Driving the 243km (151 mi) of the Nice Ocean Highway from Torquay to Allansford takes about 4 hours with none stops, however that is removed from the best option to expertise it. Whereas the views from the automotive are undeniably beautiful, the true magic of this iconic coastal route in Australia lies within the unmissable stops that showcase the state of Victoria’s extraordinary pure magnificence and the scrumptious regionally produced bites to eat alongside the best way. It’s these highlights that make Australia’s Nice Ocean Highway probably the greatest street journeys on this planet.
Climate on the Nice Ocean Highway
The most well-liked time to drive the Nice Ocean Highway is throughout Australia’s peak summer season months (December to February), however this doesn’t essentially imply it’s the perfect time to go. The lengthy sunny days and balmy evenings sound engaging, however the crowds and incapability to be spontaneous due to every little thing being booked up might put you off. Spring (September) and fall (March to Might) supply delicate climate, fewer crowds, and vibrant surroundings. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and plush greenery, whereas fall welcomes crisp air and the beginning of whale-watching season. Winter, whereas barely chilly, is peak whale-watching season.
What number of days ought to I spend?
Travellers tight on time might tick off the Nice Ocean Highway in in the future with a fast-paced schedule that focuses solely on the highlights, such because the 12 Apostles and Lord Ard Gorge. For a extra stress-free journey, two to 3 days provides you extra time to discover a number of the lesser-known spots of the Nice Ocean Highway and even throw in just a few hikes there. Spoiled for time? Enterprise farther from the crushed monitor and detour to spots like Grampians Nationwide Park and Mount Gambier.
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Greatest issues to do on the Nice Ocean Highway
Bells Seaside
Earlier than your Nice Ocean Highway journey even actually begins, you’re blessed with considered one of Australia’s greatest seashores and a high spot for browsing. Famend for its highly effective waves, Bells Seaside hosts the annual Rip Curl Professional Browsing Competitors each Easter. Apart from browsing, the beautiful cliffs and sweeping ocean views make it well worth the cease.
Cut up Level Lighthouse
An iconic landmark on the Nice Ocean Highway, Cut up Level Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet was in-built 1891 as a beacon for sailors navigating the rugged shoreline. Your go to will be as brief as grabbing just a few snaps with the “White Queen,” or you may climb to the highest to take pleasure in it in full glory.
Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls is among the hottest waterfalls alongside the Nice Ocean Highway. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the wall of water cascades 30m (98 ft) right into a fern-filled gorge, creating a rare sight. Wish to really feel such as you’ve earned the waterfall? Take the picturesque 7.5km (4.7 mi) strolling route from Lorne, which takes you alongside the Erskine River and lesser-visited waterfalls. Go to earlier within the day to keep away from the crowds.
Kennett River
Koalas are synonymous with Australia, and the Kennett River Koala Stroll is among the greatest locations to identify wild koalas of their pure habitat. Search for koalas chilling within the eucalyptus bushes, taking a nap, or munching on some grub. Be sure that to additionally go to tranquil Kennet River Seaside, particularly if browsing in Australia is in your bucket checklist. Kennet Level is the place to go.
Apollo Bay
A number of hours in Apollo Bay gained’t be sufficient. This beautiful village is understood for its postcard seashores, supreme surf, recent seafood, and being the gateway to the Nice Otway Nationwide Park, an superior cease that’s well-known for its three cascading waterfalls. Apollo Bay is a high vacation spot for meals lovers. A number of of our favorite locations to eat on the Nice Ocean Highway (listed beneath) are in Apollo Bay, and the scallop pie is an absolute must-try.
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12 Apostles
Arguably one of the iconic websites on the Nice Ocean Highway, the 12 Apostles is a gaggle of limestone rock formations shaped over hundreds of thousands of years by means of erosion. Depend as many occasions as you want, however you’ll by no means get to 12 — solely eight of the formations stay right now. Dawn and sundown are unimaginable to look at from right here, however as a result of the positioning is so common, you undoubtedly gained’t be the one one there.
