One of the World’s Most Scenic Coastal Drives
The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 243-kilometre (151 miles) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world’s largest war memorial. Winding through varying terrain along the coast and providing access to several prominent landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, the road is an important tourist attraction in the region.
Much of the road hugs coastline affectionately known as the Surf Coast, between Torquay and Cape Otway, and the Shipwreck Coast further west of Cape Otway, providing visibility of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The road traverses rainforests, as well as beaches and cliffs composed of limestone and sandstone, which is susceptible to erosion. The road travels via Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, the latter being notable for its natural limestone and sandstone rock formations including Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch (formerly London Bridge) and The Twelve Apostles.
At the stretch of the Great Ocean Road nearer to Geelong, the road meanders along the coast, with tall, almost-vertical cliffs on the other side of it. Road signs put up along the road warn motorists of possible rockfalls, which have occurred before. The city of Geelong, close to Torquay, experiences great benefit from Australian and international visitors to the road; with Geelong Otway Tourism affirming it as an invaluable asset.
The Challenge
To complete this road trip challenge you only have one objective:
- Drive the full Great Ocean Road from Torquay and Allansford or vice versa!
Though to make the most of your experience we would recommend completing as many activities as possible including:
- Take a photo at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch!
- See Koalas in the wild.
- See the 12 Apostles.
- Visit the collapsed London Bridge.
- Go see the Split Point Lighthouse.
If you want you can also share your overall time in days, your experience and adventures along the way as well as tips and information to help others complete this travel challenge. Feel free to tag @travelmedals on Instagram or Facebook on each picture.
After completing the challenge you can reward yourself with a Great Ocean Road themed Travel Medal! Good luck!
Click on the medal to be redirected to our store or click here.
Great Ocean Road (🐨Koala’s & 12 Apostles🇦🇺)
The Way Away is Josh and Ashley Brown, married world travelers with a mission to bring the world closer by showing the uniqueness of different cultures and promoting unity around the world. They drive the Great Ocean Road and once out of Melbourne go to see some wild Koala’s and then off to the 12 Apostles. You can follow their adventures more on their You Tube channel WAY AWAY and their Instagram.
