When it comes to epic road trips, this one has it all.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s most spectacular drives, the Great Ocean Road hugs and winds along the contours of Victoria’s rugged and windswept coast.
Tentatively titled the South Coast Road, it was first planned towards the end of World War I as part of a construction project for returning soldiers to work on roads in sparsely populated areas and as a war memorial for fellow servicemen killed in battle.
At the time, the south-west coast of Victoria was accessible only by sea or rough bush track and it was envisaged that connecting isolated settlements could also become a vital transport link for the timber industry and tourism.
The Great Ocean Road Trust was subsequently formed as a private company and construction on the world's largest war memorial by approximately 3,000 returned servicemen took place between 1919 and 1932.
Starting at Torquay and heading westward, finishing at Allansford near Warrnambool, it travels 243 km, meandering and traversing through varying terrain along the coast, providing access to incredible landmarks like the Twelve Apostles that rise majestically from the ocean, historical ports, pristine rainforest, misty waterfalls along with the opportunity to get up close to native wildlife.
After making sure to experience the delights of cosmopolitan Melbourne, I would advise collecting your vehicle and heading for Adelaide. The distance via the Great Ocean Road is just under 1000km and although this could be driven in around 12 hours straight, you won't want to with so many fantastic places to stop off and some great towns in which to stay and explore along the way.
This is one of my suggested 3-night itineraries although if you have the time, I would highly recommend adding in a couple more nights to make the most of this magnificent journey at a more leisurely pace:
Day 1 - Melbourne to Apollo Bay - 187km
The Great Ocean Road itself starts at Torquay, known as Australia's surfing capital thanks to its famous Bells Beach, home to the renowned annual Rip Curl Pro.
A visit to the National Surfing Museum is recommended before renting a board (get a lesson if you're a beginner) then heading down to Bells Beach to try the waves.
The views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular and a great spot to watch local surfers do their thing in the water below.
Resuming your journey to Apollo Bay, you'll travel along cliff-tops offering incredible views and alongside wild expansive beaches where there are plenty of opportunities for photos and invigorating strolls.
Apollo Bay is a quaint fishing village nestled between gently rolling hills and soft beaches and a good place for an overnight stay and base to explore the Great Otway National Park and Ranges.
It's named after a local schooner and despite the town becoming a resting place for many shipwrecks, it remains extremely popular with fishermen and is a great place to enjoy a tasty seafood dish in one of its many restaurants and cafes and enjoy its vibrant arts community.
Day 2 - Apollo Bay to Port Fairy - 185km
Set off early and head to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk to experience a bird's eye view of the magnificent Otway Ranges from the world's tallest treetop walk.
The 600 metres long and 25 metres high elevated walkway provides unravelled views of unique flora and fauna from the rainforest floor up into the soaring heights of the canopy.
Picking up the road again, the next stop will be to witness the rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles, a series of towering limestone pillars that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Pack a picnic, park up and follow the paved pathway to the lookout and enjoy a picturesque lunch above the cliffs before descending Gibson's steps, 86 stairs carved into the cliff face, to reach the beach for a close-up view of the glorious Apostles.
Continuing along the striking Shipwreck Coast, named after the wild seas thought to have sent at least 700 ships crashing onto the rocks, you’ll come to the attractive maritime village of Warrnambool, where each June southern ‘right whales’ visit to calve offshore.
Then it's on to your overnight stop, Port Fairy, a charming fisherman's wharf with cottages and wide streets lined with 19th century whitewashed cottages, great Norfolk pines and old stone churches. Port Fairy is in love with the arts, boasting a diverse array of boutiques, antique stores and craft shops scattered throughout the town.
Day 3 - Port Fairy to Robe - 291km
This fair old stretch is broken up by a must stop-off point at Mount Gambier, South Australia’s second most populated city, proudly sat on an ancient extinct volcano and circled by vivid crater lakes.
Take the 3.6 km trail around Blue Lake, which turns cobalt blue from December to March, and spend a bit of time exploring the stunning Umpherston Sinkhole.
This unique natural attraction was once a cave and the sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards. It was turned into a picturesque garden by James Umpherston around 1886 and is permanently open for a pleasant saunter around. From dusk each evening, the area comes alive as resident possums venture into the floodlit gardens to feed.
Robe is the destination for an overnight stay, a popular seaport and small town on the Limestone Coast. Bordered by the gorgeous coastline of Guichen Bay, Robe is one of South Australia’s most popular holiday destinations due to its unspoilt scenery, old-world charm, laidback lifestyle and popular eateries, serving fresh local produce and premium local wines.
Day 4 - Robe to Adelaide - 336km
The final leg into Adelaide is lengthy and best broken with a stop or two, perhaps at Salt Creek for a Coorong Mullet and chips lunch or at Meningie, where if you take the coast road (turn off at Tailem Bend) you can head to the park on the lake or drive into the Coorong National Park and walk over to the gorgeous Ocean Beach.
If you have the time then head for Cape Jervis and over to Kangaroo Island, off the mainland, for a day or two before ending your road adventure in modern cultural Adelaide, where you can drop your car off before enjoying a few nights of the city’s flavours, events and thriving restaurant, bar and entertainment scene.
This is a wonderful trip, always appreciated by my clients and worthy of a place in my epic road trips selection.
I will be excited to help piece together the most productive way to experience it within your time and budget parameters.
