The Great Ocean Road stretches for 243 kilometers along the fascinating Pacific Coast in the Australian state of Victoria. The route was declared probably the most magnificent tourist highways. It passes by numerous seaside towns, golden sandy beaches and penetrates the green walls of forests.
Traveling along the Great Ocean Road can take from one day to several weeks, depending on the number of stops and distance chosen. The quickest and most acceptable option is an express tour, including a three-day journey from Melbourne to Adelaide. However, the best solution is car rental in Australia under 21 years and plan your vacation to your liking. So you can explore all the sights at your leisure and leisurely enjoy the beauty of the Great Ocean Road. Regardless of which mode of transport you choose, you should make the following 7 stops on your journey…
West Gate Bridge
(photo by manraj singh1)
The most popular tourist route originates from Melbourne. Hop on a snug bus or start the engine of a rental car and go on an adventure. When you leave town, you can never miss the West Gate Bridge.
The huge concrete structure is about 2.6 kilometers long and 58 meters high. The bridge is split into four lanes – included in the list of the longest buildings in the whole continent of Australia. This is an excellent lookout point, as a result of its wide viewing angle: it offers a superb view Westgate Park and the Yarra River.
Memorial Arch
(photo by jlcummins)
For the first time the construction of the Great Ocean Road began in 1864, however, the large-scale implementation of the idea had to be postponed as a result of the unstable world political situation. New work began in 1919, following the return of soldiers from the fronts of World War I.
About three thousand people work six days a week for a meager salary, which barely covers the price of food. However, the previous military has a good goal – to create the best highway in memory of fallen comrades. The first part opened in March 1932. It was not until November 1932 that the magnificent building was finally completed.
Immediately after commissioning, three monuments were erected on the street, and one of them has survived to this day. A wooden Memorial Arch and bronze monument depicting busy builders mark the entrance to the Great Ocean Road.
Bell Beach
(photo by Eduardo Arostegui)
One hundred kilometers from Melbourne are the most popular beach areas for surfing. It is called after a family of pilgrims who settled there in 1840. Parts of it are set apart as a reserve zone and are listed on the Victorian Heritage list.
Every year Bells Beach hosts the most magnificent surfing festival. As part of the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival sports competitions and musical battles are held. Be sure to ride the waves, even if you have never stood on a board – you’ll be presented with a whole ocean of positive emotions.
Cape Patton Lookout
Cape Patton is located near Apollo Bay – it is an excellent observation platform, bordered by dense rainforest. During the development of Australia, many ships were wrecked in this area, and this isn’t surprising given the speed of the wind and the strength of the waves.
Today Cape Patton is a popular attraction. Sheer green rocks cascade into turquoise water, while the ocean breaks over smooth gray rocks and foams like sparkling wine. Tourists should absolutely stay there and take some photos to remember this extraordinary beauty for life.
Otway National Park
Otway National Park has an area of 103 square kilometers. Established in 2004 and now one of the friendliest places in Australia. The main advantages of this park are the cascading waterfalls, impassable jungle, practically unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs, in addition to a diversified animal world.
For a further fee, you can ride at incredible speeds on steel ropes stretched over the tree canopy. Be sure to visit Cape Otway Lighthouse. Climbing the steep crooked stairs to the snow-white roofs of the buildings is difficult for visitors, but the effort will be rewarded with wonderful views of the massive waves crashing against the shoreline.
Loch Ard Gorge
Undoubtedly, Loch Ard Gorge is taken into account probably the most majestic places along the Great Ocean Road. The coral sand stands in stark contrast to the cool blue sea and yellow rocks. The canyon is called after the Loch Ard ship, which crashed there in 1878.
As a result of the tragedy, just about all of the crew members died, aside from two teenagers. Standing atop the cliff and looking out down at the frothy whirlpools, you will be capable to judge the difficulty of maneuvering amongst the rock giants. However, it’s perfectly safe to swim on the beach, hidden between natural walls, because high cliffs protect the bay from strong winds.
The Twelve Apostles
The name of the attraction is not fully correct. In fact, there are only eight limestone formations left – the rest collapsed into the ocean depths in numerous years under the influence of strong storms.
This place is totally filled with tourists, but despite the joy, it does not disappoint. The height of a few stones is similar to a ten story building. The authorities took great responsibility in organizing excursions, so the area in the area of the Twelve Apostles is full of memorial signs and fences. In the afternoon Australian penguins appear on the beach. At nightfall, hundreds of little birds return to their homes, hiding in the dunes.
