Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience:

• September to November (Spring): Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife.
• December to February (Summer): Best beach weather, long daylight hours, but peak tourist season.
• March to May (Autumn): Fewer crowds, stunning coastal sunsets, and great conditions for hiking.
• June to August (Winter): Quieter roads, dramatic ocean waves, and peak whale-watching season.

• Twelve Apostles – The most iconic limestone rock formations, best seen at sunrise or sunset.
• Loch Ard Gorge – A stunning inlet with towering cliffs, a sandy beach, and a fascinating shipwreck history.
• London Arch (formerly London Bridge) – A natural rock bridge with breathtaking ocean views.
• The Grotto – A picturesque rock pool with crystal-clear waters and unique limestone formations.
• Gibson Steps – A dramatic staircase leading down to a beach with towering cliffs.
• Otway National Park – A lush rainforest with cascading waterfalls and treetop walks.
• Great Otway Lighthouse – One of Australia’s oldest and most scenic lighthouses.
• Bells Beach – A world-famous surfing beach known for its powerful waves.
• Kennett River – One of the best places in Australia to spot wild koalas.
• Port Campbell – A charming seaside village near the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

• Fresh seafood – Try local rock lobster, oysters, and fish & chips.
• Meat pies – A classic Aussie snack, often filled with beef or lamb.
• Tim Tams – Australia’s favorite chocolate biscuit.
• Lamingtons – A sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.
• Local wines – The region is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Craft beer & gin – Stop at breweries and distilleries along the route.

• Self-Drive: The most popular and flexible way to explore the Great Ocean Road.
• Guided Tours: Great for those who prefer expert guides and hassle-free planning.
• Campervans & RVs: Ideal for budget travelers and road trip enthusiasts.
• Cycling: Some parts of the route are bike-friendly, with designated coastal trails.
• Public Transport: Limited options, but buses run between Geelong, Torquay, and Warrnambool.

• Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, and other eligible countries.
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) required for most visitors—apply online at homeaffairs.gov.au.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

• The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
• ATMs are available in major towns along the route.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but some remote areas may prefer cash.
• Currency exchange offices are located in Melbourne and Geelong.

• English is the official language.
• No translator is needed, as English is spoken everywhere.
• Knowing a bit of Aussie slang (like “arvo” for afternoon) can be fun!

• Drive on the left side of the road in Australia.
• Follow speed limits—many sections of the Great Ocean Road are monitored by speed cameras.
• Respect wildlife—don’t feed or disturb animals like koalas and kangaroos.
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
• Tipping is not expected in Australia but is appreciated for exceptional service.

• Restaurants & Cafés: No tipping required, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for excellent service is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Drivers: $5–$10 AUD per person is a kind gesture.
• Hotel Staff: Not expected, but a small tip for exceptional service is welcomed.

• For peak season (December–February): Book 3–6 months in advance for accommodations and tours.
• For shoulder season (March–May, September–November): Booking 1–2 months ahead is usually sufficient.
• For rental cars and campervans: Book well in advance during peak travel months.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates before traveling.
• Drones require a permit when flying near national parks and protected coastal areas.
• Fire bans are in place during summer—check local fire danger ratings before lighting campfires.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com