The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road stretches across 243 Km (151 miles) along the scenic coastal route from Torquay to Allansford.

Many people consider this road to be one of the most striking and beautiful on the southwest coastline of Victoria. I had to go and check for myself, so while in Melbourne, I took a day to go on this adventure.

What is the itinerary of the Great Ocean Road trip?

I recently went on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, which was absolutely amazing! There were so many beautiful sights to see, but unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to fully enjoy them all. As much as I wanted to explore every corner of this stunning route, I had to settle for just a few locations. Even so, I could catch a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty waiting for me.

Torquay

Torquay is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, including Bells Beach. This place in Australia is perfect for surfing and is super popular.

Torquay is where the Great Ocean Road begins, making this place a popular destination for surfers, tourists, and everyone who loves beaches.

Memorial Archway

The Memorial Arch commemorates the return of the WWI soldier. In 1922, they constructed the Grassy Creek toll bridge, which was vital for many years connecting transportation. However, tragedy struck in 1973 when a devastating fire ravaged the original arch, leaving the bridge needing reconstruction. Despite facing unfortunate circumstances, engineers eventually restored the bridge to its former glory, showcasing the resilient capabilities of human engineering.

On the roadside, there is a monument to attribute to the workers.

We can reach the beach from the Memorial Arch, the Lorne-Queenscliff Coastal Reserve. It’s a beautiful beach, but it’s also lonely and peaceful at the same time. Perhaps it’s because it’s located far away from the towns and isn’t included in the tourist brochures, which I think is actually a good thing. Personally, I enjoy being in these quiet and secluded places. What about you?

“Take all your worries to the beach and wave them goodbye.” 
— The Diary of a Nomad

Kennett River the Koala Walk

Koalas are one of the most appreciated and loved animals in Australia. The Kennett River in Victoria has a large population of wild Koalas. The Grey River Road, right off the Great Ocean Roda, is the perfect place to spot Koalas in their natural surroundings.

Unfortunately, I could not spot a koala awake enough to take a proper picture. But others had that chance, and I couldn’t resist posting these pictures. Koalas spend most of their life up in the eucalyptus trees. They eat eucalyptus leaves and sleep the majority of their time.

We can see more than just Koalas in this area. You also can see wild Kangaroos and native birds like cockatoos, kookaburras, and king parrots.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is famous for its delicious seafood. In February, the town hosts a festival of seafood cuisine with a festival of music in April; it’s one of the biggest events in Victoria.

Rainforest – Otway Ranges

The rainforest is located away from the ocean and more into the mountains. The scenery through the impressive Otway Ranges is stunning. Here, we can find the tallest flooring trees and ancient rainforest vegetation species. It’s like stepping back in dinosaur times.

The rainforest has a cool temperature and feels good in Melbourne’s hot summer. The guide told us the tallest could reach 90 meters high, around 300 plus feet. They are also old trees, and some are 300 years old.

The forest is lovely and well-kept, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It brings to mind a quote that I love from John Muir:

Port Campbell National Park

Loch Ard Gorge

Port Campbell National Park’s coastline is one of the world’s most famous rock formations. The London Bridge, The Grotto, the Loch Arc Gorge, and the popular Twelve Apostles are here.

Did you know that the name Loch Ard Gorge comes from the shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878? The Loch Ard ended up crashing into Mutton Bird Island. Only two people survived: Tom Pearce and Eva Carmicheal.

At the beach level is a small cave where Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael take shelter.

The waters at Loch Ard Gorge hold a notorious reputation for their treacherous currents and unpredictable weather patterns. Tragically, in the year 1878, a thick mist descended upon the horizon just as ships were approaching the coastline, resulting in a fatal crash. Since then, the gorge has been called after this tragic event.

The water on this beach looks serene and calm, but they are mischievous.

Tom and Eve Lookout

The two limestone stacks are known as Tom and Eva, the two teens who survived the Loch Ard shipwreck. On top of this rock was an arch that fell in 2009. These rocks are so old that erosion is slowly collapsing these vast rocks.

The Razorback

It’s called razorback due to the sharp edges and bumps on the top of the rocks. It kind of looks like a back, an edgy back like a razor. The erosion caves smooth grooves and gradually erodes the rocks, shaping them as they are today. It’s a lot of erosion over thousands of years, and many stacks have collapsed already.

Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps is a great tourist attraction. The steps are carved into the cliff, initially by a local indigene person, but it was only after 1869 that a local settler completed a total of 86 steps, Hugh Gibson.

The Twelves Apostles

The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacked rocks along the shore. The coastline was formed billions of years ago by very small marine skeletons on the bottom of the ocean, forming the limestone we have today.

We have to admit these huge rock stacks look supernatural. It definitely offers dramatic scenery along the rugged coast. It is so unbelievable that you have to see to believe.

But why are they called the 12-apostles? Because these rock stacks stand tall and proud along the shore despite the weather for so long. Today, there are only 9, as I was told. There were never twelve rock stacks. The mane was given for marketing purposes.

Australia is a fantastic country to visit, and I still have plenty to see, but I highly recommend Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. So if you are coming for a week, we can find plenty of things to do and see. Try the Philip Island Penguin, which will be my next tour if I return to Melbourne. I am heading to Sydney; I’ll see you soon!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
– Mae West