Great Ocean Road - The Wonderful Road along the Coast

The Great Ocean Road is a road in the south of the Australian state of Victoria, which is almost 250 kilometres long. The B100 passes the metropolis of Melbourne on its western side, goes between Torquay and Allansford and runs along the south coast of the Australian continent for the most part. In 1962, the panoramic route was elected one of the world's most beautiful roads by the Tourist Development Authority. The climate in the region is temperate with mild summers and cool winters.

The Great Ocean Road takes travellers into a world of waterfalls, rainforests, magical sandy beaches, unique rock formations and high cliff coasts. The Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park are the best-known sight at the panoramic route. These rocks are up to 45 metres high, emerged approximately 10 million years ago and were shaped by the wind and weather over the years. Only eight of the once twelve rocks can be seen today. In addition, the national park accommodates impressive rock bridges like the London Bridge or The Arch and magnificent gorges such as the Loch Ard Gorge. Another fascinating national park at the Great Ocean Road is the Great Otway National Park near Cape Otway. It has wild waterfalls, gorges, eucalyptus trees, rainforests and giant ferns. Furthermore, the park and the whole coastal road display the Australian fauna. You can watch kangaroos, emus, anteaters, platypus and koalas on shore, while whales and dolphins splash about in the deep blue water.

The Great Ocean Road was built by war veterans between 1918 and 1932. The construction of the panoramic road was meant to create jobs and commemorate fallen soldiers. The idea for the coastal route, however, goes back much further. As early as in 1864, people had the idea of constructing a road that would connect the many coastal towns and harbours (e.g. Queenscliff, Portland, Port Fairy) which fascinate with Victorian architecture and charming cottages. Twenty years earlier, the Cape Otway Lightstation was built, which is one of the oldest lighthouses still in operation. It bears witness to the region's tragic seafaring past. Several ship accidents, during which many people lost their lives, occurred at the Bass Strait in the 19th century. Numerous shipwrecks lie at the coast of the Great Ocean Road now and remind of the region's maritime history as do the regional ship museums. The best-known ship accident is that of Loch Ard near the Loch Ard Gorge.

Travellers do not only pass impressive natural landscapes on the Great Ocean Road but also scenic towns and numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes and tea houses, in which they can taste the local delicacies. You find fish and seafood on all menus in the region. Other culinary delicacies are gourmet cheese and local wines. Accommodation, towns and restaurants alternate with untouched nature along the 200 kilometres long panoramic road, so that holidaymakers can marvel at the tranquillity and the special features of the coastal landscape and get to know the Australian hospitality, cuisine and inhabitants at the same time.

A highlight on the Great Ocean Road is the Great Ocean Walk (GOW). On this coastal hiking trail, you have the feeling to have the whole coast to yourself. It is an even better way to experience the wonderful cliffs, breathtaking beaches and rock formations and the Australian fauna than a car ride. The coastal area is excellently suited for all kinds of water sports (diving, surfing, swimming, fishing, kayaking). Surfers particularly enjoy Bells Beach in Torquay, which is where the annual Surf Classic (a surfing competition) takes place. To have an aerial view of the Great Ocean Road, you can go on a helicopter flight over the coastal landscape.

A trip along the world's most beautiful panoramic road is possible throughout the year. You best arrive via Melbourne. Many international airlines travel to the city's airport (MEL).