RadioRoryIt’s all in the name, right?
The 150 mile scenic highway called The Great Ocean Road certainly lives up to its name. Hugging Australia’s rugged south coast, most of the highway was built in the 1920s as a monument to the soldiers who were killed in World War I. There are faster ways to drive between Adelaide and Melbourne, but you don’t want to miss this.
Scenic overlooks along the route give you a chance to get out of your car and take it all in.
It’s simply spectacular.
It’s changing too.
They call it the London Arch now, but this was known as London Bridge until the center part collapsed back in 1990. Two tourists were actually on the arch when it came crashing down and had to be rescued by helicopter.
A century ago, nine limestone columns at Port Campbell National Park were dubbed The 12 Apostles (don’t ask, I don’t know either). Now, only eight still stand after one fell into the ocean in 2005. One of the similar Three Sisters formations crumbled in 2009.
After climbing down Gibson Steps, the scene felt almost other-worldly. I half expected Charlton Heston to come around the corner and recreate the ending to “Planet of the Apes.”
If you go, check ahead with the 12 Apostles Visitors’ Center to make sure it’s not high tide when you arrive, otherwise you won’t be able to reach the beach!
The Cape Otway Lightstation is a nice detour from the main road.
The price to see Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse is a bit steep, about $20 a head, but there are discounts for kids and families.
Actually, I enjoyed the drive through the national park more than the light itself where you can find interesting forests.
And a few other friends.
The whole drive is fantastic, but I wouldn’t want to do it in an RV. A lot of it goes through national forest, with narrow winding roads that are tough to navigate. I also wouldn’t want to be in the back seat because you could get a bit car sick. There are plenty of organized tours that let you hike or bike the Great Ocean Road or zip along on a motorcycle. For me, I liked the independence that comes with getting behind the wheel and exploring on my own.