Most people mistakenly regard the Great Ocean Road as a smaller experience within a larger trip. Truth be told, the Great Ocean Road can pull its weight as a vacation destination all by itself. It’s only a three hour drive if you don’t stop to spend your time exploring the area, and to pass up the opportunity is a complete waste. Don’t drive right by it and move onto the next thing. Enjoy it in all of its gorgeous splendor.
1. Find the right accommodations
If you plan on spending the entirety of your trip along the Great Ocean Road, you’re going to want to find a place to stay that’s further away from a major city and closer to the sights you’re going to see. Not only will it be less expensive to do so, it will also be easier to get back and forth from home base. You’ll be able to spend more time enjoying Great Ocean Road if you can cut your commute down when it’s time to call it a night. Look on Stayz for a place to rent near the Road.
2. Feed yourself wisely
Travelling back and forth every time you need to eat is going to disrupt your day significantly. You’re going to rack up a lot of costs leaving the area and returning, not to mention what your restaurant bill will look like by the time you leave. If your accommodations provide kitchen access, it’s smarter to prepare and pack food to bring with you. Picnic while you’re out. The coast is beautiful, and there’s no sense in disrupting your good time just to grab a sandwich from the city.
3. There’s more than the 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles, a natural rock formation off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, is the landmark that put Great Ocean Road on the map. In reality, there are plenty of other things to see, and some of them may not get their fair share of promotion in the travel brochures. There’s Great Otway National Park, the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto the list goes on and on. You’ll be able to find a lot if you’re willing to get out of the car and walk around a little. You may even discover some sights that are commonly overlooked.
4. Divide your itinerary into sections
Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometers of natural wonder. If you want to see and experience everything, you’re going to have to divide your trip into days. If you plan on staying a week, devote each day to a specific section of the road. Dedicating your time will prevent you from both going too fast and going too slow. There’s a lot to cover, and you need to pace yourself.
5. Don’t forget the end of the line
Great Ocean Road ends in farm country, and there’s plenty to do there, too. If you want to continue your exploration along the coast of Australia, your adventure doesn’t end where the road stops. There are lots of kitschy attractions after the road, such as Cheese World. Yes, Cheese World. It’s a cheese cellar, a cheese restaurant, and even a cheese museum. It’s one of many unique experiences you shouldn’t pass up on your way out.
It’s important to keep in mind that you’re interacting with the ecosystem while you’re touring the Great Ocean Road. Never litter, or disturb the wildlife. The area sees a lot of tourists who, if they were messy and disrupted, could upset the area and pollute the environment. Always keep a green mindset when you travel.
5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Great Ocean Road Trip Photo Gallery
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