Weather in Great Ocean Road

About Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road curves 240 kilometres through one of Earth's most dramatic coastlines, where the Twelve Apostles rise as golden stone sentinels from the Southern Ocean's foam. Shipwrecks litter the seabed below these clifftop vistas.

Country

Australia

Best months to visit

January, February

Currency

AUD

Language

English

Things to do in Great Ocean Road

Photograph the Twelve Apostles Visit Loch Ard Gorge Hike coastal cliff trails Spot fur seals at Point Addis Explore lighthouse at Split Point Camp in coastal villages

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

February

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

March

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

May

15C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

June

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

July

12C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

August

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

September

15C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

19C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

December

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

The Great Ocean Road traces Victoria's wild southern coastline from Torquay to Allansford, a route of clifftop lookouts, surf towns and rainforest detours into the Otways. Its most famous sight is the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean and best seen at sunrise or sunset when the crowds thin and the light turns the rock gold.

Best areas to stay in Great Ocean Road

Torquay & Bells Beach

The start of the route and Australia's surfing heartland, home to the famous Bells Beach break.

Apollo Bay

A relaxed coastal town and good base for exploring the Otway rainforest and Cape Otway lighthouse.

Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell

The route's signature limestone stacks, along with nearby formations like Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch.

Lorne

A popular seaside town with beaches, waterfalls and the Erskine Falls walk nearby.

Getting to Great Ocean Road

✈

Flights

Fly into Melbourne Airport, then drive to the start of the Great Ocean Road near Torquay.

⏱

From London

~24 hours from London to Melbourne, plus around 1.5 hours to Torquay.

🚕

Getting around

A hire car is essential — the road is designed for self-drive, with frequent lookouts and short walking trails along the way.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

Spring to autumn (September-April) offers the most reliable weather, though the coastline is dramatic in any season, including wild winter swells.

How long does the drive take?

The full route is around 240km and can be driven in a day, but most visitors take 2-3 days to include stops, short walks and the Otway rainforest.

Is the Great Ocean Road a good day trip from Melbourne?

It's possible as a long day trip to reach the Twelve Apostles and back, but an overnight stay in a town like Apollo Bay allows a much more relaxed pace.

What is there to do besides driving?

Surfing at Bells Beach, koala spotting in the Otway rainforest, and short walks to lookouts like Gibson Steps and the Grotto.

When is best to see the Twelve Apostles?

Early morning or just before sunset, when the light is best and the viewing platforms are far less crowded than midday tour-bus arrivals.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Caught the Twelve Apostles at sunrise and had the viewing platform almost to ourselves — completely different experience to the midday crowds.

Ellie M. · December 2023

★★★★☆

Took three days over the drive and the Otway rainforest detour with the glow worm walk was an unexpected highlight alongside the coastal views.

Sam D. · March 2024

★★★★★

Stopped at Loch Ard Gorge and it was just as impressive as the Twelve Apostles, with far fewer people. Worth building in time for the smaller lookouts.

Tara V. · January 2024