Stretching 240 kilometres between Torquay and Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Along the way you’ll find rugged cliffs, iconic surf beaches, waterfalls hidden in rainforest gullies, and plenty of places where kids can explore, learn and burn off energy.
While a road trip is a fantastic way to see the coastline, families often discover that the real magic happens when you slow down and step away from the car. This guide brings together the best family-friendly activities along the Great Ocean Road, with ideas that work for a mix of ages, interests and energy levels.
Great Ocean Road vs Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Road is the coastal drive, while the Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km walking trail that follows much of the same coastline but is largely inaccessible by car. At Walk91, we specialise in self-guided Great Ocean Walk tours, so if walking with kids is on your radar, feel free to get in touch.
Take the Kids Camping on the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is surprisingly family-friendly when broken into shorter sections. While the full walk takes 5–7 days for most adults, families don’t need to tackle the entire trail. Walking just one or two sections over a few days is often the perfect introduction for kids.
Camping is usually the best option for families. Purpose-built campsites are spaced along the trail and offer toilets, shelters and rainwater tanks. To make it easier for younger walkers, Walk91 can arrange food and luggage transfers, so kids only need to carry a light daypack.
Our 3-day, 4-day and 6-day camping itineraries are popular with families who want an active, screen-free holiday that still feels manageable. It’s an easy way to reconnect with nature while giving kids a real sense of adventure.
You can also mix it up, camping for three nights and then staying in accommodation whilst you complete the Great Ocean Walk.
Encounter Native Wildlife at Wildlife Wonders
Just a 10-minute drive from Apollo Bay, Wildlife Wonders offers one of the best wildlife experiences on the Great Ocean Road. Set on a private reserve overlooking the Southern Ocean, this guided walk allows kids to spot koalas, wallabies, bandicoots, potoroos and pademelons in a natural setting.
The sanctuary’s winding boardwalks were designed by Brian Massey, art director for The Hobbit films, which adds a subtle sense of magic to the experience. Daily daytime tours are ideal for families, while dusk tours offer a chance to see animals become more active as the sun sets.
Wildlife Wonders also supports the Conservation Ecology Centre, which Walk91 proudly contributes to through our Great Ocean Walk programs.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Surf Beaches
The Great Ocean Road is famous for its surf beaches, and there are plenty that suit families.
- Bells Beach (Torquay): A must-see for kids interested in surfing history. Visit between March and April to catch the Rip Curl Pro and watch world-class surfers in action.
- Apollo Bay Foreshore: A sheltered beach that’s perfect for families. The local surf school offers beginner-friendly lessons, broken into short, confidence-building sessions.
During summer, kids can also join Surf Groms programs in Apollo Bay, a great way for them to learn new skills and make holiday friends.
Go Seal Kayaking at Marengo
Five minutes from Apollo Bay, Marengo is home to a large Australian fur seal colony. For families with older kids (12+), a guided sea kayaking tour is an unforgettable experience. Seals often swim up to investigate kayaks, turning the trip into a playful wildlife encounter.
Not keen on kayaking? There’s a beautiful 8 km Great Ocean Walk section from Marengo to Shelly Beach, ideal for a half-day coastal walk while the rest of the family is on the water.
Stay in Family-Friendly Accommodation in Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is one of the best bases for families on the Great Ocean Road. The BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is particularly popular thanks to:
- Beachfront location
- Easy walk to shops, cafés and supermarkets
- Playground, open spaces and nearby bike paths
Accommodation options range from camping and glamping to multi-bedroom cabins, making it easy to find something that suits your family. Walk91’s Great Ocean Walk shuttle service also departs from Apollo Bay, making it simple to explore nearby trail sections without moving the car.
Discover Rainbow Falls and Station Beach
For a short adventure that combines beach walking and geology, Rainbow Falls is a favourite with kids. Located along Station Beach on the Great Ocean Walk, this short walk reveals colourful rock layers and a seasonal waterfall cascading onto the sand.
⚠️ Always check tide times before visiting. This walk should only be attempted at low tide and in calm conditions.
Reach New Heights at Otway Fly
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures delivers a mix of gentle exploration and high-energy fun. Families can:
- Walk up to 30 metres above the rainforest on the Treetop Walk
- Try ziplining through the canopy on a guided adventure
- Explore whimsical forest features like fairy villages and hidden sculptures
It’s an easy half-day activity that pairs well with a scenic drive through the Otways.
