The Great Ocean Road
Drive one of the world’s most scenic coastal touring routes, the Great Ocean Road, spanning 243 kilometres along the stunning coastline of Victoria’s south-west. Take in the panoramic views as the road winds along cliff tops, up to breathtaking headlands, down onto the edge of beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests.
The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is considered by many to be the most picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road. The highway is carved into sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean, offering commanding views of the waves from Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean swelling and crashing onto the rocks and beaches below.
Outside Apollo Bay the road winds through the centre of the Great Otway National Park with its beautiful untouched rainforests, before returning to hug the coast for the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park. This is the most famous section of the Great Ocean Road featuring an amazing collection of rock formations known as the 12 Apostles which have been carved out of the headland by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean.
Things to See and Do
12 Apostles
Witness the rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline.
Limestone cliffs
Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10–20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs.The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore. View the 12 Apostles at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and foreboding in shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun. The 12 Apostles is only 29 km / 25 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Port Campbell
Stop off at Port Campbell during your Great Ocean Road journey and admire the spectacular coastal scenery, including Port Campbell National Park and the mighty 12 Apostles. A colourful and lively seaside village, Port Campbell is home to restaurants and cafes with views of the beach, bakeries selling homemade goodies, and plenty of vibrant shops and galleries to explore. Sheltered by cliffs and Norfolk pines, the town has the atmosphere of a safe haven on the edge of wild nature. Finish the day with a walk out to the Port Campbell Jetty and watch the waves crashing against the limestone cliffs. Port Campbell is only 18 km / 15 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
London Arch
London Arch (formerly London Bridge) is an offshore natural arch in the Port Campbell National Park. The arch is a significant tourist attraction along the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell. This stack was formed by a gradual process of erosion, and until 1990 formed a complete double-span natural bridge.
Head to the upper western or lower eastern viewing platforms at London Bridge and take in sweeping views of the great Southern Ocean. Originally a natural archway and tunnel in an impressive offshore rock formation, London Bridge collapsed in 1990 and became a bridge without a middle. Before the collapse, visitors to the site were able to walk across ‘the eastern bridge’ that stretched across to the mainland.
Time your visit for the end of the day to see the small population of little penguins returning home. The London Arch is only 22 km / 20 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Loch Ard Gorge
The Loch Ard Gorge is one of the best-loved stop-off points along the Great Ocean Road. It’s situated in thePort Campbell National Park and is just three minutes from the world-famous formation of the Twelve Apostles. The picturesque gorge is home to a smooth, pearlescent bay and an inlet of clear, blue water. It’s flanked by two yellow-washed cliff faces and tufts of vibrant greenery. The Loch Ard Gorge is only 25 km / 20 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Hopkins Falls
Measuring 90 metres wide and plunging 12 metres over dark basalt rocks, the curtain-like Hopkins Falls is the largest in the Hopkins River. Take in the views from the two viewing platforms overlooking the falls and take the easy path from to the platform below for postcard-worthy snaps. Visit the falls in winter to see them at their most impressive and to keep an eye out for baby eels jumping the rocky ledges during their winter migration. Hopkins Falls is just a 15-kilometre drive from Warrnambool. A popular picnic spot, the area above the falls has barbecue and toilet facilities. The Hopkins Falls is only 48 km / 35 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. The Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation’s history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.The Great Otway National Park is only 88 km / 1hr 15 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Warrnambool
Marvel at Warrnambool’s captivating position, nestled into the rising contour of Victoria’s south-west coast amid green dairying country and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. Explore the ancient geological history of the region at Tower Hill, just 14 km west of Warrnambool. Located in an extinct volcano crater, Tower Hill Reserve is a haven for native flora and fauna. Join Indigenous guides on a tour through the reserve to see kangaroos, emus and koalas up close and learn about the local Aboriginal culture.
Find a spot at the viewing platform at Logans Beach and be the first to catch a glimpse of a fluking southern right whale. These giants return every June to October to their nursery at the beach to give birth and raise their calves. They can often be seen just 100 metres off the shore, but make time for multiple visits. Warrnambool is only 53 km / 40 min drive from The Timboon Villa.
Apollo Bay
Stop in to the beautiful village of Apollo Bay located at the foothills of the Otways. Hit the waters of the southern ocean, wander the coast and explore petrified rainforests full of waterfalls, ferns and crystal clear streams. Adventure over for the day; settle in to enjoy the fruits of the sea caught by local fishermen.
Swim, dive, surf and paddle out in the pristine coastal waters. Take a dip at the beach, climb aboard a surfboard or kayak, and get up close to local seal colonies. Anglers have plenty on offer too, with a deep-sea fishing adventure at the top of the list. For the landlubbers, there are sunset beach rides on horseback, gift shops, galleries and teahouses along with countless culinary delights to choose from. Fishing is an important local industry so seafood is always on the menu at the local cafes and restaurants. Visit in February for the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. Apollo bay is only 112 km / 1hr 30 min drive from The Timboon Villa.