Snapshot: Along the Great Ocean Road

This is somewhere between Port Campbell and Peterborough, a stretch of winding road curving around a shoreline of shimmering aquamarine sea and clear blue skies.

And it’s only a sampling of what you can expect along the Great Ocean Road, a coastal region of south-west Victoria, Australia, all of 243 kilometres long. Originally built for war veterans returning from World War 1, the stretch was completed in 1932.

Today, it makes for a popular scenic drive, largely due to its picturesque scenery and thrill of travelling on the winding cliff-top roads.

Most visitors take on the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, and that would mean driving over 500km of road. Because it covers an expansive area, most visitors would take their time to cruise along and opt to stay for a night or two at the small beach towns along the stretch. But if you do not have the luxury of time, it’s still possible to make it there on a day trip. This means taking the scenic route there but the inland route back, cutting the return trip by half.

Starting from Torquay, a holiday resort town 95 km from Melbourne, you’ll head to Bells Beach, where the world’s longest-running surfing competition- the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival was held. Then travel along the popular seaside resort town of Lorne and Anglesea and catch sight of calming beaches, or stop by at designated lookouts and gaze into the Pacific Ocean. Then head to Apollo Bay, which will be past midday, and just in time to tuck in some lunch before heading to the rolling hills towards Port Campbell. Before long, you’d come face to face with the imposing 12 Apostles that you’ve seen on posters all over the Great Ocean Road advertising. Weather and time have crushed some of these amazing rock formations, but they still look impressive despite its battered condition. Along the stretch, you’d also be able to take in sights of the Loch Ard Gorge, the London Arch and interesting Grotto.

But the thrill of The Great Ocean Road is not just about the 12 Apostles and its nearby attractions. It’s about being alongside the ocean, to ride along the waves that crash in from an endless blanket of glittering blue-green sea that blends into baby blue heavens. It’s about getting away from the bustling city life and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature.

Tip:If you intend to do a day trip out, you have to start off early, so make sure your rental car company is aware of this and will anticipate your late return. If you start off at 8am from Melbourne, you are likely to return at around 8pm. To make the ride a more enjoyable one, pack lotsa snacks, and great tunes. What’s a road trip without good music?