In the Australian state of Victoria, get behind the wheel for the scenic drive of a lifetime. The Great Ocean Road tops the list of must-do road trips for visitors to Australia because it’s one of the MOST iconic areas in the whole country.
With your favorite soundtrack blasting, you are free. Locals with surfboards on their roofs and tourists in camper vans will be your new friends on the road. Stop at Split Point lighthouse, enjoy the fresh salty sea air, indulge in fresh seafood meals at local restaurants, and enjoy the views.
Expect not only scenic ocean views along the Great Ocean Road but also sights of lush rainforests.
Rent a vehicle in Melbourne or Torquay and head along the southwest coast of Victoria to Allansford. Downunder they drive on the left side of the road, so you’ll be on the ocean side for the most amazing views if you take that route. It’s also easier to pull over for those Instagram-worthy photos of the limestone or sandstone cliffs and endless ocean views.
Loch Ard Gorge is seen in scenes in The Pirate Movie (1982) and Journey to the Center of the Earth, a 1999 television series.
While it can be daunting to be driving on the other side of the road, there is no better place to gain confidence than the Great Ocean Road. You can take your time and there usually isn’t a lot of traffic. It’s also easy to pull over and let cars pass. Well-paved and spacious with many long stretches make driving past the pristine beaches and through green rainforests easy. Best of all, most people driving The Great Ocean Road, built to commemorate the sailors and soldiers who served from 1914 to 1919 in the Great War, are out for the scenic views as well so they drive at a leisurely pace as well.
By the time you arrive at the famous Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell, you will feel happy and confident driving the 244 kilometers trip.
This stunning collection of limestone stacks is an awe-inspiring sight. It is estimated the rocks that rise out of the ocean are over 20 million years old. Sunrise and sunset create spectacular lighting to see the famous rocks (there are only eight still existing from the original dozen) from the boardwalk located in Port Campbell National Park. Explore the Gibson Steps leading to the beach for a new perspective of the rocky scene. Just past the Twelve Apostles discover the Loch Ard Gorge, a location included in several movies, and The Grotto, a photogenic sinkhole. Take a photo under the naturally formed London Arch before hitting the road again.
Plan to be on the road for at least three days if driving. But if your time is unlimited, you surely will want to stop for scenic nature walks, shopping in quaint towns and maybe a dip in the ocean. You might go zip lining, take a surf lesson, hike to a waterfall, go bird watching or fly a drone from one of the many gorgeous lookout points. Of course, seeing some cute koalas in their natural habitat would top off the trip. At Kennett River on the Grey River Road, a number of these cuddly creatures reside, or you might spot them anywhere along the Great Ocean Road, which has an abundance of wildlife and nature.
Other sights that produce oohs and ahhs along the Great Ocean Road include koala bears seen along the Kennett River Koala Walk.
Driving and sightseeing can be tiring so luckily there are many lovely accommodation options to choose from. Spend an evening relaxing in style and comfort with dinner and drinks, scroll through your picturesque photos taken that day, and get ready for another epic day of discovery.
Early rises are more valuable than sleep-ins because the soft morning light is so pretty, especially for photos and videography. This tranquil time of day is also quiet, with less traffic than later in the day. So if you fancy cruising in solitude, this is going to be your favorite time of day to be driving.
Erosion, Mother Nature’s sculpting, creates numerous photo-worthy sights long the Great Ocean Road, including the London Arch.
If you are driving back to Melbourne, try to stop at the Grampians National Park for some of the lushest rainforests you’ve ever seen. You can hire bikes and get some exercise and tourists often report having kangaroos hopping around nearby. You’ve heard of diving with sharks, but did you know cycling with kangaroos was a thing? Expect the unexpected and a whole lot of beauty in nature when you travel The Great Ocean Road, also known as the B100. Spend as much time as you can because there is so much to see and do during this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Contact me today if this sounds like the trip for which your soul yearns. I’m ready to help you plan your trip to Australia, including a fabulous trip along the Great Ocean Road!
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