From Aireys Inlet to Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road is a tempting mix of natural beauty and nostalgic attractions.
No war memorial is as grand and beautiful as the Great Ocean Road, stretching along the southern coast of Victoria. Three thousand World War 1 returned servicemen built the Great Ocean Road over 13 years. Simultaneously an employment project and a tribute to those who served our country, it also symbolises mateship. The aim was to build a road whose beauty would make it one of the world’s great coastal drives.
Leave the city behind, grab your mates and enjoy the freedom of the modern day road trip, taking in the epic vistas and marvel at the beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
Within 1 hour of Melbourne, via Geelong you’re on your way to paradise starting with Torquay, then meander along the Great Ocean Road stopping at towns such as Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and beyond.
There’s nothing better than a road trip and the Great Ocean Road is a must-do. Soak up the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air and feel rejuvenated and escape to the surf coast for the weekend.
Enjoy our tips for the best places to wine, dine and relax!
DINE
With sky blue palm tree wallpaper & surf report scribbled on the wall it’s a surf side café that invites you in to relax and enjoy the best coffee in town. Serving Coffee Supreme, free wifi and simple breakfast and lunch dishes using fresh, local produce it’s the pick of the Apollo Bay strip.
Attracted by the buzz emanating from this upstairs diner, line up if you must La Bimba is worth the wait. Overlooking Apollo Bay, the menu is a touch on the pricey side, but the food doesn’t disappoint with a menu including hearty home-grown slow-roasted lamb and a solid wine list including some fine local drops.
An institution in the region, owner Chris Talimanidis has hung up his pans but the kitchen is still turning out stella Greak-style dishes. Located high on the hillside at Beacon Point & nestled within the tree canopy the restaurant affords spectacular views of the coastline.
A buzzy and cool general store and restaurant greets you in the hamlet of Wye River. The extensive menu caters to all tastes spanning burgers, pizzas, salads and larger plates with a good kids selection too. Save room for their drool worthy pastries & sweet treats.
The food of choice along the surf coast appears to be burger and chips and there is no better place to sample this casual fare than The Bottle of Milk. Using local premium quality Australian beef on freshly baked buns and condiments you can either eat in on the vintage chairs, at the large outside tables or takeaway to the beach. The sea salty chips are an absolute must!
SHOP
Meandering through Lorne, Tastes Lifestyle is filled with unique homewares and local foodie delights. Stocking unusual finds sourced from around the world, you’re sure to fine a unique gift at Tastes Lifetstyle.
A gorgeous little boutique in Lorne (and Royal Arcade) filled with jewellery, clothes and body products such as Melbourne based Myrtle & Moss.
An eclectic collection of laid back, bohemian, beach lifestyle clothes and accessories by stylist Jess Young.
SEE
Windblown as you stand in awe of the 12 Apostles, you’re reminded of nature’s slow inevitable march, emphasised by the collapse of rock stacks in 2005 and 2009, leaving just 7 remaining. If you haven’t witnessed this natural wonder, best you hurry!
Under constant attack by nature’s fury, it was only a matter of time for London Bridge to come falling down. In 1990 the main arch connecting London Bridge to the mainland cracked and feel into the sea. While no longer a bridge, it’s still worth a detour.
Created when sinkholes in the limestone cliffs met with the receding cliff line, the Grotto feels eerie with the still, clear water of the Grotto contrast with the wild ocean, the perfect selfie backdrop!
Apart from its natural beauty Loch Ard Gorge’s history creates an eerie feeling as you explore the beach. The site was the location of a dramatic tail of survival in 1878 when just 1 day from reaching Melbourne in a 90 day voyage the Loch Ard struck an outer reef and went down with only two of the 54 passengers surviving. They were the ship’s apprentice Tom Pearce and passenger Eva Carmichael. Tom was swept bruised and battered into the gorge and hearing Eva’s cries for help, battled the surf to bring her to shore.
Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia built in 1848. The lighthouse affords spectacular views of the rugged Otway coast. Entry fee applies. There is a large colony of koalas living in the area, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive toward the lighthouse to observe these sublime creatures in their natural habitat.
Take a little detour just before the 12 Apostles along the Otway Harvest Trail and sample some of the regions finest including Apostle Whey Cheese, Gorge Chocolates and Newtons Ridge Estate.
Located in Victoria's magnificent Otways providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird's eye view through its two unique eco-adventure experiences, the famous Tree Top walk and Zip Line tour. Great for families and adventure seekers.
STAY
Immerse yourself in the Great Ocean Road experience with a stay at Points South by the Sea. These self-contained elevated cottages provide the perfect vantage point to view the ocean from your plush window seat to the world. Ensconced in luxury, this peaceful and private retreat makes the ideal romantic getaway. Settle in for the weekend with full kitchen facilities, lounge/dining, wide verandah complete with BBQ, cosy fireplace and some cottages with spa baths. Stay from $275 per night.
