The Great Ocean Road
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Every country has its incredibly scenic driving routes, and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is widely known as one of Australia’s best. Melbourne is the gateway to the region, and is a city known for its shopping and sporting events. Spend a couple of nights in the city (perhaps taking a tour of the Neighbours set nearby) before collecting a hire car and taking to the road. Drive out of the city, through Geelong – a colonial waterfront city, before reaching Torquay – the start of the Great Ocean Road, and a popular surfer’s haunt. From here pass through Lorne on the way to Apollo Bay – passing one of the most picturesque sections of the route, where the road is carved into the sheer cliff, offering stunning sights of the waves crashing onto the rocks below.
Continuing on, pass the iconic Twelve Apostles – huge stone pillars rising from the surf, carved by the erosion of the limestone cliffs over millions of years. See them from the road, or take a helicopter flight for a different perspective – sunrise and sunset offer great photo opportunities. Spend time in the charming fishing village of Port Fairy before heading inland and away from the coastal road. For the adventurous, there are hikes along the Great Ocean Road from one day up to several.
Inland, the Grampians National Park offers a very different experience, with waterfalls, walking tracks, wildlife and beautiful scenery. From here, either head back towards Melbourne, stopping en route at Ballarat – an old gold mining town, or drive west towards Adelaide, perhaps exploring Kangaroo Island en route.
From Adelaide or Melbourne you’ll be well placed to either fly home, or to continue your Australian journey, exploring other parts of this diverse and wonderful country.
For more information on the Great Ocean Road, and how this can be incorporated into your bespoke Australia holiday, please see our website www.experienceholidays.co.uk, call our office on 01323 446550, or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk.