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The Nice Ocean Street is legendary world wide as probably the greatest scenic drives on the planet.
The panorama is so scenic, that nobody ever drives from one finish to the opposite with out stopping.
It could be sinful to take action. Among the points of interest alongside the best way are so iconic, it could be like driving previous the Grand Canyon and never stopping for a photograph.
Starting one hour outdoors of Melbourne in Torquay, The Nice Ocean Street stretches over 250 kilometers to Allansford, a small city close to Warrnambool.
Should you’re planning to finish a Nice Ocean Street journey, however unsure what to see and do on the best way, this information is for you.
Beneath we share a Nice Ocean Street itinerary which incorporates the highest points of interest so as from Torquay to Warrnambool.
What number of days ought to I spend on the Nice Ocean Street?
The Nice Ocean Street Drive was excessive on our checklist of issues to do in Victoria.
While the tour buses routinely drive this in someday (which is loopy for my part) we had time on our aspect and we took two weeks to understand the area for what it’s value.
We all know most individuals don’t have the posh of this period of time, so we advocate you’re taking two or three days to finish the Nice Ocean Street.
The Nice Ocean Street Itinerary
That can assist you plan your route, we’ve listed essentially the most iconic points of interest on the Nice Ocean Street so as. The next itinerary might be stretched out or lower brief, relying on the period of time you will have.
Use the next map to plan your journey. It can save you this map to your gadget by clicking the star icon on the prime.
As a result of most individuals take this scenic drive from Melbourne, we’ve got begun this itinerary from Torquay and can finish on the official finish of Warrnambool, however you may simply do that route the opposite means.
Cease 1: Torquay
The official place to begin of the Nice Ocean Street is Torquay. Nonetheless, regardless that it’s the gateway, it’s value spending a day or two to discover this coastal vacation spot.
It’s stuffed with beautiful pure magnificence and has a laid-back vibe, and is properly often called the birthplace of Australian browsing – yep, not the well-known Bondi Seaside!
It has iconic surf spots like Jan Juc Seaside, and it additionally has some pretty scenic coastal walks, such because the Surf Coast Stroll, for individuals who will not be into browsing.
The city itself has a relaxed, beachy environment with stylish cafes, boutique outlets, and surf tradition memorabilia. Go to the Australian Nationwide Browsing Museum you probably have time and study in regards to the historical past of browsing in Aus.
Cease 2: Bells Seaside
- Distance from final cease: 10.4 km
- Drive time: 12 minutes
Bells Seaside is one in every of Australia’s most well-known and finest browsing seashores. It’s a must-see if you happen to love wonderful surroundings.
It holds the annual Rip Curl Professional Browsing Competitors, which is a robust level break of folklore. Heard of the film Level Break? That’s our Bells!
There’s a formidable cliff-face and views from the cliff-top automotive park are spectacular and a fantastic spot to observe any native surfers.
All devoted surfers need to get all the way down to the Nice Ocean Street to trip the identical waves that the professionals do at Bells.
Cease 3: Nice Ocean Street Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, Bellbrae
- Distance from final cease: 6.1 km
- Drive time: 6 minutes
Come rain or shine, the Nice Ocean Street Chocolaterie is at all times open.
However this isn’t only a place that sells chocolate and ice cream, in addition they run chocolatier workshops and lessons for teenagers from time to time, which is unquestionably value doing if you happen to’re touring with children.
Typically it may be exhausting for teenagers to be sitting in a automotive for a very long time, so be certain that to take a cease by Bellbrae so the children can take this yummy workshop.
And mother and pop can get pleasure from an ice cream and a few quiet time whereas they wait.
Cease 4: Memorial Arch
- Distance from final cease: 21 km
- Drive time: 20 minutes
The Memorial Arch is usually missed as a result of it’s situated on the very begin of the Nice Ocean Street. The arch and the statue had been constructed to commemorate the troopers misplaced throughout WWI.
It was made out of wooden, with the perimeters made out of stone and cement.
The arch has been broken many occasions because it was inbuilt 1939, and was even thought of to be eliminated within the 70s as the federal government feared it was a hazard to drivers.
Regardless of battling bushfires and stormy winds, the arch nonetheless stands tall right this moment. It is a testomony to the courageous males the monument represents, who stood robust through the darkish days of the conflict.
The signal on the arch continues to be the unique from 1939.
