Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road) Travel and Things to Do Guide
Approximately 100km from Melbourne and 20km from Geelong, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most iconic coastal drives featuring stunning coastal spaces, lush hinterland, rugged bushland, and charming towns. Stretching 243km, it is Australian National Heritage listed and the world’s longest war memorial. The region is home to the renowned 12 Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast, Otway Hinterlands, 5 marine national parks & sanctuaries, and an abundance of wildlife. The Great Ocean Road is home not only to an incredible range of natural attractions, but the area also has a huge offering of accommodations, function and offsite venues, conference facilities, and incentive options. Spectacular venues offer inspirational meeting spaces, creative hubs, local eateries, and unforgettable memories. The region also boasts over 10 award-winning scenic golf courses and over 100 restaurants, providores, wineries and breweries, alongside countless land, air and sea experiences.
Your delegate’s journey begins with a 90 minute drive or ferry from Melbourne (or 30 minutes from Avalon Airport). There is a venue to match every event style: ultra-modern meeting spaces, ocean-view resorts, forest retreat or country style hotel. RACV Torquay Resort greets you at Number 1 Great Ocean Road, or travel further along to the contemporary coastal Great Ocean Road Resort or iconic Mantra Lorne. With purpose built and bespoke AV solutions available, there is a perfect venue for your event.
Add in some epic team activities - imagine your group teaming up for a surf lesson at Torquay’s iconic Bells Beach. Or tackling the ultimate team bonding challenge atop the adrenaline-charged Live Wire Park. Maybe hiking and biking through twisting trails in breath-taking locations. Wildlife encounters are abundant - delight in a spot of whale-watching off the coast or visit the kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course and koalas at Kennett River. Motivate staff with the ultimate rewards with a scenic round of golf, or indulgent spa treatments at a tranquil retreat. The options really are endless!
Your delegate’s journey begins with a 90 minute drive or ferry from Melbourne (or 30 minutes from Avalon Airport). There is a venue to match every event style: ultra-modern meeting spaces, ocean-view resorts, forest retreat or country style hotel. RACV Torquay Resort greets you at Number 1 Great Ocean Road, or travel further along to the contemporary coastal Great Ocean Road Resort or iconic Mantra Lorne. With purpose built and bespoke AV solutions available, there is a perfect venue for your event.
Add in some epic team activities - imagine your group teaming up for a surf lesson at Torquay’s iconic Bells Beach. Or tackling the ultimate team bonding challenge atop the adrenaline-charged Live Wire Park. Maybe hiking and biking through twisting trails in breath-taking locations. Wildlife encounters are abundant - delight in a spot of whale-watching off the coast or visit the kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course and koalas at Kennett River. Motivate staff with the ultimate rewards with a scenic round of golf, or indulgent spa treatments at a tranquil retreat. The options really are endless!
Weather and Seasonality
Victoria is renowned for its unpredictable weather patterns, and the Great Ocean Road shares this attribute. The weather can change with each destination along the 243 kilometre stretch from Torquay to Allansford. The wind off the Southern Ocean means the Great Ocean Road can be cool all year round, especially in the evening -we recommend to always bring a jacket!
The spring months of September – November are not quite peak season but the waterfalls are at their fullest and it is starting to warm up. The days are becoming longer and the warm relatively dry weather bring off-peak prices and less crowds. It’s a great time for incorporating outdoor activities such as hiking and biking into your delegate program, or catch the end of the whale season!
The months of December – February are enticing due to the forecast of hot weather and warmer than usual ocean, with water temperatures ranging between 16-19°C during summer. With higher temperatures and the lowest amounts of rainfall, it’s no surprise that this is the busiest season. Victorian school holidays start just before Christmas and until late January, which makes it the busiest time to visit. The roads and popular attractions can be crowded, including the 12 Apostles.
The weather in Autumn is generally milder and it’s a quieter time to visit the Great Ocean Road, except for the Easter weekend. Exploring during this time will mean a more relaxed trip, off-peak pricing, and less crowds at the top attractions.
The cooler Winter months of June - July is the quietest time to visit the Great Ocean Road, and there can be more choices on accommodation, in addition to great off-peak discounts. The roads are much emptier during the low season. While it does get pretty cold by Australian standards, there are plenty of reasons to visit during this time. The increased rain fills the waterfalls and the wild weather in the Southern Ocean makes witnessing the waves smash against the 12 Apostles a mesmerising experience. May to October is also the best time to spot whales along the Great Ocean Road.
The spring months of September – November are not quite peak season but the waterfalls are at their fullest and it is starting to warm up. The days are becoming longer and the warm relatively dry weather bring off-peak prices and less crowds. It’s a great time for incorporating outdoor activities such as hiking and biking into your delegate program, or catch the end of the whale season!
The months of December – February are enticing due to the forecast of hot weather and warmer than usual ocean, with water temperatures ranging between 16-19°C during summer. With higher temperatures and the lowest amounts of rainfall, it’s no surprise that this is the busiest season. Victorian school holidays start just before Christmas and until late January, which makes it the busiest time to visit. The roads and popular attractions can be crowded, including the 12 Apostles.
The weather in Autumn is generally milder and it’s a quieter time to visit the Great Ocean Road, except for the Easter weekend. Exploring during this time will mean a more relaxed trip, off-peak pricing, and less crowds at the top attractions.
The cooler Winter months of June - July is the quietest time to visit the Great Ocean Road, and there can be more choices on accommodation, in addition to great off-peak discounts. The roads are much emptier during the low season. While it does get pretty cold by Australian standards, there are plenty of reasons to visit during this time. The increased rain fills the waterfalls and the wild weather in the Southern Ocean makes witnessing the waves smash against the 12 Apostles a mesmerising experience. May to October is also the best time to spot whales along the Great Ocean Road.
| Month | High/Low °F | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|
| January | 78°/57° | High |
| February | 78°/57° | Medium |
| March | 72°/55° | Medium |
| April | 70°/55° | Medium |
| May | 61°/54° | Low |
| June | 55°/11° | Low |
| July | 61°/54° | Low |
| August | 63°/57° | Low |
| September | 57°/20° | Medium |
| October | 73°/61° | Medium |
| November | 75°/63° | Medium |
| December | 77°/64° | High |