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Perched above the small coastal town of Aireys Inlet, the Split Point Lighthouse is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Great Ocean Road. Painted bright white with a striking red cap, it’s sometimes called the “White Queen” lighthouse and has been keeping watch over the treacherous Shipwreck Coast since 1891. 

These days, the lighthouse is as popular with travellers as it once was with sailors. Visitors come for the 360-degree coastal views, the chance to climb the 132 steps to the lantern room, and its cameo as the setting of the beloved kids’ TV show Round the Twist. It’s the sort of stop that mixes history, scenery, and a bit of pop culture charm, making it an easy highlight on a Great Ocean Road trip and a must-see shipwreck coast attraction. 

If there’s one hike in the Grampians that every traveller talks about, it’s The Pinnacle Walk. This trail has a bit of everything, including winding bush tracks, dramatic rock formations, and narrow gorges: all leading to the show-stopping Pinnacle Lookout. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views across Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield, and the rugged peaks that make the Grampians such a standout corner of regional Victoria. 

Best of all, there’s more than one way to get there, which means you can choose your adventure. While families and casual walkers often tackle the Pinnacle Walk from the Sundial Carpark for an easier climb, those chasing a challenge can head out from the Wonderland Carpark, where the trail takes you through highlights like the Grand Canyon and Silent Street. However, you get there, reaching the Pinnacle is one of those essential Aussie hiking moments you won’t forget anytime soon.  

If there’s one stretch of coastline that sums up the magic of the Great Ocean Road, it’s the Port Campbell National Park. Famous worldwide for the Twelve Apostles, this rugged section of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast is all about dramatic cliffs, wild seas, and natural rock formations that look almost too perfect to be real. 

But there’s more to it than these iconic rocks. The park is home to a string of coastal landmarks, from Loch Ard Gorge to London Arch and The Grotto, each with its own story tied to shipwrecks, erosion, and the relentless Southern Ocean. Add in walking trails like the Port Campbell Discovery Walk, as well as ample opportunities to spot wildlife (think penguins, muttonbirds, and wallabies), you’ll quickly see why this park is one of Victoria’s most-visited natural attractions. 

It’s also one of the easiest to include in a road trip, sitting right along the Great Ocean Road and not far from stops like Apollo Bay and Warrnambool. Whether you’re on a quick getaway from Melbourne or following the longer Adelaide to Melbourne coastal route, this park deserves a place on your Victoria itinerary. 

If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road, you’ll likely pass through Apollo Bay: a seaside town known for its laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, and strong community feel. But if you happen to be there on the third Sunday of the month, you’re in luck. That’s when the Apollo Bay Farmers Market comes alive on Moore Street, turning into one of the most popular spots in town. 

The Apollo Bay farmers and makers market is the perfect snapshot of the Otways’ best seasonal produce, from crisp vegetables and juicy fruits to locally made cheeses, honey, baked goods, and small-batch preserves. Alongside the food, you’ll find artisan products, flowers, and handmade treats that make perfect road trip snacks or gifts. For locals, it’s a monthly ritual. For travellers, it’s a chance to taste the region, chat with growers, and soak up the community atmosphere. 

It’s also an easy addition to any trip, whether you’re looping through on the Adelaide to Melbourne drive, exploring Victoria by campervan, or eating your way through the Gippsland food and wine route.