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    Wikipedia, atn.com.au

Have you been thinking about planning a group getaway with your friends but trying to decide where to go and how to pull it off? How about driving across South Australia's Great Ocean Road? It is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, which takes you along the spectacular scenery of Victoria’s south coast. Hire a passenger van or high occupancy Budget four-wheel drive hire to fit everyone in. This way you all share the costs and share the drive time along with an amazing holiday adventure with friends or extended family. Everyone gets their turn to relax and enjoy the amazing views and scenery along the Great Ocean Road.

  VisitMelbourne.com

 

Starting Out

The Road usually starts out in Melbourne or Geelong in Victoria. Both are large cities where you can find a great selection of vans or passenger vehicles to rent out for your trip. The Great Ocean Road follows the coastline of Victoria west through some very interesting cities with spectacular coastline views to Port Fairy. You can retrace the coastal path on the way back or take the inland route for a change of scenery. Either path you choose will be great. The coastal views change with the varying sunlight throughout the day, so you likely won’t see the same view twice if you do choose to follow the coastline back. Here are not-to-miss highlights from some of the cities and sights along the way.

                                     VisitVictoria.com

Torquay and Bells Beach

Torquay is really considered the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Most travellers might start off in Melbourne or Geelong, but the Road really begins here. This town is known for surfing - in fact, it's the surf capital of Australia, and also the birthplace of surf brands like Rip Curl and Quicksilver. If surfing isn’t your thing, there is still plenty for tourists to do here including snorkelling, or enjoying the beach. There are plenty of beachside cafés for dining and you can relax and renew yourself in one of the local spa's popular salt air treatments.

Parkweb.vic.gov.au

Otway National Park

Otway National Park is a beautiful place where you should spend at least a day away from the beach and coastline to experience the rainforest, waterfalls such as the Triplet Falls (above), gullies, and the Cumberland River. If you choose, you can camp in the park and extend your time on the road trip. Or you can always just bring a picnic lunch and stay for the day exploring the natural wonders here, which are very different from the nearby coast.

                                       VisitVictoria.com

Lorne 

This quaint seaside village. It has a relaxed vibe with a Mediterranean flair that shows you how different each town and all the sights are along the epic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Otway National Park runs through parts of Lorne and Apollo Bay. The coastline areas of the city are quite different from the national park. Cape Otway and the Cape Otway Lighthouse (above) mark the southernmost tip of the Great Ocean Road. From here, the Road turns northwest and the coastal cliffs become more dramatic and rugged..

            AustralianTraveller.com, Visit12Apostles.com.au (above), Wikipedia (below right)

 
Port Campbell National Park

This park is home to several well-known magnificent rock structures that perfectly illustrate the beauty of Mother Nature and the powers of erosion from the Old Man Sea. The coastline structures of the Twelve Apostles, Bay of Island, the Grotto, Gibson Steps (right), Loch Ard Gorge (above), and the London Arch are all examples of this.

Visit12Apostles.com.au

 
The Twelve Apostles

Probably the best known of  Port Campbell National Park's features are actually eight limestone structures (still remaining from the original nine). The elements have carved these over the last 10 to 20 million years and reach upwards of 45 metres in height.  

                              Visit12Apostles.com.au

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a section of pale limestone along the coast which is quite dramatic. Even more spectacular is the way the structures appear in differing light. It is a very much underrated section of the Great Ocean Road, and, as we mentioned before, is worth the trip twice to witness the changes in the varying sunlight. There is a viewing platform to see the sights, part of which is easily accessible even for prams or wheelchairs.

 Visit12Apostles.com.au

The Grotto

This open cave is one of those classic postcard picture perfect views. As beautiful as the photography is here, it's nothing compared the memories you will keep from the waves misting after hitting the rocks and the rainbow reflections resulting from the spray. There is a 700-metre boardwalk leading to the Grotto and you should allow at least 40 minutes time to walk through it. The walk to the first viewing platform is easy, but after that, there is a steep gradient and steps.

The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park

Near the Twelve Apostles on the inland side of the Great Ocean Road, this wildlife park gives visitors a chance to round out the entire Australian experience by getting to see some of Australia’s iconic native animals up close and personal. The park is being converted into an animal sanctuary and is family owned and run. You can pet and feed some of the animals and spend a few hours here.

                                      VisitVictoria.com

Port Fairy

The final stop along the Great Ocean Road is a quaint fishing village distinct distinct from each of the other towns you encountered along the way. It is a great place for relaxing in a small-town environment, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are shipwrecks to explore, boating, fishing, or lounging on the beach are other popular activities here.