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Lord Ard Gorge
Additionally positioned in Port Campbell Nationwide Park and never removed from the 12 Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge is one other spectacular coastal formation in Victoria. The dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters make for a spectacular vista from above, however be certain that to take the brief stroll down a set of stairs to the seashore, too.
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London Bridge
To not be confused with the long-lasting landmark in England, the London Bridge of the Nice Ocean Highway is a exceptional pure rock formation that when resembled a bridge. After the arch collapsed in 1990, it left behind two remoted rock pillars, which have been as soon as linked to the mainland.
The Grotto
Rounding off our checklist of unimaginable rock formations on the Nice Ocean Highway is the Grotto. Half archway, sinkhole, and cave, this pure surprise really is screensaver-worthy. Check out the a number of vantage factors to choose your favorite. Is it above with the energetic waves crashing beneath or at sea stage the place you may benefit from the Grotto up shut?
Should-visits close to the Nice Ocean Highway
Detour from the Nice Ocean Highway and discover a number of the space’s different highlights which are usually left off most road-trippers’ itineraries.
Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier is the second-largest city in South Australia, and it is named after the dormant volcano that it is located on the slopes of. The city’s dramatic volcanic landscapes will depart you in awe, particularly the Blue Lake, imprisoned inside a volcanic crater, which transforms into a surprising, vibrant blue in the course of the summer season months. Different highlights embrace the Umpherston Sinkhole, a superbly landscaped sunken backyard, and the Engelbrecht Cave, the place you may discover an underground limestone cave system. Depart time to wander the city’s spectacular streets, wealthy in heritage and historical past.
Grampians Nationwide Park
If you happen to attain Allansford and aren’t prepared in your adventures to finish, proceed for 1.5 hours to probably the greatest locations close to the Nice Ocean Highway: Grampians Nationwide Park. A part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural panorama, the world is dwelling to the biggest variety of historical Aboriginal rock artwork and work in southern Australia. Nature-wise, you’re in for a deal with. Grampians Nationwide Park has world-famous mountain climbing trails, insane mountain views, and beautiful waterfalls. You may not be the one one on the path as a result of kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and native birds like to take pleasure in this place as a lot as you do.
The place to eat on the Nice Ocean Highway
All that exploring and ogling at unbelievable views will undoubtedly depart you with a rumbling abdomen on the finish of the day, and there’s nothing worse than researching the place to eat if you’re already hangry. Listed here are a number of the greatest locations to eat alongside the Nice Ocean Highway.
Breakfast spots
A filling breakfast fuels you for a day of adventures, so kick off your journey with brekkie at Bomboras in Torquay. Get your espresso repair at Little Crumb Bakery in Apollo Bay, or devour some avocado toast at Laneway 73 in Anglesea.
Lunch and dinner eating places
Eat at Victoria’s oldest inn, Merrijig Kitchen, in Port Fairy. The menu adjustments each day, relying on what’s rising within the backyard or harvested by native farmers. If you happen to’re a fan of meals with a view, you’ll love Pavilion Café & Bar overlooking the ocean in Warrnambool. Different nice spots to take a look at embrace A La Grecque and Lovehouse, each in Anglesea.
Snack stops
Snacks are a necessary a part of each street journey, and even for those who’ve stocked up on a lot, it’s best to nonetheless make a cease at these spots. Bask in Apollo Bay Bakery’s well-known scallop pie or seize an outrageously good ice cream from Timboon Wonderful Ice Cream. Have area for extra? Strive an array of regionally produced delights on the 12 Apostles Meals Artisans Path.
Greatest bars on the Nice Ocean Highway
After a protracted day of driving, it’s nice to unwind with a refreshing beer, a sublime glass of wine, or a nonalcoholic drink in one of many Nice Ocean Highway’s greatest bars. With so many breweries, you may flip your street journey right into a mini beer bar crawl. Beer lovers ought to hit up Blackman’s Brewery in Torquay, Nice Ocean Highway Brewhouse in Apollo Bay, and Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. in Koroit. Want a bar that ticks all of the packing containers? Otway Property is elite for beer, wine, and spirits.
