Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles

Built by soldiers returning from the First World War, the Great Ocean Road follows Victoria's southern coast through surf towns, rainforest and sheer limestone cliffs. Its best-known stop is the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell, a cluster of stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.

As a day trip from Melbourne it is long, often around twelve hours, so we usually suggest an overnight stop in Lorne or Apollo Bay. Along the way you may spot wild koalas in the trees at Kennett River, and a short helicopter flight over the Apostles shows the coastline at its most dramatic.

The light is warmest in the late afternoon, when the rocks glow gold. Weather changes quickly on this coast, so carry a windproof jacket even in summer.