Great Ocean Road

Just an hour and twenty minutes drive from Melbourne, Torquay beckons as the perfect gateway to your Great Ocean Road adventure. While not as well-renowned as some of its surf Meccas counterparts, Torquay is an absolute haven for surf enthusiasts, making it an ideal starting point for embarking on a road trip along the majestic southern coast of Australia. The town has earned its reputation as the birthplace of internationally acclaimed brands such as Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Moreover, it proudly hosts the Australian National Surfing Museum. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of surfing without dipping their toes in the water.

The scenic drive from Torquay to Lorne takes less than an hour, but it's worth stopping at iconic Bells Beach for a surf or visiting the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse to enjoy the stunning ocean views from the top of the tower. Lorne is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the striking ochre cliffs along the Surf Coast Walk to the lush forests of the Great Otway National Park, which borders the town. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, with watersports, hiking, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Once you've had your fill of Lorne, it's time to embark on a picturesque hour-long drive to the next destination in Apollo Bay.

This tranquil beach town provides numerous outdoor activities. Renowned for its short hikes and waterfalls, the town also features beaches, river fishing, and cycling. Apollo Bay is also abundant with charming shops and restaurants. Among the top attractions in town is enjoying freshly caught seafood. There are eateries all around, from quaint shacks offering fried dishes to upscale restaurants serving organic, seasonally-available meals.

Thirty minutes from Apollo Bay, you can breathe the pure fresh air of the Great Otway National Park. Whether you prefer biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, or driving, there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

The 12 Apostles, a convenient one-hour drive from Cape Otway, are mammoth limestone pillars that rise 50m out of churning waves. They were once a part of the mainland, but erosion has eaten away at the land between them and the cliffs. Despite the name, there have only ever been eight pillars, and after the collapse of one of them in 2006, there are only seven. Whether staying for just a couple of minutes to snap a pic or for a half-day experience, this stop is the perfect moment to stretch your legs and take in the rugged beauty of Australia’s southern coast.

The trip from Port Campbell to Warrnambool takes about an hour. It's recommended to schedule a couple of hours for this stop, especially during the winter. Warrnambool offers a unique whale watching experience in Australia. There are observation decks set up along the beach so visitors can observe the majestic creatures closely and respectfully. While binoculars are suggested, the whales are easily visible to the naked eye or through a camera lens.

The last 30-minute leg of this trip will take you to the Port Fairy. The waters off of this area are notoriously treacherous. Over 600 ships have run into trouble off the coast in this area, leaving behind a rich history of maritime disasters. The Shipwreck Trail takes visitors through beautiful beaches and cliffs to the sites of some of the most well-known of these wrecks, which are marked with informational plaques. This quiet walk along the water at sunset is the ideal way to wind down after a day of travel.