Well known as one of Australia’s best drives, the Great Ocean Road to the west of Melbourne winds its way along the rugged Shipwreck coastline. Jagged limestone formations creep their way out of the depths of the ocean to create a stunning backdrop. The road is full of hidden delights, interesting flora and fauna and spectacular views. Your private guide will show all of this today and more. Take your time and enjoy this stunning destination.
Leaving the city we head over the magnificent Westgate Bridge. This bridge offers awesome views of the Docklands, as well as a panoramic view of the city skyline.
On our way to the Great Ocean Road we drive through the western suburbs of Melbourne followed by fertile agricultural plains. We bypass Geelong, an industrial centre and Victoria’s second largest city, before we join the coast near Anglesea, a popular holiday destination.
Continuing on to the resort town of Lorne, the road, known as the world’s most inspiring coastal drive, clings to the coastline, twisting and turning, every bend revealing a sight more spectacular than the last. After a short morning tea break, we continue past breathtaking ocean vistas to Kennett River. In this area, high in the trees is a colony of wild koalas. See these creatures in their natural habitat, lazily lounging in the trees and looking after their young, oblivious to their human onlookers.
A sumptuous lunch is served at Apollo Bay before we continue our trip along the Shipwreck Coast area of the Great Ocean Road. We follow its winding trail through the lush temperate rainforests of the Otway Ranges, where centuries-old eucalypts reach 100 metres or more into the sky.
Passing through lush sheep and Cattle County, we finally reach our goal – the mighty Twelve Apostles, world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park. The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high.
Time permitting we get to see another one of the amazing rock formations that dot this coastline before heading inland through dairy farm country on the way back to the city.