Great Ocean Road family-friendly travel guide

Great Ocean Road with kids

Winding its way along the wild and windswept Bass Straight and Southern Ocean, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives and the jewel in Victoria’s scenic crown. With an abundance of natural attractions, wildlife, fishing villages, shipwrecks and even migrating whales, it’s packed full of fun for families.

Visit the towering 12 Apostles, get lost among the tall trees of the Otways, watch the surf at famous Bells Beach, learn a little about the waves at the Australian National Surfing Museum or meet some koalas at the Tower Hills Wildlife Reserve. The list of activities for all ages fun goes on and on.

Top stops on the Great Ocean Road

Torquay

Torquay is 90 minutes from Melbourne and the official start of the Great Ocean Road. You can swim at Torquay Beach and watch the surfers, check out surf shop outlets and get a coffee from the Salty Dog Café right on the beachfront. Torquay is home to the Australian National Surfing Museum and scenic coastal walks. Visit the beaches of Jan Juc or Bells, where younger kids can explore rock pools while older kids tackle the surf.

Australian National Surfing Museum

Over the past 100 years, a distinct beach culture has developed throughout Australia, and the Australian National Surfing Museum celebrates the history of this sport and the lifestyle that has developed around it. Located in Torquay, families can learn about heroes and legends in the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, watch amazing footage of surfers in action while perusing the array of vintage memorabilia, and trace the development of the surfboard over time. It’s all very interactive and hands-on, so sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Anglesea

From Torquay, it is a 20-minute drive to Anglesea. You’ll find safe swimming on Anglesea Beach, at the mouth of the Anglesea River. Take the kiddies to Point Roadknight Beach at low tide for interesting rock formations and rock pools. Or the Anglesea Riverbanks Walk is an easy 20-minute walk around the river, where you can stop and hire paddleboats, aqua bikes and kayaks, too. At Jumpz Anglesea, kids can burn energy on the outdoor trampolines while you relax in the cafe. Or for a free playground, head to Anglesea Riverbank Playground. Spot kangaroos grazing near the golf course. Spend the afternoon at Anglesea Main Beach, perfect for paddling and sandcastle building.

Lorne

Lorne is the kind of seaside town where you would want to bed down for the entire summer. It is a 40 minute drive from Anglesea. Bookshops, boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants line the Great Ocean Road as it winds through the Mediterranean-inspired town. Swim at Lorne Main Beach or take on the trampolines, water play, mini golf and more at Lorne Sea Baths. There are a number of waterfalls to go exploring near town, too. Take an easy walk to Erskine Falls, a short, stroller-friendly trail that ends in a stunning waterfall perfect for photos. You can take family surf lessons or visit Live Wire Park, an eco-adventure park with high ropes courses and a canopy circuit.

Kennett River

A tiny, laid-back coastal community comprising little more than a caravan park and a kiosk, Kennett River attracts travellers looking for a peaceful escape beside a gorgeous beach, with a side of koala spotting and glow-worm exploration. Go koala spotting on the Kennett River Koala Walk, one of the best places to spot koalas on the Great Ocean Road. The walk starts at the Koala Kafe. You can also see wallabies, king parrots and kookaburras on the lawn by the café and along the trail. Visit the Grey River Reserve at night to witness glow worms light up the dark on the river banks, head there at dusk and you’ll see wallabies as well.

Apollo Bay

One of the larger hubs along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is the ideal base for exploring the magical Cape Otway National Park. Lush hills and white-sand beaches provide a postcard-perfect backdrop to the town, and there are some great kid-friendly dining and accommodation options. Have a picnic at Apollo Bay Foreshore Playground with fish’n’chips from the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op. Eat a famous scallop pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery and drive six kilometres out of town to the signposted Shelley Beach turn-off and spend a day at the stunning and secluded beach

The Otway Ranges

The Otway Ranges is jaw-dropping nature at its finest: feel dwarfed among the ancient and giant trees, follow the sounds of cascading streams to majestic waterfalls and keep your eyes peeled at all times for native wildlife as kangaroos, platypus, koalas, echidnas, glow worms and seals all call this region home. There are so many things to do with kids here. Zipline through the rainforest or walk 50 metres above the rainforest floor at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Ascend to the observation deck at Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia.

Port Campbell

The iconic Twelve Apostles are along the route to Port Campbell. At the Apostles, easy walking paths and viewing platforms offer views of the towering limestone stacks. Continue to Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps for more coastal scenery and safe, family-friendly walks. Spend time exploring Port Campbell’s playground and beaches before bedding down in this charming holiday town.

Most photographed places

Bells Beach

Bells Beach is famous for hosting the Rip Curl Pro surf competition. The beach itself is a small cove with perfect waves and an excellent lookout to watch the surf rolling in.

Great Ocean Road map