Visitors to the Australian state of Victoria and its capital, Melbourne, should definitely consider reserving two or three days to explore their own Costa Verde boat, the Great Ocean Road. This magnificent coastal tour combines breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Ocean, huge cliffs, high cliffs, lush temperate rainforests, calm bays, intriguing coastal villages, full of history, clean uncrowded beaches and great surfing.
The Great Ocean Road makes its way along the breathtaking coastline of southwest Victoria, from Geelong in the east to Nelson in the west, with the area between Lorn and Apollo Bay being the most scenic. This is without a doubt one of the most picturesque coastal suburbs in the world. It crosses the length of the coastline, which includes the world-famous rock of the Twelve Apostles, the Otway rainforest and Belles Beach on the Coast. The Great Ocean Road also regularly passes through coastal resort towns, including Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, coastal towns, including Geelong and Warrnambool, and historic villages, including Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.
There is ample opportunity to expand and expand the Great Ocean Road experience by combining inland with the magnificent Grampians National Park and Goldfields, continuing across the western Victoria border to South Australia or exploring Port Phillip Bay in the east, including Bellarin and the Mornington Peninsula.
Portland (population 11,000) was founded by the pioneer of the Henty brothers in 1834. Today it has more than 200 well-kept buildings and private houses. Visit the Marine Intelligence Center to learn about the history of London in Portland. Portland Quay still lives in commercial activities, and whales sometimes visit during the winter months. Portland is also a paradise for anglers, a range of fish in the area, including King George, muddle, flat forest, perch, tuna and mulloway.
Apollo Bay (a population of 2000) is considered by many as a paradise by the sea. The city is characterized by a wide crescent-shaped sandy beach, amidst the undulating green hills of Otway, a peaceful lifestyle, waterfalls, national and state parks, and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding ridges. The Apollo Bay beach is the center of activity all year round. Swim in clear sea waters, kayaks with local seals, go on deep-sea fishing, surf or just relax on horseback along the beach at sunset.
Anglesea (population of 2,500) is the favorite destination of the Great Ocean Road because of its beautiful beaches, shrubs, wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes in the area. The main beach of Anglesea is located on a wide sandy expanse near the Anglesia River. It is perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing. Anglesea is also a great place for walking. A 35 km walk along the Surf Coast Walk passes through the city and can follow the coast in any direction. Coogoorah Park overlooks the river and has a number of footpaths, planks and bridges, meandering through the native bush and arid wetlands teeming with bird life.
Aireys Inlet, just a few kilometers from Anglesea, is a peaceful village located in the shadow of the Angauke-Lorn State Park. Clifftop tracks provide views of rocky reefs, rock pools and sheltered bays. Aireys Inlet has excellent beaches, suitable for swimming and horse riding, with a national park in its backyard, home to native trees and wastelands that live with color when wild flowers bloom in winter, spring and early summer.
Port Campbell (population 200 people) is located among some of the most spectacular coastline landscapes found in Victoria, including Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles. Port Campbell, surrounded by the high cliffs and pines of Norfolk, feels shelter on the edge of wildlife. This is an excellent base for a day tour of the Twelve Apostles, the dramatic rock piles that made this stretch of Victoria coast famous. Other spectacular coastal sites include the Loch Ard Gorge, the Gibson Steps and the Bay of Islands.
Torquay (population 3,670) is a major resort city, as well as the capital of Victoria, where the culture on the beach is very strong. Many of the most famous names in sportswear and accessories are based in Torquay, and everything related to surfing is available at retail outlets in Surf City Plaza. The Surfworld Museum reflects the spirit of surfing in a variety of multimedia and practical displays. Famous surfing beaches in the area include Yang Tziuk and Bells Beach, known as the Rip Curl Pro venue (held at Easter), one of the most popular after the World Cup.
Lorne (population 1,170) has an excellent Mediterranean atmosphere and magnificent landscapes with open paintings. This beautiful coastal city has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Located between Luthit Bay and Otway's cool ranges, the charm of Lorna is hard to beat. Mild weather, a thriving cafe culture and a full range of shops, boutiques and galleries make Lorna one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Great Ocean Road.
The city of Warrnambool (population 29,500) is located in one of the most picturesque places in Victoria, nestled on the coast among green countryside and overlooking the deep blue ocean of the Southern Ocean. Warrnambool has a long and colorful history associated with the sea, much of which is on display at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the early life of the city and includes original buildings, a lighthouse and a renovated port complete with ships. Many of the shipwreck relics at the exhibition include the famous china peacock, rescued from the tragic collapse of Lough Arda in 1878. The giant southern right whales return to Logan Beach near Warrnambool every May until October and can often be seen only 100 meters from the shore.
Port Fairy (population 2,600) is a charming old fishing village with wide streets lined with 19th century cottages, old stone churches, boarding houses, hotels and the impressive Norfolk pines. Many wonderful examples of 19th-century architecture can be found with more than 50 buildings classified by the National Trust.
