You might have had specific destinations like a mountain, lake, or beach as your picture while planning for a vacation. But here is an exciting place where the long, winding stretch of road is the destination. It’s the Great Ocean Road right here in Australia! I’m sure you must have heard a lot about it. This is one of the most beautiful scenic roads, snaking from the City of Torquay to the City of Allensford on the Southern coast.
If you are going there for the first time, I assure you that a treat awaits you at every twist and turn. As you go through this article you will know why I’m telling this. Just 150 miles in southwestern Melbourne and 100 miles from Geelong spans the Great Ocean Road. Starting from Torquay, the 240-kilometer Road ends in Allansford. For more details, here are some more Great Ocean Road directions:
Address: Great Ocean Rd, Torquay, Victoria 3231. You can also check the map given below-
Here I Present You the Great Ocean Road Scenic Run-Through
If you have never embarked on the Great Ocean Road drive, it’s high time you do it. This is considered an iconic trip to see a few of the country’s most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. You will cross beach after beach, where one looks more beautiful than the other.
Visitors occupy a few of them, while mostly, it remains deserted. Additionally, you will traverse across temperate rainforests and towering cliffs. But the interesting part of the landscape is how it gets influenced based on seasons. You can treat your eyes with different hues each season you take a trip here. So, don’t expect the landscape to be the same if you are taking a trip during summer or winter.
And this particular road is more than a scenic drive. Trust me, it’s a place where memories are manufactured and cherished. At heart, this place was a war memorial when the soldiers who returned from World War 1 built it for their lost comrades. The Great Ocean Road was initially planned to be named Anzac Highway. But today, it’s an iconic place and a pilgrimage for millions of tourists across the globe. I would suggest you drive independently to experience the beautiful freedom of this road.
If You Are a Bit Unsure About When to Travel Read the Next Section:
We discussed earlier that each season brings distinct beauty to the area around Great Ocean Road. So, it’s worth a visit all year round. But if you want to see the winding cliff faces along the shoreline amidst the clear skies, book your Ocean Road trip during summer. To avoid crowds, plan your day trip mid-summer between March and April when the visitor intensity reduces. Otherwise, it’s worth a visit during Spring and Fall too!
Ultimately for a quieter environment, winter is the ideal time. Also, as a bonus, you get Great Ocean Road accommodation prices cheap around this time.
To make the most of your trip, I highly recommend you enjoy a scenic drive on the road by yourself so you can stop in between and enjoy the beauty of each landscape. The road is just 100 kilometers away from Melbourne. You can use a navigation system to get through the entire stretch of the winding road. If you don’t have a car of your own, then try hiring one from Melbourne! Also, you can sojourn the roads on public transport like taxis and buses. If you are taking a shuttle to reach the road, click here!
Now It’s Time to Unlock the Activities You Can Expect at the Great Ocean Road
Driving along the long stretch and gazing at the beauty of each landscape is not your ultimate goal of reaching the road. Otherwise, I would not have revealed this article to you! You might be amazed that there are countless activities you can do reaching the roads and stopping in between.
1. Skydiving and Helicopter Flights
To put it short, this is the way to glimpse adventure at its fullest from the sky!
Old Tiger Moth, helicopter,and seaplane options are available for you to choose from and have a view of the Great Ocean Road from the top. These rides reward your eyes with fantastic views of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Bay of Islands. To experience adventure, I can suggest you take a Tandem Skydive over Bells Beach, and view the farmland and coastal bush from 15,000 feet in the air. Be sure to reserve a place much ahead!
The Icy Whiz team talked to Jeffrey Wang, an Australian Wedding Photographer and the Founder of PerfectMoment, about the allure of the Great Ocean Road, its history, and its scenic beauty. Here is what he said:
“The Great Ocean Road, stretching along Australia’s southeastern coast, is not just a scenic route; it’s a canvas that captures the essence of Australia’s rugged beauty and rich history.
As a photographer, what I find most captivating about this route is its dramatic landscapes—towering cliffs, sprawling beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles sea stacks.
The coast’s ever-changing light and weather conditions provide endless opportunities to capture stunning, dynamic images that tell a story of nature’s power and beauty.
The historical significance of the Great Ocean Road, constructed by returned soldiers from World War I, adds a profound depth to its beauty.
Knowing that this route was built as a war memorial and provided employment for soldiers returning from the war impacts my perception of the route immensely.
It’s a reminder of resilience and dedication, qualities that resonate deeply in the quiet stretches of the road and the tumultuous waves of the Southern Ocean.
This history enriches every photograph I take, embedding each image with a sense of narrative and homage to those who shaped this path.
Driving along the Great Ocean Road offers more than just visual splendor; it is an immersive experience that deepens one’s appreciation for Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Each curve and corner reveals new vistas and historic sites, from ancient rainforests and volcanic plains to heritage-listed landmarks and quaint coastal towns.
This journey is a continuous dialogue between the past and the present, inviting travelers and photographers alike to ponder the interconnections between the environment and Australian history.
