7 spectacular ways to experience the Great Ocean Road in Summer

Summer on the Great Ocean Road isn’t just a season - it’s a feeling, a memory, a moment you never forget. 

From cruising the winding road with magnificent ocean views outside your window to melting ice cream on sticky hands, exploring sleepy (or bustling) hamlets and indulging in salty fish’n’chips on sandy shores - Summer along the Great Ocean Road is packed with unforgettable moments. 

Here are 7 ways to make Summer on the Great Ocean Road one to remember.

Experience the ‘Breath of the Whale’

One of the best parts of a Great Ocean Road trip is stopping at all the scenic lookouts and posing for pics - and there’s a recently opened lookout at the Loch Ard Gorge Blowhole to add to your ‘must-do’ list.

The lookout is called Poombeeyt Koontapool meaning ‘Breath of the Whale’, and standing there, you’ll see why - the sound and spray of the blowhole are amplified, truly something to experience.

Where to stay: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve or Princetown Recreation Reserve

Surfs up on the Surf Coast

Summer is the perfect time to tick learning to surf off your bucket list.

With endless sandy beaches and sparkling waves, there’s no better place that the Great Ocean Road to learn how to surf.

There’s a choice of companies offering surfing lessons for first-timers on beginner-friendly waves from Torquay to Apollo Bay.

After a lesson in the sunshine, you’ll be one with those waves and wonder why you didn't do this before. 

Where to stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park or Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Stay by the river, under the stars

Picture this - the gentle sound of the river as you relax in your own fully furnished glamping tent, unwinding with a good book or a glass of local wine. Then let the soft flow of the water lull you to sleep beneath a sky full of stars.

It’s part relaxation, part adventure - and 100% pure Apollo Bay bliss.

Where to stay: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Time to soak the stress away

After a salty swim, it’s time to slow down and relax at the aptly named About Time Bathhouse. Slip into the indoor or outdoor hot magnesium pools, take a refreshing cold plunge, or warm up in the sauna or steam room. Go on – Summer is for treating yourself.

Where to stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park or Anglesea Family Caravan Park

Dine with a grand old dame

The grand dame of Lorne, the Grand Pacific Hotel, has been lovingly restored to her former glory. Summer is all about enjoyment, so fill-up on Italian-inspired cuisine in the restaurant, unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine in the historic Fisherman’s Bar, or soak up live music on the outdoor terrace - all while taking in the stunning ocean views over Louttit Bay. This iconic beauty has been around since 1879 - it's time to pay her a visit!

Where to stay: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Immerse yourself in the Otways

The Otways are full of magic for everyone, and it a great opportunity to beat the heat wandering amongst the rainforest, shady ferns, towering redwoods and waterfalls.

Animal lovers will be in heaven too - spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, glow worms, the Otways black snail and if you’re lucky, even the elusive platypus.

For a different perspective, stroll amongst the rainforest canopy on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

Feeling peckish after all that nature? Taste your way through the regional flavours of Otway Harvest Trail.

Where to stay: Marengo Family Caravan Park 

See the locals by sunset

Meet the locals of the sea and experience the magic of the Marengo Marine Sanctuary at dusk on a Seals by Sunset tour with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak.

Glide across glassy waters as the sky changes through a palette of colours, surrounded by playful Australian Fur Seals and the golden glow of the sun setting behind the Otway hills. An ex-seal-ent way to end the day!

Where to stay: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve or Marengo Family Caravan Park

Sun-swept memories are just waiting to be made.

Pack your swimmers, shorts and sunscreen, hit the winding road and discover your own favourite Summer moments along the coast.

Find your Great Ocean Road base and book your summer stay.