The Great Ocean Road in Different Seasons: What to Expect Year-Round
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives and runs 240 km along the south coast. This drive is famous for its limestone stacks, beautiful beaches, and charming towns that you can visit each season. If you want to explore rainforests and beaches or simply gaze at beautiful views, this guide will help you navigate the Great Ocean Road all year round.
By Season
Knowing what to expect each season will help you make the most of your visit. Every season on the Great Ocean Road has something special, from autumn colours to summer beaches.
Autumn
If cooler temperatures and fewer crowds are your thing, then autumn is the perfect time to visit the Great Ocean Road. The temperate rainforests of Otway National Park are a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. This is the time to tackle the Port Campbell Discovery Walk, which takes you to Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. Autumn is also a great time to drive the Coastal Route of the Great Ocean Road and see the Southern Ocean, which is magnificent from this vantage point. The coastal towns, including Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, are less crowded during these months, and the fall is a great time to visit the seaside villages of Aireys Inlet and Lorne.
Winter
Winter on the Great Ocean Road is quiet and peaceful, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Winter is the time to visit if you want to get away from the summer crowds. These cliffs are even more dramatic against the winter sky, e.g. Devil’s Kitchen or London Bridge. Check the tide times before you go. If it’s high tide, beaches like Johanna Beach or Wreck Beach may be closed or dangerous as the water comes right up to where you walk. Winter is also a great time to visit the rainforests and waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Hopetoun Falls. The coastal towns of Apollo Bay and Port Campbell have cozy accommodations with incredible views.
Spring
With wildflowers blooming and landscapes renewed, spring gives the Great Ocean Road a new buzz. This is the time when outdoor activities are at their best with warmer weather and longer days. Now is the time to get into Maits Rest’s rainforests, the green floor of the wet forest, the Aire River’s beauty, and more. In May, visit other coastal towns like Apollo Bay or Fairhaven Beach, and you’ll get to experience the soft sand between your toes and the beach vibe with young people from all over the world during school holidays. This flowering flora makes famous sights like the Twelve Apostles or the limestone cliffs in Port Campbell National Park even more stunning. Coastal towns like Kennett River and Wye River have great views and wildlife to see in their natural habitat.
Summer
Summer is the peak season on the Great Ocean Road, with warm weather and sunny days. This is the time to enjoy beach activities and explore sandy beaches in Apollo Bay, Fairhaven Beach, Station Beach and more. Summer is also the best time to visit for day walks and coastal drives. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and Cape Otway Lighthouse are usually busy at this time of year. Be prepared to see more people than usual and pay extra for accommodation while you’re here. Coastal towns like Lorne and Port Fairy are buzzing, and the roads from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles are packed with travellers. Plan your day ahead and take into account rush hour when visiting popular spots.
When to travel along the Road month-by-month
- January: Warmest month of the year, beach activities or just chill on one of the many beaches. But places like Apollo Bay and Lorne are crowded with tourists.
- February: Summer vibes, hot weather and occasional hot days for outdoor adventures and coastal views.
- March: Temps cool down, perfect for hiking and sightseeing with less crowded coastal towns.
- April: Autumn begins, below freezing temps and beautiful fall colors on the vegetation around, so good for exploring the temperate rainforests and headlands along the coast.
- May: May arrives, and it cools down; GOR becomes a quiet place for those who want peace during their day trip to Australia.
- June: Winter wraps everything up in silence, perfect for seeing the cliffs overhanging above the rugged coastline.
- July: Cold and sometimes rainy, good for indoor activities and seaside resorts.
- August: Winter doesn’t let up, so it’s cool and good for those who want to visit less crowded attractions and scenic drives.
- September: Spring is here with all the wildflowers and warming temps, good for hiking in the green rainforest.
- October: Spring has everything, perfect weather for outdoor activities. Coastal towns come alive, and beaches are irresistible.
- November: Warmer temps and fewer crowds, late spring is good for the whole drive or just enjoying the coastal views.
- December: Early summer, hot weather and more customers on site. Good time to swim at the beaches or enjoy yourself in the beach towns.
Best Bits
Some of Australia’s most famous landmarks and natural wonders are along the Great Ocean Road. See below the must-see:
Bells Beach
Surf competitions and stunning views – everyone should see this, even if you don’t surf.
Split Point Lighthouse
On the Aireys Inlet Coastline, the Split Point Lighthouse has views of this long coastline, making it an iconic site in the G.O.R. design.
Memorial Arch
Eastern View’s Memorial Arch is a historical monument to the workers who built the road. Also a gorgeous spot for a photo and a history lesson on the development of G.O.R.
Cape Otway
Cape Otway has the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland and beautiful walking tracks where you can see some of the local wildlife.
The Redwoods Otways
The Californian Redwoods in the Otways are stunning! As you walk among them, the fog seeps through their dense canopies, and it’s like you are in a fairy tale among these giants.
The Twelve Apostles
The most famous feature of the Great Ocean Road, these limestone stacks rise up from the Southern Ocean, great for photos and views.
Bay of Martyrs
There’s a quieter Bay of Martyrs with impressive rock formations and a beautiful beach. Perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds.
Lorne
Are you looking for an ocean view of Lorne? It’s a stylish coastal town famous for its beaches, shopping, and dining. Great to relax and experience local culture.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a pretty town with great seafood, beaches and access to the Great Otway National Park. Use this as your base to explore this part of Victoria.
How Long Do You Need?
You need at least 3 days, if not less. You have time to visit the coastal towns and other main attractions via scenic drives. And you can go further inland or do day hikes to really see it all.
Best Hikes
Great Ocean Road has many hiking options that show you different parts of this area:
Port Campbell Discovery Walk
Cliff tops and coastline and forest. Great views of the coastline.
Triplet Falls
A short walk in Great Otway National Park to Triplet Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Wreck Beach Walk
Beautiful walk with views of shipwrecks on this rugged coastline.
Blanket Bay to Parker Inlet
Heathland and the forest are just two of the environments you will walk through on this hike and enjoy the peace.
When to Visit
Best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is dependent on what you are looking for. Spring or autumn for cooler weather and less tourists. Summer for beach activities and vibrant coastal towns. Winter for a quiet trip with lower temps and some rain.
Summary
There’s something for everyone on the Great Ocean Road all year round. Every season will bring something different, whether you come for the limestone stacks, beaches or rainforest. The famous road is covered in autumn colours and sunny summer beaches, which are loved by many, so there’s no day to forget when you drive this road. Plan your entire Great Ocean Road trip according to season and interest, and you’ll enjoy it all.
FAQ
When should I go to the Great Ocean Road?
The time frame to decide which season suits you is from mild spring and autumn with less crowds through summer for beach activities back to winter for peace and cold wind.
How long does it take to drive the whole Great Ocean Road?
4-6 hours without stopping but at least 2-3 days to not miss out on attractions and lookouts along the way.
Do you have a favourite hike on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, I can’t recommend Port Campbell Discovery Walk, Triplet Falls and The Wreck Beach Walk; they are a must-do; the views are amazing, and nature is at its best.
What are the most popular spots on the Great Ocean Road?
Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lightstation, Bells Beach and Redwoods Otways to name a few; each has its own view and experience.
What to pack for the winter Great Ocean Road trip?
Dress warm and for rain. Check the tide times and weather before visiting beaches. Be flexible in your itinerary for weather changes.