The experience reminds us how the natural world and human endeavors shape our cultural landscape, making the Great Ocean Road a quintessential representation of Australian identity.”
2. Wildlife and Natural Landscape
I must say the two prime factors that inspire visitors to take the road tours of the Great Ocean Road are wildlife and the landscape. I’ll explain you why.
You can’t ignore the highlighting landscape of the Twelve Apostles. These are colossal limestone structures that hail for millions of years now. They are housed under Port Campbell National Park. But it’s sad to say that today, five have fallen. You get some stunning views and images if you are there, either at dawn or dusk.
Furthermore, as you journey from Torquay to Princetown up to Colac, you can find some excellent wildlife at the Great Otway National Park. This is a fascinating place that suffices every visitor’s needs to explore and enjoy. And if you are a wild life lover, I bet you’ll enjoy a lot there.
From numerous trials and rugged terrains to the extensive bushes, there is something in there to make your day. Also, head to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to explore wildlife in its full glory, where you’ll encounter koalas, kangaroos, and numerous water bird species wandering freely.
3. Surf Culture and Beaches
One thing that sets Australia apart is its beautiful beaches and surfing experiences. I can bet that you will never be disappointed with Victoria’s coastline. You can choose from hundreds of beaches and bays to surf along the Great Ocean Road.
However, note whether there is a red or a yellow flag before jumping in! And among the many, most visitors, both surfers, and non-surfers, Bells Beach is their favorite for surfing and an excellent vantage point along the cliffs.
If you are not up for surfing, then go swimming in Anglesea. Also, this is a family-friendly beach with lifesavers available during summer. You can also head to Port Campbell Beach and Port Fairy East Beach towards the end of the Great Ocean Road to spice up your fun in the waters!
4. Camping and Glamping
Not interested in staying in a hotel or a lodge? I know what you are looking for. Some exciting camping spots, right? Great! You can try camping here at specified places like Johannas Beach or Blanket Bay to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, bring your tents and utensils as the dotted campsites have just fuel stoves. Also, you must have the required permits to camp. So, prepare and head out!
You can also choose glamping options if you don’t possess traditional camping equipment. Try Pebble Point or Twilight Glamping, which has ready-made tents and full-fledged camping equipment to give you an authentic camping experience. All you need to do is choose the dates and the site and leave the rest to the company!
Michael Sawyer, a Travel Expert at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, shared his views on Great Ocean Road’s adventurous marvels. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“Perhaps the reason I am a travel expert is that I am drawn to adventure and seeing places not usually mentioned in a typical travel brochure.
One of my most cherished destinations, Australia, has so many sight-worthy options, but its Great Ocean Road, has history and spectacular beauty unrivaled by just about any coastal destination out there.
I tell all of my travel clients that if they want to see a beach, eat lunch cliffside, and take in tropical rainforests in one trip, head to (the) Great Ocean Road. Perhaps this is its greatest appeal: one vacation, numerous visual experiences.
Pro tip: upon arrival, plan to visit the areas between the towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. To take in more nature-based experiences, hone in on Apollo Bay. To enjoy tourist-friendly amenities, Lorne is the place to visit.
What is equally important about Great Ocean Road is its historical significance as well. Since 1932, this route has served as a memorial to the country’s fallen soldiers who participated in World War One.
Not only through its construction (through which many WWI veterans participated in the road’s completion) but in its stunning qualities lies a fitting setting for such a multi-faceted destination within one site of wonder.”
I’ll Tell You Some Other Places to Indulge Along the Way
Wow, I have already walked you through the best places to visit while discussing the activities you can take up. But here’s a run-through list of the tourist attractions on Great Ocean Road if I have missed uncovering any places for you in the earlier section!
- Apollo Bay
- Twelve Apostles
- Aireys Inlet
- Memorial Arch
- Gibson Steps
- Kennett River
- Shipwreck Coast
- London Arch or London Bridge
- Teddy’s Lookout
- Johanna Beach
- Loch Ard Gorge
- The Grotto
- Bay of Martyrs
For an endless list, check the links provided at the end of the article!
So, with various points to stop by, it’s best to make a Great Ocean Road itinerary 5 days max to enjoy something new each day. However, if you are just taking an entire stretch drive without stopping by, you can complete viewing the Great Ocean Road in four hours. Driving on the Great Ocean Road might not be that dangerous unless you stick to the speed limits and road safety rules. However, to keep you informed, you must battle your way through the fog, slippery surfaces (during wet weather), vehicle traffic, and pedestrians. So, drive slowly and safely!
You get plenty of stuff to participate in, enjoy, see, and explore at the Great Ocean Road. So, be sure to plan your trip accordingly. Whether looking for a comfortable getaway or an action-packed experience, the Great Ocean Road drive has something new to offer you!
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 16, 2024 by Pragya
Authors
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a breathtakingly scenic route stretching from the City of Torquay to the City of Allensford on the Southern coast. This iconic road trip takes you through UNESCO-listed landscapes, featuring stunning beaches, temperate rainforests, and towering cliffs. The landscape transforms with each season, offering a variety of hues and experiences throughout the year.