The Picturesque Attractions on the Great Ocean Road

 

Gazing at pristine blues seas from atop a cliff, soaking in the cool waves, enjoying a view of beautiful forests from tree tops - the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne is where you will find scenic beauty in abundance.

No wonder the stretch is described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Originally built as a war memorial for the martyrs of World War I, the place has gained significance as a tourist destination both locally and internationally.

Here are eight places in the Great Ocean Road that should definitely be on your bucket list:

  1. Great Otway National Park – The Great Otway National Park is a ‘Green Paradise’. The Otway Ranges boasts of tall trees, ancient plant life and lush green ferns. You can simply gaze at the beauty from a distance or walk across the forests or get a top view from Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. The Otway Ranges also is home to beautiful, ever-flowing waterfalls, thanks to the abundant rainfall the place receives. A perfect getaway for any nature lover.
  2. Apollo Bay – The picturesque coastal town of Apollo Bay at the foothills of the Otway Ranges is another popular tourist attraction. Just sit back and enjoy the scenic view or you could stroll across the sand or you could take a dip in the pristine blue water. If you’re an avid water sports fan, then you are sure to find something to satisfy your senses here. You can go surfing or climb aboard a kayak or dive and explore the underground life. The irresistibly tasty seafood is another excuse for visiting the Apollo Bay.
  3. Twelve Apostles – You’ll be mesmerized by the magnificence of the Twelve Apostles. About 10-20 million years ago the limestone cliffs started forming caves due to erosion, winds and storm. The caves gradually became arches. Once these collapsed away from the shore, they looked like rock stacks rising up. The best time to visit the Twelve Apostles is sunrise and sunset when they change their color.
  4. Gibson Steps – You can access to the Twelve Apostles through Gibsons Steps. Once you get down the 87 steps, you’ll get to the beautiful beach on which lies the massive limestone cliffs. It is believed that the route was originally used by the Kirrae Whurrong tribe but it was a local settler Hugh Gibson who carved it much later.
  5. Torquay – Torquay is the most popular surfing beach of the Great Ocean Road. It hosts the world-famous Rip Curl Pro, the most sought-after titles on the World Championship Tour. You can also shop for some of the best surf gear and accessories here. Apart from the surfing culture, you can also enjoy a relaxing beach holiday with your family. Don’t forget to explore the Surf World Surfing Museum and Surf Coast Walk.
  6. Loch Ard Gorge – From Loch Ard Gorge you can see pristine blue seas flanked by two cliffs amidst greenery. But this beautiful place is known for its tragic past too. A large ship called Loch Ard made its way to the nearby Muttonbird Island after a rough journey all the way from England. Only two of the fifty four passengers, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael survived.
  7. Otway Lighthouse – The Cape Otway Lightstation is Australia’s oldest and most important lightstation. The lighthouse lies atop sea cliffs that oversee the confluence of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. At the Lighthouse Balcony, you can treat your senses to an amazing view. Here you will also discover Australia’s lesser-known World War II history, get a taste of the local culture and enjoy storytelling and bush tucker sessions at the Aboriginal meeting hut.
  8. London Bridge – The London Bridge or London Arch is a popular tourist spot not just for its spectacular view but also for its interesting history. Till 1990, London Bridge was a natural bridge that connected the arch of land to the mainland. It came to be known as the London Bridge as it shares similarities with its namesake. In 1990, part of the bridge collapsed into the ocean. The two tourists that were stuck on the broken bridge had to be airlifted.


Get ready for a trip of a lifetime at the Great Ocean Road.