Feel the Surfing Spirit in Torquay
Less than a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, you can reach the town of Torquay, one of the world's surfing capitals. Here, you can head to Bells Beach to watch the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition held every Easter (March/April), where you can see performances by some of the world's best surfers, or sign up for a surfing lesson. Torquay is also home to two famous surfing brands, Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Stay for a while and pick out some vibrant surfwear in the stores.
Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch at AIREY'S INLET
If the refreshing sea breeze has sparked your craving for seafood, head to Airey's Inlet. About a 25-minute drive from Torquay, you'll find one of this small town's best-kept secrets: the charming A La Grecque restaurant, which serves the most delicious seafood on the entire beach. On a sunny day, order a plate of tender pan-fried calamari or freshly grilled fish and enjoy it at the outdoor tables. It's simply heavenly.
Immerse in the Beauty of Lorne Town
As you drive into the fashionable town of Lorne, the ancient eucalyptus trees and the shimmering waters of the bay will be the first to catch your eye, signifying that you have arrived at a very special place. This popular holiday destination is known as Melbourne's version of Byron Bay. You can enjoy a coffee at The Bottle of Milk café (the burgers here are also very delicious), and then take a stroll along the one-kilometer-long beach. Lorne also boasts a thriving arts community: you can visit the vibrant Qdos Arts, or plan to attend the Sculpture Biennale, an event held every two years, usually in March.
Experience BIRREGURRA Food Festival
Starting from the town of Lorne, a 30-minute drive northwest will take you to one of Australia's most popular dining destinations. Located near the inland town of Birregurra, Brae Restaurant has been rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world, so reservations are essential. The menu, meticulously prepared by Chef Dan Hunter, constantly changes to showcase the diversity of local ingredients, so you can expect a variety of foods, from beef tartare to rock lobster. Another highly regarded gem is the Forrest Brewing Company, located in the nearby village of Forrest, which is also a highly acclaimed brewery.
Koala Watching at Kennett River
If watching koalas is an important item on your travel list, then start from the town of Lorne and head southwest along the Great Ocean Road for about a 30-minute drive to reach the town of Kennett River. This place has become a famous koala-watching capital in Australia because these native animals reside in large numbers in the blue gum forests on both sides of the mainland. Keep an eye out along the way, and you might even see koalas leisurely crossing the road or resting on the balconies of local houses.
Hiking through Tropical Rainforest
When you leave the Kennett River and drive a short distance inland, you will discover a completely different world: the Otway National Park. The lush and mysterious tropical rainforest here attracts the attention of visitors. You can walk along one of the trails through the moss-covered woods and surrounding fern pools, or drive 70 minutes to reach the Triplet Falls. If you want to stay overnight in this area, don't miss the opportunity to watch fireflies on the Melba Gully night trail. Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
Wongarra Parking Bay
Due to the beautiful coastal scenery along the Great Ocean Road, tourists need places to park and enjoy the view, so some parking bays have been built. Among them, Wongarra Bay is not very famous and is only a 15-minute drive from Apollo Bay. From Wongarra Bay, you can see the surging waves, jagged coastline, and rugged mountains in the background. It is also an excellent spot for photographing the sunrise and sunset along the coastline.
Gazing at California Redwoods in the Beach Forest
While driving along the Great Ocean Road, you might only see the coast and cliffs, but if you take a 40-minute detour inland from Skenes Creek (about 15 minutes past Wongarra), you will discover a beautiful and enchanting place: the California Redwoods. Stroll among these towering trees that reach the sky, or find a spot in the woods for a picnic. Drive about 15 minutes further south, and you will reach Hopetoun Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. But before you embark on this journey, make sure your vehicle is suitable for the gravel road leading from Skenes Creek to this area.
Dining with a View in Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a beautiful place located between the ocean and the mountains, with no town occupying such a picturesque position. The best restaurants in the area take full advantage of this. Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant is a lovely restaurant with a cozy treehouse feel, featuring interior decor made from local wood and offering views of the sea through the trees. For a more relaxed atmosphere, La Bimba restaurant's stunning water views and Spanish paella will make you feel just that.
Visit Cape Otway Lighthouse
Located at the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Australian mainland, built in 1848 to prevent the frequent shipwrecks of the time. It showcases the history of the area daily through 'Bush Tucker Talks,' which educate visitors about the local Aboriginal culture. You can also enter the lighthouse and explore the lighthouse keeper's quarters. After your exploration, you can browse the souvenir shop or enjoy a meal at the Lightkeeper's Cafe. This way, you can continue your drive and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
Sky High Over the Twelve Apostles
Everyone comes here to admire the majestic limestone pillars standing in the sea, known as the famous 'Twelve Apostles.' However, this name is misleading. In fact, there are only seven of these pillars. They were once part of the mainland, but the surrounding rock was gradually eroded by sea winds and waves, leaving these pillars standing abruptly in the ocean. To enjoy the most beautiful scenery, visitors can sign up for helicopter tours or scenic flights offered by local operators. While flying around the rock formations, the stunning views of miles of coastline will unfold before your eyes, making this an unforgettable experience.
Experience Gibson Steps
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most popular attractions on the Great Ocean Road, but there are also many beautiful places nearby with fewer tourists. Just a two-minute drive south from the Twelve Apostles car park, you will reach Gibson Steps. The beach here is often devoid of tourists, and the limestone formations are quite unique. Descending the steps, you will see a stretch of golden sand, followed by breathtaking views of the ocean and the famous Apostles.
Explore Loch Ard Gorge
The nearby Loch Ard Gorge may be little known, but it is a must-see beauty spot near the Twelve Apostles. Named after a shipwreck, the gorge winds and twists, extending to the coastline, offering different views of the coast. You can descend to the beach via a long staircase to admire the towering rock formations from another perspective. Additionally, in the evening, this place becomes a paradise for bird watchers, with large flocks of short-tailed shearwaters flying overhead, creating a spectacular sight.
Great Ocean Walk
There is a way to explore the Great Ocean Road without driving, and that is by hiking. The 100-kilometer trail stretches from Apollo Bay to the Gibson Steps and takes 8 days to complete. If hiking seems too exhausting, you can opt for the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, a four-day luxury tour led by professional guides, where you can also enjoy many tourist attractions along the way. In the last 55 kilometers of this journey, you will traverse towering cliffs and wave-washed beaches under the guidance of experienced guides. Each night, you will stay in eco-friendly, high-end luxury accommodations.
