The Great Ocean Road was founded in 1932 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as a road and scenic route. For a family, it is a drive with stops rather than a single sight. The route has many scenic lookouts and designated parking areas where you can pull over safely for photos, and eateries, quick takeaways and other food stops are spread along the way. Some sections are very winding and need extra care behind the wheel.
Without a car, public buses run along sections of the road rather than the whole route. They link key towns and attractions and connect with V/Line trains at Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool, and bus times vary.
Timing is the trade-off. The summer school holidays and the Easter long weekend are peak season. Autumn and winter bring fewer crowds, and the cooler months are also when the waterfalls are flowing and whale watching begins.
