Yellow Rock is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. Located along the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell National Park, it’s a must-see for views, adventure and getting back to nature. Surrounded by rugged coastline and limestone cliffs Yellow Rock is for the explorer and nature lover. Whether you like hiking, photography or just sitting by the coast Yellow Rock is a break from city life, natural beauty and cultural significance.
What is Yellow Rock?
Yellow Rock is a geological feature with ochre-coloured cliffs and unique rock formations. This natural wonder stands out from the Southern Ocean’s rugged coastline with rock stacks and a display of the softer limestone that is common in the area. The yellow colour comes from high iron oxide content and is a great contrast to the blue water and cliff tops. As a rock formation, Yellow Rock is part of a bigger landscape of calcified cliffs, craggy cliffs and rocky outcrops that make up the coastal scenery along the Great Ocean Road.
Explore Yellow Rock—a must-see on your tour Great Ocean Road! Marvel at the striking ochre cliffs and contrasting blue waters, creating an unforgettable natural landscape.
Location and How to Get There
Yellow Rock is located along the Great Ocean Road, 240km southwest of Melbourne, near Port Campbell and the Apostles Marine National Park. From Melbourne, drive through the seaside towns of Torquay (home of the world-famous Bells Beach) and Apollo Bay (with its coastal walks and golden sands). The drive itself is one of the most scenic in Australia. If you are using public transport, buses run from Melbourne to the nearby towns, but a private vehicle is recommended for easier access to Yellow Rock. Once you arrive, there are well-signed walking tracks to the rock formation and parking nearby.
Hiking and Walks
Yellow Rock is a hikers’ paradise with many trails that meander through different landscapes, from coastal cliffs to eucalyptus forests. The Yellow Rock Trail is the most popular one, a moderate walk with ocean views and wildlife spotting. For a more leisurely experience, shorter walks get you to lookouts and picnic spots. The Great Ocean Road drive has many loop trails, including the Lookout Walk and other 1km trails, where you can wander at your own pace. Each trail is well signposted and maintained so everyone can enjoy Yellow Rock, including people with disabilities. Assistance dogs are allowed on all walking tracks so everyone can enjoy Yellow Rock.
Formation and History
Yellow Rock has been formed over millions of years by wind, rain and sea. The yellow colour comes from the high iron oxide content in the sandstone, which oxidises over time to create the colour. The softer limestone cliffs that are common in this area have been shaped by blasting winds and wave erosion to create the rugged beauty and dramatic coastline that attracts geologists and nature lovers. Historically, Yellow Rock and the surrounding area have been significant to the Indigenous Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people as a meeting place and cultural site. Rock art and artefacts found in the area give a glimpse into the ancient history of the land, with ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation and equity of outcomes through partnerships between local communities and heritage organisations.
Photography Spots
Yellow Rock is a photographer’s dream, with many opportunities to capture the dramatic landscapes and colours of the area. The golden cliffs against the deep blue of the Southern Ocean and the rocky cliff tops are a great combo, especially at sunrise and sunset. Several lookouts have unobstructed views for panoramic shots of the Apostles at sunrise or the rugged coastline. For wildlife photographers, there are many birds and native species to capture. Whether you’re a keen amateur or pro, Yellow Rock will get you going.
Picnic and Chill
For those who want to chill out, Yellow Rock has peaceful picnic areas where you can sit and take it all in. Several sheltered spots have picnic tables and facilities, perfect for a family day out or a lunch break in the bush. Have a lazy picnic with ocean views, the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs and the unique landscape as your backdrop. The viewing platform is a safe and accessible spot for visitors to take in the views and also has a flat lookout for those with mobility issues.
Nearby
Yellow Rock is in the perfect location to explore other attractions in the area. Just a short drive away is Port Campbell National Park, home to the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge, where the cliffs and rock stacks rise up from the ocean. The Gibson Steps is another popular spot where you can descend to the beach and see the Apostles from sea level. The Sherbrook River is a quieter spot to take in the coast. For beach lovers, Johanna Beach and Apollo Bay have sandy beaches and warmer waters for swimming and surfing. Lorne is also worth a visit to for its rainforest trails, coastal walks, and surfing spots like Bells Beach. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the Great Ocean Road has so much scenery, icons, and parks.
Wildlife and Flora
Yellow Rock and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife and native flora so if you love nature this is the place to come. The coastal heath and forests are home to kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. Birdwatchers will love the variety of birds, from brightly coloured parrots to eagles flying overhead. The flora is just as impressive with wildflowers in every colour of the rainbow in spring and hardy coastal plants growing in the sand. Explore the area and experience the diversity of Victoria’s coastal ecosystems in a beautiful coastal environment.
FAQ
When should I visit Yellow Rock?
Are there guided tours at Yellow Rock?
Is Yellow Rock good for a family day out?
Can I see wildlife at Yellow Rock?
Where to stay?
Articles about Great Ocean Road
