Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road and Otway Region provide some of the most spectacular motorcycling routes in the country. The scenery takes your breath away, the locals are friendly and the road is challenging.
We've compiled some great tips from the Motorcycle Subcommittee of the Barwon Community Road Safety Council to make sure fellow riders get the most out of these regions.
The Great Ocean Ride DVD guides you through this magnificent ride before you hit the road. It's available for free from the VicRoads bookshop - phone 9854 2782.
How to get there
Start your Great Ocean Road ride from Geelong, a sixty minute ride from Melbourne via the Western Ring Road and Princes Freeway. From Geelong, it's a quick journey down to the Surf Coast where you can enjoy the scenery and beaches of Torquay and Angelsea and wind your way on through to Lorne and then Apollo Bay.
The map below shows alternative inland roads as well as a range of information about difficulties you may encounter - hazards specific to the Great Ocean Road - and specific advice on cornering and preparation for the ride.
Highlights of the Surf Coast
Torquay - stop and enjoy this prominent surfing beach, and visit the world famous Bells Beach on the way to Anglesea.
Lorne - one of the most popular all year round holiday resorts in Victoria. Take a break and enjoy a latte or two at one of the many coffee shops and restaurants. On the way there, stop for a breather at the Airey's Inlet Lighthouse, where the view is nothing less than spectacular, before you approach the winding mountainous roads leading into Lorne, as these roads will test your riding skills to the limit.
Apollo Bay - This picturesque fishing village is spread around a sweeping bay and nestled against the lush Otway Ranges.
Lavers Hill - the highest point in the Otways and a great spot to rest, rehydrate and review.
Port Campbell - located on a spectacular stretch of coastline known as the Shipwreck Coast, Port Campbell is a close ride from the popular tourist attraction, the Twelve Apostles.
Otway National Park - Some of Victoria's most rugged, inaccessible coastline and amazing rainforests can be found within the Otway National Park.
Care must be taken on these roads and we advise contacting an information centre for details of conditions prior to entering the Otway National Park area.
Distances and times from Geelong
Keep in mind that during special events and peak periods, Great Ocean Road travel times will increase significantly.
Visitor Information
If you want to know more, talk to one of the locals or visit the Official Great Ocean Road web site. This site also contains details of Great Ocean Road Visitor Centres, which are open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm and can be reached on 1800 620 888.
Daz
A MUST for any biker keen on roadtrips around Victoria! Beautiful scenery, lovely townships and lots of twisties! However care must be taken on certain sections as roads have seen heavy use and slippery when wet. Also lots of traffic cops especially around the more populated sections.
Lawrence
I would rate the Great Ocean Road as one of the best rides in the world. Best to take 2 or 3 days to complete the trip and iincluding the Grampians before heading back home.
Matt
Would have to be the best ride i have ever done, but don't get caught up in the scenary
Rooster
If your doing the GOR make sure you stop off at Mariner's Lookout. It's just as you enter Apollo Bay. Magnificent 180 view of the coast line.
Anshu
This one is a great ride. Amazing views and corners.
Bruce
The road itself and scenery ARE magnificent. The traffic is often in inverse proportion though - slow and not concentrating. Also need to be aware of gravel picked up from inside of corners by tin cans. I personally enjoyed Lorne to Pt Campbell most because of the turn-ins, with co-operation of tin cans.
Tony Benneworth
This is the best ride I have ever been on. Fabulous.
Dim
This was my first 'weekend' ride and had me grinning from ear to ear from beginning to end. At first the thought of this ride had me nervous as I remember the GOR as a child in the back seat of the car with lots of curves and cliffs, however the reality on a motorcycle was fantastic fun riding on our cruisers and we did just that - cruised. If you're thinking about this ride, definitely definitely go! Try to avoid riding these roads on public holidays, school holidays or weekends (we went up on a Friday morning and back Monday), as many of the roads are one lane each direction and it is a pain to be stuck behind that family caravan on the GOR. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Dim
Liz
Bloody magnificent!
Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular motorcycle trips in Victoria travelling along the ship wreck coast. Great views, great corners and coastal towns Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, Warrnambool, Apollo bay, Skeynes creek, Kennet river, Cumberland river and visit some of the great attractions.
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Glenn
Fantasic scenic and enjoyably winding sealed road ride, watch for tourists as they dont always watch for you.