The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives, with stunning coastal views, dramatic cliffs and access to some of the country’s most amazing natural wonders. Running over 240km along the coast, this scenic route takes you through beach towns, rainforests, and rock formations. Along the way you can visit Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, and Kennett River before the road finally ends.
Many think the road trip ends in Warrnambool, a big town in the area, but the last official town on the Great Ocean Road is Allansford. In this guide, well-known we’ll explore Allansford, its attractions, its connection to the Shipwreck Coast and whether Warrnambool can also be considered part of the journey’s finale.
The Final Town: Allansford
Allansford is the last official town on the Great Ocean Road before the road meets the Princes Highway. While coastal towns like Port Campbell, Lorne and Apollo Bay are more must-stop, Allansford has historical and cultural significance in Victoria’s dairy industry. This small town is a gateway to Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve so it’s a must stop for those finishing their road trip along this coastal route.
Where is Allansford?
Located in Victoria, Australia, Allansford is about a 10-minute drive (10km) east of Warrnambool and 3 hours from Melbourne. It’s situated near the Hopkins River, where the coastal road turns inland. Many people mistakenly consider Warrnambool as the end of the road but Allansford is the last beach town officially on the Great Ocean Road.
What to Do
While Allansford is a small town, it has a few attractions for Great Ocean Road travellers:
- Allansford Cheese World – Run by the Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory this popular attraction offers tastings of local cheeses. Perfect for foodies, this stop also has a museum on dairy industry history in Victoria Australia.
- Hopkins River – This beautiful river is great for photography, wildlife spotting, and picnics.
- Gateway to Warrnambool and Beyond – You can continue your Australian trip into Warrnambool which has beach access to stunning beaches like Logan’s Beach, Johanna Beach and Milanesia Beach.
Is Warrnambool the True End of the Great Ocean Road?
Many believe Warrnambool is the end of the Great Ocean Road because it’s the largest coastal community near Allansford and has a vibrant art scene, cultural heritage and beautiful views of the Southern Ocean. It’s also home to Tower Hill, an extinct volcano and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve where you can see native wildlife in its natural habitat.
While Warrnambool is a great ending to many trips, some travellers prefer to do a Reverse Great Ocean Road Day Trip and visit iconic landmarks like Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto without the crowds. While Allansford is the end, Warrnambool is where you’ll find accommodation, food and more to see including maritime history at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
Plan Your Great Ocean Road Trip
To complete the Great Ocean Road you should plan your route to include:
- Bells Beach, world-class surfing.
- Cape Otway Lightstation is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia.
- Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Bay of Islands.
- Erskine Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hopetoun Falls in Otway National Park.
- Wye River, Blanket Bay, and Eastern View for stunning views of the coastline.
For Great Ocean Road accommodation there are heaps of beautiful Great Ocean Road places to stay.
Consider the coastal weather, winter and heavy rain in the tall forests of the Otways. If you are using public transport you can find helpful resources at Visitor Information Centres like the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre.
Conclusion
The Great Ocean Road ends in Allansford but many people go on to Warrnambool for the views, beaches and coastal formations. Whether you stop at Lorne Beach, go to Cape Bridgewater or discover the Aire River Heritage River this journey takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
With the right planning this road trip has the perfect mix of native wildlife, tall forests, small towns and busy villages for an unforgettable adventure. Consider a Great Ocean Road Reverse tour for a unique way to see the attractions without the crowds.
FAQs
Where does the Great Ocean Road end?
The Great Ocean Road ends in Allansford, Victoria Australia where it meets the Princes Highway.
Is Allansford worth visiting?
Yes! While small Allansford has views, and wine tastings and is close to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Warrnambool.
Why do people think Warrnambool is the end of the Great Ocean Road?
Warrnambool is a big town with coastal access, maritime history and wildlife so it’s a natural continuation of the coastal drive.
How far is Allansford from Melbourne?
Allansford is about a 3-hour drive (260 km) from Melbourne.
What’s near Allansford?
Notable sites include Port Fairy, Grampians National Park, Anglesea River, Kafe Koala, Gibson Steps, and Lavers Hill.