Great Ocean Road Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures

Okay, so the Great Ocean Road in Australia? Stunning coastline that pretty much everyone raves about. It stretches over 240 kilometers (almost 150 miles), it’s almost all dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean vistas, and, just a little bit, hidden beaches that’ll knock your socks off. You could easily spend weeks soaking it all up, that’s for sure, but if you’re, you know, a bit pressed for time, these top five day trips will give you a fantastic taste of what it’s all about. You know?

1. Torquay and Bells Beach: The Surfer’s Paradise

First up is Torquay, and that’s sort of known as the home of surfing in Australia. In a way, you kick things off with a relaxed beach town vibe. Torquay is where iconic brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver started. Surf history everywhere! Even if you aren’t really into surfing, there’s a great museum – the Surf World Museum – where you get to learn about the evolution of the sport. That kind of thing.

Bells Beach? More or less legendary. Home to the Rip Curl Pro, one of the longest-running surfing competitions globally. The waves? Apparently huge! It’s just a stunning place to watch skilled surfers take on those waves. Or, in that case, just enjoy the view; maybe dip your toes in the water, or you could just soak up the atmosphere. I mean. Famous surf beaches, right? You know.

To be honest, you get here early to grab breakfast at a local cafe, and you wander along the Esplanade. Next, you check out the surf shops and just breathe in the sea air. Bells Beach is just a short drive away. I think it is, anyway. Give yourself some time to just take it all in.

2. Anglesea and Aireys Inlet: Coastal Charms

Anglesea, that’s like a quieter alternative to Torquay. Often charming. This little town is just, you know, nestled between the ocean and the bush, so, you get the best of both things, basically. The Anglesea River flows through it. You know? That gives it that extra scenic touch. Arguably, a bit more relaxed than some of the bigger towns, though.

Aireys Inlet, not that far from Anglesea, more or less, is famous for the Split Point Lighthouse. Bright white and you might be able to picture this – it stands dramatically against the coastline. Famously known from the TV series “Round the Twist” apparently. Actually, take a guided tour of the lighthouse if you like, where you climb to the top and grab panoramic views that will knock you off your feet. In a way, pretty awesome! I mean.Great views from that point!

Make the effort and do the coastal walk between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, it’s just a beauty. Pretty sure you pass sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, through heathland teeming, and, you may have to do a bit of looking to find some of Australia’s native birds. Or if you’re just after something a little bit easier, kick back with a barbeque on the beach, it might just be right up your street.

3. Lorne: The Holiday Town

Lorne is sort of the go-to holiday town. It’s got this Mediterranean feel to it, you know? With cafes lining the main street, pretty shops, and it is easy to notice the buzz about this place as soon as you roll up. The beach here is fantastic, often. Nice, golden sand. Perfect for a swim, that is if the water’s not too chilly.

Erskine Falls is, as a matter of fact, located a short drive from Lorne. And honestly, it’s really worth checking out. Apparently, there are a few viewing platforms to get different perspectives of the waterfall as it cascades into the fern gully down below. Might want to keep an eye out because it does tend to get pretty busy there, very, very, fast, that’s for sure. Pretty scenic falls too.

Walk along the pier, and it looks just as if you could have a cheeky try at catching something, as there are many other folk doing that same. Check out Teddy’s Lookout if you fancy grabbing those great pictures. In some respects, an absolute must. Take the scenic drive, stopping at all those little beaches that strike your eye.

4. Apollo Bay: Seafood and Scenery

Apollo Bay. That has kind of got a reputation for its fantastic seafood and really beautiful scenery. Often. Another charming coastal town that seems a bit more laid-back compared to Lorne. A bit, in a way, more chilled. Coastal town, and it shows! Basically. That being said, you still get an impressive array of cafes, restaurants and places to grab some nosh. Arguably.

Head straight to the harbor and grab some fresh fish straight off the boat. Just a thought! If you would rather eat your food in a fancier place, there is the selection to fulfil that need, actually, at least a little bit. Apparently.

Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. More or less, only a stone’s throw from Apollo Bay, you may very well find that it’s a haven for marine life. A little fun fact for you here too, Marengo is an awesome place to go reef action to explore underwater and check out the local seal colony that resides nearby. Very cute if you want to go and check it out! Apollo Bay makes an incredible day trip that can’t be missed!

5. The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge: Iconic Landmarks

Obviously, we saved the most famous till last! Right? No day trip on the Great Ocean Road can leave out a visit to The Twelve Apostles. Limestone stacks rising out of the ocean. Super cool to see. You need to be fully prepared because that is where lots of people seem to congregate.

Even better still is a short drive from the Twelve Apostles, more or less, and brings you to Loch Ard Gorge. Story goes that the place is steeped in maritime history because that area was named after the clipper Loch Ard ran ashore in 1878; only two souls survived! More or less stunning scenery all around. Anyway. That is just to top it off because there are loads of other beaches and look-out points, too. Arguably maritime history is important!

Okay, make sure to allow loads of time when visiting these locations; it does tend to get really busy pretty quickly. Plus you will want to have enough time to explore everything as this place does have loads to offer.