When you last heard from me, I was preparing to drive the Great Ocean Road. Driving that road is an incredible experience, but for those who are not used to driving on the “other” side of the road and on the “other” side of the car (notice that I didn’t say the “wrong” side), the Road creates an even greater challenge.
I’d hoped to rent a motorcycle and take the ride of a lifetime, but between the cost of rentals and the fact that I couldn’t find a bike to fit my 5′ tall body, I opted for a rental car. I have to confess to feeling a bit nervous about driving in Australia. I wasn’t so much worried about driving the Great Ocean Road, as I was about getting out of Melbourne! I even told the folks at the rental agency that I’d pay someone to drive me out of the city 🙂 Ultimately, it all turned out perfectly, and while the car was a blast, after driving that road, I sure wish I could have ridden those curves on my Harley.
The Great Ocean Road is included on the Australian National Heritage List and at 243 km (151 mi), stretches along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the cities of Torquay and Allansford. Construction on the road began in September of 1919 and was built by approximately 3000 returned servicemen as a war memorial for fellow servicemen who had been killed in World War I. In addition to being dedicated as a memorial, the road also connected isolated settlements on the coast, and become a vital transport link for the timber industry and tourism.
As a visitor to Australia, seeing these signs along my route were welcome, and within minutes of driving out of the city, I stopped at my first Visitor Information Centre.
The incredibly friendly and informative folks at the Centre loaded up a reusable bag full of maps and pamphlets, which suited this map loving woman just fine. GPS is great, of course, but I like to say that I use MAPS. The volunteers recommended that I stop in Geelong, and I’m so glad that they did. Located just southwest of Melbourne, Geelong boasts a 19th-century carousel, a curved art deco boardwalk , and a several colorful sculptures that chronicle the city’s history.
After a lovely stroll along that curved boardwalk, I took off for Torquay, the surf capital of Australia, and the start of the Great Ocean Road.
On this, my first day on the road, I only managed to drive 90 km (50 mi). I just couldn’t help myself: I had to keep stopping!
I mean, seriously! I think I pulled over at every possible place! Including the Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848.
What an incredible gift it was to have the time to explore. I had no plan other than to go, to see, to breathe.
The sound of those waves crashing on the shore were captivating, and in my next post, I’ll share some video.
The curves were fun to drive, and every so often, I was pleased to be the only car on the road. At times, it seemed I could have been driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the road wound through lush, forested areas. At other times, the road took me along the dramatic coastline. I could have taken weeks, not days, to visit the many natural and historic wonders of this road, and I could have taken thousands and thousands of photos.
At the end of an amazing day, I stopped at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse for fish and chips and a nice, cold beer. On this particular day, I’d worn one of my Harley t-shirts and as always happens when I travel, people come up and talk to me about motorcycles. Even in this day and time, a woman who rides her own bike is still a big deal. We also talked about the bracelets on our arms, representing loved ones gone too soon.
Next Post: Day Two on the Great Ocean Road
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
What fun! Gorgeous photography, as always. Some would make wonderful paintings.
Great history and Images Laurie 😀 If I ever visit I’m taking you along as a travel guide.
Loved those photos (and prose) – next visit I’m going to catch “the road.”
WOW!!! (What else is there to say?)
Lyrical reading to accompany those stunning photos. Of course you made friends everywhere you went! xoxo
and I’ve driven that wonderful road as well – but as a Kiwi, the driving was on the right side for me…
What photos! What scenery. it would be hard not to keep stopping–and why wouldn’t you, it being a trip you won’t be taking again soon. It sounds like a fabulous time.
It is the most amazing road to travel. We did it over the course of 5 days with lots of stops and detours with a car sick child 🙂
It’s awesome that you are in Australia right now? Do you have plans of visiting Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
Even when you’re used to driving on the left, this road is challenging with all the curves. You did well. Lovely photos, especially of the surfers.
What a beautiful place–I’d’ve stopped every few yards to take photos, too! I’m glad you took so many so you could share them with us!
Of course you have great photos. I’d expect nothing less from you at this point. 🙂 The ocean anywhere lures one to it and delivers peace and challenge. Some of those photos remind me of the PCH here. It’s 655 miles just in California and then there is the Oregon and Washington coast line. All so different even from the Atlantic Coastline.
I’m not surprised you couldn’t find a bike to rent for your tiny frame. How many tiny women ride Harley’s? Or any motorcycle for that matter? The rental market would be quite limited. 😦 Driving on the left side of the road must have been quite challenging to the brain? I’m so glad you had this time to wander and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the ocean drive and experience kindness as you went along. Thanks for letting us come along.
Quite a trek. We are very pleased you kept stopping to take photographs. Sorry you didn’t have Harley with you
Laurie, what an incredible day! I didn’t know the history behind the road, so thank you for that. I would have stopped frequently as well to take in all the beauty. Though the bike rental didn’t work out, you found a way to enjoy the highway.
I’m curious about your collection of maps. I have an idea for you, if you’ve indeed saved all of them. Have you seen rooms where one wall is papered with pages from books or other paper goods? Wouldn’t it be fun to create a travel wall?
I enjoyed being able to virtually tour the Great Ocean Road via this post. It looks incredible.
Looks like an amazing trip – the photos are beautiful!
oh gosh/swosh/wow thank you for taking me with you 🙂
Pingback: The Great Ocean Road to the Grampians | Life on the Bike and other Fab Things
This has been a spectacular morning re-visiting the sites with you. One big difference is you really saw a lot more being on your own than us in our escorted day van. If or when we get back there, I will insist that we also rent a car. You were smart to go that way.
Thanks to for all the background information! I hadn’t heard that the GOR was a memorial to a fallen soldier. I’m also amazed that you were able to travel on un-crowded roads. Everywhere we arrived was packed with throngs of tourists, like us, all wanting the best view. As you well know, it’s a challenge for us shorter gals. xo ❤ k