Experiences

1. Surfing + swimming

Torquay is Victoria’s surfing mecca and for those with a lot of experience and a bit of brave, Bells Beach is the place to test your mettle. For most of us though, Bells is a great spot to watch the locals rip it up with a coffee in hand. For those who aren’t quite ready to step into Mick Fanning’s shoes, we suggest trying a much safer (and forgiving) beach break nearby like the Torquay Main Beach or Anglesea’s Point Roadknight.

You’ll find it difficult to drive past the many beaches you’ll see from the Great Ocean Road along the surf coast. From Anglesea through to Lorne there seems to be sand and beach access to entice you around every bend. We love the Painkalac Creek mouth at Aireys Inlet – underneath the vigil of the Split Point Lighthouse or the stretch of sand between Moggs Creek and Eastern View where you’ll see the iconic Pole House and if your lucky Patrick Dangerfield on his favourite surf break!

Some think the Great Ocean Road really begins as you pass under the Memorial Arch (it actually begins in Torquay). The Arch is actually placed here out of convenience – the original arch was built at the site of the first Toll Gate site a little further on (Road tolls aren’t new here in Victoria!). Here’s where the search begins for the best beaches. The irresistible call of the sea just gets louder from here on! Some of the beaches aren’t suitable for swimming but feeling the sand between your toes, having a paddle or exploring the hidden treasure in rock pools is anyone’s game.

2. Wining + dining

Lorne hits the spot for all your shopping and dining needs with Mountjoy Parade heaving with restaurants and cafes for any budget or taste and boutiques featuring a lovely balance of surfwear and designer pieces. The foreshore promenade stretching from the Swing Bridge to the Pier (make sure you grab one of Lorne’s finest latte at the cute Swing Bridge Cafe), Loutit Bay is a lovely protected beach perfect for water sport adventures (take a lesson with Go Ride a Wave or hire equipment from HAH at the Pavillion).

3. 10 waterfalls in 10kms!

Lorne boasts 10 waterfalls within 10kms. There’s more hidden in the bush here but you’ll find at least 10 accessible by trails within the Great Otway National Park. Erskine Falls is popular for its easy access and Sheoak Falls is a beauty that is just a 15 minute walk from the car park on the Great Ocean Road. Many of the waterfall trails connect so if you are into hiking it’s easy to make a day or two of it based in Lorne.

• If you’re looking for thrills, don’t miss LiveWire Park on Erskine Falls Road with its Roller Coaster Zipline, Ropes Course and canopy walk.

4. Camping

Want to pitch your camp in one of the most spectacular campgrounds on the coast? Find your perfect spot.

Or, if you would prefer to stay in a caravan park in one of the quieter seaside villages try one of these:

• Big4 Wye River Holiday Park
• Bimbi Park, Cape Otway
• Kennett River Holiday Park
• Breamlea Caravan Park
• Marengo Holiday Park