Traveler Magazine Andrew Harper Fall 2019 | Page 15

15
GREAT
OCEAN
ROAD
There’s much to be said about the near-mystical
nature of Australia’s great outdoors: mind-
bogglingly massive, utterly lush with a variety
of ecosystems and scenes, unique wildlife
found nowhere else on Earth thriving in a
countryside nearly devoid of human existence
beyond the cities—it’s as close as you can get to
unblemished Mother Nature. Plenty of places
encapsulate this, from the legendary Outback
to the Great Barrier Reef to the thick foliage of
Kakadu National Park, but none make for as
scenic a drive as the Great Ocean Road.
Running from the towns of Torquay to
Allansford, the Great Ocean Road is exactly
what the name implies: a seaside drive
stretching for over 400 miles of Australia’s
southeastern coast. The juxtaposition of sharp-
cut limestone cliffs next to nearly-perfect
picturesque beaches makes for a surreal view
all the way through, but as with any road trip,
the treat is the pit stops. Both Torquay Surf
City and Bells Beach are the prime places
to shred some waves (or, watch others do so
PARTNER’S POV
“
We like to combine travel by road with flightseeing and touring
to get behind-the-scenes experiences with locals. For example,
after a relaxing one-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne, get
an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach. Next,
climb aboard a fixed-wing aircraft and take one of the world’s
truly great scenic flights. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of
the Twelve Apostles, Moonlight Head, The Cape Otway Light
station, Gibson’s Steps and Loch Ard Gorge before a gentle
touchdown back in Apollo Bay.”
REBECCA LEWINSKY
from the comfort of the sandy beach), while
other picture-perfect options exist inland.
Great Otway National Park houses thundering
waterfalls amongst its ancient mossy trees,
and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve hosts the
unique wildlife staples—emus, koalas and
kangaroos. No matter where you stop along
the way, expect to find wonder.
PHOTO
T H E G ROT TO,
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
ABERCROMBIE AND KENT
ANDREWHARPERTRAVEL.COM
FALL | 2019