Our road trip adventure is spread over multiple days and posts. Read more about our journey start in our Day 1 post, skip to Day 3, or read about Days 4 and 5.
Warrnambool
Our day 2 journey began in Warrnambool as we left the Deep Blue hotel and spa. On the way out we paused a little to explore the Warrnambool foreshore before fuelling up with breakfast.
The Pavillion didn’t open until 8am, so we took a stroll to the wooden bridge that leads to “Little Islands”. We followed a well-paved and fenced path that offered stunning views. The late dawn added a dramatic touch to the scenery while the cool breeze felt refreshing in the morning. Joggers joined us, relishing the crisp morning.
At breakfast, Bianca opted for wild rice porridge, sweetened with stewed fruit, while Christian enjoyed a hearty breakfast of poached eggs and bacon with mushrooms and sausage. The first-floor cafe offers great views over the bay, and we watched several horses enjoying a dip in the ocean as we ate.
Warrnambool marks the start of the Great Ocean Road, the B100, which winds along the coast to Torquay. In many places the road hugs the sea, as it passes through charming beach towns.
Bay of Islands
The Great Ocean Road begins in farmland, featuring straight stretches and right-angle junctions that lead to the coast. The first glimpse of the sea is thrilling, and soon we spotted signs for the Bay of Islands, our first scenic attraction.
This area boasts multiple small rock outcrops, and the tourist car park includes a viewing spot for the best perspectives. We were fortunate to find the area relatively empty, allowing us to pop in and out in just a few minutes.
Just a couple of kilometres down the B100 road lies the next view point.
Bay of Martyrs
The Bay of Martyrs, just around the corner, reveals even more dramatic scenery. We parked in the main lot and took a narrow path to the left. The trimmed gravel path felt a bit mysterious, with bushes towering over 2 meters high on either side, obscuring our view of what lay ahead.
As we explored, we discovered a new viewpoint. Just a little further on, we spotted a staircase leading down to the beach. We eagerly ventured down the path and found ourselves on the pristine sands nestled beneath the rugged cliffs. The beach lay empty, and the crashing waves smoothed the sand, making it feel as if we were the first to ever set foot there.
When we returned to the car, we discovered another parking area at the top of the wooden staircase leading to the beach. Next time, we’ll simply drive past the main lot, down the unsealed road to the hidden car park, for easier access to the beautiful beach.
The Grotto
Next we visited The Grotto, a stunning rock formation with a large car park and easy access to a timber staircase. The view from the top is already impressive, but as we descended the steps, we encountered two more breathtaking vistas. First we glimpsed a collapsed cave, where crashing waves and boiling seas roared beyond. Further down we reached a platform surrounded by a low wall of rocks, offering a view framed by a magnificent arch. This arch showcased the waves crashing against the cliffs and revealed a tranquil pool beneath, perfectly reflecting the scenery for great photos.
Many visitors were vying for the perfect shot, and we patiently waited as a family ahead of us struggled to capture a picture. The father was exhaustedly trying to get two small children to pose—one was decidedly uncooperative, while the other clambered onto his head. We couldn’t help but chuckle, remembering that our own children are now all adults.
The number of tourists steadily increased at each viewpoint. Perhaps it was the AFL Grand Final Eve in Victoria, a public holiday, that drew them in. Or maybe they were seeking a budget-friendly road trip, escaping the city’s AFL frenzy to enjoy the outdoors.
London Bridge
Continuing east along the road, we arrived at London Bridge, an impressive rock formation featuring an arch. Until 1990, it boasted two arches. When one collapsed, two people found themselves stranded on the newly formed island for three hours before being rescued by helicopter.
The crashing waves created stunning soft sands, but we chose not to access the beach at this spot. With more tourists arriving, we decided to move on to the next viewpoint.
Loch Ard Gorge
Much of Loch Ard Gorge appears marked as closed on Google. The Thunder Cave and several other areas are off-limits due to shifting rock faces that have damaged walkways and stairs, so we could only walk along the solid ground at the top of the cliffs. We manoeuvered past tourists in search of the “Loch Ard” shipwreck but couldn’t locate it. The cliffs were stunningly steep, and the roar of the ocean waves crashing against them was captivating. Those affected by the shipwrecks in years past would likely have found it far less entertaining!
The large car park hosted numerous tourist coaches, and we recognised many of the groups from previous attractions.
