The Great Ocean Road

Australia’s Southern Ocean has created a dramatic coastline that covers an incredible range of scenery. Stretching for 250 miles west of the city of Melbourne, Victoria, the Great Ocean Road takes in quaint beachside villages, some of the most amazing clifftop views in the world, and immense diversity in nature and wildlife.

The towering limestone stacks of the “Twelve Apostles” are the signature highlight of the shipwreck coast, but be sure not to miss Great Otway National Park, the famous Bells surf beach or the more relaxed charm of the old fishing village at Port Fairy.

Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne; the home of Australian sport, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and travel along the shoreline of Port Phillip Bay to the town of Torquay. Much like it English namesake, the town is the country’s recognized capital for surfing.

From the picturesque town of Lorne enjoy one of the world’s great drives along the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell. Along the way you will see the natural wave-carved monuments of Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the amazing Twelve Apostles.

You can detour from the coast to take in the Grampians National Park to visit the scenic lookout at Mount Victoria and the Mckenzie Falls, before returning to the coast to the towns of Mount Gambier and Robe. From here you can continue through Coorong National Park to the mighty Murray River and in to South Australia.

Before ending your journey head to the vineyards of Barossa Valley that spread across the rolling hills. Perhaps take a tour and a sample or two, before finishing in Adelaide, known as the city of churches and the capital of South Australia.