The Best Great Ocean Road Photo Spots: Our Complete Guide (with map!)
Great Ocean Road is definitely a must-do route when you planning on visiting Australia, created as a permanent memorial of those who fought in WWI. Whilst weaving along the coast there are so many amazing spots to stop at with stunning views and memorable sites dotted throughout this iconic and historic journey.
The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular coastline road trip across 243 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford. Travel a mix of incredible cliff faces, archways, sinkholes, lush forests and sandy shores to make unforgettable memories and photographs.
Whichever direction you're travelling in, the Great Ocean Road is said to be one of the world's great drives, with so many amazing places to stop on this famous journey. Keep reading to see eighteen top photo opportunities to capture along the way.
| Photo Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Point Addis Cliffs | Offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged limestone cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean |
| Great Ocean Road Sign | The iconic wooden Memorial Arch signifying the start of the Great Ocean Road |
| Twelve Apostles | An iconic landmark; breathtaking limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean |
| Split Point Lighthouse | Beautiful red and white lighthouse, providing a panoramic view of the Aireys Inlet and the ocean |
| Thunder Cave | Known for the roaring sound that waves make as they rush into the cave, located a short walk from Mutton Bird Lookout |
| Island Arch Lookout | Offers a perfect view of the Island Archway, now independent stacks, after its collapse |
| Tom and Eva Lookout | Offers stunning views of the coastline, located a short walk from the Razorback Outlook |
| Gibson Steps | A set of steps leading down to the beach, offering a unique perspective of the Twelve Apostles |
| Port Campbell | A charming seaside village known for its scenic beachfront, perfect for a rest stop along the journey |
| The Arch | A naturally formed arch in the cliffs, standing strong against the pounding waves of the ocean |
| The Grotto | A picturesque sinkhole-arch formation that offers a unique view of the ocean through a window |
| Bay of Martyrs | Named after a somber event, this bay features views of the numerous rock stacks offshore |
| Triplet Falls | Beautiful falls, surrounded by lush rainforest, which creates a serene spot for nature lovers |
| Hopetoun Falls | Stunning waterfall that cascades over a rocky ledge into a pool below, surrounded by lush ferns |
| Maits Rest Rainforest Walk | Boardwalk loop through ancient rainforest, featuring lush ferns, towering trees, and a rich ecosystem |
| Teddy's Lookout | Provides a panorama of the Saint George River winding its way through the lush valley to the coast |
| Cape Otway Lightstation | The oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia offering sweeping views of the surrounding ocean |
| Childers Cove | A quiet, secluded beach surrounded by low cliffs, offering a peaceful spot away from the busy areas |
Please see the map below to see where our photo spots fall along the Great Ocean Road:
1. Point Addis Cliffs
25 minutes (15 km) from Torquay
2 hours 15 minutes (175 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Found very close to Torquay, this site is like something from a movie set, with the dramatic cliffs making for an impressive picture of crashing waves and endless sea.
It is super scenic and the 2km walk to the viewpoint is certainly going to leave a lasting impression once you reach the top.
Where is it located on the route: If you are starting out from Torquay, then jump onto the B100 to kick off your journey. You can find this impressive site just off Point Addis Road on the Great Ocean Road, between Torquay and Anglesea.
Best time to visit: Arrive at high or low tide and you are going to get a great picture, either with more wave intensity or more of the rocks revealed below.
The golden hours at the start of sunrise and an hour ahead of sunset can provide incredible lighting for this shot and make this impressive photo spot even more magical.
Head here in spring and autumn and you can enjoy milder weather, when some of the lush greenery around the site might also be peeking through – and it won't be as busy as the summer months
Where to park: You can park in Point Addis Marine National Park and track up to the cliffs and viewpoint. You will find a car park located off Point Addis Road too.
2. Split Point Lighthouse
30 minutes (30 km) from Torquay
2 hours 15 minutes (160 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: First built in 1891, this towering structure stands impressive and proud against the skyline along the Shipwreck Coast, helping guide ships each night.
Famous for its use in the popular TV series ‘Round the Twist' you can take plenty of snaps appearing to help hold up the lighthouse or posing alongside this iconic landmark.
Where is it located on the route: Found just off Great Ocean Road, you'll be able to spot this impressive lighthouse from afar as you drive towards Aireys Inlet. There are then plenty of signs showing the way to the convenient car parks to see this landmark.
