A journey along Victoria’s iconic coastal road gives you the opportunity to discover the Great Ocean Road National Parks. Whether on a day trip from Melbourne, or staying overnight at the coast, you are sure to enjoy exploring these natural wonders.
Read on to find out more about the nature walks, wildlife and incredible lookouts that can be found along the Great Ocean Road.
Great Otway National Park
Driving the Great Ocean Road takes you right alongside and through the Great Otway National Park. From Torquay in the east, travel along windswept coastlines on what is known as the Surf Coast. Stop at the Great Otway National Park to view koalas, native birds, and maybe even wallabies and kangaroos.
After the seaside town of Apollo Bay the Great Ocean Road goes up into the hills and right through areas of dense rainforest. Visit Maits Rest or Melba Gully to discover gorgeous fern gullies, mossy forest, and giant eucalyptus trees. Look out for the Great Otway Black Snail – named after the region – and other rainforest creatures.
Highlights:
- Viewing wild koalas and kangaroos
- Breathing the fresh air of the rainforest
- Walking beneath Australia’s tallest trees
 
 
Learn more about the Great Otway National Park
Port Campbell National Park
The Great Ocean Road leads you straight to a spectacular coastline that has been carved by the wild Southern Ocean. Over thousands of years, the limestone coast has formed into towering cliffs, caves and incredible rock formations, including archways and tall pillars of rock. The most famous are known as the 12 Apostles.
At dusk, look down from the 12 Apostles Lookout and you’ll see penguins returning from the ocean. The coastal lookouts are also great locations for whale watching in winter, or viewing thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters returning to roost on Muttonbird Island.
Highlights:
- Viewing the world famous 12 Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge, the location of a famous shipwreck
- Descending Gibsons Steps to the beach below
Learn more about the Port Campbell National Park
Join us on tour to discover these Great Ocean Road National Parks for yourself!