the great ocean road
What a stunning part of our coastline! There is so much to see along the Great Ocean Road so be sure to allow plenty of time. Talking about time, if you haven't already, you need to pay a visit to the Twelve Apostles because as it stands, there are actually only six apostles left!
Last year we made it as far as the famous Great Ocean Road sign in a Volkswagen Beetle that we hired from Hire a Kombi before turning around to head back home. We managed to snap this photo of us with the sign using a ten second timer without another car photobombing it! We couldn’t of planned it even if we tried. It was once we passed under that sign when a new level of excitement had hit us. We were now travelling further than our previous trip along a stunning coastline. There are so many beautiful coastal towns along the way, including Anglesea where you will find the Split Point Lighthouse.
Now with our fully off-road van towing behind us and our love for camping in National Parks, we were pretty pumped to be staying the night at Jamieson Creek Campground, Gadubanud Country! The turnoff is along the Great Ocean Road and it looks deceiving as the entrance is more of a gravel driveway into grasslands, also it is on one of the many bends. Once you are on the entrance road, it is then a very steep incline up to the campground but once you arrive, it takes your breath away! You're camping under the tall gums of the Great Otway National Park and overlooking the ocean. It is fully off-grid with non-flush toilet and BBQ facilities and fires are permitted. You do need to bring your own water and firewood. If you have a van, you would want to prebook as out of 24 sites, only 2 sites are caravan friendly. We were on site 7. Be sure to save all of your booking details prior to arriving as there is no phone reception.
It was our first night being off-grid in our new van and boy did she deliver! Diesel heater was keeping us toasty and the gas pumped out the hottest showers! Not to forget to mention she powered my hair straightener without a sweat! But the van wasn’t the only thing that we were stoked about, just check out this campground! A night in the bush just off the great ocean road, looking over the ocean, fire pit cranking. What more could we ask for?
It was our first night being off-grid in our new van and boy did she deliver! Diesel heater was keeping us toasty and the gas pumped out the hottest showers! Not to forget to mention she powered my hair straightener without a sweat! But the van wasn’t the only thing that we were stoked about, just check out this campground! A night in the bush just off the great ocean road, looking over the ocean, fire pit cranking. What more could we ask for?
After watching the sunrise, we were keen beans to hit the Great Ocean Road as the sun continued to rise behind us. It was so picturesque the entire way! We had a stop at Apollo Bay for some warm hot chocolates and then continued driving through Great Otway National Park. The road was quite bendy so take your time. The rain was coming and going but made for some epic rainbows. The travel time from Jamieson Creek Campground to our first stop on the Great Ocean Road, Gibson Steps, was a 2hr drive.
great ocean road attractions
gibson stepsNothing beats walking down the Gibson Steps to walk to the base of the first apostle! Best at sunrise.
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twelve apostlesThe standard ‘freezing our butts off but keep smiling’ snap in front of the twelve, well six, apostles.
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loch ard gorgeRead the story about the shipwreck and be sure to walk down the stairs to the beach below. Stunning!
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port campbellHalfway mark so we pulled over for a roadside lunch at Port Campbell Foreshore overlooking the jetty.
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the grottoWe dodged the random spurts of rain to visit The Grotto. Check at the natural arched window! Breathtaking!
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bay of islandsKirrae Whurrong people continue to celebrate traditional their physical and spiritual connections here.
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As you travel through Giraiwurung Country, every part of the way is breathtaking. The Gibson Steps is a must-see attraction. As you walk down the 86 steps that are carved into the face of the cliff by a local settler Hugh Gibson, you are mesmerised by the sheer beauty. Walking along the beach at the foot of the 70m high vertical cliffs, it truely gives you perspective. This location would be brilliant to watch a sunrise as the rocks continue to change colour as they follow the sunlight. The Twelve Apostles are easily accessible along a 300m sealed footpath and would also be extra stunning at sunset or sunrise.
Loch Ard Gorge has so much history to read about in relation to the 1878 shipwreck. If you are planning on continuing to Warrnambool, be sure to pay a visit as more information can be found at Flagstaff Hill. As it was still showering on and off, we decided to pull up into Port Campbell for some roadside lunch in the van. There are fuel stations and shops here if you need to top up your supplies. After lunch we continued along the Great Ocean Road to visit The Grotto (which we kept calling the ghetto - totes bogans) where saw some creative influencer work in action. We need to sharpen our 'armpit air-out' pose! As we travelled along, we saw a sign that said ‘Bay of Islands’ so with a name like that, we couldn’t resist pulling over. We’re so glad we did as we instantly felt a cultural connection with this place.
Loch Ard Gorge has so much history to read about in relation to the 1878 shipwreck. If you are planning on continuing to Warrnambool, be sure to pay a visit as more information can be found at Flagstaff Hill. As it was still showering on and off, we decided to pull up into Port Campbell for some roadside lunch in the van. There are fuel stations and shops here if you need to top up your supplies. After lunch we continued along the Great Ocean Road to visit The Grotto (which we kept calling the ghetto - totes bogans) where saw some creative influencer work in action. We need to sharpen our 'armpit air-out' pose! As we travelled along, we saw a sign that said ‘Bay of Islands’ so with a name like that, we couldn’t resist pulling over. We’re so glad we did as we instantly felt a cultural connection with this place.
childers cove
Last but not least, we took some beaten country track through tonnes of cow manure to find the most magical playground. Childers Cove is a true hidden gem of the Great Ocean Road and labeled one of our fave places that we visited. It was the perfect place for our warriors to feel like pirates! From here, it was only a 25min drive to Warrnambool.
parkingEvery single attraction along the Great Ocean Road has ample caravan parking. Easy to turn around and close to walking tracks and viewing platforms.
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It was a huge day but we took it easy. Being winter, the chill factor was real and rain jackets were on repeat but it made for some spectacular photos and less crowds. We had Childers Cove all to ourselves! It was time to head to our next destination, Warrnambool, to have a long hot shower.
Peace + love,
Peace + love,