Top Things to do in Great Ocean Road
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What to do and see in Great Ocean Road, Victoria: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Great Ocean Road, Australia including Port Campbell National Park, Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground, Bay of Islands, Great Ocean Walk, Loch Ard Gorge, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Griffiths Island.
Restaurants in Great Ocean Road
1. Port Campbell National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,067 reviews
The wild Southern Ocean has carved the Port Campbell National Park coastline into formations that are famous the world over - and earned it the nickname of the Shipwreck Coast. Drive the Great Ocean Road and see London Bridge, The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge and the unmissable Twelve Apostles. The best way to see Port Campbell National Park is to take the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the world's most celebrated scenic drives – and its undoubted highlight is the Twelve Apostles, which tower 45 metres above the Southern Ocean. On a coastline renowned for its spectacular coastal formations it’s easy to overlook London Bridge and The Grotto, which are both as awesome in their own way as the more famous Twelve Apostles.
Reviewed By NicholasC50 - Montreal, Canada
This a fairly-weather dependent attraction - in bad weather it will be hard to see effectively, though it may well be less crowded out of season. The scenery is spectacular all along the coast, and there are lots of places to stop and take a look. Taking a look often involves climbing up and down flights of steps from the clifftops to sea level, so bear in mind if you are unfit or have small children. It is best to be there morning or evening, it seems to me, as there are lots of day trip buses from Melbourne in the middle of the day, so staying overnight in the area is probably a good idea. Well worth a visit if you are in the Melbourne area.
2. Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 579 reviews
Lake Pertobe is a large adventure playground area that includes a wide range of playground equipment, nature walks, paid attractions such as mini golf and seasonally paddleboats and powerboat hire.A great place to explore with the children, use the FREE electric bbq's that are cleaned daily, play a game of cricket or footy on the large grassed areas.Truly a great adventure playground area for all the family.
Reviewed By neith2017 - Sydney, Australia
So much to do at this park - get lost in the maze, go on the flying foxes, play in the various playgrounds, watch the boats on the river or have a go - motorised for a relaxed ride or paddle boats for the more energetic. The beach was a short walk across the road and over the dune.
3. Bay of Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 673 reviews
A land and seascape sculpted by the elements over millennia. Arches, islands and rock stacks are dotted along a wild coastline of beach coves and spectacular lookouts. The wild Southern Ocean has carved a stunning collection of rock stacks and sheltered bays with clifftop walks, scenic lookouts and small beach coves near Peterborough along the Great Ocean Road. Perhaps overshadowed by the Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles down the road, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park offers just equally spectacular experience without the crowds. Dogs are welcome on a lead at Sandy Cove near Murnanes Bay.
Reviewed By AlanW491 - Vancouver, Canada
Spectacular scenery, really worth seeing. 40 minutes west of Port Campbell and the 12 apostles. Warrnambool is 35 minutes further west. Don't miss this site, way better than the Apostles and you don't have the crowds.
4. Great Ocean Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 609 reviews
Reviewed By 970bevw - Cairns, Australia
Our group of 9 friends did the self-guided 6-day Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay. We very sensibly used Hike2camp to provide all our needs, carry all our belongings and set up our tents in each overnight camp. We found Hike2camp run a very professional and friendly service. They provided our breakfast for us to cook or organise ourselves and a packed lunch with plenty of snacks for each day’s hiking. When we reached each day’s camp, our tents were set up with our gear in each, and we had our one-pot dinners ready for heating on the supplied gas stoves. Hike2camp take on all of the hard work and logistics, leaving hikers with the simple pleasures of just hiking during the day and enjoying the company of the other hikers at each camp site at night. I highly recommend using Hike2camp, owned and operated by young local people, who we found provided value for money.
5. Loch Ard Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 985 reviews
Reviewed By ogerkan - New York City, United States
Large site, with 3-4 walking trails to various lookout points all easily accessible from the parking lot We found the this section of the drive, near Port Campbell, to be the best part of the drive. Part of the shipwreck tour sections of the drive.
6. Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By nonchoi
This is really amazing natural place. Wonderful views, great ocean waves and stunning rock formations. I recommend the sunset time there, but I would stay for more than a day to avoid crowds.
7. Great Ocean Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By RobandMaryJean
This a bucket-list type of trip - but don't just visit the Twelve Apostles. See Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge (now an arch), The Arch, the Bay of Martyrs, the Bay of Islands and Childers Cove - as well as Bells Beach, Lorne and other stops on the way to Port Campbell. Also, add in visits to the Grampians and Ballarrat if you can.
8. Twelve Apostles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,218 reviews
Experience the awesome natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Rising abruptly from the tempestuous Southern Ocean, these seven limestone stacks are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. They are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange and every shade in between.
Reviewed By vsop-50 - Vlijmen, The Netherlands
Great views and photo opportunities. Busy place, big parking lot, many tourists visiting (and we were there on a quiet day with foul weather). So fight your way towards the edge of the viewing platforms, stand your ground between all the selfie sticks and photograph one of Australia's great coastal views. After all, they may not be there much longer.
9. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 914 reviews
At Flagstaff Hill you don’t just learn about history – you experience it in Flagstaff Hill’s Living Museum and Spectacular Sound and Light Show Flagstaff Hill celebrates the Shipwreck Coast’s maritime history with the: - Maritime Museum which displays scores of shipwreck artefacts including the famous Loch Ard Peacock valued at over $4 million and was an unlikely survivor of the famous tragedy. - Recreated Maritime Village featuring 40 buildings containing rare original objects all with a story to tell and enriched with volunteers in character, plus NEW interactive digital upgrades. - Nightly Sound and Light Show Experience telling tales of the Shipwreck Coast’s history with a guided tour through the village, state-of-the-art sound and light effects and the impressive nine-metre high water wall. In 2014 the Victorian State Government pledged $2.95 million to upgrade of Flagstaff Hill to make it more accessible, efficient and appealing to visitors. The Village closed to the public for major redevelopments on May the 1st 2017 and is set to reopen Friday the 16th of June. NEW UPGRADES visitors can expect to enjoy in the Flagstaff Hill Living Museum for the first time: - A state-of-the-art orientation theatre to welcome visitors - A facade upgrade which includes an improved entrance ramp - More welcoming arrival with the consolidation of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum reception, gift shop and the Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre - Improved accessibility for elderly and disable visitors - Interactive digital installations including a virtual blacksmith, interactive clock in the Instrument Shop and interactive panel in the Examiner newspaper office. - A new projection screen in the Wharf Theatre - The Shipwrecked Sound and Light Show Experience which tells the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck has been upgraded. With engaging story telling, fresh new imagery, dazzling lighting and sound effects through out the village - it’s sure to impress. - The introduction of Harpooned the brand new Sound and Light Show Experience telling the tale of Warrnambool’s whaling history. - A more activated village with costumed characters bringing to life a coastal village of the 1870s
Reviewed By letsgomumr - New South Wales, Australia
This was our second visit in three years, and it was great before, and even better now. There is a mind-blowing new introduction area, new audio visual features throughout this wonderful fishing village, and even a new laser show format in the evening. You'll find yourself drawn into the incredible history and personal tales of the era, and view genuine artifacts. The whole family is going to love this attraction - and you can make a whole day of it, with a delicious dinner and show package. We learned and enjoyed everything so much - Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a definite highlight of the Great Ocean Road - don't miss this!
10. Griffiths Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Reviewed By Jos_k108 - Melbourne, Australia
Fabulous walk and diverse views to soak in from sea to inland, rocks to the light house and wild animals if you're lucky. We did the whole round and saw wallabies in the setting sun. Beautiful lighting for time of day to take great photos. Didn't get to see any mutton birds but got to enjoy and sunset.
