Hours:
- Mon - Sun, 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Phone:
- 0405 495 909
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- apollobaysurfkayak.com.au
Go Ride A Wave
Category: Surf School | Outdoor Activities
- Australia's favourite surf school and premier outdoor activities provider since 1987. With over one million customers, we deliver unique, safe, and enjoyable experiences at picturesque locations along the Great Ocean Road. Offering daily surf lessons at Ocean Grove, Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne, plus surf, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire.
- Location:
-
Multiple Great Ocean
Road Locations
- Hours:
-
Daily (closed Christmas
and New Years Day)
- Phone:
- 1300 132 441
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.gorideawave.com.au
Great Ocean Walk Guide
Category:Hiking Resource | Trip Planning
- Guide to Australia's iconic Great Ocean Walk, offering detailed information for planning and experiencing this premier coastal trail. The site includes sections on on-track logistics, off-track accommodation options, tours, shuttle services and links to local businesses to help walkers prepare for everything from multi-day hikes to shorter sections.
- Website:
- https://www.thegreatoceanwalk.com
Places to Stay
Kennett River Family Caravan Park
Category: Caravan Park | Family Accommodation
- The perfect base for families and nature lovers near the iconic Great Ocean Road. Surrounded by lush greenery and just minutes from the beach, this friendly park offers powered and unpowered sites, plus cabins. Enjoy easy access to local wildlife, including the famous koalas, and explore the stunning coastline and rainforest trails.
- Location:
-
1/13 Great Ocean Rd,
Kennett River VIC 3234
- Phone:
- (03) 5289 0272
- Email:
-
KennettRiver@
greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
- Website:
-
greatoceanroadparks.com.au
/find-a-park/kennett-river
Sea Foam Villas
Category: Apartment | Coastal
- Experience an authentic, community-based stay in the heart of Port Campbell. Our 22-apartment complex offers a range of options in the prime location opposite Port Campbell Bay, perfect for your world-class travel experience.
- Location:
-
14 Lord St,
Port Campbell VIC 3269
- Phone:
- (03) 5598 6413
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://seafoam.squarespace.com
The Boomerangs
Category: Cottage | Nature Retreat
- A family-owned accommodation just minutes from Johanna Beach. The cottages offer stunning views of the valley, forest, and ocean, set within beautifully landscaped gardens. Perfect for an authentic and relaxing stay close to nature.
- Location:
-
3815 Great Ocean Rd,
Johanna VIC 3238
- Phone:
- 0429 355 099
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- theboomerangs.com
Glenaire Cottages
Category: Cottage | Self-Contained
- Just a few minutes from the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, Glenaires Cottage offers a warm and welcoming retreat for travelers seeking comfort and tranquility. This charming fully equipped cottage features cozy bedrooms, a functional kitchen, and an outdoor space perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
- Location:
-
3430 Great Ocean
Road, Glenaire,
Victoria, Australia 3238
- Phone:
- 0433 911 584
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- glenairecottages.com
The Roost at Johanna Project
Category: Eco-Friendly | Nature Retreat
- Nestled along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, The Roost at Johanna Project offers a unique and peaceful getaway for nature enthusiasts. This stylish, eco-friendly accommodation combines comfort with a connection to the surrounding wilderness. Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers.
- Location:
-
710 Blue Johanna Rd,
Johanna. Victoria 3238
- Phone:
- 0416 011 468
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- johannaproject.com.au
Southern Heights B&B
Category: Bed & Breakfast | Scenic Views
- Perched in a tranquil setting along the Great Ocean Road, Southern Heights B&B offers a warm and welcoming stay with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This charming bed and breakfast features comfortable rooms, a hearty breakfast, and attentive hosts dedicated to making your visit memorable.
- Location:
-
5159 Great Ocean Rd,
Lavers Hill VIC 3238
- Phone:
- 0480 205 902
- Website:
- Website Link
The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Category: Hotel | Hot Springs | Wellness
- The Great Ocean Road's only geothermal sanctuary. Features award-winning mineral baths, 18+ rock pools, ocean-view accommodation, and chef's dining. Perfect for relaxation and wellness journeys.
