The Great Ocean Road

Considered as one of the most beautiful roads boasting a panoramic view of the coastline of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is definitely a sight to see when visiting Australia. Considered as the world's largest war memorial, the Great Ocean Road was built from 1919 to 1932 by thousands of soldiers in memory of their fallen brothers during World War I. These brave and heroic soldiers did an outstanding feat as they created the road using only shovels and crowbars. Starting from Torquay and ending at Allansford, the Great Ocean Road offers many exciting tourist attractions.

Transportation

Getting to this picturesque location is very easy as travelers can choose from a variety of transportation. Most of the airports to and from Geelong, the eastern entrance to this part of Australia, are only 25 minutes away or about 22 kilometers away. Rail routes crossing Geelong are also available, along with bus stations and ferry services. For travelers who have their own vehicles, the car drive to Geelong is a mere less-than-an-hour driving away from the city of Melbourne passing along the Princes freeways. The whole trip actually takes 12 hours so travelers usually take the trip in two days.

Tourist attractions

One of the tourist attractions found in the Great Ocean Road is the Great Ocean Walk. This 91-kilometre trail starts from the picturesque village of Apollo Bay and ends at the Glenample Homestead. This trail has been specially created so hikers can step-off from the path at specified locations. For travelers who wish to further enjoy the outdoors, they can also camp out and spend the night under the starry skies while savoring the fresh breeze coming from the ocean. Eating establishments serving high-quality cuisine combined with good customer service are also available.

Another feature of this picturesque spot is the "Twelve Apostles". This attraction is actually a group of tall rocks reaching a height of 45 metres created through years of natural erosion. Animals such as penguins provide entertainment while they walk along the shores where the "Twelve Apostles" are located. Beside these amazing rock stacks are pristine beaches perfect for a summer retreat. These beaches also serve as habitat for many endemic sea creatures.

Historic towns full of old and picturesque establishments can be seen when passing along the Great Ocean Road. Historic sites include charming towns of Camperdown, Portland, Port Fairy and Queenscliff.

National Parks which serve as habitats for many endemic plants and animals are also accessible through the Ocean Road Park. These wildlife sanctuaries include the Angahook-Lorne State Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Discovery Bay Park, Otway National Park, Brisbane National Ranges Park, Carlisle State Park, You Yangs State Park, Mount Richmond National Park, Mount Eccles National Park, Lower Glenelg National Park and other natural reserves. These parks are also equipped with romantic walks, picnic areas, magnificent cliffs, fascinating dunes, lush volcanic plains, lakes, deep craters and dramatic landscapes.

The Great Ocean Road also serves as the gateway to some of Australia's greatest shipwrecks filled with stories of tragedy, history and drama. Some of the widely known ships that sunk into the depths of the Victorian coastline are the City of Rayville, Casino, Fiji, Loch Ard, Sacramento, Shomberg, Marie, and Joseph H. Scammell. Being an important part of the rich Australian heritage, the Great Ocean Road is also the home of some of Australia's most historical icons and stories. An example is the spectacular tale of ex-felon William Buckley who lived with the Aborigines for more than 20 years but was found later by a group of sailors under John Batman and tragically died due to a traffic accident.

A journey along the Great Ocean Road is not complete without seeing the spectacular waterfalls cascading down to the ocean. Most of these magnificent waterfalls are found in the center of the Otways region, providing a refreshing stop for the weary traveler.

Aside from the abundance of amazing lighthouses that serve as a beacon of light and hope to ships along the Victorian coastline, this spectacular road is also home to many endemic animals and plants such as the cuddly koala bear, colorful kookaburras, magpies, finches, cockatoos, swans, geese, albatross, kangaroos, wallabies, giant whales and dolphins.

Because of the variety of attractions found in the Great Ocean Road, it is a favorite destination among locals and foreign tourists and is considered as one of the world's most beautiful places a traveler can ever visit. Backpackers and tourists can visit the Great Ocean Road anytime of the year since the picturesque views remain spectacular whether its spring, winter, fall or summer.

Accommodations ranging from budget-friendly villas to high-class destinations are available along with restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the different locations near the Great Ocean Road.