With buzzing surf beaches, gorgeous native rainforests, charming coastal towns and inspiring landmarks, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great drives, and has to be done alongside any trip to Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road can really be divided into two sections: the east, which encompasses the likes of Bells Beach, Lorne and Torquay; and the west, which plays host to charming Apollo Bay, Kennett River and the marvellous Port Campbell National Park!

We recommend traversing both sides of the Great Ocean Road, as they both include vastly different experiences that make for a great day’s exploring.

After all, it’s very difficult to decide between the two adventures, but if you have to choose one section of this magical road, hopefully this little guide can help:

The western section

For lovers of all things wild and grand then the western section is perfect for you. Why? Because it is the home of the Port Campbell National Park – one of Australia’s most natural attraction-heavy national parks!

The park has long been famous for hosting the 12 Apostles (despite them being more like eight now!) where you can see these incredible limestone stacks leaping out of the wild Bass Strait below.

What’s more, the Port Campbell National Park is also the place where you will find the incredible Loch Ard Gorge: an expansive inlet framed by towering cliff tops that lead down to the turquoise waters below.

That – alongside the London Arch and Grotto – make Port Campbell National Park, and the western section of the Great Ocean Road, totally worth exploring…

The eastern section

The eastern section, being closer to Melbourne, has more of a vibe of being closer to the city, but this is fine, as it is home to some of the most awesome little towns and some of the best surfing in all of Australia!

After all, the town of Torquay is Australia’s surfing capital, with the likes of Quiksilver and Rip Curl being founded in the town. Torquay is also home Bells Beach: the place where the famous Rip Curl Pro takes place every year, so you can be sure there is some pretty good surf just off the coast…

Related article: The Ultimate Guide About Our Great Ocean Road Bus Tours

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