A day in Victoria and you will already be planning a couple of viticulture dates with your friends because wine is not? Or, you may crave a long drive on the iconic stretch of Ocean Road and stop by a random café to nibble on Australia’s fine tasters. And if you are big on road trips (or not), let us tell you: Victoria has some of THE BEST routes for long drives. Does it sound like the perfect travel?
Start curating a playlist because this itinerary will have a week of your life relaxing in this beautiful part of Australia.
From Melbourne to Lorne
Loosen up a little and take it slow on the first day of your trip. Depart Melbourne at dawn to capture the best views. Take the Princess Freeway (M1) route and then, the Geelong bypass towards Torquay to join the Great Ocean Road. On your arrival in Torquay, sign up for a savoury Aussie brunch and coffee. Not very far from the town is the ever so sprightly Bells Beach where you may want to have quiet leisure or jump in for surfing. Drive easy to enjoy the spectacular coastline view by the Great Ocean Road. You will reach Lorne in time for sunset after which you can spend the remaining time at a local café – or call it a day!
Hello there! Lorne
Put on your explorer’s hat and explore Lorne and its peripheries all day long. Start with a nine-kilometre drive to Erskine Falls, a truly majestic waterfall that falls into the Erskine River with a 30-metre-long plunge. To blend in more with the stellar mist-filled beauty of the location, go hiking. The fern-green nuance and mist-hugged waters will be a stunning backdrop for Instagram photos. Drive back to Lorne for a breakfast munch at the Bottle of Milk or Swing Bridge Café. Since beaches make an ideal way to admire Lorne, channel your energy into a quiet walk to the sound of waves. And in time for a sundowner, explore a new restaurant for dinner.
Instagram-worthy Views, Nature, and Port Campbell
In the glow of dawn, start driving from Lorne towards the Apollo Bay. This road trip is full of striking coastline views and offers ample stop-offs just to capture gorgeous vistas. Halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay is the beautiful Kennett River hugging the Great Ocean Road. With soft blows of the winds serenading the atmosphere, this river is a visual treat for nature enthusiasts and a must-see spot. Make your way towards the Otway National Park and Hopetoun Falls, a 30-metre-long cascade that breaks to a rocky pool covered in emerald hunch. Say yes to a little adventure with ziplining at the Otways Treetop Fly Adventure before heading to Port Campbell.
Grandeur of 12 Apostles and Ice Cream for Surprise!
12 Apostles, or should we say the best part of the entire Great Ocean Road drive (we mean it), make a perpetual show before your eyes as you head towards Halls Gap. While there are only 8 left, these spectacles are a no-miss. Follow one golden rule: reach this location a little early in the morning to cosy up to its best sight. Next is Loch Ard Gorge, a scenic stop-off in Port Campbell National Park with azure waters and natural rock formations. With your phone filled with cool snaps, reach Port Campbell next. Grab something scrumptious from the famous Grassroots Deli Café on your way to the Grampians and have a quick retreat at London Bridge. Hit the road to Halls Gap in Grampians, but don’t forget to take away ice cream in Timboon, a cute little town famous for all things dairy.
The Larger-than-Life Grampians
The Grampians breathe a whole new life into road trips and for all good reasons, have a stronghold as a stop-off point. Get on your wheels early to witness the sublime rays of sunrise gently piercing the mountains at Boroka—a short walk away. Spend some time at this location to have a newfound love for rock art and history along with native flora and fauna. Watch the sheer beauty cascading against the green backdrop at Mackenzie Falls, which is located not far from the Grampians. Mark your way back to Halls Gap for some lunch. From Harvest to Black Panther, there are plenty of options to choose from. Head to Zunsteins, a historic site turned popular picnic area, to see kangaroos. Slow it down at the Rieds with some drinks and snacks and simply dwell in the scarlet hues of sunset as this lookout unfolds.
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