Great Ocean Road
Take a Breathtaking Trip Down the Great Ocean Road
Highlights of the Great Ocean Road
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Continue driving along the G.O.R. about 10 minutes and turn off on the Cape Otway Lighthouse Road. Drive towards the lighthouse until you pass a road on the left indicating Blanket Bay. Continue driving slowly toward the lighthouse, look up into the trees for 'rocks' - koalas look like rocks up in the trees, particularly when they are sleeping. Return to the G.O.R. and turn left.
The Twelve Apostles
Then travel on to Gibson's Steps, which takes you down to the beach giving you the first view of the Twelve Apostles from sea level. Less busy than Twelve Apostles Lookout with lovely views of the coast from the sand. The famous Twelve Apostles is your next stop - this is a must see! Be warned, you will be joined by a lot of other tourists, but the view is so spectacular, it is worth bumping shoulders.
Loch Ard Gorge is a must-see. From this car park, you have 4 pathways leading to various vantage points to view the coastline and the Apostles. There is also a staircase which takes you down to a wonderful beach, caves, and the historic story of 2 survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck.
Maits Rest Rainforest
Driving from Colac to Apollo Bay, then along the Great Ocean Road (G.O.R.) to the Twelve Apostles should take about 2.5 hours. Just 15 minutes out of Apollo Bay, you'll find Maits Rest Rain Forest Walk car park on the left. This is a 45-minute loop walk.
Castle Cove
The next point of interest is Castle Cove. Many prehistoric fossils have been found in the exposed cliffs. Enjoy great views of the rugged coastline, and if you look due west, the next landfall is Argentina - South America!
The Grotto and London Arch
Next is The Grotto, a sea arch still attached either side to limestone cliffs. At high tide the water comes through the arch, at low tide you are able to see through to these. You then have London Arch. This London Bridge formation has since been remade into the London Arch after a portion of the formation collapsed into the sea.
The Bay of Islands
Lastly, the 'Bay of Islands.' This Coastal Park is a 33 km narrow strip of coastal heathland that runs alongside a series of secluded coves. Car parks lead to spectacular lookouts - great at sunset.
Return to Colac via Port Campbell and Timboon about 1.5-hour drive.