Hit the Great Ocean Road!

Hit the Great Ocean Road Jack! (don't you come back, no more, no more, no more) ...

Continuing on from my last blog post I spent my Australia Day long weekend driving the Great Ocean Road and I would highly recommend taking a weekend away to do this scenic and historical drive.
For those who love photography the Great Ocean Road is a great place to test out your camera as there are never ending photo opportunities with the beautiful coastline, flora and fauna and historical landmarks to capture.
We decided to take the scenic route through Geelong down to Port Campbell where we were stayed for the night and drove the inland route back home the next day via Colac.

Route for day 1
Melbourne city > Geelong > Torquay > Anglesea > Aireys Inlet > Lorne > Apollo Bay > Prince town > Port Campbell.

1. Geelong
We all know Melbourne has four seasons in a day hence the morning started off as cold and grey with a slight drizzle. 

Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria and about an hour away from Melbourne city. 
We began the day off with breakfast at Geelong and a short walk along the beach where the Festival of Sails were being held. It is Victoria's oldest ongoing sporting event with the marina filled with yachts and sailors getting ready for the day.
Coming from the coast back in NSW, Geelong reminded me of the seaside city of Wollongong with its beaches and laid back atmosphere .

2. Torquay

Next stop was the beachy township of Torquay. this town would definitely be any surfer's dream come true with surf shops such as Billabong, Quicksilver and Piping Hot lining the main street.
We stopped at the world renowned Bells Beach for some photos. I didn't realise how windy and cold the beach was as I jumped out of the car large gusts of wind took over my hair but the photos are totally worth it!


3. Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet

This well kept lighthouse was used for various scenes of the Australian children's series "Round the Twist" and showcases a beautiful view of the coastline but the secret is to take the trek all the way up the hill - you will be rewarded with magnificent views.

4. Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

For those travelling the Great Ocean Road, the Memorial Arch should be a definite stop over. It was built as a tribute to the soldiers from the First World War who were engaged in the construction of the Great Ocean Road, the memorial arch provides a great photographic opportunity.

5. Erskine Falls, Lorne

Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road (10km north west of Lorne). There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places which leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways. The trek back up the stairs will work those legs for sure!

6. Apollo Beach
We stopped here for a break and picnic just by the beach under tree. Apollo Bay is a popular tourist destination with yachts skimming across the calm blue water and families pitching up tents at the beach and having a good old weekend bbq. This is truely Summer!

7. Maits Rest Rainforest

This was a great place to unwind and relax after sitting in the car for a while. Maits Rest is is an 800-metre self-guided circuit walk through cool temperate rainforest in the Otway Ranges near Apollo Bay which is part of the Otway National Park. It is lined with skyscraper trees with walk boards that wrap throughout the rainforest - absolutely amazing!

8. Port Campbell

A small coastal town and 10 mins drive from the man attractions such as London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps. 
This was a place to stop and stay overnight with friends and family. Port Campbell has a lively atmosphere with holiday goers and friendly hotel/ motel owners making our stay feel like home. The gorgeous town has a small main road of restaurants and cafes with the beach waiting at the end of the road.

Jen xoxo