Best time to visit: From Autumn to Spring the lighthouse has a backdrop of interesting clouds and coloured skies to add some umph to your photos. After sunset you can see this automatic lighthouse in action too!
The lighthouse is open for paid daily tours, where some impressive panoramic shots can also be achieved if you want to head on up.
Where to park: You can park at Step Beach car park or along Lighthouse Road, Eagle Rock Parade, or Inlet Crescent to step out and enjoy this site.
3. Great Ocean Road Sign (Memorial Arch)
35 minutes (35 km) from Torquay
2 hours 15 minutes (160 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Built by soldiers to commemorate their return from WW1, it is a popular and famous spot to stop for a photo.
This marker at the start of the Great Ocean Road features an impressive arch, the Great Ocean Road sign, with an iconic soldier sculpture next to it. A great point to start out and mark an amazing trip, here is our guide to where the Great Ocean Road Sign is located.
Where is it located on the route: You can find the Great Ocean Road sign about 30km from Torquay. Some think it marks one end of the journey, but you do have to travel along the Great Ocean Road before you reach it.
Best time to visit: Given the road is close to this photo spot, which can be heavy with traffic throughout the day, it is ideal to visit earlier in the morning when there are likely to be fewer cars passing.
Any time of year is good to visit, although better to catch the drier days in general when you aren't hindered by the rain and clouds to take a pretty picture and start your Great Ocean Road adventure.
Where to park: You are able to pull over to the side of the road to see this landmark in more detail. However, people are still travelling along the road, so take care as you step out and be wary of the passing cars still.
4. Teddy's Lookout
50 minutes (50 km) from Torquay
2 hours (150 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Stunning view of Great Ocean Road, a walk covering 2.2 miles is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking and photography can be enjoyed from Teddy's Lookout.
Thought to be named after Edward, the son of Queen Victoria, this viewpoint sits 113 meters above sea level, with amazing views over the Bass Strait, Great Ocean Road, and Saint George River.
Where is it located on the route: Teddy's Lookout is just behind Lorne but you can't get there right from the Great Ocean Road. When you arrive here you'll need to head down George Street to access the walkway to the viewing lookout.
Best time to visit: A great lookout and amazing views of Lorne Scenic Beach and the winding Great Ocean Road, it's best to visit the area when you can enjoy the good weather and clearer visibility.
Where to park: Just a few minutes' drive behind the tourist town of Lorne, you can head to the small car park right near the lookout where you can park to enjoy this beautiful spot.
5. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
2 hours (110 km) from Torquay
1 hour 45 minutes (130 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Part of Otway Ranges National Park, the lush forests and towering ferns make for an amazing snap of the typical coastal roads and beachfront sites that have come before.
With enormous trees to wander through – and even step inside – this makes for a very special place to visit and photograph and take a lasting memory of some of the 300-year-old trees.
The 30-minute walk around the rainforest gives lots of opportunity for visually stunning snaps, in one of the most scenic short rambles in Victoria.
Where is it located on the route: This loop forest walk, which takes around 30-minutes to complete, can be found around 15-20-minutes from Apollo Bay.
Best time to visit: Head to this unique site of the forest any time of day and you can be sure of amazing photo opportunities. As the rainforests have dense foliage, early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting conditions and create a more atmospheric look.
If you head during the morning or late afternoons too, you are also likely to avoid the peak time of other visitors arriving too.
Where to park: Super accessible from Great Ocean Road, and around 20 minutes' drive from Apollo Bay, there is a car park right at the entrance of the walk.
It is free for those who want to take a rainforest walk, but it gets busy so arrive early to secure a parking spot.
6. Cape Otway Lightstation
2 hours and 15 minutes (125 km) from Torquay
2 hours (140 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: The sight of the ‘Beacon of Hope', an iconic landmark, is a memorable picturesque spot. It is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and a popular attraction.
You can photograph the scenic area or head to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic pictures of the waterfront, although there is a charge to pay in advance for visiting the lighthouse.
Where is it located on the route: The very short detour from Great Ocean Road is around 10-15-minutes but well worth the extra time.
Best time to visit: Visit here any time of day and you'll be able to enjoy an impressive view. From May to October, you are also able to see the whales swimming, so it is the perfect time to photograph the area.
