Great Ocean Road : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

If you are looking for an idyllic coastal experience in Australia, then taking a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is something you don’t want to miss. Along this stunning route, you will discover magnificent landscapes, breathtaking views and a diverse array of wildlife and local attractions. As part of your journey, you will get to explore the exciting history and culture of the area. In this blog, we will reveal some interesting facts and information about the Great Ocean Road as well as give you some tips on the best places to visit and what to do. So if you’re looking for a memorable Australian trip, make sure to include the Great Ocean Road in your itinerary.

Interesting Facts About Great Ocean Road

1. The Great Ocean Road was the world’s first war memorial road. Built by mostly returned World War 1 soldiers, the road was created in part to honour their fallen comrades.

2. Great Ocean Road is a day-tripper’s paradise. Measure for measure, it contains more attractions than any other coastal drive in Australia.

3. The Great Ocean Road is a designated All-Australian Heritage site, recognised as an international symbol of road-building ingenuity and construction.

4. It is the world’s longest war memorial, stretching some 363 kilometres along its path.

5. Along the Great Ocean Road you’ll find some of Victoria’s most prized national parks and reserves, including the Great Otway National Park, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and Port Campbell National Park.

6. The Great Ocean Road also provides access to some of Australia’s most famous surf beaches, world-renowned for their exceptional surfing conditions.

7. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most celebrated tourist drives, due to its wide variety of attractions.

8. It is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Triplet Falls and MacKenzie Falls, which are both well worth a visit.

• Great Barrier Reef : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-km (151 miles) stretch of road in Victoria, Australia, along the south-eastern coast of Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford. This iconic route was largely constructed by returned soldiers in the 1920s and is considered one of Australia’s best road journeys. It is also home to many of the world’s most spectacular coastal scenery, with soaring cliffs and headlands, dense temperate rainforests, and shipwrecks dotting the coastline.

The road is named for the view of the nearby Southern Ocean, and follows the path of the Great Ocean Road along the legendary Ninety Mile Beach. Along the road, drivers can experience the best of the Victoria’s National Parks, including the Great Otway National Park, the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, and the Port Campbell National Park. The drive is also considered one of the world’s most iconic road trips.

The road was initially funded by the State Government of Victoria and the Shire of Warrnambool in 1919, and the first section, from Geelong to Lorne was officially opened in 1932. In June 2019, the road was granted World Heritage Status. This honor was given due to the spectacular coastal landscape found along the roadway, as well as its significant cultural importance to the Aboriginal communities living along the coast.

Today, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, with a variety of activities available to visitors. The coastal scenery and nature reserves of the road provide endless outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities for tourists. Surfers, kayakers, boaters, and hikers alike can all find activities to enjoy along the route. Popular attractions include the Bells Beach National Park, the Great South West Walk, and the London Bridge.

In addition to its natural beauty, visitors may also want to take time to learn about the region’s history, exploring towns such as Apollo Bay and Lorne. Here, visitors can discover the site of the 1946 shipwreck of SS Casino, as well as historical sites related to the Aboriginal communities that lived in the area.

• Adelaide Oval : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Great Ocean Road

1. Drive the Iconic Great Ocean Road

The main attraction of the Great Ocean Road is the drive itself. Stretching 243 kilometers from Torquay to Warrnambool, the drive passes through some of Victoria’s most breathtaking ocean views. Make sure to take a little extra time in some of the more iconic locations, such as the iconic Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Bay of Islands.

2. Enjoy the Beaches

The Great Ocean Road is home to an array of stunning beaches. From the family-friendly beach at Warrnambool to the ever-popular Bells Beach near Torquay, there’s plenty to do. Pack a picnic and spend the day at one of the beaches, explore the famous shipwreck at Port Fairy, or relax and take a dip in the ocean.

3. Explore the Local Towns

No trip to the Great Ocean Road is complete without exploring the nearby towns. Anglesea and Lorne offer plenty of shopping and dining options, while the harbor town of Apollo Bay provides an ideal place to stay the night. Further south, enjoy the fresh seafood at Port Fairy or take a hike in the lush Otway National Park.

4. Take a Wildlife Cruise

The Great Ocean Road is home to a wealth of unique wildlife. Enjoy a wildlife cruise along the shipwreck coast for an up-close-and-personal view of dolphins, seals, and even whales. Most cruises will also offer stunning views of the picturesque cliffs and stacks of the Twelve Apostles.

5. Visit the Landmarks

The Great Ocean Road is full of fascinating landmarks, most notably the iconic Twelve Apostles. Other notable attractions include the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet, the Cape Otway Lightstation, and the memorials of London Bridge and the Bay of Islands.

6. Don’t Forget the Road Trip Essentials

Before hitting the road, make sure to plan your route, pack a snack, and fill your fuel tank. If you’re bringing a caravan, do a pre-trip inspection and make sure you know the laws around caravan towing. Driving along the Great Ocean Road can take up to 8 hours, so plan plenty of rest stops and don’t drive too late.

• Adelaide Oval : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Australia’s Best-Kept Secrets: Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
• Adelaide Oval : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Ocean Road

Q. Where is the Great Ocean Road located?

A. The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria, Australia and stretches from Allansford to Apollo Bay.

Q. What attractions are along the Great Ocean Road?

A. There are a range of attractions along the Great Ocean Road including the Twelve Apostles, majestic limestone stacks formed by erosion, Loch Ard Gorge, The Otway National Park, Erskine Falls, London Arch, the Grampians National Park, Port Campbell National Park, and more!

Q. What activities can I do on the Great Ocean Road?

A. There are plenty of activities on offer along the Great Ocean Road including surfing, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, 4WDing, sightseeing and whale watching.

Q. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

A. Depending on the route, the drive along the Great Ocean Road typically takes around two and a half to three hours. You can also take your time to explore the many attractions along the way, which will add to your total journey time.

• Most Beautiful Cities In Australia