The Great Ocean Drive
My arrival in Victoria was were I began the completely solo leg of my trip. I rented a car and decided that I would do the Great Ocean Drive. I flew in to Melbourne, and immediately headed south and west.
After a bit of research, I decided that doing the Great Ocean Drive along the southern coast of Victoria would be the way to make the most of my time there. When I got in to Queensland, it was already the afternoon/evening, so I got a place to stay in Torquay. I walked around, looked at swimsuits, and ate dinner.
My very first stop, after gas of course, was Bells Beach. It was a very pretty beach, with tons of surfers. It was really windy when I stopped there, so I decided not to get in, and I moved on to the next stop. My next stop was the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Cream. I had the most delicious ice cream ever (I highly recommend stopping here for honeycomb ice cream and raspberry ice cream).
Surfers taking advantage of waves at Bells Beach.
Best ice cream ever!
Next, I stopped in Anglesea to see some kangaroos! I paid around $10 for a tour around this golf course on a golf cart, where the kangaroos like to hang out. They are not fenced in or fed, but they love the environment of the golf course since there are ponds, open land, and shady trees. The guide told us all about the kangaroos of Australia. He explained the different species, talked about their use of their tails, and described their diet.
The kangaroos hoppin’ about.
Afterwards, I drove further to Urquhart Bluff. I walked down a few little trails, and got back into my car. It was a quick stop, but definitely worth seeing. The next stop was the Split Point Lighthouse, where we got a good look over the ocean. Shortly after this, I made it to the sign for the Great Ocean Road. There were a few plaques describing the history of the road, and how it was built by war veterans.
Urquhart Bluffs from the trail.
Looking tiny under the Split Point Lighthouse.
I made it to the sign!
I stopped somewhere for a good lunch, as well as an ocean view. After lunch, I stopped at this tiny area known for koalas, and I saw them chomping on leaves in the trees! Then, I made my way to the last stop before my accommodation that day, which was Erskine Falls. This waterfall was inland a bit, and it was definitely a little out of the way. Nonetheless, I still went, and it was absolutely worth it. I may or may not have hopped across the river and scrambled to the waterfall to take an all-natural shower. Best shower of my life.
Showering beneath Erskine Falls.
Living for waterfalls.
That night, I stayed in a small town a little bit east of the Twelve Apostles. It was a good place to stop, and the next morning, I woke up and headed to the Twelve Apostles (after eating a toastie of course). It was quite busy when I arrived, and it was a short walk over to the coastal side of the road. The rock formations were quite a sight, towering over the waves below.
The Twelve Apostles at my turnaround point.
After I left the Twelve Apostles, I headed back east. This time, however, I drove further inland. I drove through a few really long stretches of eucalyptus forests, where I couldn’t help but stop to check it out. I even made a stop in the one California Redwood grove in Australia, which was planted by a man who owns the land over 50 years ago.
Hugging a tree…. shockingly.
A Euc and a Yank.
From here, I made it to Lake Colac, and stayed the night before I went back to Melbourne to catch my flight to Tasmania. I had such an awesome solo trip, and the Great Ocean Drive was a great way for me to explore Victoria. I was lucky enough to see lots of different species of trees and wildlife, and I am grateful for the opportunities I had while I was there.
If you are visiting the southern area of Victoria, let me know! I’d be happy to answer any questions! I had an awesome time, and would definitely recommend doing the drive if you get the chance. See ya next time tree people.
