Traveling with Kids on Australia’s Great Ocean Road: Tips and Stops

The famous Great Ocean Road beckons visitors from all over the world every year. Located in Victoria, Australia, the Great Ocean Road spans 151 miles beginning in Torquay and ending in Allansford. As you’ll see below, there are many family-friendly attractions and experiences along the Great Ocean Road. Plus, lots of wildlife! You may have difficulty deciding how many days to spend on your Great Ocean Road trip. With that being said, here is a comprehensive guide to visiting Great Ocean Road with kids.

Planning Your Great Ocean Road Trip

If you want to visit Great Ocean Road during peak season when the weather is beautiful, aim to go during Australia’s summer months, from December to February. Remember that peak season also means dense crowds. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, the second best time to visit would be during the spring or fall months, September to November, or March to May. Most families plan to spend 1 to 3 days exploring Great Ocean Road.

There are many nearby accommodations for families who would like to spend a few days discovering Great Ocean Road. Hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and B&Bs are some lodging options. You can find these places in Torquay, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell. There are also RV parks and campgrounds.

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Essential Stops and Attractions

You can choose to spend a quick day trip at Great Ocean Road or many days exploring the various attractions that make up this amazing landmark! Here are some of the most popular attractions at Great Ocean Road.

Bells Beach

Love to surf? Bells Beach is known for being an internationally recognized surf coast that has hosted the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition.

Lorne

Enjoy one of the best beaches along the Great Ocean Road, Lorne Foreshore Beach. For great views, check out Lorne Pier and Teddy’s Lookout.

Kennett River

Want to see a koala in the wild? Kennett River is known for being home to wild koalas that nest in eucalyptus trees along the Grey River Road and Koala Walk.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is home to many beaches, the Apollo Bay Harbour, and the Great Otway National Park.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are one of the most popular and photographed attractions. Families can view these iconic limestone stacks that stand tall in the Southern Ocean.

Loch Ard Gorge

Named after an 1878 wrecked ship, “Loch Ard,” this gorge is home to beautiful blue waters and cliffs. Kiddos can learn more about the historic 1878 shipwreck at the Loch Ard Gorge Visitor Centre.

London Arch

Once known as the London Bridge, the London Arch is a natural rock formation that is quite picturesque.

Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park sits along the Great Ocean Road, offering chances to catch wildlife and view rainforests, waterfalls, flora, and fauna.

Kid-Friendly Activities and Entertainment

The Great Ocean Road offers plenty of kid-friendly activities and entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. From ocean play to wildlife encounters to local museums, Great Ocean Road has it all!

Wildlife-spotting

In addition to seeing koalas at Kennett River, families can also look for kangaroos and different types of native birds in the Great Otway National Park.

Ocean play

Obviously, there’s a glorious ocean to play in and plenty of sand to enjoy along the Great Ocean Road!

Rainforest walks

Inside the Great Otway National Park is the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk. This walk is perfect for kids as it’s not too long, yet it offers an immersive rainforest experience.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Looking for a thrill? Otway Fly Treetop Adventures offers the opportunity for families to zipline and walk on treetop walkways above the rainforest floor! Keep in mind that kids must be at least four years of age.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Stop by this historic lighthouse where families can take tours, walk the Shipwreck Discovery Trail, and more.

Waterfalls

For the best waterfall views, check out Erskine Falls (30-meter drop), Triplet Falls (featuring three cascades), and Hopetoun Falls (30-meter drop). For more of a challenge, Beauchamp Falls is a beautifully secluded waterfall.

Tips for Traveling with Kids on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is quite large, so you’ll want to keep that in mind as you travel along the shore with little ones. Planning your day out ahead of time can be helpful so that there are regular breaks for the bathroom, to eat snacks, to rest, and to play. If you’re traveling from afar, keeping children entertained in the vehicle with games, books, or music is ideal. Always keep an eye on the weather so that you and your family can dress accordingly. Finally, if you’re planning to get near the water with little ones, keep your eyes peeled and put a life jacket or floaties on them if they can’t swim well.

Essential Baby Gear for Your Great Ocean Road Trip

Traveling to the Great Ocean Road with a baby or toddler requires some planning ahead to ensure your trip goes smoothly. In addition to bringing diaper bag essentials, here are some more baby gear items to consider bringing with you:

Portable crib

If you’re going to spend multiple days at the Great Ocean Road, bring a portable crib or travel cot for your baby to comfortably sleep in.

Lightweight strollers

Lightweight strollers are convenient for trips like this one because they are easy to fold up and pick up when needed (think stairs). They also don’t take up much room in the vehicle.

Baby carriers

Want to wear your baby instead? Make sure you use a baby carrier that is sturdy and won’t budge or loosen up over time. Baby carriers are more convenient if you plan to walk on uneven terrain (compared to pushing a stroller).

Age-appropriate car seats

If you don’t want to bring your own car seat with you, consider renting one! Baby gear rental services are available to provide safe and popular car seats to traveling families.

Snacks and water

Bringing along snacks and water is essential when traveling with little ones. Consider packing a small cooler or wearing a cooler backpack to keep everything chilled.

Dining and Shopping Options

Great Ocean Road is a wonderful place to bring your own snacks and meals for picnics at the park or on the beach. But if you’d rather check out some family-friendly cafes and restaurants along the route, we have recommendations.

Wye Beach Hotel

This pub restaurant is casual with indoor and outdoor seating for families. There’s a yummy kids’ menu plus an outdoor playground!

The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

This restaurant also includes an outdoor play area for kids and a kids’ menu with classics like chicken nuggets and spaghetti.

Lorne Hotel

Inside this venue is a family-friendly restaurant and play space for kiddos.

Port Campbell Hotel

This hotel also includes a casual pub restaurant that features fish and chips and pasta for kids.

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie

Love chocolate? Check out this chocolaterie in Bellbrae for artisan treats, ice cream, and more.

On top of dining options, there are also plenty of places to purchase souvenirs and other goods in Lorne, Apollo Bay, and more coastal towns near Great Ocean Road.

We hope you’re excited to take your family on a trip to Great Ocean Road now that we’ve covered all the sights and stops you’ll want to experience. Preparing ahead of time when traveling with young children is key, and remember to be flexible! With these tips, we hope your family will explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Australia’s coastline.