Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles represent arguably the most dramatic sight found along the Great Ocean Road, or anywhere in Victoria for that matter. The collection of limestone pinnacles jut out from the beaches and breakers beneath, and it is little surprise that the area has become highly popular with tourists.
Visitors trying to spot twelve stacks will have their work cut out. As of 2018, only eight of the apostles remain intact, the last to fall having been claimed by the waves thirteen years previously. Despite this, the rock formations are still an arresting sight and the area is one of the top places to visit on the Great Ocean Road.
Loch Ard Gorge
The Twelve Apostles are not the only examples of breathtaking geography and geology in the region. Loch Ard Gorge is certainly not to be missed on your Great Ocean Road trip, and is a truly remarkable sight with two peninsulas of rock stretching out like arms into the ocean.
The gorge takes its name from the Loch Ard clipper ship, which was tragically wrecked in the 19th Century on its way to Melbourne from England. A small monument on the site provides visitors with additional information on this fascinating and heartbreaking historical event.
Lorne
The seaside town of Lorne is situated at the point where the Erskine River joins the ocean at Louitt Bay, providing a well-appointed spot for a stop off during your Great Ocean Road trip. Fishing from the town’s pier is a popular activity among visitors and locals alike, with barracuda and whiting being particularly abundant here. Closer to the shore, you will find plenty of lovely locations for bathing and swimming in the ocean waters.
The local populace of Lorne is serious about its fitness, and the town plays host to numerous foot races, boat races, and competitive ocean swims during the summer. There is also superb access to the nearby national park, as well as hiking options along the Erskine River.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is something of a cultural and historic hub in this area of Victoria, with annual seafood festivals, music festivals and the Great Ocean Road Marathon contributing to a packed calendar of events, many of which are top things to see on the Great Ocean Road. Outside of festival season, Apollo Bay is still a fine town to visit and features hillside landscapes and ocean views.
Nearby spots such as Marriner’s Falls provide a welcome break from downtown, and those great restaurants and opportunities for retail therapy will always be waiting for you when you get back.
Of course, the stunning beach at Apollo Bay must be the main reason why it is so popular year-round. Don’t forget to visit the Seafood Coop for some of the freshest lobster, fish and seafood around.
Kennett River
The town of Kennett River is a popular stop on the Great Ocean Road, and offers and some prime surfing spots. If sublime hiking and adrenaline boosting swells are on your list of priorities, Kennett River is a must see.
The region around Kennett River and the Grey River Road is also home to one of Australia’s best-known animals, the unique koala. These unofficial symbols of Australia are startlingly common in the area, and spotting them should not prove too difficult if you are patient. Ask your MPT guide for tips!