subject: The Great Ocean Road the perfect spot for a weekend getaway [print this page] Think about touring the Great Ocean Road located in Victoria, Australia. This road is 243 kilometers or about 151 miles. It is a scenic drive with many lookouts and viewing platforms. You will find coastal towns, parks and beaches that offer an incomparable variety of activities. There is surfing, sailing, diving, golfing, swimming and more. During the year there are competitions to watch or be a part of.
Its construction started 1918 and was completed in 1932. The road was designed with war veterans in mind. It was planned that those returning from the war would build the road. It was a rough task as no large machinery was used. This road provided employment for the returning veterans and finally had the road built that was originally proposed in the 1880's. It also serves as a monument to those heroes. An arch was built as a memorial.
The Twelve Apostles is a landmark that is a must see. They are a set of twelve rock formations that rise out of the ocean off the shore. The formations reach as tall as 45 meters. They can be viewed from the Port Campbell National Park. They are believed to have been formed over two million years from cliffs made of limestone.
There are two well known wine regions, each at one end of the road. One named after the first family that settled in Victoria. That is the Henty wine region. Here you can find seafood, lamb, and beef along with great wine. Then there is the Geelong wine region. This region has tea rooms, cafes and restaurants to enjoy along with the wine tasting.
As you may have guessed there are many beaches along Great Ocean Road. Many have lifeguards available during holidays. When swimming stay between the red and yellow flags that are safe areas. The Eastern Beach has a swimming pool, park and playground. St. Leonards and Portarlington have camping as well as the beach. Ocean Grove and 13th Beach are great surfing beaches. Bells Beach hosts the professional surfing event known as the Rip Curl. It is suitable for the experienced surfer. Point Roadknight is known for its sailing and kite surfing.
The wildlife is a large part of Victoria. There are stops all along the road where you can interact with them or just view them. View penguins while visiting Phillip Island Nature Park. At Port Phillips Bay you will find dolphins that you are able to swim with. In the Geelong region you can bird watch. There are 350 species of birds. Melba Gully has glow worms you can view at night.
Port Phillips Bay has dolphins you can swim with. Go on a tour at Lake Elizabeth to see the platypus. See a tree that is over 300 years old and measures around at 88 feet. Stop at a game reserve and see koalas, emus, kangaroos and more. Fauna Australia offers you the chance to view and feed wildlife at night.
For touring the Great Ocean Road it is possible to rent a vehicle or use a tour bus that will stop at various destinations. There are several events that occur throughout the year. There are music festivals, surfing competitions, air shows, swimming events, and so much more. It is an ideal trip for a family because there is something for everyone.
The Great Ocean Road the perfect spot for a weekend getaway