If you are wanting to tour the lighthouse and take some pictures from that viewpoint, then it is open from 10-5 each day (check the local website for visiting before you arrive in case of any changes)
Where to park: Car parking is available at the Lightstation car park, so super easy to visit this beautiful site.
7. Gibson Steps
1 hour 50 minutes (150 km) from Torquay
50 minutes (60 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Right at the start of Port Campbell National Park, you can capture the amazing 12 Apostles from the vantage point of Gibson Steps, named after Hugh Gibson, who built Glenample Homestead and used this beach entrance.
After taking pics of the 12 Apostles, head down to the beach using the 86 steps, where you can picture the impressive limestone formed over 300 million years ago, along the water's edge.
Where is it located on the route: Super close to the 12 Apostles, you can find Gibson Steps directly off the Great Ocean Road within Port Campbell National Park.
Best time to visit: Before you arrive make sure to check for tide info if you are looking to head down the steps onto the beachfront. Otherwise typically visit early in the day or later when you may get a quieter trip to enjoy the views.
To be able to also visit down to the beachfront then a warmer visit between late spring and autumn is a great time to head for weather. High tides and unpredictable weather can lead to the steps being closed.
Where to park: There is a car park just outside Gibson Steps, or you can park at 12 Apostles car park then use the walking path alongside Great Ocean Road. It covers about 1km and is a great scenic option.
8. Twelve Apostles
1 hour 50 minutes (160 km) from Torquay
45 minutes (60 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: One of the most popular sites in Australia, these amazing, now separated, limestone stacks nestled in the Southern Ocean are made up of billions of shells and animal skeletons formed over 20 million years.
A wonderous site, after several name changes including Pinnacles and Sow and Piglets, they have now adopted the Twelve Apostles – despite only having 9 columns.
Where is it located on the route: Part of Port Campbell National Park, you can find The Twelve Apostles around 10-minutes from Port Campbell itself.
Best time to visit: Visit the site at sunrise or sunset and it's particularly pretty. The short walk from the visitor centre then reveals the beautiful Twelve Apostles aglow and less hectic surroundings to enjoy them.
Open all year round you can visit any season, however for a quieter trip then arriving from March to May or September to November is ideal.
Where to park: Head to the free car park which can be found within Port Campbell National Park.
9. Thunder Cave
2 hours (150 km) from Torquay
45 minutes (60 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: An incredible experience of sight and sounds when you visit Thunder Cave, with thunderous waves crashing against the rockface and carving the impressive caves.
Found in the final section of the coastline of Great Ocean Road, it can be hard to spot, so listen for those crashing waves, peek down and get your shot.
It is then a short distance to Mutton Bird Lookout, which gives you some of the best views of Great Ocean Road as well as chance to spot the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater birds and Mutton birds – plus whale watching.
Where is it located on the route: Thunder Cave and Mutton Bird Lookout are around 10-minutes from Port Campbell, both nestled within Port Campbell National Park.
Best time to visit: Open all year round, however best to head on a clear day as Thunder Cave at the best of times is difficult to get a good angle to shoot.
Between autumn and spring when the bush isn't so overgrown that the cave is too difficult to photograph. May to November is also a great time to spot the whales from the Mutton Bird Lookout
Where to park: Plenty of parking can be found around the Mutton Bird Lookout just a couple of minutes away, then a short 8–10-minute walk to Thunder Cave.
10. Island Arch Lookout
2 hours (150 km) from Torquay
45 minutes (60 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Unrivalled views of The Island Arch and Loch Ard Gorge can be enjoyed from Island Arch Lookout, where the paved walkway reveals amazing colourful sandstone and limestone rocks.
Loch Ard Gorge has a sandy beach nestled amongst cliffs. Here you can gather beautiful pictures of white shores and turquoise waters looking over the ocean, so there is an opportunity for snaps from both the viewing lookout and down on the shoreline.
Where is it located on the route: Around 8-10-minutes from Loch Ard Gorge and a few minutes from 12 Apostles, it is a great stop off between these other beautiful stop offs.
Best time to visit: As you can visit the beachfront of Loch Ard Gorge, one of the only places you can along Great Ocean Road, it's worth visiting in the warmer weather so you can also take a dip and get the best sunny shots.
Head in the daytime for pretty lookout and shore pictures, or for extra pizazz then a sunset or sunrise provides a beautiful backdrop.