Twelve Apostles
One of the main attractions along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of seven limestone pinnacles (originally eight). Contrary to the name, there were never twelve; it’s suggested they were named after the Apostles of Jesus to attract more tourists (see Britannica). The view is breathtaking, which explains the massive crowds. The expansive car park accommodates coaches and offers helicopter trips with 26-minute flights over the Twelve Apostles.
We navigated our way back to the car and slowly exited the parking lot, careful to avoid hitting any tourists.
Otway Forest drive
The drive away from the Twelve Apostles offers a dramatic shift. Instead of hugging the coastline, the road darts inland, winding through rolling hills of farmland. Lush green fields give way to patches of native forest, and then the road ascends into the hills, transforming into rainforest.
We navigated the narrow single-lane road, weaving through farms, around hills, and across valleys. In some areas, the roads were poorly maintained, but signs of hope emerged—roadworks seemed to be underway on nearly every bridge. Many bridges were closed, with single-lane traffic controlled by automated lights. We waited what felt like ages for blocks of cars to pass over the bridge before it was finally our turn.
We excitedly took photos while driving through the forest, carefully navigating the ever-present Victorian potholes. The winding roads concealed the beauty of the next stretch of rainforest, where fern-covered floors met towering gum canopies. As we rounded each corner, we never knew if we would encounter a dark, lush gully, an open field of cows, or a sun-kissed forest outcrop.
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Deep within the Otway Forest lies a section called Maits Rest. Despite Google listing it as “closed,” this free attraction is very accessible. After leaving our car in the parking lot, we walked down to the entrance, which features sealed paths and suspended walkways. These walkways hover just above the forest floor, often equipped with handrails. The walk is easy, with very few obstacles. It winds through the tranquil forest alongside a small stream and passing magnificent trees. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old, and in certain areas, their tops are barely visible.
We relished this break from our drive. Even with other tourists around, we found moments to stop and soak in the sounds and scents of the forest.
The walk back up the hill to the car park proved a bit more challenging than the descent into the gully. As we passed the towering tree ferns, we made our way back to the car and hit the road once more.
Apollo Bay
Leaving the Great Otway Forest, we finally caught sight of the sea again. The small town of Marengo passed quickly, leading us to beautiful Apollo Bay, nestled between high hills and a golden beach. The road doubles as the town’s main street; we passed numerous charming shops and hotels, including the southernmost pub in Australia.
After a couple of hours in the forest, it felt wonderful to breathe in the fresh sea air once more.
Great Ocean Road
Our main focus for the trip was to drive along the oceanside part of the Great Ocean Road, which stretches from Apollo Bay to Anglesea and Torquay. The road hugs the coastline dramatically, often feeling precariously sandwiched between the sea and the hills. In some spots, it seems as if the narrow single-lane road is built right into the ocean. We had to dodge the notorious potholes of Victoria’s roads, and for nearly an hour we found ourselves stuck behind a caravan. The driver wasn’t going too slowly—just a bit slower—but the four cars between us and them hesitated to overtake on the narrow, winding road.
Geelong
By the time we left the coast to head inland to Geelong, we were craving a cold beer! After spending six hours driving through wild countryside, Geelong felt like a bustling city. The rolling farmland, rainforest, coastal cliffs, and winding single-lane roads transitioned into straight multi-lane routes (still pockmarked with potholes). The road was lined with industrial units, chain stores, and high-rise buildings.
A highlight of Geelong was Cunningham Pier. The area’s industrial past has transformed into a tourist-friendly spot. The pier that once served as a loading dock has now become a vibrant restaurant and party venue. The docks have been reimagined as a place for relaxation and enjoying the views. Here, the sea is remarkably clear, allowing us to see the seabed, even though this used to be a busy port.
Just a short distance to the Geelong Pier was our accommodation for the night.
Eden Oaks Hotel
Our hotel was nestled within the Geelong Botanic Gardens, at least a kilometre away from any other building, surrounded by trees and parkland. Eden Oaks is a four-star hotel with a distinct 70s vibe. We stayed in a wing that offered a simple yet comfortable and well-appointed room.
The hotel has clearly been updated with modern features. The bar in the centre of the lounge is a recent addition. While the building retains its retro bones, its exterior feels stylish and contemporary. We enjoyed a deep sleep. The following morning, the continental breakfast was a real treat. We could choose from over ten different types of bread, along with cakes, bagels, sweets, and yogurts.
Read about the next day of our trip in Day 3, or go back to read about Day 1