Cease 5: Lorne
- Distance from final cease: 13 km
- Drive time: 16 minutes
Lorne is a picturesque city located Nice Ocean Street coast and was our favorite city to remain in alongside the journey.
It has a sure allure with loads of issues to do, together with nice cafes, distinctive outlets boutiques, and galleries, and Otway Nationwide Park is in your doorstep. Make a journey over to see Erskine Falls, only a brief drive out of the city centre.
Lorne is simply 140 kilometres south of Melbourne and this place swells with individuals over the Christmas holidays.
Get pleasure from a stroll on the seaside, a motorcycle trip alongside the foreshore out to the pier, have a espresso at HAH Lornebeach, proper on the seaside, and check out a burger from The Bottle of Milk – scrumptious!
Cease 6: Teddy’s Lookout
- Distance from final cease: 2.3 km
- Drive time: 5 minutes
A brief drive up the hill behind Lorne is Teddy’s Lookout. It is a viewpoint that gives expansive views of the coast and the winding street.
To get there, drive as much as the picnic space on the finish of George Avenue and stroll a brief distance to benefit from the spectacular views of the Nice Ocean Street from the lookout.
There’s additionally a 45-minute stroll you are able to do right here.
The Lorne to Apollo Bay Drive
Our favorite stretch of street on our Nice Ocean Street tour was from Lorne to Apollo Bay. Be ready to cease for pictures quite a bit.
This stretch of street has a few of the most picturesque surroundings within the area.
The Nice Ocean Street hugs the cliff face because it winds via the Nice Otway Nationwide Park and rolling farmland.
Cease 7: Kennett River Koala Stroll
- Distance from final cease: 22.6 km
- Drive time: half-hour
Wish to see koalas within the wild? The very best koala-viewing spot is Kennet River, alongside Gray River Street, simply in the course of city.
Otway Lighthouse Street is one other well-liked spot for wildlife wonders.
I by no means knew the Nice Ocean Street was a spot to identify wild koalas. One more nice purpose to go to the GOR.
It’s not that frequent to search out koalas within the wild, not to mention sleeping in timber by the aspect of the street or in the course of city.
However that is the Nice Ocean Street. Simply search for the crowds of individuals and observe their gazes up for fast koala recognizing.
Cease 8: Mariners Lookout – Apollo Bay
- Distance from final cease: 22.3 km
- Drive time: 25 minutes
Panoramic views of Apollo Bay’s city centre, the harbour, and seashores up and down the coast might be loved from the Mariners Lookout, situated on the northern finish of city off Mariners Lookout Street.
Cease 9: Apollo Bay YHA Eco Hostel
- Distance from final cease: 3.2 km
- Drive time: 6 minutes
Apollo Bay is completely positioned about midway alongside the Nice Ocean Street and surrounded by Otway Nationwide Park State Forest and rolling acres of inexperienced farmland.
Searching for an inexpensive and family-friendly place to remain? The Apollo Bay YHA Eco Hostel was a stunning place to base ourselves for just a few days.
The hostel has a really homely vibe with nice kitchen services, lounge rooms, and a rooftop deck to get pleasure from a dawn.
This isn’t a celebration hostel, no YHA properties are, and we met a whole lot of good households and solo vacationers right here. It’s an exquisite possibility to your Nice Ocean Street lodging.
Our household room consisted of a queen mattress and bunk beds.
Cease 10: Shipwreck Coast (Cape Otway to Port Fairy)
Whereas the Nice Ocean Street is protected to drive, there’s a stretch of about 120 km that has an notorious previous. However don’t fear, the hazards are additional out into the ocean.
The stretch of street between Port Fairy to Cape Otway is called the shipwreck coast, that is due to harmful waters which have induced shipwrecks previously.
Within the 1700-1800s, these stormy waters had been a part of a well-liked buying and selling route, however many boats bumped into hassle when the ocean was tough. Even Matthew Flinders, a well-known explorer, was afraid of this coast.
It’s estimated there are round 700 shipwrecks within the ocean, however solely 240 have been found…up to now.
The very best place to see shipwrecks is from the aptly named, Wreck Seaside, which has two anchors from wrecks on the seaside, in addition to Loch Ard, which is essentially the most well-known wreck on the coast.
It was right here that survivors, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, washed ashore and spent the night time close to the 12 Apostles.
A superb place to see shipwrecks is by Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Cease 11: Triplet Falls – Otways Nationwide Park
- Distance from final cease: 48 km
- Drive time: 1 hour
Head inland for a detour to the Otways Nationwide Park and immerse your self in an historic land.
