Great Ocean Road - A round trip through Australia's south
With an area of 7,700,000 km², Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and is located in the southern hemisphere of the globe - which is why it is affectionately known as "Down Under". Australia's capital is Canberra and the King of the United Kingdom, Charles III, is the head of state. This is despite the fact that the Commonwealth of Australia has been independent since 1901. The Aborigines are among the indigenous people of Australia and were the first people to settle on the Australian continent at least 50,000 years ago. They represent the oldest living culture on our planet!
Melbourne
The perfect starting point for an unforgettable adventure with a camper along the Great Ocean Road is Melbourne. The capital of the state of Victoria is located in the southeast and, with around 4.2 million inhabitants, is the second largest city in Australia after Sydney. The lively metropolis on the Yarra River offers a fascinating and relaxed atmosphere, from a leisurely stroll through the Queen Victoria Market to the Royal Botanic Gardens with over 50,000 different plants and Brighton Beach with its famous colorful beach houses.
Torquay - Bells Beach
The Great Ocean Road winds its way 243 kilometers along the south coast from Torquay to Allansford. This road trip on one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Australia promises bizarre rock formations, dense rainforest, paradisiacal dream beaches and lively coastal towns. The dream beach Bells Beach is located in Torquay and is on the "bucket list" of every surfer and every traveler on the Great Ocean Road. The best surfers in the world compete here every year at the Rip Curl Pro!
Apollo Bay
The landscape around Apollo Bay is characterized by the dense rainforests of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls and small rivers. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood, quiet beaches or the nearby Marengo seal colony. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a koala in the wild.
The 12 Apostles
These spectacular limestone pillars, up to 60 metres high, rise out of the Southern Ocean and were once connected to the coast, and are a must-see. Until 1922, these limestone pillars were called "The Sow and Piglets". For aesthetic reasons and growing popularity, they were renamed "The Twelve Apostles" and originally consisted of 9 pillars.
Loch Ard Gorge
Just a few minutes further along the Great Ocean Road is the Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of the most famous shipping disaster on the Shipwreck Coast. This is where the Loch Ard ran aground in 1878 when it crashed into Mutton Bird Island. The picturesque gorge consists of a smooth and pearly bay and a bay with blue and clear water. A walk along the countless hiking trails is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature.