From the city to the sea
Australia
Picture this: driving along the open road, deep blue sea to your left, favourite tracks playing, your soul rejoicing as you enjoy the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the world’s classic coastal drives, serving up splendid landscapes, cute wildlife, great food and wonderful beaches in equal measure. Not forgetting all that fresh sea air, and you’ll get plenty of that because, of course, you’ll have a convertible for this road trip. It’s the best way to both see and feel the power of the ocean that has shaped this impressive coastline.
Urban delight
Urban delight
Melbourne isn’t only the best place to start your road trip, it’s also a perfect spot to spend a few days. The Victorian state capital is bursting with life, from the foodie heaven of the markets to the verdant haven of the botanic gardens. Throw in some beautiful 19th-century architecture, museums aplenty and a laid-back cultural scene, and you can see why many people love Melbourne as much as its big rival, Sydney. It’s the ideal start to your southern Australian adventure.
Wildlife galore
Wildlife galore
Just after sunset every day there’s a nightly parade near Melbourne that is impossibly cute – and impossible to miss. After a heavy day’s fishing, the little penguins return to the beach at Phillip Island, emerge from the surf and waddle up the sand. Come a bit earlier and you can discover the koalas at the nearby conservation centre. And all of that’s before you even head out into the countryside: maybe play a round with the kangaroos that inhabit the golf course at Anglesea? Or watch migrating southern right whales as they come close to shore?
Ocean scenery
Ocean scenery
The Great Ocean Road is all about the majestic coastal scenery along the edge of the Southern Ocean. Around every tight corner is a new view of crashing waves and unspoilt beaches. It really is a magnificent drive. The most famous part is the group of rock stacks eroded from the soft limestone, a group known as the 12 Apostles. Sadly only eight remain as the sea is relentless in its destruction. The best way to see them? From the air in a helicopter, not least because you also get amazing views of this whole indented coastline.
On the road
Any road trip worth its salt includes a healthy slice of local life – and this road trip has plenty of salt thanks to all the sea air. This isn’t a long drive so it’s perfect for leisurely stops in little towns you’ve never heard of before and discovering how delightful they are. From the genteel seaside resort of Lorne to the former whaling port of Warrnambool, you’ll find divine seafood, friendly people and a chance to relax and unwind. Slow travel the way it’s meant to be.
In the sea
Love surfing? Then this is the best place to be. Forget Bondi Beach, come to Bells Beach in Torquay, the birthplace of iconic brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver. While the big swells at Bells are only for experienced surfers, beginners can take their first dip with private lessons from an expert instructor. Don’t love surfing? Then go snorkelling with dolphins instead. You get just as wet and it’s far less tiring.
Don’t stop now
Don’t stop now
The end of the Great Ocean Road doesn’t have to be the end of your road trip. This is, unusually, one part of Australia where the distances aren’t huge so you have options that don’t involve driving for days on end. You could carry on going west into South Australia, heading for the wineries of the Barossa Valley and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Or maybe loop back to Melbourne via the rugged mountains of Grampians National Park and the fascinating goldfields around historic Ballarat.
By: Diccon Bewes December 2024
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