9 must-see places to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary /

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s coastal road to adventure and the world’s longest war memorial. It was built by World War I soldiers in memory of those who lost their lives in the war. It is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia and the world. It’s no surprise then that it’s a popular route, but you can still enjoy it away from the crowds if you add these 9 must-see spots to your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Travel 155 miles along south west Victoria and let your senses be swept away by the sights, sounds and smells. The Great Ocean Road has the scenery, the beaches, the forests, the best places to hang out, wildlife in its element and culture to embrace. It’s the ideal way to get around Victoria. Start your adventure in Torquay, less than two hours from Melbourne and discover the best of Australia.

There are many incredible stops along the way; experience surfing culture at Bells Beach; at Erskine Falls you can feel the spray of a 30 meter high waterfall; and at Lake Elizabeth, catch a glimpse of rare platypus on an ecotour. Or you can explore the Otways bushland and the famous 12 apostles. While each stop is rewarding and just as enchanting as the last, these 9 places are a must-see to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Take it easy and spend three to four days experiencing this breathtaking landscape.

Swing Bridge Cafe, Lorne

Lorne is a down-to-earth, charming little town with markets, shops and some incredible places to eat. The Swing Bridge Cafe is a bit of a local secret because you have to navigate through a campground to reach the parking lot. However, it is the most beautiful place to stop for a snack while road tripping and the views are incredible. Victoria’s breathtaking southwest coast is right in front of you. After your bite to eat, stop at Teddy’s Lookout to admire the expansive views of the rainforest and turquoise ocean waters.

Marriners Lookout, Apollo Bay

Marriners Lookout is located in the foothills of Apollo Bay, a traditional fishing village famous for its seafood. It offers a panoramic vantage point with an almost bird’s eye view of the Great Ocean Road and coastline. Don’t pass up this hidden gem, which is just a short drive from town and a short walk from the viewpoint. If the conditions are right, you may even witness a hand glider take off from this point.

Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls

Avoid the crowds at the Otway Fly by heading to Triplet Falls instead. Known as one of Great Otway Park’s most impressive waterfalls, Triplet Falls offers a spectacular one-hour loop walk through an ancient rainforest. You can hear the roar of the falls before reaching the viewing platform. A series of elevated viewing platforms gives you breathtaking views of the three falls.

Feel the spray on your skin as the Hopetoun Falls, located in the Great Otway National Park, plunge 30 meters into the River Aire. Enjoy the view from the top platform or descend 200 steps to the base of the falls amidst fern glades. Give your legs a break and rest on the bench on the platform while admiring the scenery. After a rest at the waterfall, you can do the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk on your own, a boardwalk that winds through rainforest valleys lined with ancient Myrtle Beech trees.

The London Bridge, Port Campbell National Park

The rock structure of London Bridge off the Great Ocean Road is a place most visitors miss due to its history of unexpected collapse in 1990. Now that the observation deck has been built, it’s worth seeing the magnificent rock formation and, if you luck, spotting a few penguins on the shore. If you pass the 12 Apostles on your way to Peterborough or Port Fairy, you should include this stop in your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles Coast

One of the most picturesque locations on the Great Ocean Road is Loch Ard Gorge, a safe, sandy beach nestled between cliffs. When the swell is high, the waves make their way along the shore and through the canyon. The intake also becomes smooth and turquoise blue when it is quiet. Plan your visit before sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.

The Arch, Port Campbell National Park

This is another arch creation that many towers overlook, but worth a visit. There are two excellent viewing platforms available at The Arch along the Great Ocean Road, allowing you to get remarkably close to the water’s edge and take some unique photos looking back at the 12 Apostles. Try to go in the late afternoon when the sun sets and the arch is bathed in a golden glow. It’s the perfect photo opportunity.

Whale watching, Warrnambool

You can see southern right whales, humpback whales, blue whales and even killer whales along this ‘whale corridor’, which runs between Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland. These giant marine mammals migrate each winter to the coast of Warrnambool, a beautiful town on Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures in the wild.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are reading this article anywhere other than A Luxury Travel Blog, chances are this content has been stolen without permission.

Please note the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to notify them of this issue.

Thank you for helping us fight content theft.

Childers Cove, Mepunga

Childers Cove is an undiscovered beach at the end of the official route and a bit off the usual path, but a must-see spot on your Great Ocean Road itinerary. If you’re lucky you might be the only one around. At low tide you will find beautiful sandy beaches with unique surrounding rock formations.

Port Fairy and Griffiths Island

A good reason to continue along the Great Ocean Road is the picturesque and sometimes overlooked fishing village of Port Fairy. It is a center of artistic inspiration due to its reputation for all things craft, including the annual folkloric festival. After watching a sunrise on Griffiths Island, grab a coffee in town and begin exploring the tucked-away art galleries, historic buildings, and craft shops that Port Fairy has to offer.

Another fantastic location to see some local wildlife is Griffiths Island, home to the Port Fairy Lighthouse and its colony of shearwaters. A great walk leads from the mainland to Griffiths Island, which is connected by a causeway. At the very tip of the island is the charming lighthouse. From May to October there is a good chance that you will see wallabies and the occasional southern right whale at sea.

Andrew Morten is the founder of TravelEssence. TravelEssence makes tailor-made trips to Australia and New Zealand.

If you would like to become a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to boost your profile, please contact us.