Day 9 — Melbourne → Port Campbell
Departure along the Princes Freeway towards Geelong. After Torquay, stop at Bells Beach to admire the surfers. Visit the Otway National Park and the lookout point before driving along the most scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road, with the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Arrival in Port Campbell, in the heart of the Great Ocean Road, and overnight stay. (Approximately 290 km / 4 hours).
The Great Ocean Road: It starts from the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay and continues along the Otway National Park, a lush rainforest where you can walk surrounded by greenery, waterfalls, ancient trees, and magnificent giant palms. The next stop can be along the infamous "shipwreck coast", followed by the mythical "Twelve Apostles", once less nobly called "The Sow and Piglets". Descend into the cave where the only two survivors of the most dramatic shipwreck along the coast of Victoria, the Loch Ard shipwreck in the late 1800s, took shelter. Continue on to the remains of the London Bridge and the Grotto.
Along this route, which will take you along the Great Ocean Road to Mount Gambier, you can encounter the most coveted beaches for surfers, the Otway National Park inland, and other seaside attractions in this area. Stop off at Port Campbell during your Great Ocean Road journey and admire the spectacular coastal scenery, including Port Campbell National Park and the mighty 12 Apostles. A colourful and lively seaside village, Port Campbell is home to restaurants and cafes with views of the beach, bakeries selling homemade goodies, and plenty of vibrant shops and galleries to explore. Sheltered by cliffs and Norfolk pines, the town has the atmosphere of a safe haven on the edge of wild nature. Finish the day with a walk out to the Port Campbell Jetty and watch the waves crashing against the limestone cliffs. You are here to look at
the towering 12 Apostles, the dramatic limestone stacks that have made the region famous. But be sure to leave time to check out some of the other coastal features in the area. Discover the eerie beach at Loch Ard Gorge, walk down the 70-metre cliff face via the Gibson Steps, and look out over the serene Bay of Islands. And bring your camera to capture the unique rock formations at London Bridge, The Arch and The Grotto. Two Mile Bay is revered by surfers as one of the best big-wave breaks in Australia. Make your way north of the coast on the Kanawinka Geotrail and explore the lush green farmland peppered with volcanic lakes and craters. Sip, sample and savour the region's bounty along the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. Take an afternoon cruise and pick up a basketful of regional cheeses, wines, chocolates, ice-cream and fresh berries. Round out the tour with a sip of whiskey or sweet liqueur from Timboon's finest.