- Location:
-
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool,
Victoria 3280
- Phone:
- (03) 5559 2000
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://thedeepblue.com.au/
Captains At The Bay
Category: Seaside Retreat |Accommodation
- Cozy, seaside retreat with nautical vibe near Apollo Bay. Perfect for couples/small groups with comfy rooms and free parking
- Location:
-
21 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay,
Vic, 3233
- Phone:
- 03 5237 6771
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- captains.net.au
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces
Category: Holiday Park | Family Accommodation
- Modern park with ocean-view cabins, heated pool, playground, and direct beach access. Family-friendly with activities
- Location:
-
311 Great Ocean Road,
Apollo Bay VIC 3233
- Phone:
- 0352376749
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- big4apollobay.com.au
Best Western Olde Maritime
Category: Hotel | Motor Inn
- Stay in the heart of Warrnambool at the Best Western Olde Maritime Motor Inn, offering spacious, well-appointed rooms, warm hospitality, and an inviting on-site restaurant and bar. Just moments from Flagstaff Hill, Tower Hill Reserve, Logan's Beach, and the Great Ocean Road, it's the perfect base to explore the region's stunning coastal attractions.
- Location:
- 110 Merri St, Warrnambool VIC 3280
- Phone:
- +61 355611415
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://www.bestwestern.com/
Bimbi Park
Category: Camping & Glamping | Family Park
- Escape to Bimbi Park in Victoria, where the beauty of the Otways meets endless family fun. Stay in cozy cabins, unique camping pods, or fully equipped sites, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. Wander through the bush, spot native wildlife like koalas and wallabies, and make every moment a memorable adventure in nature.
- Location:
-
90 Manna Gum Drive,
Cape Otway VIC 3233
- Phone:
- +613 5237 9246
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- https://bimbipark.com.au/
Great Ocean Road Accommodation Directory
Category: Accommodation Guide | Travel Resource
- Online travel directory dedicated to helping visitors find places to stay along Australia's iconic Great Ocean Road and its surrounding hinterland. The site lists a variety of accommodation options, from budget and family stays to luxury retreats, caravan parks and pet-friendly lodgings.
- Website:
- https://www.greatoceanroadaccommodation.directory
Things to See
Natural Wonders & Scenic Spots
Glow Worms at Melba Gully
Category: Natural Wonder | Night Experience
- Known as the "Moss Valley", Melba Gully is one of the most lush and humid spots in the Great Otway National Park. The temperate rainforest is filled with giant ferns, vibrant mosses, and hidden waterfalls. The Madsens Track Loop offers an easy walk through this dense greenery. At night, the forest transforms into a magical scene as glow worms light up the undergrowth, creating a truly enchanting experience.
- Map Link:
- Click Here
-
Image
credit: - Wildlife Tours Australia
- Distance:
- 21km
-
Best Time
to Visit: -
Evening/Night for
glow worms
- Activity Level:
- Easy walk
The Twelve Apostles
Category: Iconic Landmark | Photography Spot
- The Twelve Apostles are an iconic highlight of the Great Ocean Road, and there's no better time to see them than at sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the limestone stacks glow in shades of gold, orange, and pink, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Don't forget your camera—this is a moment you'll want to remember.
- Map Link:
- Click Here
-
Image
credit: - Twelve Apostles
- Distance:
- 15km
-
Best Time
to Visit: - Sunset
- Activity Level:
- Easy viewing platforms
Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk
Category: Nature Walk | Birdwatching
- Explore the serene beauty of the Princetown Wetlands via the boardwalk, which winds through lush marshes and native vegetation. This peaceful habitat is home to a variety of birdlife and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while soaking in the sights and sounds of this unique coastal ecosystem.
- Map Link:
- Click Here
-
Image
credit: - Walks along the Great Ocean Road
- Distance:
- 10km
-
Best Time
to Visit: - Daytime
- Activity Level:
- Easy boardwalk
Shipwreck Beach
Category: Beach | Coastal Scenery
- Shipwreck Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery, where rugged cliffs meet the roaring Southern Ocean. Perfect for a walk along the shore, spotting marine life, or simply soaking in the views, this iconic beach captures the wild beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
- Map Link:
- Click Here
-
Image
credit: - Walks along the Great Ocean Road
- Distance:
- 12km
-
Best Time
to Visit: - Daytime, low tide
- Activity Level:
- Beach walking
Otways Waterfalls Circuit
Category: Waterfalls | Rainforest Experience
- The Otways are home to some of Victoria's most stunning waterfalls. Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls, and Stevenson Falls each offer a unique spectacle, from cascading tiers to serene pools surrounded by lush rainforest. A visit to these natural wonders is a refreshing way to connect with the region's dramatic landscapes and tranquil beauty.
- Map Link:
- Click Here
-
Image
credit: - Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk
- Distance:
- 44km to 75km
-
Best Time
to Visit: - After rainfall
- Activity Level:
- Moderate walking