7 spectacular ways to experience the Great Ocean Road this Summer
Summer isn’t just a season - it’s a feeling, a memory, a moment you never forget.
From cruising the winding road with magnificent ocean views outside your window to melting ice cream on sticky hands, exploring sleepy (or bustling) hamlets and indulging in salty fish’n’chips on sandy shores - Summer along the Great Ocean Road is packed with unforgettable moments.
Here are a few more ways to make this Summer another spectacular one.
Experience the ‘Breath of the Whale’
One of the best parts of a Great Ocean Road trip is stopping at all the scenic lookouts and posing for pics - and there’s a new lookout at the Loch Ard Gorge Blowhole to add to your ‘must-do’ list.
The lookout is called Poombeeyt Koontapool meaning ‘Breath of the Whale’, and standing there, you’ll see why - the sound and spray of the blowhole are amplified, truly something to experience.
Stay: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve or Princetown Recreation Reserve
Surfs up on the Surf Coast
Why not tick learning to surf off your bucket list this Summer?
With endless sandy beaches and sparkling waves, there’s no better place that the Great Ocean Road to learn how to surf.
There’s a choice of companies offering surfing lessons for first-timers on beginner-friendly waves from Torquay to Apollo Bay.
After a lesson in the sunshine, you’ll be one with those waves and wonder why you didn't do this before.
Stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park or Anglesea Family Caravan Park
Stay by the river, under the stars
Picture this - the gentle sound of the river as you relax in your own fully furnished glamping tent, unwinding with a good book or a glass of local wine. Then let the soft flow of the water lull you to sleep beneath a sky full of stars.
It’s part relaxation, part adventure - and 100% pure Apollo Bay bliss.
Stay: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Time to soak the stress away
After a salty swim, it’s time to slow down and relax at the aptly named About Time Bathhouse. Slip into the indoor or outdoor hot magnesium pools, take a refreshing cold plunge, or warm up in the sauna or steam room. Go on – Summer is for treating yourself.
Stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park or Anglesea Family Caravan Park
Celebrate the Surf Coast spirit
There is a special feeling about the Surf Coast. This Summer, the Nightjar Festival lights up the Surf Coast for two weeks of music, art, culture, creativity, and community. It’s the perfect chance to get out, soak up the atmosphere, and celebrate the very best of the Surf Coast spirit.
Stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park or Anglesea Family Caravan Park
Dine with a grand old dame
The grand dame of Lorne, the Grand Pacific Hotel, has been lovingly restored to her former glory. Summer is all about enjoyment, so fill-up on Italian-inspired cuisine in the restaurant, unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine in the historic Fisherman’s Bar, or soak up live music on the outdoor terrace - all while taking in the stunning ocean views over Louttit Bay. This iconic beauty has been around since 1879 - it's time to pay her a visit!
Stay: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Immerse yourself in the Otways
The Otways are full of magic for everyone, and it a great opportunity to beat the heat wandering amongst the rainforest, shady ferns, towering redwoods and waterfalls.
Animal lovers will be in heaven too - spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, glow worms, the Otways black snail and if you’re lucky, even the elusive platypus.
For a different perspective, stroll amongst the rainforest canopy on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
Feeling peckish after all that nature? Taste your way through the regional flavours of Otway Harvest Trail.
Stay: Marengo Family Caravan Park or Cape Otway Lighthouse accommodation
There’s just too much to see and do - so here’s a sunset surprise to top it all off!
See the locals by sunset
Meet the locals of the sea and experience the magic of the Marengo Marine Sanctuary at dusk on a Seals by Sunset tour with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak.
Glide across glassy waters as the sky changes through a palette of colours, surrounded by playful Australian Fur Seals and the golden glow of the sun setting behind the Otway hills. An ex-seal-ent way to end the day!
Stay: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve or Marengo Family Caravan Park
Sun-swept memories are just waiting to be made. So, pack your bag with swimmers, shorts and sunscreen and hit the great winding road. These Great Ocean Road highlights should ensure the perfect Summer road trip moments.
Book your summer stay here
