The Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous roads in Australia, if not the world. Australia is well-known for some of its rugged coastline, and the coast of south-west Victoria is no exception, even earning the nickname the shipwreck coast after the many sailing ships that were lost in the area during the 1800s and early 1900s.
The Great Ocean Road officially starts in Torquay and hits the coast at Anglesea from there it passes through Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Princetown, Port Campbell and Peterborough before joining the Princes Hwy at Warrnambool.
The majority of the Great Ocean Road tightly hugs the coastline and provides spectacular views as you wind around the hills. There are plenty of stops along the way at most of the small towns, beaches and lookout point.
One of the most recognisable photos of the Great Ocean Road are the limestone stacks know as the Twelve Apostles, the constant force of the waves have eroded the coastline around these formations for thousands of years, leaving these huge monoliths towering over the sea. Erosion still takes it toll on the Apostles currently there are only 8 left with one toppling over in 2005, another formation known as London Bridge was renamed London Arch after its huge span crashed into the sea in 2000.
Other attractions along the way include the Bay of Islands and Loch Ard Gorge. A new visitors center at the 12 Apostles is also worth a visit to see what is in the area.
Several bus companies run tours along the Great Ocean Road (much to the displeasure of motorists who enjoy a more spirited driving experience of the bendy road) many of the service operate out of Geelong Warrnambool and Melbourne. If you were heading to Warrnambool, using the Great Ocean Road instead of the Princes Hwy will take a few hours longer, but is well worth the trip.