Stroll amongst tall timber and large tree ferns, and uncover stunning waterfalls.
That is the spot on the Nice Ocean Street to maneuver away from the attractive shoreline and right into a forest perspective.
Triplet Falls is among the highlights of the Nice Ocean Street. Platforms give you spectacular views of falls. The stroll is a couple of 1-hour return loop, which we did it simply with our children.
Should you like waterfalls, one other beautiful one to checkout in Otways Nationwide Park is Beauchamp Falls, however if you happen to solely have time for one, make it Triplet Falls.
Cease 13: Gibson Steps
- Distance from final cease: 58 km
- Drive time: 1 hour
Simply down the street from the Twelve Apostles Guests Centre are the Gibson Steps. Stroll down these steps to the seaside for a close-up view.
Right here you may expertise a brand new perspective on the ability of the waves and the peak of the rocks. You possibly can even contact the rocks and really feel how simply they crumble away.
Take time to observe the water crashing across the base of the limestone stacks to know the true energy of the ocean and the way it’s consistently shaping our earth.
Tip for the Gibson Steps:  Preserve the tide in thoughts. It was coming in fairly quick on us, so don’t stroll too far across the nook as you’ll have a moist stroll again.
Cease 14: Walks in Port Campbell Nationwide Park
- Distance from final cease: 1.2 km
- Drive time: 3 minutes
Port Campbell Nationwide Park isn’t just about standing on the 12 Apostles and taking your “I used to be right here pic“. We arrived pondering we’d spend a few hours trying on the rocks, however we ended up staying all day.
The park has a lot to supply with cliff-top tracks, gorges, brief walks on the seaside, and tales of shipwrecks to find. It’s actually an interesting and delightful park.
Don’t be just like the Nice Ocean Street tour-bus lots. Take your time and respect all of the websites throughout the Port Campbell Nationwide Park: 12 Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, The Grotto, and The Arch.
Cease 15: The Twelve Apostles
- Distance from final cease: subsequent door
- Drive time: 0 minutes
Simply a few rocks jutting out of the ocean. Actually, what’s all of the fuss? These had been our preliminary ideas when planning to go to the 12 Apostles on the Nice Ocean Street.
However the 12 Apostles are the star of the present. We acquired fortunate with the climate the morning we arrived and after all of the hype and expectations I’m completely satisfied to say we had been left awe-struck!
These large limestone constructions tower 45 metres above the ocean and had been shaped some 20 million years in the past as the ocean step by step eroded the tender craggy limestone cliffs.
There are solely eight of the twelve apostles remaining (the remainder have fallen) and forming the backdrop are these magnificent cliffs as much as 70 metres excessive.
Suggestions for visiting the 12 Apostles
- Arrive on the 12 Apostles for dawn – you’ll beat the tour buses and have the place nearly to your self.
- Get pleasure from a sundown with a picnic or we grabbed a takeaway pizza from Port Campbell.
- Stroll the boardwalks across the cliff tops which offer varied viewing platforms.
- Don’t rush. Chances are you’ll solely witness this as soon as in your life.
- Deliver a tripod, use your digicam’s self-timer and snap a household selfie.
Cease 16: Loch Ard Gorge
- Distance from final cease: 4.2 km
- Drive time: 5 minutes
Loch Ard Gorge is wonderful and only some minutes’ drive west of The Twelve Apostles. It was some of the beautiful seashores on the Nice Ocean Street
Loch Ard Gorge is known as after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on close by Muttonbird Island on the finish of a three-month journey from England to Melbourne.
Take the steps all the way down to the seaside and sit in surprise. And there are three simple walks you may take to find the realm and get viewpoints.
Cease 17: The Arch
- Distance from final cease: 14.2 km
- Drive time: 14 minutes
This naturally sculptured arch stands 8 metres excessive and is situated 6km west of Port Campbell.
You’ll respect the swells and energy of the ocean crashing in in opposition to the arch, it makes the drama of the place even higher.
Cease 18: London Arch (London Bridge)
- Distance from final cease: 1.1 km
- Drive time: 3 minutes
London Arch was shaped by a gradual course of of abrasion, and initially was a whole double-span and was connected to the mainland.
The arch nearer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly in 1990 leaving two vacationers stranded on the outer half till they had been rescued by a helicopter. Ha. What a narrative to inform. We don’t advocate placing that in your Nice Ocean Street itinerary.
