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Traveling Australia’s coastline you see just how diverse the landscape is, from tropical beaches to rolling hills to giant cliffs with turbulent waters. The Great Ocean Road in the southern state of Victoria is known for beautiful seaside cliffs and is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country. While I was in Melbourne I made sure to drive the Great Ocean Road to see one of Australia’s natural heritage areas!

The Great Ocean Road is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, which spans 249 miles from the town of Torquay to Nelson. It is dedicated to the memory of the fallen soldiers of the First World War, making it the world’s largest war memorial. 330,000 Australians volunteered to fight in Europe, Turkey and the Middle East- 60,000 were killed and 110,000 wounded. The casualty rate of more than 64% was higher than any other nation engaged- Australia’s highest in any war. This loss had major repercussions for the returned men, so finding employment was a huge factor in their rehabilitation to civilian life. The GOR project offered these men a chance to work again- 3,000 Australian returned soldiers and sailors of the First World War helped to build it.

I was hoping to rent a car to drive at my leisure but many car rental places were booked out or too expensive. Instead I opted instead for a day trip with a travel company that ended up being better than I expected!

One thing to keep in mind for a day trip is that it will actually take all day. I was picked up at 10:30am and didn’t return to my hostel until around 1am! The highway is one lane each way, so don’t plan on zipping through. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, stop at the numerous beaches and keep an eye out for koalas in the trees!

Highlights along the way were the Split Point Lighthouse, Gibson Steps, Lock Ard Gorge, spotting beautiful birds and some wild koalas, and of course, seeing the Twelve Apostles at sunset!

Whether you have a few days to explore or only one day, the Great Ocean Road is a must-see spot!

Check out some highlights below and more in my Great Ocean Road album here!

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Beach at the Split Point Lighthouse
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Split Point Lighthouse was built after 10 shipwrecks in the area prompted authorities to plan the lighthouse
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View from Split Point Lighthouse
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View from Split Point Lighthouse
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Memorial Arch is commemorated to the World War I servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road.
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I approached this bird as I was taking the bird seed I purchased from a cafe out of my pocket. He immediately locked eyes on my hand and flew down to eat some seeds! This then turned into ALL the birds flying at me.
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No bird, I do not have seeds in my hair. Please get out!
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My new bestie.
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Beautiful views on the beach at Gibson Steps.
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Beach at Gibson Steps.
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Beautiful colors!
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Lock Ard Gorge is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard, which was shipwrecked at the end of a journey from England to Melbourne.
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Lock Ard Gorge.
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Views from Lock Ard Gorge.
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Views from Lock Ard Gorge. Love the color of that water!
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Views from Lock Ard Gorge.
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Views from Lock Ard Gorge.
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Golden Hour looking opposite of the Twelve Apostles.
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Waiting for sunset at Twelve Apostles.
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The wind was gusting and I couldn’t feel my fingers, but this view was worth every moment of cold!