When is the best time to visit Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road?

Summer is peak season for road-trippers along the Great Ocean Road, but as one of Australia’s most famous drives, traffic can be a problem. Driving the road in an easterly direction from Warrnambool is a smart way to dodge the day-trippers coming from Melbourne. Alternatively, visit out of season—it’s often still warm enough to swim and surf in late spring and early autumn, while winter (June through September) is whale-watching season.