Best Stops Along the Great Ocean Road
Without a doubt, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the greatest road trips in the world. Winding along the Victorian coastline, you often feel as though you’re actually driving along the beach. That is until you start climbing the spectacular cliffs and popping out of rainforests. Here’s a few of my favourite stops along the way (in order from East-West).
Great Otway National Park – Californian Redwood Forest
A drive along this road isn’t complete without heading into the Great Otway National Park. In particular, I suggest you check out the Californian Redwood plantation. These trees were planted here 80 years ago as an experiment and honestly, it’s hard to believe they’re not hundreds of years older. My favourite thing to do here was balance on the fallen redwoods that cross the Aire River. It’s a bit tricky to find but you can get there by turning right off the Great Ocean Road onto Skenes Creek Road. Follow that for 14.6km. Then turn left onto Turton’s Track (turns into Beech Forest-Mount Sabine Road) and head down there for 16.1km. Finally, turn left at Binn’s Road and you’ll be there after about 5.6km.
Gibson Steps
This one’s a goodie! Everyone knows to visit the Twelve Apostles, but not everyone knows you can view them eye level. Climb down the 86, steep Gibson Steps. You will be blown away by the enormity of the apostles left standing. Visit at sunrise and you will most likely have the whole beach to yourself.
Twelve Apostles
Perhaps the most iconic attraction along this stretch of coast, you can’t miss the Twelve Apostles. However, there never really were 12 in total! They continue to be battered by mother nature and erode up to 2cm every year! I’ll leave it up to you to count how many are left standing today.
Loch Ard Gorge
Another favourite of mine, Loch Ard Gorge is the perfect place to spend a few hours. I could sit and watch the waves crashing through the inlet forever. On a calm day, you can enjoy a swim here but be careful! The conditions can change in an instant so I’d just be having a quick dip. There’s also some really cool caves here to check out!
The Baker’s Oven
SAVE THIS ONE (you won’t regret it!). The Baker’s Oven is my all-time favourite sunset spot! The setting sun sets the cliffs around you on fire as you watch the water crash through The Baker’s Oven out in the middle of the sea. For greatest enjoyment levels, pack a picnic rug, antipasto platter and a bottle of wine. Now how to find it? About 3km past Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll see a small road leading out towards the cliffs. It is signposted, but not with a huge conspicuous tourist sign. Or if you have Google Maps, that’s your best bet!
London Bridge
Aptly named, the London Bridge came falling down back in 1990, leaving this archway standing solo out in the water. Two tourists needed to be airlifted to safety after becoming stranded over the archway when the bridge collapsed. Whilst the bridge is no longer connected to the mainland, this is still a must-see stop along your Great Ocean Road trip!
The Grotto
A grotto is a cave but ‘The Grotto’ is so much more than that! Talk about saving the best for last. Marvel at the power of the waves through the natural window and make the most of the insane photo opportunities! The reflection on the pond under the archway is so beautiful!
There are so many more incredible and hidden places along this road so don’t be afraid to go down some un-signposted trails. I am dying to go back and do the same!
If you’ve got any questions at all, are planning a road trip out along the Great Ocean Road or have some memories to share, please leave a comment below or Contact Me. I’m always up for a chat!