Want to add the Great Ocean Road to your road trip bucket list? Then read on my travel friend.

My fiance and I are all about a good ol’ fashioned road trip. The sights, the amazing people we meet along the way, the numerous adventures, the places we find to eat, the podcasts we binge-listen, the sing-alongs in my not so lovely singing voice. Ah yes, the glorious road trip!

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia. It is a 243km Australian National Heritage listed stretch of road along the south-eastern part of Australia. It is also the world’s largest war memorial as the road is dedicated to those returned soldiers who built the road between 1919 and 1932.

Where does it start (and how do I get there)?

The Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne City. If you’re flying in, be sure to grab yourself a hire car before you fly out (my favourite is Wicked Campervans).

From Torquay it’s then a beautiful drive to Allansford, which is where the Great Ocean Road ends.

Things to do & see:

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks off the shore of Victoria and are a must-see landmark in Australia. You can find the 12 Apostles at the Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road. My advice, get there either in the morning or the late afternoon to try and avoid the crowds.

The Grotto

Not that grotto! (Sorry Hef). The Grotto is a sinkhole formation and is along the Great Ocean Road near the Twelve Apostles, see keep an eye out for signs!

London Arch

It used to be called The London Bridge because it looked like its namesake, but alas, that song came true and London Bridge did fall down and we were left the London Arch. Located near the Twelve Apostles, if you have the time I recommend getting on to the beach to take in its wonder.

Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet

If you’re an Aussie (or have ever seen 90’s Aussie tv) you may remember this lighthouse from a childhood favourite tv show. No? Well does this help:

“Have you ever…..ever felt like this….when strange things happen, are you going round the twist?”

Yep – this Lighthouse is THE lighthouse from the tv show “Round the Twist”. Aside from the fact you can reminisce about your favourite episodes (does anyone remember the one with all the seagull poop?) but there is a beautiful lighthouse precinct walk that you can take and a lighthouse tour also.

Stop off at Lorne and take in the cafe scene & do a spot of shopping

Lorne has a pretty cute waterfront cafe scene and boutique shopping. I recommend checking out The Bottle of Milk for either breakfast or lunch. My fiance and I had burgers (I had the Lentil Lentil veggie burger and it was AMAZING). If you’re a picky coffee drinker like us, these guys do some pretty awesome heart starting coffees too.

Remember the fallen

Be sure to stop and check out the memorial arch and the memorial plaques on the Great Ocean Road dedicated to the returned soldiers who built the road.

Where to stay

If you’re keen for camping or spending a night in a kid and fur-child friendly locations I would recommend the Big4 Holiday Parks which are located along the Great Ocean Road. We stayed the Big4 at Wye River and it was perfect!

Final thoughts…

Going on a road trip takes planning, so whatever you do please don’t forget to plan ahead and let people know of your adventures! Don’t try and rush the Great Ocean Road either, there is a lot to see and do I’d recommend spreading your trip over 3-4 days (including the trip back). And most of all, remember to take a moment to pause and really immerse yourself in this beautiful part of Australia.

Stay Outdoors,

L x