CAMP, SURF AND EXPLORE: A GUIDE TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Standing at the Twelve Apostles. Photos by Lindsay Vacek.
AN ADVENTURE ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD IN AUSTRALIA.
This post is part of an ongoing “EPIC (VIRTUAL) AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP” from estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek. Make sure to check back often to read and discover all she has to share.
One of my favorite experiences of my Australian road trip was my journey along the Great Ocean Road. From watching the sunrise at the Twelve Apostles to wine by the campfire in Blanket Bay, the 243-kilometre (151 miles) stretch of road is definitely one to camp, surf and explore.
Here are some of my favorite spots along the historic road - which also shows you how incredible diverse the landscape is.
The Great Ocean Road sign - Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
WEST SIDE OF THE OCEAN ROAD
So, when I traveled the Great Ocean Road, I started from Adelaide and ended up in Melbourne (left to right on the map below) but most people tend travel the opposite direction and start from Melbourne. Regardless which direction you take, there is plenty to see but if you start where I did, you’ll find yourself at the Twelve Apostles and Loch & Gorge first. It’s worth stopping in Port Fairy for a bite to eat and a swim at Bay of Islands (perhaps you’ll even spot one of these furry guys like I did). I camped near Port Campbell so that I could wake at sunrise and beat the crowds at the Twelve Apostles and it was definitely the right choice. Watching the sunrise that morning was amazing!
Map of the Great Ocean Road (via @ottway_thelabel)
If you’re lucky, you’ll see one of these furry guys. Keep an eye out for them in the early mornings and evenings. I saw quite a few on this trip! - Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Sunrise in Port Campbell next to the Twelve Apostles. - Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Lock and Gorge off the Great Ocean Road. One of many rock formations to explore. - Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
The Twelve Apostles (although only 8 remain) off the coastline in Southern Victoria. Photo by Lindsay Vacek.
THE OTWAY RANGES
You’ll next come to the Otway Ranges and Cape Otway. This was my absolute favorite! It was so green and lush. I absolutely loved walking through the California Redwood Sequoias in Beech Forest for a little taste of home, and hiking to nearby waterfalls like Beauchamp Falls and Hopetoun Falls. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a platypus as they live in the heritage listed Aire River that flows through the Otways. I ended my day exploring at Blanket Bay Campground with a glass of wine by the fire and new friends.
Beauchamp Falls located in the Beech Forest in the Otway Ranges. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Never Never Land - found in the Otway Ranges off the Great Ocean Road. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Hopetoun Falls in the Otway Ranges. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Giant California Redwood Sequoias found in Beech Forest. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Happy nights at the campfire in Blanket Bay.
Cape Otway Lighthouse, the most southern part of Australia. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
My camp set up along the coast on the Ocean Road. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
EAST COAST OCEAN ROAD
As you continue up the coast back toward Melbourne, you’ll come across a bunch of cute surf towns like Anglesea, Lorne, Ocean Grove and the famous Bell’s Beach. Each town offering just a little different in culture and surf so I’d definitely recommend stopping in each for a day. Paddle out, camp, explore, eat. Before I moved to Byron, I thought I might end up in one of these cute surf towns. People are friendly, the water is warm and the food is tasty!
Also, before you leave this area, make a stop at Peninsula Hot Springs. It’s one of the few hot springs I’ve found in Australia and a great way to spend an afternoon relaxing those sore muscles from all the exploring! You can also go over to Phillip Island and watch the Penguins come in at sunset which is always fun (but seasonal so make sure they are there before you go).
The iconic and famous Bell’s Beach - home of one of the biggest surf competitions in the world. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Mural in Torquay, Victoria - a little surf town in the south of Victoria. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
The lookout point in Ocean Grove, Victoria.
One of the best meals I had on my road trip was this one: Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos and an Iced Latte from Sensory Cafe in Ocean Grove. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Lounging in one of the many hot springs at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
MELBOURNE
I didn’t spend much time in Melbourne, to be honest. But there are some things I did manage to see and do which were pretty rad..
Brighton Beach Huts: cute storage huts on the beach that are each painted with different designs. Fun to walk around and take photos. Also worth stopping in St Kilda which has become more popular for street music and markets.
Fitzroy: the “hipster” area of Melbs. Lots of vintage stores and bars and tasty food (all my favorite things). Great murals and artwork also!
Take a little bike ride or walk along the Yarra River.
The Docklands is great for shopping and take a ride on the Melbourne Star (Ferris Wheel)
The tram in the city is FREE so it’s a great way to explore the inner city. Just hop on and hop off when you see something that interests you.
Laneways. This was a new thing for me. Laneways are popping up all over Australia as little alleyways with cafes and shops and bars and Melbourne is known for some of the best in the country. My favorite was Driver Lane (and in particulat, Beneath Driver Lane for a whiskey and live music.)
The colorful beach huts on Brighton Beach. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
Hotel room picnics overlooking the Melbourne Star in the Docklands. Photo by Lindsay Vacek .
HAPPY EXPLORING!
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Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek