The Great Ocean Road on the south west coast of Victoria is recognised as one of the worlds most scenic drives. It stretches for some three hundred kilometres from Geelong to Warnambool and on the way, travels through some truly spectacular coastal scenery and through a number of beautiful coastal towns. Along its journey you will see iconic natural attractions like the Twelve Apostles, London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and Port Campbell. You will travel through places and towns like Bells Beach, Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Apollo Bay, Peterborough and Warnambool.

Bells Beach is the home of Australia’s most sought after surfing prize. The world’s best surfers travel here every year to compete, as the large swells from the southern ocean provide a sensational large surf to test the abilities of the contestants to the limit. The twelve Apostles are one of Australia’s most photographed natural rock formations. They consist of a number of sandstone outcrops lying just offshore and being continually pounded and eroded by the wild seas. The road hugs the magnificent coastline and the views all along the way are truly spectacular. There are many scenic lookouts along the way to help you appreciate the magnitude of the local scenery. The road was built after the great war and 3000 ex servicemen spent 14 years in the construction phase. The road has been dedicated to those soldiers who did not return.

Many hikers also come to this region to participate in the Great ocean walk. The walk extends for 91 kilometers along the coast, through white sandy beaches, thick forests and along some of the country’s highest cliffs. The region is an outdoor lovers dream with spectacular beaches and sensational scenery. Southern right whales are now a common sight as they come close to shore to calve and raise their young and there are also seal colonies, penguin rookerys and unique Australian species like kangaroos and koala to be seen along the way.

The towns of Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Warnambool are all fantastic holiday destinations in their own right. The have fantastic resort style and holiday apartment style accommodation on offer and each has a cosmopolitan region packed with great restaurants and cafes. They are all beachfront towns and have excellent beaches, surfing, swimming and camping facilities.

Every visitor to Australia should visit the region and to do so properly means that you will need to allocate two or three days for the journey. There are also excellent organised tours from Melbourne, that can take you through the region or you can hire your own vehicle and do it at your own pace. There are many things to do at the Great Ocean Road, and is one of those places that you should not miss on your Australian holiday.