Where to park: You can park very close by at Loch Ard Gorge Parking, which is just a few minutes' walk from Loch Ard Gorge and a short distance from Island Arch Lookout.
Make sure to remember which of the three car parks you did decide to use to make things easier when you visit your trip.
11. Tom and Eva Lookout
2 hours (150 km) from Torquay
45 minutes (60 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Renowned for its history, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael supposedly survived a famous shipwreck at Loch Ard Gorge in 1878 – hence the Lookout name. Incredible views over Island Arch and the Loch Ard Gorge, the former fell in 2009 but can still be seen peeking beneath the waves.
The Razorback, known for its thin ridge, has amazing views of the coastline and rock surfaces too.
Where is it located on the route: Right off the Great Ocean Road by Loch Ard Gorge, these incredible lookout spots are around 8 minutes from Port Campbell and 13-minutes from Princetown, so nestled within some other super scenic photo spots too.
Best time to visit: From sunrise until early afternoon, you can get incredible views across this natural site, without too many other visitors also doing the same (usually gets busy from around 3pm onwards)
It can get particularly windy at the top of the lookouts, so the best time to head here is in the spring and summer when the weather is more settled and for the blue skies – and early morning to avoid the heat in peak summer.
Where to park: The Loch Ard Gorge parking area is close by to both sites. Just walk to the opposite way as the Loch Ard Gorge on the pathway once you park.
12. Port Campbell
2 hours (150 km) from Torquay
40 minutes (50 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: You will be spoilt for choice for amazing sites and perfect Insta-snaps throughout this coastal town, with iconic Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto and 12 Apostles all on the doorstep.
Many of the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road can be found and enjoyed from Port Campbell, and it is the ideal spot to stay when you want to catch those sunrise pictures across the amazing lookouts and rugged beaches.
Where is it located on the route: Around 35-minutes from Allansford, Port Campbell is teeming with amazing sites and scenic stop offs.
Best time to visit: Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon is likely to avoid most visitors, otherwise it can be busy and disrupt your photos being taken!
Pretty sunrise skies are also a great look against the rugged coastline and limestone towers that are found across the iconic sites close to Port Campbell.
Visit during November to April and you'll get some of the best weather to photograph Port Campbell and the neighbouring landmarks. The surrounding areas will be lusher, and photos can enjoy a clearer sky as a backdrop
Where to park: You can park pretty easily within Port Campbell, with plenty of parking options including along the beachfront and main streets within the town. However, it can be busy so arrive early to get a spot.
Once you then head out to other local areas such as the 12 Apostles, you can take your car and park closer to the amazing sites want to visit.
13. The Arch
2 hours (160 km) from Torquay
35 minutes (50 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: The Arch, also known as London Arch, is an impressive arch naturally carved out and created from rugged rocks due to ocean erosion.
Looking down to the ocean is a great place to take some pictures of this site as well as the arch rock formations nestled out in the sea.
Where is it located on the route: The Arch and London Bridge are just a couple of minutes apart, and both are just a short 5-minute drive from Peterborough and Port Campbell.
Best time to visit: As this is a popular stop-off due to the interesting story, make sure to head here in the early morning or later in the day to avoid the many tourists that congregate along this landmark.
If you visit in winter then the chance of seeing the humpback whales is very real. A great additional spot to photograph while you visit.
Where to park: There is free car parking spots available here, although it does get busy during the day so head here earlier on or later in the day to secure a car parking spot.
Note: Please note that the Arch is currently temporarily closed.
14. The Grotto
2 hours (160 km) from Torquay
35 minutes (45 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: This archway and sinkhole are an unusual feature along Great Ocean Road and definitely one to take a photograph or two.
Formed due to erosion of limestone rocks over thousands of years, you get both the benefits of a beautiful archway framing the ocean, and a sinkhole where you can peek under the water too. Being able to picture both within one shot really is a talking point.
Where is it located on the route: Only around 5-minutes from Peterborough, you can find The Grotto just off Great Ocean Road along The Grotto Track.
Best time to visit: Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset and this can create stunning visual effects, with the yellow and red hues casting a magical lens on the limestone and waters.
If you are planning to catch a glimpse of the whales then visit during the winter months from June to September. The rougher seas during this time can also offer a unique atmosphere for photography.
Where to park: You can park your car in the designated parking area provided for visitors near the entrance of The Grotto, which makes is super convenient.
