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[title]No matter how many times you’ve tackled it, the Great Ocean Road never fails to take your breath away. In many ways, the 243-kilometre stretch of sweeping vistas, sandy coastlines, wildlife and natural wonders is the ultimate day trip. But ask yourself whether it’s worth skipping town early in the AM to clock sunset at the Twelve Apostles and make it back home in time for dinner – especially when that means competing with tourists, queues, buses and traffic jams in order to cram it all in? Stretch it out, take your time and reap the rewards.
We’re bringing you guides to our state’s wondrous road trips, in line with Visit Victoria’s 'Stay close, go further' call-to-action. Rediscover all the natural beauty, one-of-a-kind villages, covetable dining experiences and memorable holidays Melbourne and Victoria have to offer. To help you do that, we’ve designed itineraries perfect for a day-trip drive through or for longer exploration if you wish to pack the boot a little more. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.
Pick your trip:
Day trip
Our first bit of advice? Leave the big smoke behind and position yourself somewhere by the sea such as Lorne, Torquay or Anglesea – so you really settle into that beachy state of mind. This way, you can experience exactly what all those other people putting pedal to the metal miss out on and have a homebase for day trips to other unmissable parts of the region.
From any of these three towns, it’s between 40 minutes and just over an hour’s drive to Forrest, in the Great Otway National Park. It’s a holy grail spot for hikers and mountain bikers, thanks to the 60-kilometre single track that encircles the town. And even if you’re not the active type – the ancient Mountain Ash forests, fern gullies, streams, waterfalls, flora and fauna will cast a spell on you.
Eat and drink
Make like the hordes of cyclists and quench your thirst at Forrest Brewing, a 600-litre independent brewhouse at the top of the hill. Taste your way through the core range or special single-batch releases, and tuck into the no-nonsense menu of shareable snacks and burgers. And if you happen to be up and at ’em early, know that they serve a full breakfast menu from 9am, too. Sweet-tooths, meanwhile, will want to spend some time at Platypi Chocolates, set in amongst three acres of lush bushland. All the goodies here are crafted in-house, utilising the on-site herb garden and surrounding orchards for seasonal flavours. For something extra special, try one of the signature deconstructed hot chocolates, with the likes of blood orange, hazelnut or mint.
Photograph: Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism
See and do
There are almost too many natural highlights to count, but Lake Elizabeth tops many a list, thanks to the otherworldly dead trees jutting out of its tranquil waters. Aim to visit in the morning or at dusk, so that you can catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus. If chasing waterfalls is more your thing, find your way to Stevensons Falls for a spectacular slice of serenity.
Should an unshakeable sense of adventure take hold, Trees Adventure has you covered. See the Otways from new heights as you soar across the native gum trees on one of eight adventure courses. You'll fly on ziplines, barrel across wobbly wooden bridges, tiptoe on tightropes and crash into cargo nets. True daredevils can brave the 100-metre-long flying fox, but there's a two-metre-high course for kidlets – and entry is free for all spectators.
Stay a while
It pays to extend your trip and explore the rugged, windswept beauty of the Shipwreck Coast in finer detail. And there’s no finer place to do it than Warrnambool, the largest coastal city in the state outside Port Phillip Bay. Keep it local, stroll the foreshore promenade and be on the lookout for southern right whales between June and September, which are often visible from Logan’s Beach.
Eat and drink
Start the day on the right foot at Tilly Divine Kitchen and Bar, where an expansive selection of crowd-pleasers like beef brisket Benedict, banana pancakes and corn fritters awaits. Come nightfall, book a spot at the Dart and Marlin for hand-stretched stone-baked pizza, live music and natural wine, set in a nineteenth-century building with a fireplace and leafy, laidback courtyard.
See and do
Why not tap into total relaxation mode? You’re on holiday, after all, and wading through the series of geothermal open-air pools and sensory caves at Deep Blue Hot Springs will make you feel like you’re well and truly away. The twilight session is reserved for adults only, so you can decompress in peace and quiet, and let the minerals, floral mists and healing salts work their magic.
Stay
Rest your head at one of the two freshly renovated units that comprise Warrnambool Retreat, near the centre of town – both of which sleep up to four adults. Contemporary design features and a breezy aesthetic, coupled with luxe amenities like soft linen sheets, heated towel rails, Bluetooth speakers and Smart TVs make it an ideal home away from home.