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Is it worth doing the Great Ocean Road?

It's been voted one of the top ten places to visit in the world, and for a good reason. The winding road hugs the coast, providing stunning ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the area's many rock formations.



The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is widely considered one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives and is absolutely "worth it" for anyone who appreciates dramatic natural scenery and maritime history. Stretching 243 kilometers between Torquay and Allansford, the road offers a breathtaking succession of rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and ancient rainforests. The undisputed highlight is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of massive limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Beyond the famous landmarks, the drive allows for incredible wildlife encounters, such as spotting wild koalas in Kennett River or kangaroos at Anglesea. For those with a sense of history, the road itself is the world's largest war memorial, built by returned soldiers after WWI. To get the most value out of the trip, travelers should avoid the rushed "day tour" from Melbourne and instead spend two or three days exploring the seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, ensuring they reach the Apostles at sunset or sunrise when the light creates a truly ethereal glow against the crashing surf.

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Hike to breathtaking waterfalls, spot indigenous wildlife, explore the rainforest on an adventure tour, or take surfing lessons on some of Australia's best waves. We recommend spending at least 3 days on this epic road trip, although you could also pick 1 or 2 glorious days on the coast.

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Australia's 12 Apostles are unquestionably the most famous landmark of the Great Ocean Road. Rising majestically from the ocean floor, these rock formations make the stretch of Victoria coastline one of the most dramatic scenes in the world.

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The best time to see the 12 Apostles is early morning or late afternoon. You'll avoid the heavy crowds and have a bit more peace and quiet as you look out onto them. Sunset is spectacular. You can view all 7 of them from viewing platforms – clearly marked from the road on how to walk there and get your snaps.

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The main attraction is the twelve apostles, spend at least one hour here absorbing the view and taking Instagram worthy pictures. Then head to the Loch Ard Gorge bridge, just a 3-minute drive from the twelve apostles. There is a great history of the iconic location and its shipwreck.

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Renowned for its rugged natural beauty, shipwreck stories, and surfing culture the Great Ocean Road and its frequently changing and dramatic landscapes and views make this 242 kilometre stretch of road Australia's most famous coastal journey.

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The Great Ocean Road is a scenic experience all year round. However, the best time to drive is during summer as the skies are clear, and you can see the winding cliff faces along the shoreline.

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Apollo Bay is the halfway point on your Great Ocean Road drive journey. It's often referred to as the place where the ?hill meets the sea? and it's easy to understand why.

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If you cannot get a carpark at the steps, you can walk safely along the Great Ocean Walk to reach this area. It is narrow though, so wheelchairs and prams are not advised! The Gibson steps are closed at times due to high tide and unsafe conditions.

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Yes, 2 days is enough on Great Ocean Road to see the main highlights. The 2 day itinerary we've laid out includes highlights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, and Erskine Falls. There's plenty more to see and do if you have more time though!

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Port Fairy is a coastal town in south-western Victoria, Australia. It lies on the Princes Highway in the Shire of Moyne, 28 kilometres west of Warrnambool and 290 kilometres west of Melbourne, at the point where the Moyne River enters the Southern Ocean.

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