Great Ocean Road with Kids: Tips for a Successful Family Trip

The Great Ocean Road is a sight to behold – from rugged cliffs to beaches and rainforests. The drive stretches 240km along Victoria’s southwest coast, so families can visit many attractions and do various activities for all ages. Wildlife encounters, adventure parks or coastal towns are just some of the things you can’t miss when travelling as a family along the Great Ocean Road. Some of the highlights include Bells Beach, where world surf competitions are held; Twelve Apostles – the iconic limestone stacks rising out of the blue Southern Ocean; and Port Campbell National Park, with its natural wonders such as Loch Ard Gorge or London Bridge.

Plan Your Trip

Proper planning sets the pace for a smooth journey. Create a rough itinerary that lists the must-sees and do’s, but leave room for rest days or unplanned detours because sometimes the best adventures happen outside of planned schedules. Consider what will interest each member of your own tribe; how fast (or slow) will you be comfortable moving through places with small children? Pre-book kid-friendly accommodation near popular attractions so you don’t miss out due to last-minute traffic jams – use your driving time wisely, e.g. plan day trips to Lorne, Anglesea or Port Fairy during your stay in Apollo Bay.

Best Time To Visit For Families

The best time to visit Great Ocean Road with kids is during Australian summer (December to February) when it’s hot and school holidays make for easy family travel. But spring (September – November) or autumn (March-May) are also good options as they are off-peak seasons with milder weather. Check the forecast on the Bureau of Meteorology before you finalise your plans so you can pack accordingly; also, take advantage of these seasons by visiting the beaches along this coast, where you get to see the ocean sparkling in the sunshine while standing at Hopetoun Falls or Beauchamp Falls.

How Many Days?

Most families take 3-5 days to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road. This allows for the big attractions, some driving and breaks between attractions at a leisurely pace. But if you have more days, then you can stay longer and explore more of the natural beauty within the region. Stay in different places overnight, e.g. BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park and Gardens Caravan Park, etc. This way, you have time to spend at each site and make the trip more memorable.

Where to Stay?

When choosing where to stay with kids, some things to consider are proximity to the beachfront or city centre, playgrounds on-site, kid-friendly facilities within the property, etc. Choose hotels in Port Campbell that have fantastic playgrounds right next door where kids can play while parents can sit back and watch.

Food and Drinks for Kids

Food for kids is one of the top priorities of any family trip. Great Ocean Road has plenty of options to please young taste buds. Check out local cafes and restaurants with kid-friendly menus and casual dining. Don’t forget to visit the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for some yummy treats. For a fun dining experience, try restaurants in seaside towns that serve fresh seafood, pizza, and other family faves.

Activities for Kids

Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is a must for families with kids, as it’s a magical experience for all ages. This place along the beautiful Great Ocean Road is famous for its wide range of chocolates, ice creams and sweets made on-site. You can see chocolate being made in an open-plan production area, which adds to the excitement. There are huge chocolate fountains for the kids to gaze at while the adults indulge in gourmet chocolate creations. Picnic areas in the large garden make this a great spot to stop and rest on family outings. Whether you’re doing a chocolate tasting or selecting from the many ice cream flavours here, it’s a great spot to combine food with relaxation.

Anglesea Golf Club

There’s more to life than just golf at Anglesea Golf Club, as they have golfing experiences for families with young kids. Situated in the heart of the Anglesea region, this golf course has stunning views of kangaroos hopping across the fairways sometimes. That’s a bonus! Besides practice facilities, there’s a friendly clubhouse where families can grab a meal or drink after their round. This is a great way to have outdoor fun with the family and see wildlife in its natural habitat up close by playing golf.

Lorne

Lorne is a hidden gem of the Great Ocean Road and is famous for its beaches and coastal vibe. The main beach, Lorne Beach, has golden sand and blue water that is perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Families can spend hours building sandcastles, playing beach games or just lounging on the beach. The high street is bustling with boutique shopping, cosy cafes and great restaurants to eat out. To top it all off, Lorne has many festivals throughout the year, so it’s an even better family-friendly holiday destination.

Live Wire Park

In the heart of Lorne is Live Wire Park, an adventure playground for older kids and teenagers looking for some fun. You can zip line through the trees or conquer obstacle courses that test your agility and bravery. By combining outdoor adventure with physical activity, Live Wire Park guarantees high-adrenaline fun and excitement. So it’s the perfect place for families to have a more exciting holiday and cater for people of all ages and skill levels, as there’s plenty to do here

Erskine Falls

This is Erskine Falls. Just a short drive from Lorne. You can walk to the beautiful waterfall without having to do a long hike. A good path will take you through a beautiful rainforest to the bottom of the falls, where you can take in the views and listen to the sound of the water. And there are more walking tracks and picnic spots in the area so you can have a quiet day in nature with the family.

Teddy’s Lookout

Teddy’s Lookout is renowned for its views of the Southern Ocean and Great Ocean Road coastline – as far as the eye can see. Located at the top of a cliff, this is the perfect spot to take amazing family photos with stunning coastal views. It’s just a short walk from where you park your car or bike to get to the lookout. On a clear day, these views go for miles and miles, rugged coastline and endless ocean – there’s no better place (well, maybe another one) to have your breath taken away by nature.

