In this article, I’m going to give you some handy tips to beat the crowds while still experiencing the full beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road is the perfect road trip with some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia. When you think of the Great Ocean Road, you probably think of big waves crashing against limestone cliffs. You will see plenty of this as you drive and stop at the many pull over bays. But if you want to feel like you’re in the famous Romanticist painting ‘Wanderer above the Sea of Fog’, you will want to avoid the crowds. And trust me, you can have the full scenic experience without trailing the crowds. So, let’s look at some of the Great Ocean Road’s secret gems…
The 12 Apostles
Okay, I know I just said we were going to avoid the crowds, but the 12 Apostles are really worth seeing. To beat the crowds, head to the viewing platform at sunset. At this time, you can see fairy penguins returning from the sea to nest on the beach- something the majority of tourists will miss.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a less crowded alternative to the 12 Apostles if you are fine with avoiding the major tourist attractions. It has similar scenery to the 12 Apostles, with towering limestone rock formations standing against the onslaught of the ocean.
Lorne
While the town Lorne draws in lots of tourists, you can experience some gems of culture and nature away from the crowds.
The Qdos Arts Gallery in Lorne is a great place to stop and appreciate some fine art. Why not change up the trip and immerse yourself in the art world? Many different Australian artists exhibit here, such as the renowned surrealist painter Andrew Baines. Check out his paintings of lighthouses and seascapes, it might remind you of something you’ve seen along your trip! The gallery houses all kinds of art, including the installation pieces by Carmel Wallace. If you start feeling peckish, go to the Qdos Café, where you can eat some delicious organic food among the eucalyptus trees.
Waterfalls in Lorne attract a lot of visitors, but there are secluded ones if you know how to find them. Jebb’s Pool is the real gem and is unknown to most tourists. To get to the swimming hole, you first enjoy a scenic walk through the bush along Cumberland River. Jebb’s was formed by the river cascading down steps of rocks, eroding the perfect little swimming hole with a small waterfall filling it.
After a day of art and waterfalls, head to the beautiful Sheoak Falls just before sunset. Glow-worms will light up the dark as you make your way back along the trail, ending your day in Lorne on a magical note.
The Grotto
As you admire the waves hounding limestone from high on the cliffs, you may wish you could get up close and personal? You can do just this at The Grotto.
The Grotto is a unique geological formation containing a sinkhole with a limestone arch over it. Beyond the sheltered rockpool are the crashing waves. You can see this from the viewing platform or by descending some steep stairs to the foot of the Grotto. Only venture down the steps if the tide and wind aren’t too high, but even if they are, you are usually only risking a light misting of water.
Many tourists think they’ve seen enough by the time they reach the Grotto and give it a miss. But the Grotto is definitely worth a stop since it is a remarkable natural formation and is a great place to fulfil your ‘Wanderer above the Sea of Fog’ dreams!
Go adventuring!
If you yearn for dramatic coastal scenery but find it hard to appreciate surrounded by crowds, you can now make the most of your journey. I think it’s time to plan a road trip (once quarantine is over of course).