GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Great Ocean Road was built between 1919 and 1932, enrolling first the soldiers returning from the Great War in Europe, then the unemployed from the Great Depression of the 1920s. This spectacular road, from Torquay to Warrnambool, stretches over 320 km of cliffs and deserted beaches. All along the way, the Visitor Information Centres are essential places for documentation. On this coast, the sea constantly reshapes the landscape and leaves only the hardest rocks. For wilderness lovers, Anglesea Golf Course has a reputation for being home to a number of kangaroos that invade the green gold of its courses, especially in the early morning or at nightfall. As for the koalas, you will have to be patient and stop at Kennett River, halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay. From there, it is better to walk a little and take the Grey River Road for 500 meters. You'll see these fur balls relaxing in the trees. Take your time to discover the other natural beauties of this route. Allow a minimum of 4 to 4.5 hours driving time between Melbourne and Port Campbell, as the road along the steep coastline is winding and rather long with a speed limit of 80 km/h most of the time. The Twelve Apostles, stone sentinels that watch over the waves coming from Antarctica, originally named The Sow and the Pligets , are located about ten kilometers from Port Campbell. However, there are not twelve but nine of them. The view from a platform is breathtaking. Whatever the season and the weather, make sure you get to the Twelve Apostles before noon. Indeed, the tourist buses coming from Melbourne are very numerous... After this stop, the road still holds many surprises. Then, don't miss Loch Ard Gorge and its walks along the coast, then at the exit of Port Campbell: The Arch, London Arch and The Grotto. For the record, London Arch was originally a bridge but it collapsed, surprising two visitors in 1990, who were rescued by helicopters. At London Arch, as well as at the Twelve Apostles, the penguins return to their nest when the sun sets. In small, tightly packed groups, you will see them, swept by the waves, bringing food back to their home, which they keep in their beaks all day long. Don't get too close to avoid blocking their path, which could endanger their survival.