Winding along the southern Victorian coastline in Australia, the Great Ocean Road is one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions. You could easily take 1 week to drive the whole length of the thing, as there really is so much to see and do here. If you’re strapped for time however and can only see the tops spots, then don’t fret, I’ve done the research for you! Here are the 5 best places to visit on the Great Ocean Road.
1. 12 Apostles
The mother of them all, the 12 apostles are the most famous attraction on the Great Ocean Road and an iconic Australian image. Hundreds of people flock daily to see theses natural structures, which are actually geological structures known as stacks that were once part of the cliff. As part of a process of erosion, the apostles now sadly only number about 8, but they are still worth checking out. There is a great walkaway and lookout that will give you beautiful views of these giants and also allow you to snap this world famous landscape. In addition, there is also a fantastic visitor centre and plenty of other activities on offer including scenic flights over the 12 Apostles at sunset for a really spectacular view.
2. Lorne
The cute little town of Lorne on the Great Ocean Road is a lovely place to stop for a few hours or even spend the night. With plenty of nearby waterfalls to walk to, there’s plenty of active stuff to get you exploring the area on foot. If you’re feeling more sedate however, why not just enjoy the wonderful cafes and sea views of this quaint place. With an excellent tourist office on hand to answer all your Great Ocean Road questions and there is also an awesome music festival – Falls Festival – which takes place here each summer and is well worth checking out.
3. London Bridge
This was my favourite part of the Great Ocean Road, perhaps because the sun actually came out when I was here! Yes, the clouds finally parted when I reached London Bridge and I was treated to a glimpse of the stunning colours this landscape can display. The most famous arch on the Great Ocean Road, London Bridge is a really impressive structure to witness and with the waves crashing continually against it, the wilds of the ocean and the weather here make it a fascinating spectacle.
4. Bells Beach
This world famous surf beach is definitely worth a stop along the Great Ocean Road, even if you aren’t the best at riding the waves! Come at Easter and enjoy the Rip Curl Pro Event, or any other time of the weather come and watch the locals braving their luck in the cold water. The nearest town to Bells Beach is Torquay and this is also a gorgeous little spot to enjoy a picnic or to wander the Surf World Museum, If you’re feeling a little more active, then the Surf Coast Walk – a gorgeous stroll along the coastline – also starts from here.
5. Loch Ard Gorge
This beach along the Great Ocean Road has been made famous by the ship that ran aground on nearby Muttonbird Island. The incredible survival story of the 2 teenage passengers is wonderfully told in the landscape around and standing down on the beach can really be put the whole thing into perspective – it must have been terrifying. It’s great to get out of the car from time to time on the Great Ocean Road and feeling the sand between your toes at Loch Ard Gorge, or even braving a paddle here, is a good excuse to do just that.
So those are the 5 best places I think there are to visit on the Great Ocean Road. Have you driven this famous stretch of tarmac? What were your top spots?
