Bell's Beach — a huge draw for surfers — has amazing scenery, with vertiginous cliffs that seem to beckon rolling waves and swells produced by the Southern Ocean. For non-surfers, the beach is a great introduction to the kind of windswept, dramatic terrain to expect on the drive.

Bells Beach

Point Addis Marine National Park has surfing, snorkeling, and diving, but plenty to offer for those who want to stay on land, too. Walk along the beach, or meander trails along the clifftops, with lookout points that offer visitors the chance to see dolphins and whales in the water — or check out the two shipwrecks in the park.

Point Addis Marine National Park

Few views along the drive will compare with the one from the top of the Aireys Inlet Split Point Lighthouse, where dolphins or whales can be spotted along the curving coastline. The red-domed lighthouse is open year-round and still operates, and nearby Fairhaven Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the Great Ocean Road.

Split Point Lighthouse

Near the town of Lorne, a series of waterfalls are appealing detours from the road. The trail to Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls takes about three hours, and both Erskine Falls and Sheoak Falls are close to a car park. Be sure to stop by Teddy's Lookout for some breathtaking views of the Bass Strait and Saint George River.

Waterfalls

The Kennet River Nature Walk is a pleasant hike through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park, with ducks, waterfowl, and cockatoos among the local avian wildlife. The Kennet River Koala Walk is a nice easy stroll with the chance to see koalas high up in eucalyptus trees along the trail.

Kennet River