Great Ocean Road - Lorne to Apollo Bay
Great Ocean Road, VIC
At a Glance
About the Great Ocean Road - Lorne to Apollo Bay
45km signature coastal ride along Victoria's Great Ocean Road - undulating cliff-edge tarmac connecting Lorne and Apollo Bay.
The Lorne to Apollo Bay stretch of the Great Ocean Road is the most-ridden coastal route in Australia and a bucket-list ride for international cyclists. The 45km route traces the cliff edge of the Otway Ranges with the Southern Ocean a constant presence on the seaward side and dense fern gullies on the inland side. Total elevation gain is around 580m spread over many short rolling climbs - there's no single major ascent, but the rollers add up over the day.
From Lorne the road undulates through Wye River, Kennett River and Skenes Creek, with the famous Cumberland River and Artillery Rocks lookouts providing photo stops. The road is narrow with limited shoulder, well-paved, and trafficked with tourist cars and motorhomes - early morning is essential for the best riding experience. Wildlife (koalas, echidnas) is common on the carriageway, particularly around Kennett River.
The full out-and-back from Lorne is 90km with 1,160m of climbing. The route is part of the annual Amy's Gran Fondo, held each September on a closed-road format that allows cyclists to ride the road without traffic.
Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 1.3%, Max gradient: 8%.
Great Ocean Road - Lorne to Apollo Bay Safety & Warnings
Tourist traffic; narrow shoulder; wildlife on road; winter southwesterlies.
Great Ocean Road - Lorne to Apollo Bay Highlights
Great Ocean Road - Lorne to Apollo Bay Facilities & Huts
Links & Resources
Find Nearby Accommodation
Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(4)
Groceries(1)
Dump Points(1)
Lorne VIC Dump Point
Free · 18.4km
Pubs(5)
Wineries(1)
State Forests(5)
Aire River Wildlife Reserve (hunting)
Recreation · 34.2km
Lake Thurrumbong Wildlife Reserve (hunting)
Recreation · 43.8km
Lake Gherang Gherang Wildlife Reserve (hunting)
Recreation · 48.8km
Brown Swamp Wildlife Reserve (hunting)
Recreation · 50.5km
Lake Dubban Wildlife Reserve (hunting)
Recreation · 51.9km