Need to uncover the most effective surf hangouts and scenic sundown spots (howdy, the Twelve Apostles)? Author Liv Bohn has the whole lot you want to find out about driving (or climbing) Victoria’s 243-kilometre coastal highway.
Feasibly probably the most well-known of all of the Australian highway journeys, the Nice Ocean Street spans the stretch from Torquay west to Warrnambool. Made up of rainforested nationwide parks, surf-loving seaside cities and quite a lot of tree-dwelling koalas, this shoreline is stuffed with all-star Aussie highlights.
Whilst you can drive the coast in a mere 12 hours, a extra leisurely journey that areas the journey out throughout varied cities is the way in which to get probably the most out of the journey. Or, for those who’re an avid walker, it’s attainable to walk the 100-kilometre part from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. However, be warned: that is no simple feat and may take as much as eight days to finish.
Nevertheless you select to sort out it, there are a number of spots on the Nice Ocean Street you need to see. Listed here are ten to get you began…
1. Bells Seaside
Positioned 90-minutes away from Melbourne is Torquay, one of many world’s hottest surf hubs and on its fringes is Bells Seaside – dwelling to the annual Rip Curl Easter Professional, the longest-running surf competitors on the planet. Spectators flock right here round Easter weekend to look at the highest browsing expertise take to the hovering waves. Severe surfer? You’ll be able to attempt to sort out the swells your self, though be suggested that they’re actually reserved for the very skilled.
2. Lorne
Laidback and artsy, it’s simple to know why Lorne is typically described as Melbourne’s equal to Byron Bay. Cease right here and stretch your legs with a wander on its huge, sandy seaside, earlier than settling all the way down to a well-deserved flat white and a spot of brunch at one of many many waterfront cafes. Plus, Erskine Falls, a 30-metre excessive cascade, can be solely a 15-minute drive inland.
3. Aireys Inlet
Keep in mind Around the Twist, that 90s TV present with the catchy theme tune? Nicely, loads of it was truly filmed round Aireys Inlet. This candy coastal hamlet might be finest recognized for its red-crested Cut up Level Lighthouse, providing pretty views out over the wildlife-housing limestone rocks of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and the penguin-hotspot of Phillip Island.
There’s not an enormous quantity to see on the primary drag, however it’s right here that you just’ll discover the gateway to the climbing trails, waterfalls and redwood forests of Nice Otway Nationwide Park.
4. Kennett River
Australia is famed for its native furry inhabitants and none extra so than the irresistibly cute koala. The aptly named Kennett River Koala Stroll is the proper place to witness these marsupials within the wild.
Koalas are pretty lazy creatures and, not in contrast to sloths, spend most of their time asleep. Fortunately, that makes them so much simpler to see. Lookup into the gum timber and also you’re sure to seek out a number of of those fuzzy teddies gazing again at you.
5. Apollo Bay
Day-trippers don’t all the time handle to get this far down the Nice Ocean Street, making Apollo Bay a great place to flee the crowds. Sloping inexperienced meadows and quiet sandy seashores assist lend the place a extra relaxed really feel, whereas regionally caught fish provides a recent flavour to the various eating places discovered alongside the bay.
Learn extra: All the things to know in regards to the Nice Ocean Stroll
6. Nice Otway Nationwide Park
Made up of 103,000 hectares of rainforests, seashores, waterfalls and heathlands, Nice Otway Nationwide Park presents one other perspective to the Nice Ocean Street panorama. Providing a number of strolling trails, the preferred take you thru the forest to waterfalls or to the Cape Otway lighthouse, the oldest surviving constructing of its sort on mainland Australia.
7. Loch Ard Gorge
Scenic spots aren’t onerous to seek out on this shoreline and the Loch Ard Gorge is the following one on the record. Named after the Loch Ard crusing ship that ran aground in June 1878, leaving two survivors, Tom and Eva, the 2 unconnected rock pillars right here have been formally named after them and their fateful three-month voyage from England to Melbourne.
Learn extra: Discover the Nice Ocean Street with First Nations artist Rachael Sarra
8. Port Campbell
Admittedly Port Campbell is miniature, however the bay right here is calm and secure for swimming in. There’s a handful of shorefront eating places too, the place you’ll be able to sit all the way down to a chunk whereas within the surrounding coastal surroundings. It’s additionally the closest city to the preferred coastal points of interest on the Nice Ocean Street. So, for those who’re on the lookout for a spot to remain both facet of visiting the Twelve Apostles, that is often a quieter spot to decide on.
9. The Twelve Apostles
You’re not going to journey the size of the Nice Ocean Street and never see its biggest iconic website, are you? Welcome to probably the most recognisable part of the entire journey: the Twelve Apostles. These towering limestone stacks are nicely value a go to, particularly at dawn or sundown. Solely seven of the twelve are nonetheless left standing, so see them whilst you nonetheless can.
10. London Arch and the Grotto
Loving the limestone? Nicely, there’s extra the place that got here from. London Arch, beforehand generally known as London Bridge, is a formidable stone archway that sits simply off the coast. It was as soon as a double arch, however after one was claimed by the tough seas, the identify needed to change. Subsequent up, the Grotto. This hollowed-out cave offers you a spherical window into the waves and intensifies the sounds of the ocean.
Now, this was simply your starter for 10, there are loads extra wonderful stops value a go to alongside this winding coastal manner. Head to the end line at Warrnambool for whale watching or the Bay of Islands for an additional oceanfront view.
Uncover the Nice Ocean Street on a regionally led journey with Intrepid or uncover extra adventures throughout Australia.
