The Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous road trips in the world, with coastline, rainforests, limestone cliffs and waterfalls. This legendary coastline is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia, managed by Parks Victoria and the Parks Authority. Whether you’re after natural wonders, coastal scenery or ancient rainforests, this trip has got it all.
If you’re doing a day trip or a multi-day road trip, here’s a comprehensive guide to the national parks along the Great Ocean Road, what to see and how to see it.
Great Otway National Park
One of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road is Great Otway National Park. Located near Apollo Bay, this stunning park has a variety of landscapes including rainforests 20 minutes, mossy trees and waterfalls like Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls. The park is famous for its rainforest walks and rainforest scenery, with short walks including the 20-minute multi-day rainforest walk and the Madsens Track Nature Walk. Wildlife is abundant here so keep an eye out for wild koalas, kangaroos and birds. The Otway Ranges offer some of the best views, including towering trees and giant tree ferns that will transport you to a different world. Many visitors do a Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour, making stops along the way to see the natural wonders of this place.
Features:
- Melba Gully and Redwood Forest
- Waterfalls and walks
- Koalas and kangaroos
- 20-minute rainforest return walk to see the rainforest and trees
Port Campbell National Park
A must-see on the Great Ocean Road is Port Campbell National Park with its iconic wave-sculpted limestone rocks and gorgeous rock stacks. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch are the park’s most popular attractions with amazing views and opportunities to capture the beauty of the wild coastline. The cliffs and limestone cliffs make for a stunning coastline, with various walking tracks to incredible rock formations.
Loch Ard Gorge has historical significance as the site of a famous shipwreck. If you want more than just views the area has a mix of coastal history, geology and natural beauty. Along the coast, you will find sandy beaches, including the peaceful Gibson Beach where the Gibson Steps lead down to the shore. If you want to go deep you can do a Great Ocean Road tour and explore the park’s many wonders.
Features:
- Iconic limestone stacks the Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge and its shipwreck story
- Gibson Steps and Gibsons Beach
- Coastal tracks with breathtaking views
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Located between the coastal towns of Port Fairy and Warrnambool Tower Hill is a regional park sitting in the remains of an extinct volcano. The reserve offers a unique chance to walk through volcanic landscapes and see koalas, kangaroos and various birdlife. It’s part of the Parks Victoria network and one of the best places to see wildlife and dramatic scenery. You can have accessible experiences like walking tracks and coastal views and learn about the region’s cultural heritage.
Features:
- Explore extinct volcano landscapes
- See koalas and other native wildlife
- Scenic walking tracks and coastal views
Bay of Islands Coastal Park
Another beautiful stretch of coastline with cliffs and coves. The park’s wild coastline has views of the Southern Ocean and has iconic beaches like Johanna Beach with awesome surf. Great place to experience the coast’s dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and coastal parks without the crowds.
Features:
- Incredible views and wild coastline
- Beautiful beaches, Johanna Beach
- Peaceful coastal parks with hidden gems
Other Parks and Natural Wonders
As well as the well-known parks, there are many other places to explore along the Great Ocean Road including Gariwerd Grampians National Park, Binns Road and Aireys Inlet. Whether you’re heading to the town of Lorne, stopping at Wye River for a beach holiday or going out to Port Campbell there are so many places to experience coastal scenery, rainforest and iconic beaches. For more accessible options parks like Gibson Steps and Bells Beach have great views of the coastline and holiday parks like Apollo Bay Holiday Park are great places to stay.
If you’re planning a longer trip consider booking a 3 Day Great Ocean Road trip, which allows you to visit more of the hidden gems along the coast, including Cape Otway and the Port Campbell region where you can see breathtaking views and rugged coastline at a more leisurely pace.
Key features:
- Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye River for coastal scenery
- Surf coast and dramatic coastline
- Breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean
Conclusion
The Great Ocean Road is a real treat through Australia’s natural wonders. From old-growth, rainforests in Great Otway National Park to iconic limestone cliffs in Port Campbell National Park, there’s no shortage of awesomeness. Along the way, you’ll find coastal reserves, wild coastlines and waterfalls for every nature lover. Whether you’re taking a day trip from Port Fairy or spending a few days exploring, the parks along the Great Ocean Road offer endless opportunities to connect with nature, take in coastal views and create holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Consider extending your adventure with a Great Ocean Road Tour or even a 3 Day Great Ocean Road Tour to fully experience the beauty of this world-famous coastline.
FAQ
What national parks to visit along the Great Ocean Road?
Some of the best national parks along the Great Ocean Road are Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is 240km (150 miles) and you can drive it in a day but we recommend 2-3 days to fully experience all the goodness.
Is there accommodation near the national parks?
Yes, there’s plenty of accommodation near the national parks along the Great Ocean Road. From holiday parks like Apollo Bay Holiday Park and Port Campbell Holiday Park to private campsites, you’ll find something for your stay.
What wildlife can I see along the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is a great place for wildlife spotting. You may see wild koalas, kangaroos and many bird species in the area.
What’s the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?
The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is during the warmer months of spring and summer (September to March). This is when the weather is perfect for exploring the wild coastline and beaches and many wildlife species are most active.
