The name says it all: a magnificent stretch of open road nestled between the ocean and the forest, punctuated with panoramic views, sandy beaches, picturesque seaside towns and dramatic limestone stacks along its scenic 151-mile (243-kilometre) journey.
For filmmakers, the Great Ocean Road conjures up images of the mountainous coastline of California’s Big Sur, the beautiful and wild Pacific coast of Oregon, the winding roads of southern Italy and the windswept routes on South Africa’s southern tips.
Torquay, the starting point for the Great Ocean Road, is located an hour and 20 minutes from downtown Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia’s most southern mainland state.
The road then winds its way past the beachside towns of Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apollo Bay, through the waterfall-filled Great Otway National Park, along the coast to the spectacular Port Campbell National Park, before finishing at Allansford near Warrnambool.
Productions can access VicScreen’s Regional Location Assistance Fund for support with the costs associated with locating productions outside of Melbourne.
VicScreen supported hit Netflix teen series Surviving Summer to shoot at some of Victoria’s best-known beaches along the Great Ocean Road, including the globally renowned surf spot Bells Beach, and set up production in the town of Anglesea for 10 weeks.
“Setting the series in a tiny coastal town away from the facilities and access to cast and crew in a major city was ambitious, but VicScreen’s support made this possible and our experience of shooting in regional Victoria was incredible.”
Joanna Werner, Co-Creator and Executive Producer, Surviving Summer
VicScreen also works alongside regional councils and the Great Ocean Road permitting authorities who, along with the local communities, welcome the opportunity to work with filmmakers to showcase their region to the rest of the world.
The creators of cult US TV series Preacher S4 chose the stretch of the Great Ocean Road between Anglesea and Lorne to film dramatic driving scenes that were seen by millions of people around the world when the series aired in 2019.
“Located within 75 minutes of two major airports, Victoria’s Surf Coast is one of the most remarkable coastal destinations in the world. Filmmakers love that it offers so many different options: coastal vistas, beaches, townships, green hinterlands, waterfalls and forests – plus a large range of accommodation for cast and crew.”
Matt Taylor, Manager Economic Development Arts & Tourism, Surf Coast Shire Council
Recently Australian TV series Summer Love filmed all eight episodes at locations along the Great Ocean Road, including at Angelsea, Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet.
“Summer Love based itself in the beauty of summer on the Great Ocean Road. VicScreen has strong connections with the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, as well as VicRoads and Parks Victoria. These relationships enabled us, a fast-paced television series, to pivot quickly and take advantage of the amazing landscapes in the Surf Coast region.”
Jacob McIntyre, Location Manager, Summer Love
Scroll down to see more of what the Great Ocean Road has to offer or visit VicScreen’s Locations Gallery.
Starting point: Torquay
Surf Coast
Dramatic views
Great Otway National Park
Port Campbell National Park
Final stop: Warrnambool
Whatever your vision, VicScreen can help you find the right coastal location for your production.
Their friendly and knowledgeable Production Support and Locations team can assist with location support, local budgets and logistics advice, as well as introductions to production partners and experienced crew.
For more information about filming in Victoria and VicScreen’s incentives, including the Regional Location Assistance Fund, contact:
Joe Brinkmann
Head of Incentives and Production Support
Visit VicScreen
Feature image: Great Ocean Road. Photo Rob Blackburn. Image Visit Victoria