Yellow Rock is one of the many hidden gems along the Great Ocean Road. While Bells Beach, Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles get all the attention, there are so many more to discover. Yellow Rock is a must-stop on this iconic drive.
Discover Somewhere New
While Bells Beach, Port Campbell, and the 12 Apostles are on everyone’s itinerary for the Great Ocean Road, including the Melbourne 12 Apostles Tour, there are so many more to explore. Yellow Rock is one of them. This peaceful spot lets you escape the crowds of the more popular landmarks and connect with nature in a more personal way. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, coastal cliffs, and greenery, it’s a real experience of the region’s diversity.
Whether you’re here to relax, adventure, or just take in the views, Yellow Rock has something for you. It’s also a great spot for history buffs, as the area is rich in Aboriginal culture and traditional lands of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara peoples. Visiting this hidden gem allows you to experience the spirit of reconciliation while enjoying the natural beauty of Australia’s south coast.
A Natural Wonder
Location and How to Get There
Exploring Lookout: Scenic Views and More
Yellow Rock Lookout is one of the best views on the Great Ocean Road. From here you get 360 degree views of the Southern Ocean and inland to rolling green hills. On a clear day you can see as far as Bass Strait with the water shimmering against the yellow rock and the blue sky.
This is the perfect spot to take in the rugged beauty of the coastal cliffs. As you stand on the rock, you get the full drama of the landscape: waves crashing below, ocean views, and the occasional platypus or native animal in the vegetation.
Hiking and Walks
Yellow Rock has walking tracks to suit all levels of fitness and adventure. For a leisurely stroll the shorter tracks wander through rainforest and along the coastal routes and are peaceful and scenic. For more experienced hikers the longer tracks to Beech Forest, Binns Road or Fraser Creek Gorge are an immersive experience in the ancient forests.
Each track is a journey through time and showcases the different ecosystems of the Great Ocean Road. Along the way you’ll see abundant flora: eucalyptus trees, wildflowers, and the iconic ferns that grow here. Wildlife enthusiasts will see kangaroos, koalas and various bird life and will add an extra layer of excitement to every walk.
Photography Spots
For photographers Yellow Rock is heaven. The colours of the limestone cliffs against the Southern Ocean are dramatic and perfect for photography. Whether you want close up shots of the coastline or panoramic views of the coastline there is no shortage of opportunities here.
Some of the best photography spots are the Yellow Rock Lookout, which has the most coastal views, and the tracks to the rock stacks. Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times as the golden light enhances the colours of the rock and warms up the landscape.
Best Time to Visit
Yellow Rock is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you like. Spring and autumn have mild weather and great foliage for hiking and photography. Summer has longer days for picnicking and exploring the nearby sandy beaches. Winter has a quieter experience with fewer crowds and dramatic views of the rugged coastline under moody skies.
Nearby Attractions
Yellow Rock is just one of the many highlights along the Great Ocean Road. Nearby, you’ll find the 12 Apostles, Bay of Islands, and Cape Otway, each with its own unique landscapes and experiences. The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and Hopetoun Falls are for adventure seekers, and the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Bay Coastal Park are for wildlife spotting.
For some local flavour, visit the fishing village of Port Fairy or the Cumberland Plain, which has Aboriginal culture. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, cultural experiences or adventure, the area around Yellow Rock has it all.
FAQ
Where is Yellow Rock?
Yellow Rock is along the Great Ocean Road, near Port Campbell and Port Campbell National Park. Car access with marked trails and lookouts.
What can I do at Yellow Rock?
Hiking, picnicking, photography, exploring the coastal views. Great for relaxation and wildlife spotting.
When should I visit Yellow Rock?
Yellow Rock is beautiful all year but best in spring and autumn for mild weather or winter for a quieter experience with dramatic cliffs.
Are there other attractions nearby?
Yes, nearby are Johanna Beach, Beech Forest, Cape Otway and the 12 Apostles. Also Erskine Falls, Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls.
Is Yellow Rock family-friendly?
Family-friendly walking tracks and picnic spots allow kids to explore the rainforest and ocean views.
