The Great Ocean Road is a 240-kilometre (150 mi) Australian National Heritage-listed coastal drive…read morebetween Torquay and Allansford in Victoria. Built by returning WWI soldiers (1919-1932) as a war memorial, it is the world's largest war memorial. Infamously also known as the Shipwreck Coast, there is a 130 km stretch of Victoria coastline, traversed by the Great Ocean Road, that has been the final resting place of around 700 ships! Famous explorer Matthew Flinders described the coastline eloquently "I have seldom seen a more fearful section of coastline". Our group went out for the day for a most pleasant and scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road. We say the 12 Apostles (separate review), lush rainforest, surfing spots, a few towns along the way, kangaroos on the golf course, Koalas in the trees, and stunning views at almost every turn. We had a great tour guide and with a fun taste in Australian music that we enjoyed along the way.

Breathtaking views!! If you ever get a chance to travel to Australia this must be on your bucket…read morelist. From the 12 Apostles, the Gorge, Gibson Steps, the London Bridge, the Grotto, the Arch and Gourd, the Wreck, the Bay of Martyrs and more (in the order of my most favorites). 12 Apostles: Utterly breathtaking! One of Australia's great natural wonders (at least in my eyes) awaits your presence. From afar you can see a few apostles basking in the ocean waters with powerful waves crashing against its bottom. Walk your way to the lookout to see 2 more friendly apostles to your left. Whether in the overcast or the sunshine the 12 apostles stand firm along the limestone coastal haven. Did you know that the limestone coastline is eroded by 2cm each year?!?! (My top favorite). The Gorge: Like the 12 Apostles, these massive structured rocks stand proudly as the ocean waves dance around them. A site that will keep your eyes attached for a while. The Razorback used to stand out further but with every wave every 14 seconds it will eventually erode as well. :( (2nd favorite) Gibson Steps: With this view you'll be able to walk along the sandy coast and enjoy the coupled ocean rocks glaring in the sunshine. You'll see an opening at the top of one rock while the other is the smaller of the two sitting near it. This is a lively place to make sandcastles, have a picnic and intake the rays. (3rd favorite) The London Bridge: Just like the fable song, in 1990 the bridge piece fell down when 2 fellow scenic viewers walked along this bridge. They later had to be rescued by the helly (aka helicopter) to get back to safe grounds. Cannot walk on this bridge but can see it from afar and yet it's still stunningly beautiful. (4th favorite) The Grotto: Viewing through the Grotto you'll see the pure blue ocean waters and waves like a grand painting hung in a gallery. It's an introductory to what the ocean and mother nature offers to each owns eyes. (5th favorite) I'd say the Great Ocean Road was by far one of the best experiences to have done. You can compare it to the Pacific Coast Highway but 10 times better because of the varied sights to see. Make this part of your trip. It's about 2-2.5 hours drive each way so start early or book a night within the area. Driving there: you can take the short route (not along the coast) to get to sites more quickly. And then you can take coastal drive later. Or you can do vice versa. However if you choose the first option you'll have to make each scenic stop to a minimum of 10-15 minutes to intake everything in order to get the coastal driving view. It's all up to how much time you want to spend especially for taking pictures. Have fun!

By far the friendliest business in all of Torquay! I've been here a few times now as a patient plus…read more1. This time around it was me hiring the good gear. The staff here are extremely relaxed, friendly and helpful. One side of the shop is a cute surfer cafe with great coffee and some interesting surf wear and the other side is the ocean toys hire. It's the perfect combination. Coffee and surf board. Within 10mins I had my board, a basic how-to-do-it 101 and an offer of a hot shower when I returned. Win-Win. The returning of gear is really easy. No doubt that the next time I need to hire gear I'll be coming back here!