Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road at a Glance
The Australian coastal journey which stretches 240 kilometers along the south-eastern coast of Australia between two Victorian cities, Allansford and Torquay, is famous for its rugged natural beauty, surfing culture, shipwreck stories, often changing and dramatic landscapes, and stunning views.
Constructed in the 1930s in order to offer jobs for returning soldiers during the Great Depression, the entire road represents both an extraordinary engineering achievement and a memorial to everyone who died in World War l.
Although the Great Ocean Road is reduced only to 100 kilometers starting from Melbourne, allowing it to be visited in one short day trip, to truly sample all the attractions and scenery, and to find many of the road's concealed treasures, try to spare 3 or 4 days to fully explore the coast.
Fun things to do while taking the Great Ocean Road range from surfing the best breaks in the world, roaming along windswept beaches, observing Aussie wildlife in reserves and parks, exploring beautiful seaside towns to enjoying helicopter trips across the rugged coast.
To learn what top attractions you do not want to miss during your long coastal journey, use my list. I have left the best for last.
12 Top Must-See Attractions on the Great Ocean Road
1. Visit Port Campbell National Park
While here, see the notable Twelve Apostles--seven majestic rock spires project from the pounding surf. Enjoy incredible views as you stand along sea cliffs.
This extent of coastline is known as the "Shipwreck Coast" because of the several ships meeting their fate when crashing into these rugged shores.
Also, do not miss two rock formations called Island Archway and London Bridge, living evidence to the ceaseless erosion of the natural area; in 1990, a portion of London Bridge collapsed into the sea, and the Island Archway in 2009 crumbled away.
Only a brief drive from Island Archway you'll find The Grotto, a cave and blowhole; here, you'll notice the water glowing golden as the sun sets. Only little hikes let you explore further the scenery and even history of this renowned coast.
2. Hopetoun Falls
As the most beautiful waterfall along the Great Ocean Road, Hopetoun Falls is truly worth the 500 meter walk down the staircase to see this natural wonder up-close; it's a symmetrical plunge before cascading right below the viewing platform.
Know that the roads are not intended for large vehicles and caravans.
3. Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is a great scenic spot to see while on the Great Ocean Road. It's a protected, sandy beach snuggled among cliffs.
Waves sometimes make their way via the gorge and end up onto the beach when the swell is up. But when it grows calm, the inlet transforms into glassy, turquoise blue. Since tour groups frequent this place throughout the day, avoid the crowds by timing your visit for either sunset or sunrise.
4. The Redwoods, Otways
The Redwoods exudes a sort of magical aura concealed in the midst of the Otway forest that surrounds Apollo Bay. Though not native to the Great Ocean Road, The Californian Redwood trees surely complement its appeal.
Just follow the pleasant scent and easily get lost under these giants. You can reach this site by foot from the car park, though the roads around Beech Forest are not accessible for big vehicles or caravans.
5. Marriners Lookout, Apollo Bay
In the foothills belonging to the lovely seaside village of Apollo Bay you'll find Marriners Lookout; it's an exceptional panoramic viewing point providing a wide view of the Great Ocean Road and its coastline.
Only a brief drive out of town, plus a quick walk to the site.
6. The Razorback, 12 Apostles Coast
Once a lot bigger and linked to the mainland, the Razorback has suffered the fate of being carved back to only a small piece of limestone off the coast.
Very good for photography and a fantastic place to see the sunset, add this to your list of things to see. The walk starts at the Loch Ard Gorge car park.
7. Lower Kalimna Falls, Lorne
Although Lower Kalimna Falls isn't the largest waterfall on the Great Ocean Road, it's definitely unusually unique. A big alcove lies beneath a rock ledge where the water trickles; you could enter the cave and even observe the falls from behind.
In order to visit this place, you'll have to hike three kilometers via the Otways bush.
8. Griffiths Island Lighthouse Walk
The beautiful fishing village of Port Fairy offers a great reason to advance further down the Great Ocean Road. Griffiths Island is linked to the mainland through a causeway, which makes for a superb walk.
The photogenic lighthouse stands at the tip of the island. Here, you're likely to see wallabies and perhaps a Southern Right Whale out in the ocean during the months from June to October.
9. Beauchamp Falls, Otways
The three-kilometer return hike to enjoy Beauchamp Falls is rather challenging but worth the trip.
You'll emerge from the rainforest to a little canyon with surrounding lush fems and huge gum trees; it's an adventure which gives you a true taste of nature.
10. Point Addis, Anglesea
Point Addis happens to be a popular surf place among Torquay locals because of the waves and the massive surrounding cliffs. Go on the Koon Cultural Walk to experience the world-famous Great Ocean Road seascape.
Only a two-kilometer hike uphill to a worthy vantage point; it's a little challenging but getting to the top is certainly rewarding.
11. Erskine Falls, Lorne
Only a few minutes from Lorne town, Erskine Falls is today a popular site to stop by for most exploring the Great Ocean Road.
One of the region's biggest waterfalls, it amounts to a spectacle. The stroll to the lookout or the hike down the staircase is all worth it in order to feel the mist strike your face and hair from the 35-meter drop.
12. Childers Cove, Mepunga
Somewhat off-the-beaten-path, close to the ending of the Great Ocean Road lies a lesser known beach called Childers Cove.
If fortunate enough you may have this beach all to yourself. Come by on low tide for a remarkable sandy beach with stunning surrounding rock formations.
