The Best Scenic Lookouts on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous drives, 240 km of Victoria’s rugged coastline. With spectacular views, vistas and lookouts galore, this is a must-do for nature lovers, beachgoers and history buffs. Whether you’re visiting famous landmarks like Loch Ard Gorge or hidden gems like Mariners Lookout, this guide will take you through the best panoramic views on this fantastic road. From ancient forests to stunning beaches, the Great Ocean Road has it all.

Twelve Apostles Lookout

The Twelve Apostles are the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road, located in the Port Campbell National Park. These limestone stacks, formed by erosion, rise up from the Southern Ocean and are one of the most spectacular sights in Australia. The Twelve Apostles lookout gives you a front-row seat to these natural wonders, especially at sunset when the light is golden and the cliffs and ocean are bathed in it. A must-see for photographers, there are heaps of amazing photo opportunities here. If you’re driving along this road, stop here.

Loch Ard Gorge

Just near the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is another beautiful spot with both natural and historical significance. Named after the shipwreck of the “Loch Ard”, this gorge has towering cliffs on either side and a sheltered beach below. The Loch Ard Gorge beach is perfect for a short walk or a moment of peace by the sea. You can walk the surrounding trails to get to lookouts with beautiful views of the rugged coastline and rock formations. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes Loch Ard Gorge a favourite stop for travellers on the Apostles Coast.

Gibson Steps

For a different view of the coastline head to Gibson Steps where you can descend 86 steps to the beach and see the cliffs from below. Standing at the base of the cliffs you can see the sheer scale of the rock formations that line this section of coastline. The beach here is another beautiful feature with picturesque views of the Twelve Apostles. A popular spot to stop for a quick break on your Great Ocean road trip.

Teddy’s Lookout

Just near the seaside town of Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout has views of the coast and inland. The lookout gives you a scenic view of the Great Ocean Road as it winds its way along the coast. Below, the greenery and blue ocean is a beautiful sight. A great place to stop and take in the coastal views and charming scenery of this region.

Mariners Lookout

At the top of Apollo Bay, Mariners Lookout has a wonderful view of the whole area. From here you can see Apollo Bay, the southern ocean and the town tucked into the valley. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset the dramatic views will blow you away. It’s also one of the best spots for photographers as it’s a popular lookout with less crowds than other places.

Erskine Falls

The Beech Forest near Lorne Erskine Falls is a secret gem for those who want to explore the natural attractions inland from the stunning coastline. This beautiful waterfall cascades 30 metres into a fern-lined gorge, a peaceful oasis in the midst of the ancient rainforest. There are two viewing platforms, one at the top of the falls and one at the bottom, so that you can see it from different angles. Just a short drive from the coast Erskine Falls is a great stop for travellers who want to experience the lush rainforests of the region.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Full of history and surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, the Cape Otway Lightstation is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. On the rugged cliffs of Cape Otway, the lighthouse has stunning views of the dramatic coastline and the Southern Ocean. It’s also a great place to learn about the maritime history of the region and the cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people. The Cape Otway National Park is home to a lot of wildlife, so it’s a great spot to see native wildlife, such as koalas and colourful birds.

Bay of Islands

Often overlooked for the Twelve Apostles the Bay of Islands has equally as good views with less crowds. Located at the western end of the Port Campbell National Park this coastal attraction has limestone stacks and cliffs that rise up from the ocean. The natural rock formations here are amazing and the Bay of Islands Coastal Park has many lookouts where you can take in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Hopetoun Falls

In the Beech Forest Hopetoun Falls is another inland gem worth the detour. The lookout has a view of the falls as they cascade into a forested gorge. If you want to get up close and personal with nature a walking trail leads down to the bottom of the falls where you can hear the roar of the water. With natural attractions and rainforest Hopetoun Falls is one of the best inland amazing lookouts on the Great Ocean Road.

London Arch (London Bridge)

Once connected to the mainland, London Arch (formerly London Bridge) is one of the most famous of the Great Ocean Road formations. Part of the natural arch collapsed in 1990 and it’s now isolated from the shore. The lookout gives you a close up of the arch and the ocean, perfect for a photo stop.