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The Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful drives in Australia and even belongs to the most epic ones on the planet. Stretching 243 kilometers along Victoria’s southwest coast from Torquay to Warrnambool, it features the best surf beaches, impressive rock formations, and some of the most spectacular views.
In this article, I will share the best lookouts and viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road such as the world-famous heritage-listed Twelve Apostles and the shipwreck site of Loch and Gorge.
Make sure you add these spots to your itinerary when you plan to visit Australia!
READ ALSO: The Big Lap: the ultimate road trip around Australia in 2 years
Gibson Steps
These steps are located outside of Princetown at the start of the Port Campbell National Park. It is the perfect photo opportunity to capture the 12 Apostles (only 9 remaining apostles) in the background.
A 90-steps stairs lead down to a long stretch of beach, where massive waves crash against the rocky limestones that rise up from the ocean and with low tide you can even get close to them.
You can walk along this beach for kilometers in either direction or enjoy the spectacular views from the top that are simply stunning, with waves crashing against the rocky coastline and the Twelve Apostles looming in the distance.
Twelve Apostle Lookout
The next viewpoint and one of the most popular lookouts on the Great Ocean Road are by far The Twelve Apostles. They are positioned along a section of coastline known as the Port Campbell National Park.
It’s possible to see all 9 Apostles from various viewing points along the coast between Princetown and Warrnambool. However, this particular lookout provides the best views over the Twelve Apostles as there is a massive lookout deck.
Make sure you visit the Twelve Apostle lookout with sunrise or sunset as the views are just incredible!
TIP: The pictures in this article are taken in March and June
Loch Ard Gorge
The Loch Ard Gorge Lookout is about a 5-minute drive from the Twelve Apostel Lookout and from this spot you have a spectacular view of an incredible chasm in the coastline known as Loch Ard Gorge. It is also the historic place wherein 1878, the clipper ship Loch Ard famously ran ashore during rough seas.
This beautiful and natural place can be seen from an elevated lookout platform where you have stunning views over the gorge and coastline below. This is another great stop that is very popular as Island Arch and Razor Back Lookout are just a few meters walking from here.
TIP: Other lookouts such as the Tom and Eva Lookout and the Razor-Back are also easy to reach from the Loch Ard Gorge Car Park.
Island Arch Lookout
From the Parking Area of the Loch Ard Gorge, you can easily walk to this amazing lookout. The Island Arch Lookout Here you will find a viewing platform that provides fantastic views over the fantastic rock arches formed by years of erosion over millions of years.
It was possible to see both arches from this platform. However, it should be noted that one of these arches collapsed in 2009, nevertheless, the Island Arch Lookout remains a beautiful spot to admire the beautiful coastal views of Victoria.
Tom and Eva Lookout
The Tom and Eva Lookout is named after the two survivors (Tom and Eva) of the shipwreck Loch Ard that sunk in 1878. This lookout provides fantastic views over the Island Arch and the Loch Ard Gorge.
The best way to get here is from the Loch Ard parking area and walk towards the Razor-Back Lookout instead of the Loch Ard Gorge. After a few 100meters, you will reach the Tom and Eva Lookout, where you can enjoy the impressive Island Arch that collapsed in 2009.
Razorback Lookout
Another awesome viewpoint that is easy to reach from the Loch Ard Gorge parking area is the Razorback Lookout. Just walk to the opposite way as the Loch Ard Gorge (to the left), on the gravel path and keep continuing until you reach the end, you will be amazed by its beauty!
Named after a long thin ridge known as “The Razorback”, this lookout provides stunning views over the coastline below and to the majestic rock formations around you. However, the best way to see these incredible rock formations is by taking a helicopter flight over the coastline.
London Bridge
One of the most iconic lookouts and must-see along the Great Ocean Road is for sure the London Bridge, A huge limestone rock that rises from the ocean with a beautiful arch surrounded by endless views.
About 7km from Port Cambell you will see the signs to turn left for the car park of the London Bridge. After a short walk, you will reach the wooden view platform where you can admire this epic spot.
The Grotto
A very beautiful place that is often skipped is The Grotto. However, the Grotto itself can be found just 30m below this point and is a popular spot for photographers. A wooden stair will lead you down to the pool and actuall arch.
From the top view platform, you will be amazed by spectacular views over the coastline and particularly with the sun low in the sky.
Bay of Islands
The last spectacular and lesser-visited viewpoint is the Bay Of Islands. Located near Peterborough and just a few minutes from The Grotto, this place is well worth visiting.
It is a short walk from the car park to the two different view platforms with amazing views of the rock formations in the sea. It is not hard to understand why it is called the Bay of Islands.
The Great Ocean Road is an amazing drive, and the many stops along the way make it a unique trip. Even just driving the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Lorne offers spectacular views over this beautiful coastline.
However, if you have time, I would highly recommend stopping at as many of these lookouts as you can!
Explore the most amazing views along the Great Ocean Road with my favourite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Trip – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Carrental
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me or credited to their original artist with permission. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
