10 Top places to see along the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road has one of the most spectacular drives along the south-eastern coast. It is known as Australia’s National Heritage. There are many things to do and great places to see along the way. Below are my top 10 places to visit on the Great Ocean Road:
1. The Grotto
Kicking off the list with my favourite location with an absolute most enchanting rock formation. The Grotto is part of blowhole, part archway, part-cave. It offers a peaceful place to enjoy the sea views and soak in the wonders of nature.
From the upper platforms, you can enjoy the stunning coastal panoramas before descending to the lower viewing area. As you walk down the boardwalk, spray from the waves can cast a fine mist over the air leaving visitors a memory to remember.
2. 12 Apostles
This place is known to be one of Great Ocean Road’s number one tourist attractions. The 12 Apostles are be access by a short walk from the visitors’ centre, where you can see the glorious limestones that were formed million years ago. The boardwalk lookouts allow visitors to see the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the famous sea stacks. Over time, sadly, the number of stacks has dropped with only 8 pillars remaining. Be sure to visit while the remaining is still standing.
3. Tom and Eva Lookout
Located at the well-known tourist attraction of Loch Ard Gorge on the Great Ocean Road, are several other beautiful coastal landscapes such as this one. These two rock formations, Tom and Eva, are named after the only two survivors of a shipwreck from 1878.
4. Gibson Steps
Next up, is Great Ocean Roads popular stop-off which can be reached from a variety of angles. Gibson Steps located in Port Campbell is one of a few places that allows for proper beach access. When you get to the viewing area, you’ll get a full view of the Apostles to your right and when you turn to the left, you will see the two Sandstone Stacks.
Be sure to make your way walking down the scenic cliff staircase of 86 carved steps to access the beach below. Experience the incredible views of Gog and Magog, the giant limestones from up close and personal.
5. London Bridge
London Arch is what remains of the London Bridge. Pre 1990, it was once a natural double-spanning bridge connected to the mainland.
The span closer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly on 15 January 1990, leaving two visitors, whilst uninjured, stranded on the outer span before being rescued by helicopter.
Unfortunately, access to the arch itself is no longer possible. The area has three different viewing platforms in different areas allowing access to these natural rock formations.
6. Childers Cove
One of Great Ocean Roads' most hidden places. This location was one of my favourites. Accessed from Sand Cove car park, take a stroll along the beach until you get to these three wonderful seascapes.
7. Mariners Lookout
A must-do lookout in Apollo Bay. Take a short walk from the lookout car park to a specular ocean, beach and town lookout. A highlight for those who love nature where the panoramic views take your breath.
There is also a popular take-off point for hang gliders, so you may have the added bonus of witnessing a launch.
8. Teddys Lookout
Only a short drive, Teddys Lookout has majestic views of the Bass Strait and the Great Ocean Road, situated on the outer skirts of Lorne. A short walk can be accessed from the car park. The viewing platforms where you have break taking, sweeping, coastal views of the Saint George River.
On the lower platform, views change to mountain peak views and the Saint George river winding itself into fern-covered valleys and gorges.
9. Otway Californian Redwood Forest
Hidden in the Great Otway National Park, this large natural landscape is one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Planted in the 1930s, these 60m high trees, the bark is a bright red-brown colour, and as the name suggests, they are indigenous to coastal California and the southwestern corner of Oregon in the US.
Along the side, surrounded by ferns you can hear sounds from the Aire river flowing making an enchanting peaceful place to wander through.
10. Loch Ard Gorge
A best-loved stop, Loch Ard Gorge offers a picturesque of natural beauty, coastal wilderness and an inlet of clear, turquoise water. Take some time wandering the trails, exploring the blowholes, offshore limestone stacks and towering cliffs. It’s one of the few places along the Great Ocean Road that can also be accessed from the beach, where the power of the coastline can really be felt.