Step Back in Time at Cape Otway Lightstation
The Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848, is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Kids love exploring the lighthouse grounds, historic buildings, WWII radar bunker and surrounding walking tracks.
Stories of lighthouse families bring history to life — including tales of children born, raised and schooled on site due to the area’s isolation. It’s both educational and surprisingly engaging for younger visitors.
Visit Erskine Falls near Lorne
Just 10 minutes from Lorne, Erskine Falls plunges 30 metres into a lush fern gully. Families can choose between:
- A short walk to the upper lookout
- A longer walk down to the lower viewing platform
- A picnic at nearby Blanket Leaf Picnic Area
It’s an easy stop that delivers big impact with minimal effort.
Go Berry Picking Along the Coast
From October to April, several farms along the Great Ocean Road open for berry picking. Popular stops include:
- Berry World (Timboon): Strawberries and local produce
- Otway Blueberries (Gellibrand): Blueberries in season
Berry picking is a simple, hands-on activity that kids love — and it pairs perfectly with a picnic.
Try Scavenger Trails on the Surf Coast
For families who love puzzles and challenges, Scavenger Trails in Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne turn town exploration into a game. These self-guided clue trails encourage kids to look closer, think creatively and learn local stories along the way.
Wander Through the Otways Redwoods
The Redwoods near Beech Forest are always a hit with kids. Towering trees, fallen logs and a shallow river crossing create a natural playground — just be prepared for muddy shoes and wet socks.
Hopetoun Falls is nearby and makes an excellent add-on for another short waterfall walk.
A Family Adventure to Remember
The Great Ocean Road offers far more than a scenic drive. With short walks, wildlife encounters, beaches, waterfalls and hands-on experiences, it’s an ideal destination for families who want to mix relaxation with adventure.
If you’d like help planning a family-friendly Great Ocean Walk experience, the Walk91 team is always happy to share local advice and practical tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Yes — it’s one of Australia’s best family road trips because you can mix short walks, beaches, wildlife encounters, waterfalls and playground-style nature stops. The key is planning regular breaks and choosing a few “anchor” activities (like a waterfall, a beach, and a wildlife stop) rather than trying to do everything in one day.
The Great Ocean Road is the coastal drive between Torquay and Warrnambool. The Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km walking trail that follows much of the same coastline but is mostly inaccessible by car, so you experience the landscape on foot.
Yes — many families do shorter sections rather than the whole walk. Start with a half-day or single-day section (or a 2–3 day option) and keep packs light. If kids aren’t keen to carry gear, supported options (like luggage/food transfers) can make a big difference.
For many families, camping works best because it feels like an adventure and kids love the camp routine. Consider a 3-day or 4-day section rather than committing to the full walk. (And if you want kids carrying only a daypack, you can arrange luggage and food support.)
Yes. Some beach sections are only safe at low tide and in calm swell conditions. Always check local tide times and avoid attempting these walks if conditions look rough.
Great family-friendly options include wildlife sanctuaries near Apollo Bay, plus chances to spot koalas in the Otways. Guided wildlife experiences are often best with kids because rangers help you find animals and explain what you’re seeing.
Some operators allow children aged 12+ (often with conditions). Always check age limits, swimming confidence requirements and weather conditions before booking. If part of your group doesn’t want to kayak, nearby coastal walking sections are a great alternative.
For a family beach day, look for sheltered bays and patrolled areas in summer. Apollo Bay’s foreshore is popular with families, and Torquay/Bells Beach is a great stop if kids love surfing culture (even if it’s not always a calm swimming beach).
Waterfalls like Erskine Falls are ideal because you can enjoy a great view with minimal walking. Many waterfall areas also have picnic spots, which helps when travelling with younger kids.
On wet or windy days, choose activities with indoor options (visitor centres, cafés, small museums, bookshops) or short, paved lookouts. Wildlife tours can still work in light rain, and forest stops are often magical in misty weather (just pack warm layers).
Apollo Bay is a favourite base because it has beaches, cafés, supermarkets, playgrounds and easy access to rainforest and Great Ocean Walk trail sections. Holiday parks can be especially convenient for families thanks to kitchens, open spaces and kid-friendly facilities.
A relaxed family pace is usually 3–5 days, depending on how many stops you want and how far you’re driving each day. If you’re also adding Great Ocean Walk sections, allow extra time so the trip doesn’t feel rushed.
CONTACT US to start planning your Great Ocean Walk Adventure!
T: +61 3 5237 1189 Or BOOK A CALL Email: info@walk91.com.au
