Whether you start your drive in Adelaide or Melbourne, you are in for a stunning drive. The beaches that dot the coastline offer excellent places to stop for a swim and camp for the night and the many cosmopolitan towns offer accommodation to suit all budgets. Expedia’s travel guide to Melbourne hotels can help you find the best deals. The Great Ocean Road is 243km long and follows the south coast of Victoria, located in the south-east of Australia.

Torquay

Torquay acts as the starting, or finishing point, for the Great Ocean Road depending on which direction you come from. Some of the big attractions include Surfworld, the Australian Surfing Museum, located at the huge Surfcoast Plaza complex. The enormous and overstocked surf gear shops act as an attraction in itself. Tiger-moth World to the town’s south is a popular adventure park and there are plenty of fine wineries within a few minutes’ drive.

Bells Beach

Made famous by the film “Point Break,” Bells Beach is also home to the annual Rip Curl Pro Surf Competition. Surfers, fans and spectators alike flock to Bells Beach every summer. This area offers stunning scenery and even if surfing is not your passion, it is a great place to go for a short walk and stretch your legs in the sun while sporting your designer Ray-Ban sunglasses.

The Twelve Apostles

Once upon a time, there stood twelve apostles. However as the years have passed, the elements have claimed five of them. The remaining seven stand proudly, however the viewing platforms can get crowded and busy, especially during the summer months. Stay in nearby Port Campbell, allowing you to get an early start on the day and take in the view at daybreak.

Gibson Steps

Created in the 19th century by local Hugh Gibson, these steps were carved into the cliff side entirely by hand. Gibson’s aim was to provide access to the beach below. The steps are now concrete and are fitted with a feature safety railing. Gibson beach is worth a visit, being described as one of the prettiest beaches on the Great Ocean Road. However, due to the strong currents, this is not a beach for swimming.

Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay and winds through to Princetown. The expansive park spreads up through the Otways hinterland and reaches towards Colac. The park is characterised by its rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches, rock outcrops and windswept fields. Enjoy walks along the coast or take a picnic lunch and rest in the tall forests. The north of the park features beautiful greenery in the form of fern gullies, tumbling waterfalls and glassy lakes.

These are only a few of the many towns and beaches worth visiting along the Great Ocean Road. Take your time, spread out your journey. This will provide you with enough time to see as many of the attractions as possible.