Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 08:12 pm
One of the most scenic stretches in all of Australia, the Great Ocean Road has long garnered worldwide attention for its majestic sights, of which none are more widely celebrated than the dramatic Twelve Apostles. This coastal road leads those who make the journey through some astounding scenery, with a diverse offering of outdoor experiences and cultural attractions to enjoy along the way.
By travelling from Melbourne, reaching the Great Ocean Road is a breeze, with journeys along the coastal stretch affording visitors the time to savour the sea air and breathtaking views. Along this route the dramatic coastline is backed by a wild landscape of forest and farmland, with small coastal towns and villages reflecting Australia’s love of the great outdoors, as well as its vibrant culinary scene.
The beach town Torquay – said to be the surfing capital of Australia – is the Great Ocean Road’s official starting point, which as a hub for outdoor pursuits, from cycling and kayaking to sky diving, is a popular base for travellers. From here, it’s then just a short journey along the coast to Anglesea, where surf beaches are backed by bush and visitors come to hike and bike as well as surf, before heading on to Aireys Inlet. Home to Split Point Lighthouse and Great Otway National Park, this is where koalas can be seen in the trees by following trails through the forest.
After journeying through the coastal town of Lorne and the small hamlets of Wye and Kennett River, the route comes to Apollo Bay, which, tucked into the foothills of the Otway Ranges, seduces visitors with its peaceful sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, wildlife-rich rainforest and waterfalls. Fresh seafood is the specialty of restaurants here, and as if this wasn’t enough to tempt travellers, the town also has a burgeoning arts and music scene.
A little up from Apollo Bay, Cape Otway Lightstation – the oldest lighthouse on the mainland – sits 91 metres above the tip of this spectacular coastline. From here, continuing on from the southern tip, travellers begin their journey along the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast, which is where the route’s most famous natural phenomenon, the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park can be found. Rising up to 45 metres in height, the limestone formations that are so instantly recognisable are evidence of the erosion that’s taken place here over a staggering 20 million years.
From the Twelve Apostles, it’s just a short hop along the route to Loch Ard, where, with many dramatic shipwreck tales to tell, this coastline lives up to its name. Before reaching the end of Shipwreck Coast, many travellers set aside time to take in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. With 32 kilometres of rugged coastline to discover, visitors are rewarded with dramatic views of the rock formations out at sea.
Covering 244 kilometres, the Great Ocean Road is extraordinarily rich in both sights and experiences. With more time, it is possible to seek out the region’s verdant vineyards, take in the laidback lifestyle of each coastal town, and venture along trails through the rainforest. No matter how long or short your journey, any trip along the Great Ocean Road will certainly make a lasting impression, and maybe even inspire you to come back for more.
Set out on a journey along the Great Ocean Road with Trafalgar by joining the Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road trip, Tastes of Southern Australia, Australian Highlights and Highlights of Australia and New Zealand.
Image credits: Cover photo of the Twelve Apostles © iStock. Great Otway National Park © iStock / Sara Winter. A koala in the wild © iStock / Arnab Maity. Split Point Lighthouse © iStock / KokkaiNg. The Twelve Apostles © iStock / Totajia.