What town is at the end of the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal roads, stretching 240 kilometres along the southern coast of Victoria. Famous for its stunning scenery, coastal views, rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles, this trip is a must-do for any traveler. Many people do the Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, taking in the stunning coastline, charming towns and famous landmarks along the way. But where does this famous road end and what can you expect at the end?

The Final Destination: Allansford

The official end of the Great Ocean Road is Allansford, a small coastal town just east of Warrnambool. In Victoria’s Western District, Allansford is known for its dairy farming and is home to the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, one of Australia’s oldest dairy processing plants. This quaint town has history, coast, and access to some amazing views of the region.

Despite being a small town, Allansford has a rich history tied to the construction of the Great Ocean Road. Built to provide employment for returned soldiers from WWI, the road itself has historical significance and the surrounding towns played a big part in the early settlement of the region. The phrase “shillings for wagons” refers to the early transport costs along this famous road, where settlers would transport goods between major towns and coastal communities.

What to Expect

While Allansford itself is a quiet town, it marks the end of the rugged coastline and the start of the rolling green hills and inland route of western Victoria. You can visit:

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory – A great place to learn about the region’s dairy history and sample local produce, if you’re a cheese lover.
Hopkins Falls – A stunning waterfall just outside Allansford, with great views and a beautiful spot for nature lovers. The falls flow over rock formations, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
Warrnambool – Just 10 minutes from town, Warrnambool is a big town with beautiful beaches, an art scene, maritime history and fishing. Beach lovers can enjoy some of Australia’s best and sandiest surfing beaches, so it’s a must-stop for surfers.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village – An interactive display of Warrnambool’s maritime history with beautiful buildings and insight into the coastal community. The museum also has shipwrecks, so it’s part of the area’s rich maritime history.
Coastal Wildlife & Marine Life – The southern coast has kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and marine life, such as seals, dolphins and whales. Animal sightings are common along this stretch of coast so it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Limestone Cliffs & Rock Formations – The nearby coastal scenery has limestone cliffs, rugged coastal cliffs and incredible limestone stacks that have been shaped by nature over millions of years.

Why Visit the End of the Ocean Road?

While many people focus on the views along the road, the destination is just as important. Allansford and Warrnambool have a relaxed atmosphere, history and beaches, beachfront campsites and campsite lodges. This section of the coast also has ancient rainforests, mountain ash forests and limestone cliffs. It’s the perfect place to unwind after an adventure along one of the world’s most famous roads. For nature lovers the region has an abundance of wildlife – native wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas and marine life. Animal sightings are common, so it’s a wildlife lovers’ paradise. The surrounding national parks have great walking trails, views and scenery and you can explore the inland routes which are just as charming as the coastal route.

Many visitors choose to do a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne so they don’t have to drive. These guided tours provide commentary, scenic stops and the opportunity to see the famous landmarks along the way.

Surrounding Towns

Several bigger and lovely towns are near Allansford:

Port Fairy – Historic coastal town with an art scene, beautiful beaches and scenery.
Port Campbell – Along the famous Great Ocean Road, home of the Twelve Apostles and natural rock formations.
Peterborough – Coastal town with great fishing, awesome views and a rugged coastline.

Whether you like seaside towns, coastal cliffs, historic charm or just enjoying the natural wonders of Australia, the end of the Great Ocean Road is a must do for any traveller.

FAQ

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay and ends in Allansford, Victoria. This stretch of road winds through some of Australia’s most beautiful country and offers stunning views of the southern coast.

What are the main attractions near Allansford?

Attractions near Allansford include Hopkins Falls, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, beaches and marine life viewing areas. Nature lovers can also explore national parks with eucalyptus trees and rock formations.

Is Allansford worth visiting?

While Allansford is a small town, it’s the entrance to Warrnambool which has attractions, views, bigger towns with charm and whale watching in season. The town centre of Warrnambool has great dining, interactive displays and historical landmarks.

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Driving the whole of the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Allansford takes about 4.5 to 5 hours without stopping. However most people take one to three days to properly take in the coastal scenery, national parks, rock formations, limestone stacks and ruggedness. A road trip along this stretch is a must-do for anyone who wants to soak up the views. Many Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne offer multi-day trips so you can make the most of this amazing drive.

What’s the best time to do the Great Ocean Road?

November to April is the best time to visit when the weather is warm and the coastal views are stunning. However winter (June to August) is great for whale watching near Warrnambool and the ocean and cliff views are dramatic. And there’s a higher chance of wild animals crossing the road so you might see some wildlife along the way.