The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular road trip in Victoria, Australia. If you haven’t yet visited this part of the country, this scenic drive is one to add to your next itinerary.
Travellers from all over the world rave about the Great Ocean Road, and I, like many Victorians love to visit particular parts of this coastal road for weekends away and longer family holidays.
I have visited the Great Ocean Road countless times. Sometimes for a holiday with family, milestone birthdays, day surf trips or a couples night away.
Each time I visit this beautiful part of Victoria, I’m reminded of the diversity between each town, the gorgeous views and the local, down to earth atmosphere and friendliness of most areas.
Between the famous hot spots like the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach, Apollo Bay and more, are some hidden secrets and personal recommendations along the Great Ocean Road which will appeal to travellers looking for more than the usual road trip experience.
If you are planning to take one of the many Great Ocean Road tours, listen out for the towns between the usual hot spots as these will be the less populated areas, especially in summer and holiday peak seasons.
Here I have listed 5 Hidden Secrets Along The Great Ocean Road to inspire you to seek further than ever before!
Torquay Back Beach
Torquay Back Beach is not the first beach people consider when visiting this town, known as the surf capital of Victoria. Torquay is much more famously known for Bells Beach (referenced in the film Point Break) and the surrounding surf breaks, including Jan Juc.
While the back beach can also get crowded, this surf spot is also well suited for families and swimmers, and is a great point to watch the sunset or stroll by with other early morning walkers, along the paved path all the way past the point to the back beach.
Torquay has grown exponentially over the last 5-10 years, particularly since the pandemic. If you are travelling from Melbourne to The Great Ocean Road, Torquay is only an hour and 20 mins drive and many young families have moved to the area, previously known for its older generation. The beaches are gorgeous and the small town offers everything you need from grocery essentials to clothes, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes.
With all this growth in the area it can be difficult to get away from the crowds, especially when the waves are good.
Torquay Back Beach is the perfect beach to visit for a swim or to take some epic pictures in the early morning or at sunset.
The back beach is past the Torquay point, is easily accessible, and is walking distance from the main part of the town. Follow the esplanade around the bay, and you will view the first waves breaking on the surf side of the Torquay point.
Fairhaven Beach
Fairhaven beach is located between Aireys Inlet and Moggs Creek on the Great Ocean Road. This beach is a lesser known stretch than Aireys Inlet and is a beautiful and quieter place for swimming, surfing and lounging on the beach.
The waves along this stretch are good for body surfing, body boarding and sometimes surfing if the swell is big enough. The beach is clean and fairly safe for kids to explore.
Anywhere on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road is ideal for a relaxing getaway, and the views are spectacular. In the off peak season, there is a local atmosphere to Fairhaven and crossing the Great Ocean Road to access the beach is easy for families with young children.
Fairhaven is still only a little over 1.5 hours from Melbourne and great for a long stay, or even for an overnight stay or weekend.
Moggs Creek
Similar to Fairhaven, Moggs Creek doesn’t get mentioned as much as some of the other popular towns along the Great Ocean Road. This small town has a population of under 150 people. The sandy stretch of beach and walks here are perfect if you are looking for a quiet coastal town only 1hr 50 mins drive from Melbourne.
There are lots of hiking tracks and picnic areas in Moggs Creek, making this another top area to stay for families or groups, even in cooler seasons when it is too cold for swimming. Fishing and hang gliding are also popular in this area, weather conditions permitting.
With the Airey’s Inlet local shops being only a 5 km drive away, Moggs Creek is another small, quieter town on the Great Ocean Road, without being too remote and far from essentials.
There are many top quality holiday rentals available at Moggs Creek, through airbnb, stayz or booking.com.
Peterborough
Peterborough is another small town further along the Great Ocean Road and less popular, with one of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches on the Great Ocean Road. Peterborough is 3 hours from Melbourne if you take the inland roads and a lot longer if you travel along the coastal road. Situated 13 kms further along from the well known town of Port Campbell, Peterborough is a quieter town, with a few amenities.
The Peterborough beach is spectacular and worth the visit alone. There is a pub, with quality pub-style meals, a golf course and selection of small shops in the main street of Peterborough.
Allansford
Allansford is located right at the end of the Great Ocean Road. This is a very small community, with only 610 houses. It is located ten kms before Warrnambool, with the Hopkins River flowing through the town. Allansford is a great spot to visit for the local atmosphere, taking in a pub meal or visiting the bakery, nursery or small grocery store.
The locals are friendly, and when visiting Allansford you get to experience the last small country town, before the development and business of Warrnambool.
Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, Australia’s oldest dairy maker which produces top quality dairy products, as well as Cheese World cafe and museum are both located in Allansford.
Conclusion
The Great Ocean Road is of course very popular for road trippers, Melbourne families, surfers and international travellers. These lesser known areas to visit are worth considering for some quieter holiday time, with equally the same stunning views and memorable experiences.
If you are driving from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, these areas are worth adding to your travel itinerary. You won’t regret breaking up the touristy locations with some unique beach time, to discover hidden, local secrets, like dining at the Peterborough pub or gazing across the un-crowded beach view at Fairhaven.
