Great Ocean Road Rugged Coastlines and Bush Magic

Dramatic coastlines, regional produce and bush magic.

First Day

Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach, with rugged cliffs and big waves – a relaxing one and a half hour drive from Melbourne.

Soak up the atmosphere of Victoria 's premier holiday town, Lorne with freshly roasted coffee, delectable pastries and spectacular beach views.

Marvel at the stretch of cliff-hugging road between Lorne and Apollo Bay. It's one of the most spectacular in the world.

Sample the award-winning food and panoramic ocean views at Chris's restaurant. Feast on fresh seafood, Greek influenced dishes and fantastic local wines, courtesy of Chris Talihmanidis (a culinary legend in this region for over 20 years)

Enjoy a 45 minute section of the Great Ocean Walk .. It will leave you breathless. Marvel at monstrous cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves and secluded beaches on the new Shelley Beach Loop.

Arrive at The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology (a unique sustainable ecotourism business) in time for a Guided Dusk Walk . Shayne and Lizzie, winners of various Environmental and Tourism awards are both qualified zoologists and will accompany you on a magical journey through the Australian bush as it shifts from day to night . . .

You will gain a fascinating and personal insight into Australia 's most iconic marsupials. Don't forget your camera!

The guest rooms with views of the bush are quiet and inviting.

Mouth watering meals of fresh , regional produce and local wines are served in the cosy dining room , complete with wood stove . Feel free to retreat to the well-stocked library and curl up with a book after dinner.

Second Day

Imagine having the vast Australian bush to yourself with breakfast. What better way to start our day?

Enjoy a trip up the Cape Otway Light station. Soak up the Cape's natural beauty from the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia . Discover more about the Aboriginal clans of the area.

A stroll through the Melba Gully (or the “jewel of the Otways”) will awaken your senses. This area of rainforest is one of the wettest in Victoria and will expose you to flora and fauna that you never knew existed.

You'll be awe struck by the sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean at Gibson's Steps. Make your way down to the beach below . . .

There's no better way to cap off an unforgettable journey than a visit to the world renowned 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

End an unforgettable journey at Tower Hill Reserve. The reserve (nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano) is a haven for wildlife and an enthralling ecological site. It provides an enthralling insight into the indigenous Australians that lived in the area 30,000 years ago.

Soft music and comfortable cushions will accompany you on the drive home to Melbourne, ending a journey that will linger in your thoughts forever.