Great Ocean
Road on your list? Stunning coastal towns, natural wellness, incredible landscapes
and some of the best food you’ll eat.
It’s an iconic part of South East Australia that I had always been
meaning to explore (and finally did in December 2019) and it certainly lived up
to its reputation.
We based ourselves in the historic coastal town of Port Fairy, Victoria, and I’m very glad we did. Unbeknownst to me in 2012 it was voted the world’s most liveable town (under 20,000 population) and this becomes apparent nearly on arrival. A beautiful town abundant with pretty cottages and buildings, some dating back to the early to mid 1800’s when the town was first settled and originally called Belfast. It then was renamed Port Fairy after a ship, the Fairy, that had sheltered in the harbour, and currently has a population of around 3000 very friendly locals. These locals are responsible for the myriad of activities held throughout the year and for the time we were there we enjoyed the daily diverse events of the Moyneyana Festival and the fantastic local markets full of local produce, unique shopping and food!
The seaside location and wide streets makes for easy walking and even better bike riding with bike lanes and tracks right into the town centre. We rode into the town daily, parked our bikes in one of the numerous bike racks in the centre of town and headed straight for one of the eateries for superb coffee from either Bank St + Co or Driftwood and delicious crepes from Le Crepe Man. The number of eateries surprised me given it is a fairly small country town, all serving quality, fresh meals with a great range to suit everyone. The line ups outside tell you how good they are, especially Coffin Sally for amazing traditional Italian pizzas and Poco for spectacular artisan ice-cream which we visited almost on a daily basis as there are different flavours to try each day. There is also an amazing chocolate shop, Audley & Hall Artisan Chocolate, but beware it is very hard to go in and just look, with as many local ingredients possible going into their produce making it a great local present for friends or family. The Port Fairy Confectionary Shop was also very popular, actually too popular, with our children who had a hard time choosing from all the local and international favourites in the cute, olde shop. My insider tip is also to visit the local favourite, East Beach Fish and Chips, for possibly the nicest grilled fish ever generously served by a family run business clearly doing it right.
The spectacular Australian National Heritage Listed Great Ocean Road, stretching 243 kilomteres, is only a short drive through Warnambool and an absolute must-do. We have all seen the photos but actually being there is a real pinch-me moment. Firstly, we drove straight out past Port Campbell to the Twelve Apostles which is nothing like I expected. The Twelve Apostles, well actually there are only 8 remaining at the time of writing this, are the prize of one of Australia’s most scenic drives carved by the intense Southern Ocean. This site is very well organized with a car park, a kiosk with toilets, coffee, drinks and snacks and pathed walkway out to and over the cliffs for those perfect pictures and selfies.
Due to the summer fire conditions and warnings we were unable to go past this point and instead headed back firstly stopping at Loch Ard Gorge. This gorge is just incredible and you can walk down the stairs to the intimate beach at the bottom and if you are game, even go for a swim in the very, very refreshing Southern Ocean. It was a hot day when we were here, however just putting my feet in was enough to cool me down! You could easily mistake yourself to be anywhere in the world here, it is that unique and tranquil.
We continued on to view the London Arch and The Grotto before arriving in Port Campbell for a drink stop. You must see Port Campbell. It looks like a scene straight out of the Mediterranean Coast with a beach enclosed by stunning cliff faces right in the centre of town.
This beautiful part of the world is easily accessible by car and really is for all ages. If you prefer not to drive, click here for the Great Ocean Road and Beyond 3 night/4 day tour. A fantastic trip with overnight stays in Port Fairy, Port Campbell and Penola, leaving from Melbourne and finishing in Adelaide. Or click here for our Great Southern & Murray Princess Outback Heritage Escape where you have the option to visit the 12 Apostles.
If you are
ready to relax and really take a break from any sort of schedule, make sure you
tick this region off your bucket list sooner rather than later.
Contact one
of our friendly team at Holidays of Australia & the World on 1300 854 897
or email us at holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
for more information or to book your Great Ocean adventure!