Previous to the collapse, the arch was often called London Bridge due to its similarity to its namesake.
There are three separate viewing areas and the principle path branches off to those at totally different intervals.
Cease 19: The Grotto
- Distance from final cease: 2.3 km
- Drive time: 4 minutes
The Grotto is principally a sinkhole. Take the steps down the cliff face to the underside and look via and also you’ll get visibility of the ocean past a pool at low tide.
It’s a fairly cool cease in your Nice Ocean Street drive and has a cave-like high quality to it.
Cease 20: Bay of Islands
- Distance from final cease: 9.8 km
- Drive time: 10 minutes
The 12 Apostles will not be the one magical rocks rising out from the ocean. Head somewhat additional south to Peterborough and also you’ll uncover the paranormal Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs.
Virtually as stunning, but hardly ever talked about in a Nice Ocean Street itinerary.
We didn’t get the good climate we had on the 12 Apostles, however it provides to the drama.
Cease 21: Warrnambool
- Distance from final cease: 49.3 km
- Drive time: 39 minutes
The official finish of the Nice Ocean Street is Warrnambool, however don’t be in a rush to hurry again!
Warrnambool provides a mixture of pure magnificence and wealthy historical past. It’s famend for its whale-watching alternatives from Logans Seaside, the place it’s potential to see southern proper whales on their annual migration between June and September.
Make sure you go to The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village for a glimpse into the Nineteenth-century maritime historical past of the area and see findings from the shipwrecks alongside the notorious Shipwreck Coast.
Nature lovers ought to enterprise into Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for an opportunity to see wild kangaroos and emus, in addition to discover scenic mountaineering trails.
Suggestions for driving the Nice Ocean Street
- Don’t do the Nice Ocean Street drive in someday – Don’t simply rush to the 12 Apostles to your vacationer snap. Decelerate and respect all it has to supply. Go to all of the rock formations and cities, stroll on a seaside and within the rainforest, see a waterfall and native wildlife, sit on a lookout and be current. I might counsel 3 days minimal – we took 2 weeks!
- Should you solely have time to go to one part of the GOR, spend essentially the most quantity of your time in Port Campbell Nationwide Park.
- Should you solely drive in a single path, drive from Torquay to Warrnambool (East to West). That means you’ll be on the left aspect of the street closest to the southern ocean and also you’ll be capable of pull over simpler to all of the viewpoints.
- Should you can drive, drive your individual automotive, or lease a automotive from Melbourne as a substitute of taking a Nice Ocean Street tour. This street must be skilled from behind the wheel, and also you want flexibility in the place you cease and for the way lengthy. At every, flip you’ll uncover one thing wonderful.
- Should you’re visiting within the winter months, hold your eyes peeled for whales!
- Chances are you’ll need to lease a novel caravan, motorhome, or camper to drive the Nice Ocean Street. Outdoorsy is just like the Airbnb of camper leases, they usually embody insurance coverage!
- Gas up your automotive – there might be giant distances between petrol stations, so ensure you refill.
- Should you do should take an organized Nice Ocean Street tour, we advocate these ones via Get your Information.
Is the Nice Ocean Street Value Visiting?
Is that this even a query? It’s undeniably value seeing the Nice Ocean Street. Even if you’re simply planning on visiting Melbourne and solely have a day to spend, it’s value seeing not less than a few of it.
The street is most well-known for its rock formations, which don the scenic coastal panorama. You will notice stacks of limestone rock sitting comfortably off the shore – these are a few of the most well-known rock formations on this planet.
Other than that, you’ll cross by rural and quaint small cities and a few actually unspoiled seashores. It’s at all times value getting out of town for some contemporary air, and it doesn’t get brisker than this.
If the rest, it’s essentially the most scenic approach to journey between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Remaining Ideas
So there you will have it, these are the highest issues to do on the Nice Ocean Street Australia, and as you may see, there may be loads of stops so as to add to your GOR journey.
It truly is a shocking coastal drive and we extremely advocate you place it in your Australian journey bucket checklist.
Don’t rush it. It’s a ravishing drive and one which must be savoured like a nice wine. Take it sluggish, and benefit from the views, the peace, and the serenity.
Completely satisfied travels!
Extra Nice Ocean Street Drive Suggestions
Should you want extra suggestions and inspiration for the drive, try these different helpful guides:
Extra Victoria Journey Suggestions
Should you’re planning to journey to different components of the state of Victoria in Australia, then you definately may wish to learn these guides:
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