Portland scenic drives - The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most famous and popular drives. It starts around Torquay and winds its way to the 12 Apostles near Port Campbell and then onwards to Warrnambool, Port Fairy and finally ending around Portland.

The road takes you through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia as well as through breathtaking mountain ranges, lush rainforest and national parks.

Highlights of the drive

 

12 Apostles

Perhaps the most iconic part of the drive is the 12 Apostles near Port Campbell. The 12 Apostles are huge stone monoliths, up to 45 metres high, that have been created over millions of years by constant erosion of the mainland limestone cliffs.

 

Great Otway National Park

Between Anglesea and Apollo Bay is the Great Otway National Park. This place is renowned for its rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, windswept heathland, tall forests, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

 

Shipwreck Discovery Trail

Around the Port Campbell area is also the Shipwreck Discovery Trail. This trail allows you to visit the many shipwreck sites along the coast by following the signs on the highway. Plaques at the locations tell the tales of dozens of wrecks and identify their resting places. One of the most popular is at Loch Ard Gorge, which was wrecked in 1878.

 

Bells Beach

Just near Torquay is Bells Beach. This is one of Australia's best-known big wave spots and the world's first Surfing Recreation Reserve.

 

Wildlife

There are plenty of places along the drive where you can potentially see some local wildlife. There are often Kangaroos grazing on the gold course at Anglesea. There are koalas in Great Otway National Park and Tower Hill Game Reserve, which is located between Port Fairy and Warrnambool. This park is also home to kangaroos, emus and various waterbirds. Also at Cape Bridgewater near Portland there is the largest mainland seal colony in Australia. Here you can see up to 1000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals frolicking in the waters and on the coastline.

 

Food and drink

This part of Victoria has no shortage of excellent places to have a meal or grab a drink. You will find a vast range of quality cafes, restaurants and great local pubs.

Map of the Great Ocean Road