The Twelve Apostles: Awesome
One of the most well-known highlights of the Great Ocean Road is The Twelve Apostles. Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, the massive limestone structures that tower 45 metres above the tempestuous Southern Ocean, leave its visitors awe-struck in wonder at their size and beauty. Behind the eight remaining stacks (five have fallen since their discovery) are majestic cliffs, around 70 metres high.
The Port Campbell National Park ranges from Princeton to Peterborough. Photographs of this historic site have long represented the Great Ocean Road.
Warrnambool, Port Fairy, & Portland: Quaint
Further along the Great Ocean Road are the three towns closest to the border between Victoria and South Australia. Warrnambool, home to wonderful walks including The Lady Bay Foreshore Promenade and The Mahogany Trail, is the first. It is known for its cultural and musical events, and also the Hopkins waterfalls, nicknamed “mini-Niagara”.
A landmark in Warrnambool, the Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground boasts a flying fox, giant slides, sandpits, paddle boats, a fort, and bridges. A labyrinth of tracks through the “wetlands” gives bird-watchers an exquisite view of the local birdlife.
Port Fairy is a quaint town, reminiscent of a lost era, complete with historic buildings and tearooms. It is known for its two festivals: the Annual Music Festival and the Port Fairy Folk Festival. One of its local attractions is the Griffiths Island Lighthouse, the highly-sought-after arts and crafts made and sold locally, and the picturesque waterfront.
The oldest town in Victoria, Portland, holds several surprises worth travelling for: the Princess Margaret Rose Cave in the Lower Glenelg National Park; seals, blowholes, and a petrified forest at Discovery Bay. Other sights of interest include Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Shelly Beach (ideal for collecting shells or fragments of them!) and Cape Bridgewater, once a volcanic island, now a pretty spot 20 minutes’ drive from Portland, known for its swimming and surfing.
Fall in love again
Glorious at dusk and dawn the Twelve Apostles giant rock stacks are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park. The forces of nature gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs which became arches and when they collapsed, rock islands as high as 45 metres were left isolated from the shore.
Scenic Coast
Served by a trio of coastal towns this region is home to some of the world's most inspiring coastal scenery. Take your time to explore the comprehensive network of National Park trails and viewing platforms.
Lakes & Craters
Visitors to the Ocean Road are becoming increasingly switched on to the charms of the Lakes and Craters region. The Southern Hemisphere's largest permanent salt-water lake, world class angling and a position central to Grampians, coast and Ballarat is hardly going to stay quiet forever.