The Awe of the GOR

We’ve driven on some pretty spectacular roads around the globe from the Umbrail pass in Switzerland to the high-altitude road from Salta to Cachi in northern Argentina but the Great Ocean Road (GOR) still takes out breath away every time, particularly the iconic 100 km stretch from #Anglesea to #WyeRiver to #Lorne and on to #ApolloBay.

The GOR is not a fang-fest, you need to allow time to meander along the coast, looking out for slow tourists negotiating the hairpin bends, be on alert for rock debris on the road from the crumbling cliffs and watch for speed limit signs as the fines for transgressing can be hefty. 

The road is wedged between surging surf on one side and steep rocky cliffs or tree covered hills on the other. It winds through a sprinkle of seaside towns and homely hamlets starting with Anglesea (with a sheltered river beach, a wide ocean beach and a tasty general store cafe) then Aireys Inlet (a couple of ritzy restaurants have sprung up here: A La Grecque and the Captain of Aireys) , then Fairhaven (Great Escape bookstore and the Gin Room are the highlights) and its cuddly cousin Moggs Creek(do the Moggs Creek picnic ground to Ocean loop walk for great views over Moggs) and on to the sprawling Lorne with it’s famous pub to pier swim race and curving sand beach, then round the corner to sleepy Wye River and its cute beach and cuter pub and finally to the Otways framed Apolllo Bay for crispy delish fish and chips from the Apollo Bay Fishermans co-op.

Lovely Lorne

Then you hit the big sprawling Lorne with its long curving beach, iconic pier, loads of restaurants and shops and plenty of good walking and water activities. See pics above!

Why we like Wye

We like to stop at the Wye River campground which has direct access to the beach for lingering sunsets or lively sunrises. It’s easy to wander up to the Wye River Pub for a great meal with a view then hit the General Store next door for a cracker coffee or breakfast in the morning.

If you want to venture further there’s sleepy Kennet River then Skene’s Creek and then the next biggest town along the road, Apollo Bay. Much like Lorne, the shopping strip in Apollo Bay is set out along the ocean front and there’s a good range of cafes, clothing, homewares and bars.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a little further on but the next biggest seaside town after Lorne and what it lacks in ritzy restaurants it makes up for with delicious fresh fish and seafood (it is a fishing village after all). The pick of the bunch is the Apollo Bay Fishermans Co-op which is perched above the marina where the trawlers deliver fish fresh off the boat up to the cafe. It has lovely views from its outdoor tables (see below) too.

If you’re into golf then the course right along the ocean looked pretty nice and the walk out the marina wall gives you great views back to the beach. There’s also Mariner’s lookout above the town and you can’t go wrong with a big long beach walk either.

Three things to tick on the Great Ocean Road

Three must-do things to tick on the GOR from Anglesea to Apollo Bay are:

1.A walk in the Otways – take your pick of waterfalls, mountain tracks or even one of the many gravel bike trails but getting up amongst the trees and bird life in this area is magnificent. 2. Swim, surf or boogie board in the sheltered clear waters of Lorne or just enjoy the 1.5 km Doug Sterling Foreshore walk. 3. Enjoy rustic dining at Wye River pub, a little more flash at A La Greque at Airey’s Inlet or go all the way to Apollo Bay for the freshest fish and crunchy potatoe cakes at the Fisherman’s co-op.