1. 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles are famous for good reason – these striking ancient limestone stacks rise dramatically from pounding seas. Watch them adopt colourful hues from gold to pink to slate as the sun rises and sets. Nearby, descend the Gibson Steps to the sand and don't miss Loch Ard Gorge with its dramatic shipwreck history.
2. Wildlife wonders
Meet koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas and other native critters among bushland at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and learn more through an Indigenous cultural lens on a Worn Gundidj tour. In the Otways, let conservationists at Wildlife Wonders lead you on a spectacular wildlife ecotour.
3. Top tables
Pull over for chef's-hatted eats. Book nature-based fine dining at Brae – awarded a prestigious three hats by the Good Food Guide – or treetop dining at esteemed Chris's Beacon Point. Feast on Mediterranean-style share plates at Totti's in Lorne or head to Merrijig Kitchen in Port Fairy for fresh seasonal dining.
4. Great Otway National Park
Turn inland to the spectacular rainforested valleys and peaks of the Otways. Lace up to explore lush walking trails, winding beneath towering ancient canopy and among giant ferns. There's thundering waterfalls and glow-worm caves, tranquil camping spots and dramatic lookouts over the sea.
5. Coastal hiking
Limber up for the Great Ocean Walk, an unmissable multi-day coastal adventure roaming from sheer cliffs to remote beaches, rivers and heathland, from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles. Shorter stretches are equally rewarding, including between the volcanic beach of Blanket Bay to wild Cape Otway.
6. Fresh flavours
Fill a basket with farm-gate produce along the Otway Harvest Trail and the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail. Pick your own berries, or lick a frosty cone at Timboon ice creamery. Visit village farmers markets for freshly dug veg, and taste seaside bounty at Apollo Bay Seafood Festival.
7. Top-tier surfing
Surf's always up along the Great Ocean Road's powerful coastline. Follow all the hottest global surfing champions to the Rip Curl Pro competition at Bells Beach each year. Zip up your wetsuit and choose a beach that suits your own skills, or gain newbie surfing legs at the Torquay Surfing Academy.
8. Afresh brew
Brewers and distillers are riding their own wave down here, creating artisanal beer, gin, cider and more across the region. We recommend tastings at Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, Forrest Brewing, Noodledoof, and Great Ocean Road Distillery.
9. Festival fun
Time your visit with brilliant events. Toe tap at February's Port Fairy Jazz Festival and at the beloved folk festival in March – one of Australia's largest music fests. Meet local authors at Port Fairy Literary Weekend in September and Apollo Bay WordFest in July, and catch the Aireys Music Festival and Lorne Sculpture Biennale.
10. Whale watching
Bring your binoculars for whale watching each year between May and October as southern right and blue whales migrate down the coast. Prime viewing spots include Logans Beach in Warrnambool and Portland. Plus, check out the huge sperm whale skeleton at Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.
