AUSTRALIA’S MOST FAMOUS ROAD

The Great Ocean Road is a 250km stretch of winding road following very closely the Victorian coastline, from the town of Torquay to just east of Warrnambool, and what an amazing road it is. The road was built by returning soldiers from the First World War, and offers amazing views of the coastline, picturesque seaside towns and great surf spots, it’s also the largest war memorial in the world. You’ll wonder at just exactly how this road was built in such a perfect place, and you’ll feel this way especially at the road’s “piece de resistance,” the Twelve Apostles, a natural limestone rock collection of (ironically, eight) different stacks. Whether you decide to do the Great Ocean Road in a day or two, or whether you decide to slow down and enjoy all of the sights on a much slower pace, you’ll enjoy going for a walk, swimming or spotting wildlife along this incredible stretch of man-made paradise.

TWELVE APOSTLES

The Twelve Apostles, part of Port Campbell National Park, are a natural formation created by millions of years of water and wind erosion, whittled away from the headland. From the snaking viewing platforms, you’ll be able to see all of them, but unfortunately there are no longer twelve rock formations; rather more like seven are visible to the eye (there are conflicting counts and explanations). The snaking viewing platforms are the best places to see these great giants, and you can be guaranteed that each time you come to see these amazing things there will be differences. Who knows - perhaps you’ll be able to see a dramatic change in action, such as was the case on 3 July 2005, when one of them dramatically collapsed.

One of the best ways to see the Twelve Apostles may not be by land, but instead by air. Tours by helicopter are one of the more popular ways to see these incredible sea pillars, but of course it’s probably the most expensive. The cheapest chopper flights will usually last about ten minutes, and many of them will record the journey that you take by helicopter as an available souvenir. Boat tours are also pretty popular, and definitely cheaper than the air option, but they’ll also combine a tour to the Twelve Apostles with diving or snorkelling.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

HELICOPTER TOURS

A helicopter is the best way to see the Twelve Apostles and all the other rock formations that lie up and down the Great Ocean Road. You’ll come away with memories (and photos) to last you a lifetime!

Full list of helicopter tours to the Twelve Apostles.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD BUS TOURS

For many people, access to a car for a few days may be difficult. Fear not, for there are many alternatives to seeing the Great Ocean Road than just driving yourself. Many tours leave from Melbourne and spend one to two days driving up and down this iconic highway.

For a full listing of tours, search the widget to the left, using “Great Ocean Road” as the Designation moniker after selecting “Victoria” as the state.

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

If you’re planning on just visiting the Great Ocean Road, then a stay in Melbourne may be just what you’re looking for. However, if you’re looking to stay in the area for longer, then consider staying in one of the towns up and down the highway. The towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne are both located along the stretch of road, and they both have a number of hostels available. Book early, though, because they tend to fill up rather fast, especially around the December holidays.

VICTORIA

Melbourne | Mornington Peninsula | Phillip Island

Yarra Valley | Great Ocean Road | Bendigo

 Wangaratta