The Great Ocean Road isn’t just a road trip, it’s a full family holiday destination with natural beauty, interactive activities and wildlife encounters. With stunning coastline views, family friendly beaches and charming coastal towns, this trip has something for everyone, reconciliation and the natural beauty of Australia. Explore ancient forests, go on outdoor adventures, and stop at scenic spots with endless fun for the whole family.
Shipwreck Coast, Twelve Apostles
One of the most impressive stops on the Great Ocean Road is the Shipwreck Coast, where the Twelve Apostles rock formations rise up from the Southern Ocean. These stacks will blow your mind, whatever your age. Nearby is Port Campbell National Park, where towering cliffs and coastal rock platforms provide safe viewing areas for families to experience the wild coastline. Apollo Bay is a nearby base with facilities and chill spots like Apollo Bay Bakery, where you can enjoy a sweet treat or the Apollo Bay Distillery, where you can relax.
Scenic Spots and Special Experiences
The Great Ocean Road has plenty of stops for families. At Cape Otway, families can visit the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia, the Cape Otway Lightstation, which has 360-degree views of the Southern Ocean. Further along, stop at Wreck Beach, where the shipwreck remains, to give a glimpse into Australia’s maritime past. Coastal towns like Port Campbell are great for experiencing local culture on earth, with town centres that have family-friendly cafes, sweet shops and beach areas.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
For families who love the outdoors, the Great Ocean Road’s National Parks are a must-see. Great Otway National Park is famous for its beautiful landscapes, ancient forests and waterfalls. Families can take day trips to waterfalls like Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and Erskine Falls and enjoy picnic areas surrounded by a dense rainforest canopy and wildlife. Melba Gully has trails to spot native wildlife, and families can have some adventure with Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, where a walk through the rainforest leads to a birds-eye view of the landscape or even Zipline tours for thrill seekers.
Beaches and Coastal Fun
The Great Ocean Road has many beautiful and family friendly beaches. Apollo Bay has sandy beach areas for picnics, water play and surfing. Bells Beach in Torquay is a world famous surf beach and great for introducing kids to surf culture with gentle waves and local surf shops. The beachside Apollo Bay Ice Creamery is a must see for those with a sweet tooth and Shelly Beach has a family friendly spot for rock pools and sandy coves.
Wildlife: Get Up Close with Aussie Animals
For animal enthusiasts, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve near Warrnambool has native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos and emus, in an extinct volcano’s natural environment. Great Ocean Road Day Tour provide families with great footage and insight into the area’s unique environment, and kids can have an interactive experience in a beautiful spot. For a more in-depth wildlife experience, the Kennett River area is famous for koala spotting in the gum trees, so it’s a must-see.
Adventure Parks and Playgrounds
Families can interact with adventure parks along the Great Ocean Road. Anglesea Bike Park has trails and challenges for cyclists of all levels. Gardens Caravan Park has aqua bikes, elevated trampolining, and giant slides that will keep the kids busy for hours. Coogoorah Park in Anglesea has a skate park, playground and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun.
Lighthouses, Waterfalls and Unique Coastal Landmarks
Cape Otway Lightstation gives you a insight into Australia’s maritime history and families can explore the lighthouse while taking in the stunning coastal views. Nearby Rainbow Falls and Beauchamp Falls have easy walks with family friendly views to capture the beauty of these falls surrounded by ancient forests. Griffiths Island and Middle Island are also great day trips and give you a sense of coastal adventure and natural beauty to photograph.
Picnic Spots and Sweet Treats for Everyone
There are plenty of spots along the Great Ocean Road to have a family picnic. Wire Park and Bimbi Park are peaceful places to chill out in nature, or head to Apollo Bay Ice Creamery or Apollo Bay Bakery for a sweet treat. For hot chocolate or sustainable chocolate the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a family favourite especially with little kids.
Explore the Spirit of Reconciliation and Indigenous Culture
Families can have meaningful experiences that promote the spirit of reconciliation and equity of outcomes. The Worn Gundidj tours in Tower Hill have educational programs that introduce children to the area’s indigenous history and cultural heritage. This connection to land and nature is deep and creates lasting relationships between visitors and the environment they are in.
More Fun: Ziplining, Trampolining and Thrilling Parks
For families looking for a bit of adventure, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures has zipline tours that will thrill you and give you panoramic views of the rainforest below. Anglesea Bike Park and the adventure parks along the coast have safe and fun challenges for all ages. The Otway Fly daily tours include a forest walk where kids can be Digital Detectives and explore nature in an educational way.
Conclusion
Breathtaking views, wildlife, family fun and a dash of history and culture. 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour is one of the best options for family weekend in this region. Relax and adventure, create memories and appreciate Australia’s coastline, ancient forests and wildlife. Beaches, coastlines, seaside towns and national parks. A lifetime of memories on a family road trip or guided Great Ocean Road Tours From Melbourne which you can choose with one of the verified operators such as Autopia Tours, Wildlifetours or Wayoutback Tours.
FAQ
When is the best time to do a family trip along the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is open all year, but the warmer months (November to April) are best for beach activities, wildlife and outdoor adventures.
What family accommodation options are there?
Family friendly accommodation includes Gardens Caravan Park, Apollo Bay Caravan Park and family focused accommodation in seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Are there kid’s activities?
Yes! Worn Gundidj tours at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Digital Detectives programs at Otway Fly are educational experiences about local wildlife and indigenous culture.
Are there kid-friendly beaches?
Beaches like Apollo Bay and Anglesea have calm water and are patrolled by lifeguards during peak times.
What are the top natural attractions for families?
Twelve Apostles, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, Cape Otway Lightstation, and waterfalls like Erskine Falls and Hopetoun Falls.
Robert Noble