The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria’s rugged coast and is an inspiring coastal drive. If you have a convertible or motorbike the drive is just that little bit more thrilling!  The official start of the Great Ocean Road is at Torquay and covers around 250kms to Warrnambool.  Some like to do the return drive in a day, but the true way to appreciate the coastline and its remarkable scenery is to stay for a night, or two, or three and take your time.  There are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital – home to the Bells Beach surfing carnival held each Easter, Surfworld surfing museum and Surf City Plaza where you can buy all your surfwear and accessories.  The Surf Coast Walk offers spectacular coastal views and the opportunity to view native birds and wildlife.

The resort town of Lorne is surrounded by the Otway Ranges and is a great base for bushwalking.  Of course swimming, surfing and fishing are all popular activities.  The road is spectacular with the forests of the Otway National Park on one side and the ocean out the other window.  Take a detour to Cape Otway which marks the western limits of Bass Strait.  Stay on the Lorne beachfront at the historic Mantra Erskine Beach in a Heritage room around $198 a night.

Once you emerge from the lush greenery of the Otways, the road again hugs the coast.  The views become even more spectacular with the remarkable coastline of Port Campbell National Park.  Explore the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ around the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge.   Around 160 ships ran aground in thick fog, rough seas and from the inhospitable coastline.

The Great Ocean Road joins up with the Princes Highway just outside Warrnambool.  There are great beaches and an attractive harbour area, as well as the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.   Known as “Victoria’s Southern Right Whale Nursery” whales visit the region between June and September and there is a great viewing platform with binoculars, at Logan’s Beach.  Stay at the modern and hip Mantra Deep Blue in a Seascape room around AUD$160 per night. 

Although not officially on the Great Ocean Road, I suggest you drive the extra half hour to explore Port Fairy, home to over 50 National Trust listed buildings. Tour the Codrington Wind Farm; pick up a crayfish or some seafood at the wharf; take a boat cruise out to Lady Julia Percy Island or just let the kids run around the fabulous parks and playgrounds along the river.

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