Great Ocean Road

One of the world's most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road follows Victoria's stunning south-western coastline. From Torquay, south of Geelong, to Peterborough, east of Warrnambool, the road winds for 300 kilometres along cliff tops, up to breathtaking headlands, down to the shoreline, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests, offering panoramic views at every turn.

The famous rock formations, the Twelve Apostles, stand just off the mainland and reach up to 70 metres from ocean to sky. These ancient limestone stacks are part of a dramatic landscape of gorges and spectacularly shaped cliffs, including Loch Ard Gorge, the Blowhole and London Bridge.

This stretch of coast includes some of the nation's best surf beaches. There are protected spots for sunning and swimming, and great places to walk and take in the views. The Shipwreck Coast is dotted with more than 160 wrecks, a legacy of the treacherous waters' rich maritime history.

The Great Otway National Park is 13,000 hectares of wilderness and rugged coastline. Take a walking tour with 'bothfeet Walking Tours', and stay in the newly opened 'bothfeet Walking Lodge'. Experience the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, or take your own self-guided walk along the many trails that lead through the park. Wander along the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk into the forest canopy, or make your way to one of the area's secluded beaches.

Along the way, check in at Victoria's second largest city, Geelong, or one of the laid-back coastal towns. The picturesque maritime village of Queenscliff is home to historic forts and is the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula, one of the state's fine wine regions.

The popular resort towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay are great places for cafes and fine dining. Port Fairy, one of Victoria's busiest fishing ports, offers great food, antiques, arts and crafts shops.

Warrnambool's Logans Beach is famous for the Southern Right whales that swim in the waters off the coast, and which can be spotted from several vantage points between May and October.

Go to Visit Victoria (Great Ocean Road) for further information.