Top 10 stops on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives. The road from Melbourne to Adelaide combines breathtaking views of the coast with a tour of some of Australia’s most recognisable and iconic destinations.
If you decide to discover the Great Ocean Road, take the time to stop and uncover a jackpot of attractions that flank one of the world’s top driving routes.
Little Creatures
Geelong is the newest addition to the growing Little Creatures beer empire. Within an old red-brick wool mill and kitted out in an industrial-warehouse style, this is a cracking place to sample brews with a thin-crust pizza or seared kangaroo skewers.
Geelong Carousel
One for the kids and kids at heart is the meticulously restored steam-driven Carousel centrally located on Geelong's waterfront. Originally built in 1892, this hand-crafted wooden carousel is a rare sight. Take in spectacular sea views whilst riding one of the well-loved steeds to the sound of carnival music. With free entry to the Carousel building (tickets to ride are $3.50), it's an opportunity to relax and reminisce.
Bells Beach
One of the best surf beaches in the world! If you're a sightseer, Bells Beach is a popular spot with great vantage points along the cliff. Surfworld Museum in nearby Torquay tells the story of the sport in Australia and is a must see.
The 12 Apostles
The most famous of all the Great Ocean Road sights can be viewed from platforms dotted along the cliffs or if you’re up for it, via sightseeing flights with 12 Apostles Helicopters.
Cape Otway Light Station
The beacon built in 1848 that is now mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse. Do a self-guided tour of the Cape Otway Light Station, or linger a little longer and join the Lightkeeper’s Shipwreck Discovery Tour.
Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground
Warrnambool’s fantastic Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is a year-round family attraction. The adventure playground is a paradise for kids with giant slides, flying foxes, a maze and boat rides.
Image courtesy of Tourism Victoria
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Warrnambool is worth the slight detour on your Great Ocean Road journey. This historic settlement is worth a visit with travellers able to step back in time at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and become immersed in the tale of the Loch Ard at the nightly Shipwrecked sound-and-light show.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventure
Detour to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventure — north of the coast on the Colac-Lavers Hill Road — and get a bird’s-eye view of the bush during an easy one-hour stroll around a 2km circuit that includes a 600m steel walkway 30m above the ground.
Caledonian Inn
A stop at Robe must include a visit to the Caledonian Inn. This historic building was completed in 1859 by a Scot, Peter McQueen. It achieved fame when the poet Adam Lindsay Gordon, having fallen from a horse, recuperated at the Inn. He was nursed by the innkeeper's daughter, Margaret Park, and the two subsequently married.
Obelisk
A prominent landmark in Robe, the Obelisk is painted red and white and stands 33 metres above sea level. Take a seaside walk from the Robe Marina past the coast and cliff faces, to the Obelisk and the light house.
Next time you’re travelling the Great Ocean Road, stop and stay at one of the fantastic Discovery Parks along the route in either Victoria or South Australia.
Embark on your Great Ocean Road road trip today.
