TRAVEL THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Take one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world to explore the untamed beauty of Victoria, Australia's southwest coast.
Photo by Weyne Yew
The magnificent Great Ocean Road follows the seashore cliffs that crisscross the untamed and torn the Southern Ocean. With their jagged cliffs, deserted beaches, and towering bluffs flanked by vivid green countryside, the famed road's breathtaking panoramas inspire awe. You will discover lots of things to see and do around every bend when you combine incredible surf, natural wildlife, spectacular hiking and bike paths, and epic surf.
TOP THINGS TO DO
The 12 Apostles
Photo by Victor
The 12 Apostles are limestone pillars that rise out of the Southern Ocean next to Australia's famed Great Ocean Road. They were formerly joined to the mainland cliffs. They were first shaped into caverns and arches by the waves and wind before being beaten into 45-meter-tall columns. In reality, there are currently only eight Apostles, but no one can predict when the following cliff faces may develop into pillars.
A helicopter flight above the 12 Apostles will give you a bird's-eye perspective of Australia's most breathtaking coastal scenery. The heliport behind the 12 Apostles Visitor Center is where flights leave all day long. Depending on how long your flight is, you may also be able to see Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Grotto, the Bay of Islands, and the entire Shipwreck Coast all the way to Cape Otway, home to Australia's oldest lighthouse, in addition to the iconic limestone stacks.
Apollo Bay
Photo by Sierra Burtis
Visit the charming Apollo Bay town, which is situated at the base of the Otways. Explore petrified jungles filled with waterfalls, ferns, and crystal clear streams, jump into the southern ocean, and wander the coast. The day's adventure is ended; relax and savour the bounty of the sea, harvested by neighbourhood fisherman.
You can paddle, surf, dive, and swim in the immaculate coastal waters. Swim in the ocean, hop on a surfboard or kayak, and explore the area's seal colonies up close. A deep-sea fishing expedition tops the list of the many options available to anglers.
For the landlubbers, there are equestrian sunset beach rides, souvenir stores, art galleries, and teahouses, as well as an abundance of dining options. Since fishing is a significant local industry, seafood is frequently offered at neighbourhood cafes and restaurants. Try Chris's at Beacon Point, which is located high in the hills and overlooks the sea, for meals and ocean views. Do you enjoy delicious seafood? Visit at the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival in February.
Torquay
Photo by Arnaud Mesureur
Dose up on surf culture at Torquay, the birthplace of Quicksilver and Rip Curl and the location of Bells Beach. Torquay, the centre of surfing and beach worship in Victoria, is where the Great Ocean Road officially begins. The world's top surfers will be competing in the massive Rip Curl Pro during your Easter visit.
Spend a family vacation splashing about on a protected beach. If you want the action of crashing waves, Bells Beach's large swells can be surfed by skilled surfers, while adjacent Jan Juc is a little wilder. The Rip Curl Pro, one of the most coveted championships on the World Championship Tour, is held at this legendary beach.
Torquay is a year-round destination that offers more than simply incredible surf, even though the summer months are when it is busiest. Visit the Surf World Surfing Museum, which features interactive exhibits and photos that capture the essence of surf culture. Take a stroll along sandy beaches framed by soaring cliffs or enjoy stunning coastal views from lookout spots along the Surf Coast Walk. You may view some of the variety of the area's underwater inhabitants by snorkelling near the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, so don't be put off by the moniker.
Hot Springs Sanctuary
Hot Springs Sanctuary
At Victoria's first hot springs hotel, where you can enjoy an outdoor refuge that draws on the local geothermal waters, you may achieve a new level of wellbeing. The Warrnambool refuge has 15 meticulously maintained swimming pools.
Ancient societies have a long tradition of soaking in hot springs for both medical and psychological reasons. The mineral-rich water comes from varied depths on different continents of the planet. The 850-meter-deep geothermal water used at the Deep Blue has a special mineral composition that supports a variety of physical and mental health advantages. The heat is produced naturally and results from the earth's core temperature. It reaches the surface at temperatures between 35 and 42 degrees.