Kennet River Koalas

You must visit Kennet River if you want to remember some wildlife encounters. In fact, this place is famous for having koalas living wild in their natural habitat! Just take a slow walk along the river and look up into the eucalyptus trees – you will probably see cute little critters snoozing in them, too far away but close enough to see without binoculars or telephoto lens cameras pointed right at them… Seeing such funny animals up close might be exciting for kids but also for adults who have never seen anything like this before – it adds a bit of magic to the family adventure! By the way, friendly local kangaroos are there too.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a lovely coastal town with beautiful beaches and a chill vibe. For families looking to relax, the waterfront is perfect for swimming, picnicking or exploring the marine life right offshore. There are many restaurants and cafes in Apollo Bay that cater for kids of all ages, where they can enjoy fresh seafood caught daily from our waters and other delicious dishes made with local ingredients! The town has shops selling unique items and galleries showcasing the work of local artists – it’s the quintessential Australian beachside village with stunning views to make you switch off and recharge!

Cape Otway Light Station

The Cape Otway Light Station is a historic site that gives visitors an insight into maritime history. Over 150 years old and still operational, it has stunning views across the coastline and out to sea. Once there, you will find information displays about its construction and how this lighthouse helped sailors navigate the treacherous waters of Victoria’s southwest coast during times of the year when visibility was poor due to fog or storms approaching from the sea. Guided tours allow you to climb up inside the tower itself and see the views back down to the waves crashing against the cliffs below – not to be missed if you’re interested in this sort of thing!

Otway Ranges / Bimbi Park

This is about the Otway Ranges and Bimbi Park. The former is a tropical rainforest with loads of plant life and animals; it also has outdoor activities and scenery. The latter has camping among the tall trees in a peaceful setting near these natural wonders. Powered/unpowered sites and family-friendly amenities (showers/toilets/laundry) for those who want to be close to nature but still have some home comforts while on holiday with kids. There are walking tracks nearby that make great bases to explore the Otways or any other outdoor adventure in this area of the Great Ocean Road.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

If you’re looking for an adrenalin rush, then don’t miss out on Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, where you can take part in aerial activities high above ground level! Here, you can do the canopy walk, where you get elevated right up into the ancient rainforest and get a bird’s eye view of everything beneath your feet; zip lining through the treetops – fun for all ages! It’s not only fun but has stunning views, so it should be on every family’s itinerary when travelling through this part of Australia.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are one of the most famous natural attractions along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. These massive limestone stacks rise up from the Southern Ocean and are an amazing sight that will stay with you forever, even after you leave. Several viewing platforms along the way offer stunning views of the formations against the backdrop of waves crashing onto the rugged cliffs below, and the visitor centre tells you everything you need to know about the geology of the area and more! A visit here never gets old because no matter how many times you’ve been here before, every time is new and exciting as nature adds her magic to these works of art.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is where you can see nature at its best. The cliffs are rugged, and there’s crystal-clear water below them. Plus, the rock formations along the shore are fascinating as they tell the story of how the Earth evolved millions and millions of years ago. It’s called Loch Ard after the shipwreck in 1878 when two young people were the only survivors from the ship of the same name that sank near here; they were washed up in what is now known as ‘the graveyard’. Walking tracks take you through different parts of the gorge and offer views out to the coast to the horizon.

Warrnambool

Warrnambool is a lovely coastal town in Victoria, Australia that has heaps of fun for kids and adults. One of these is Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, where you can go back in time by exploring this recreated 19th-century maritime village with historic buildings filled with displays of shipwreck relics, nautical artefacts like model ships, etc. There are also hands-on activities like tying knots or hoisting sails, so kids will be entertained while learning about our seafaring past!

Tower Hill

One of the best places for nature lovers is Tower Hill Reserve, which is located right inside an extinct volcano crater! This place is teeming with different animals, including kangaroos that roam freely around emus and various birdlife, so it’s like stepping into another world

Tower Hill is great for hiking, bird-watching, photography, and picnicking. The reserve’s peacefulness and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for families to connect with Victoria’s natural heritage.

A family Great Ocean Road trip means stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches and heaps of activities for kids and adults. Plan well and be flexible, and you’ll get the most out of your time on this legendary road. From coastal towns to natural wonders and family-friendly accommodation options, the Great Ocean Road has it all.

FAQ

Where to stay with kids on the Great Ocean Road?

Holiday parks, caravan parks, and family-friendly hotels are available in Apollo Bay, Lorne, and Port Campbell. BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park or Gardens Caravan Park

What can you do with kids on Great Ocean Road?

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Live Wire Park, Erskine Falls and Kennet River Koalas. Twelve Apostles and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures too.

How many days do I need to spend on Great Ocean Road with the kids?

A typical family trip is 3-5 days, which allows time to see the main attractions at a relaxed pace. You can stay longer if you want to see more or do extra activities.

When is the best time for you to visit Great Ocean Road with the kids?

Summer (December – February) is when the weather is warm and the school holidays are. Spring & Autumn are good, too, with milder temps and fewer crowds.

Any special tips for kids on the Great Ocean Road?

Plan with lots of stops and flexible itineraries for little ones. Family-friendly accommodation, pack snacks & entertainment for the car and child seats if needed.