Take a look at the 12 Apostles of the Great Ocean Road by car from Melbourne
Many people naturally think that the most authentic travel experiences of the Australia are found in depth in the land, somewhere in this poorly defined region called “Outback”, a place of burning deserts, giant salt marshes, big rock , cloudless sky and merciless fight against heat and thirst. But one road trip on the Great Ocean Road (B100), just one hour from downtown Melbourne, does not match any of our preconceived ideas on the Australian desert.
The south coast of Victoria, often ravaged by storms, can be inextricably linked with the twelve Apostles, a series of spectacular rock formations surrounded by wild waves. But the experience of make a road trip of almost 250 km is surprisingly soft.
Map and exact route of the Great Ocean Road – Click on the image to enlarge it – Google Map screen printing
The Torquay road in Allansford (Allansford is 10km from Warrnambool), built in the 20s by Australian soldiers who returned from the 1st World War, offers landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape landscape to breathe, cliffs abrupt from the ocean to beaches virgin surfing, but it also crosses a civilized part of rural Australia, a region rich in farms of fresh products, seafood and wines with fresh climate.
For some people, of course, Great Ocean Road is a full destination, a rare opportunity to drive on this road. Others come to visit the magnificent Great Otway National Park or explore the colorful maritime history of Australia of the 19th century, where more than 600 ships have sunk here.
Flickr – ccdoh1
Once considered a "simple" driving experience, the Great Ocean Road is now a hub for adventure sports of all types, kayak to the diving submarine. The hike is also a major “ quest” with a number of specialized companies offering a holiday with low environmental impact.
The region has some of the best surf spots and it is therefore a good place to perfect your skills on the board or to attend a competition like Rip Curl Pro who is standing by Bells Beach near Torquay late March early April.
Flickr – Hadi Zaher
Whether you want to see whales and dolphin groups or some marsupials, this part of the coast is a true paradise for nature lovers. Adventure in the ancient tropical forest and you will meet with koalas, kangaroos, and an amazing range of birds. With a little luck, you may see an ornithorynque, which lives in rivers and lakes.
In addition to the kilometers of intact coast and green rainforest, you will discover picturesque cantons, fantastic regional cuisine and some cool places to rest.
What to do and see on the Great Ocean Road?
Lorne
A relaxing seaside resort near Great Otway National Park overlooking the Loutit Bay, with its coffee terraces and a plethora of holiday homes.
Apollo Bay
Blottie in the foothills of the Otways, this lively seaside village, with a beautiful beach in the shape of a crescent, is an important point of the Great Ocean Road in terms of restaurants and hotels.
Wikimedia - Diliff
Great Otway National Park
The Otway Ranges offer waterfalls, forest hikes, and the lighthouse Cape Otway , the oldest Australian flagship still standing, built in 1848.
Port Campbell National Park
It shelters them Twelve Apostles (only 8), the spectacular piles of limestone that made the reputation of this coastline. The park runs between Princetown and Peterborough. Stop in the village Port Campbell for its busy street of restaurants and cafes. Continue a little further and you will find 3 important sites: The Arch, London Arch and The Grotto.
the 12 Apostles are actually only 8 here on the Great Ocean Road
Warrnambool
This city is famous for surfing and surfing observation of whales Between May and September, Logan's beach turned into a nursery for southern free whales. The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum recreates a coastal port of the 19th century.
Tower Hill Game Preserve
An extinct volcano offers a unique haven of peace for all kinds of wild animals, including koalas, kangaroos and emeus .
Port Fairy
Perched at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, this small fishing village highlights the small 19th century cabanons and stone churches along its shaded streets by pine trees.
Rent a car to visit the Great Ocean Road
Flickr – Ben Beiske
Even if there are travel agencies that take you to the famous road, the best way to travel is to rent a car or a 4×4. This road trip is perfect for independent travellers. As backpacker , you can rent a van. For groups of 3 and more (family and group), rent a car with a company is the best to do. Take your rental directly to the Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport for example. Forecast about 40-45€ per day for a family car (rental only).
Where to sleep on the Great Ocean Road?
You can choose to sleep in your car or van but think about camping on approved areas. Otherwise you will easily find a hotel (whether luxury or a simple one) hostel ) along the road. Perform a search on our Wanderlix hotel comparison by filtering the results on the map or by price.
Flickr – Hadi Zaher
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
Although the long southern coast of Victoria is animating during the summer months (November to February), Great Ocean Road is pleasant at any time of year . Of course, for hikers and other types of outdoor activities, you will prefer the colder months of winter, when housing prices are more reasonable. Despite its beaches, the region is temperate, and even with summer temperatures, it is never hot. Winters are mild for European standards.
Do not forget before leaving
Although the Great Ocean Road is primarily a driving experience, there are many outdoor activities available. The hikers who will make the Great Ocean Walk should think of taking a good pair of hiking shoes , one backpack and some rain clothes.
Despite the temperate climate, the sun is still that of Australia, and you will have to plan a good sun cream and something to put on the head.
Getting rushed is a common mistake. While the 250 km route could be travelled in three days, allow time for excursions and stops. Because of its proximity to Melbourne , many cities along the road , in particular Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne, are very frequent during school holidays, especially summer holidays (December to January). The Rip Curl Pro in Bells Beach also attracts crowds for Easter. Avoid these dates unless you're a surf fanatic. 
Did you do the Great Ocean Road? Are you planning on doing it? Comment on your impressions!
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