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Bookmark & shareA Top Day in Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road is an endless coastal stretch of sensational surf beaches, dramatic cliffs, bizarre rock formations, steeply forested hillsides and valleys full of Australian wildlife. You'll need at least three days to tour the road between Torquay and Port Campbell, but if it could all be squeezed into one ideal day, it'd go something like this: strap my board to the roof of my car and barrel down to Jan Juc, Bells or Wye River beach for an early morning surf. After a big breakfast and a strong coffee at an Apollo Bay cafe, I'd then trace my way along the craggy Port Campbell coastline - checking out the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and Bay Of Islands rock formations. If it's some time between July and October, I'd also keep an eye out for passing Southern Right Whales cruising the coast. After a fish-and-chip lunch on the sunny deck at Wye River pub, I'd head into the densely wooded Otway National Park and spot some koalas snoozing in the boughs. Later, I'd trundle down Cape Otway Rd to the heritage lighthouse on the point - the rolling ocean swell below the lighthouse imbues you with a profound sense of your own insignificance. Scratching the surf itch again, I might make a quick detour off the beaten track to a lesser-known beach like Blue or Red Johanna. Probably getting sleepy by now, I'd take my pick of the fabulous array of stylish B&Bs - everything from minimalist zen tree-houses to boomerang-shaped cabins and sophisticated hillside bunkers. Before hitting the sack, though, dinner at a classy Lorne restaurant is on the agenda - all the sass and style of Melbourne a million miles from the city. Finally it's time to float off to sleep to the sounds of the sea.
Author: Charles Rawlings-Way
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