It's important to note that the parking area near The Grotto may have limited capacity, especially during peak tourist seasons or busy periods, so arrive early or off-peak to avoid a queue.
15. Bay of Martyrs
2 hours (160 km) from Torquay
30 minutes (40 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: You can enjoy incredible views over cliff faces and beaches of Bay of Martyrs, and smaller Massacre Bay and Crofts Bay along this 2.5km stretch of shoreline.
The area's dramatic history, a battle between European settlers and locals in 1840, paves the way for a much more tranquil and serene setting, where the pathways and lookouts throughout this bay are ideal for taking some pretty pictures.
Where is it located on the route: Find Bay of Martyrs just off Great Ocean Road and a short drive from Peterborough. It couldn't be easier to park up and explore this beautiful site.
Best time to visit: Around sunrise and sunset, you can get some incredible shots of the sands and rock formations that are dotted along the coastline.
The summer months, from December to February, is a great time to visit when you get warmer temperatures and can enjoy the beachfront and any water activities. It also doesn't get as busy as some of the other stops, even in summer.
Where to park: You can park your car in the designated parking area provided for visitors. The parking area is located near the entrance of the bay, allowing for easy access.
16. Triplet Falls
2 hours (150 km) from Torquay
1 hour 40 minutes (120 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Triplet Falls is a popular landmark within the Great Otway National Park, with stunning waterfalls nestled within the impressive rainforest.
Visiting Triplet Falls raised walkways and lookouts house plenty of amazing spots for amazing photographs, both throughout this beautiful natural area as well as wonderous waterfalls themselves.
Where is it located on the route: Triplet Falls are found from a short 15-minute detour when you pass Ferguson along Phillips Track.
Best time to visit: It takes around an hour to do the loop walk to see the best angles of Triplet Falls. The path is open year-round, however visiting early in the morning or later afternoon will avoid the crowds if you are visiting during weekends or holidays.
The falls are most impressive after visiting after periods of heavy rainfall or during the wetter months, such as autumn and winter, so consider a visit during this time to see the gushing falls.
Where to park: There is a designated car park specifically provided for visitors right by the entrance of the walking trail that leads to the falls.
The close parking allows you to park and explore the area with ease, but it can get busy at peak times so head here early to make sure to get parked.
17. Hopetoun Falls
2 hours 10 minutes (160 km) from Torquay
1 hour 45 minutes (125 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: An incredible waterfall with an impressive 30-meter drop, this is a beautiful spot for a photo. Whilst there is a great spot at the bottom of the waterfall to take pictures of the flowing waters, you can also head off the path for alternative vantage points to get a good shot.
As well as the waterfall you can also get some great shots of the dense forests and ferns as you hike through the lush woodlands en route to the waterfall.
Where is it located on the route: Heading along the Great Ocean Road you take a short detour once you reach Ferguson, taking about 15-minutes along Binns Road to reach the falls.
Best time to visit: It can get incredibly busy at this scenic site, as from 10am many visitors are also arriving. If you visit early in the day, you can also get some great snaps of the early morning sun and forest dew.
Visiting January to May, or October to December provides great temperatures for exploring, although as mentioned arrive early to try and bypass some of the crowds.
Where to park: You can park here, however when you arrive you are likely to see lots of cars on the side where people have stopped to visit the falls. Pass these and you will arrive at Hopetoun Falls Road and there is a parking spot there ahead of the falls starting.
18. Childers Cove
2 hours (170 km) from Torquay
15 minutes (15 km) from Allansford
What makes this photo spot special: Located Near Warrnambool at the end of the Great Ocean Road, it is thought of as one of the top beaches on Great Ocean Road.
The beach is flat, the waters calm, and the surroundings are formed of tremendous limestone cliffs surrounding the beach. This photogenic spot is a photographer's highlight.
Where is it located on the route: Childers Cove is around 15-minutes from Allansford so can be found either at the very start or end of this journey. From Allansford it's just a short drive along Ziegler Parade and then Childers Cove Road.
Best time to visit: Arrive early in the morning and you might be lucky enough to have the beach to yourself, for some extra special snaps in this sheltered cove. This is really thought to be a premier place to visit year-round.
Where to park: Very close by there are Childers Cove and Murnane's Bay car parks, both just a short walk from Childers Cove.
