Australia's southern coast is a rugged and majestic place that is guaranteed to take your breath away. Stretching 3000 kilometers from Port Philip Bay near Melbourne to Albany on the south west corner of the continent. The Great Ocean Road is a 410 kilometer stretch of the coast that highlights the tall limestone cliffs, the unique southern ecosystems and a number of surf spots and villages.
The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay, Victoria and travels along the coast to Nelson near the South Australian border. Bells Beach, the Great Ottway National Park and the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park are three of the key highlights that beckon travelers to take the drive. The drive to the lighthouse at Great Ottwat National Park is worth the detour.
The road winds along the coast providing a range of unique vistas and opportunities for great photos. If you decide to drive the complete trip to Nelson we recommend that you allow a whole day for the drive and plan to stay overnight in Nelson. Alternatively you can head back to Melbourne via the inland route from the Twelve Apostles National Marine Park or Port Campbell.
Apollo Bay is a great place to stop for lunch and offers a wide variety of restaurants and pubs for you to try. The foreshore also offers a great spot to unpack a picnic lunch.
Note the weather on the Great Ocean Road can be changeable so make sure you go prepared for rain showers and changes in temperature as there is nothing between the Great Ocean Road and Antarctica.
