The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of Australia's most iconic road trips. It offers breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests, and charming seaside towns. This scenic drive is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Australia's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

From the famous Twelve Apostles to hidden gems like Sparks Gully, the Great Ocean Road promises an adventure filled with unforgettable moments. Our friends at Roady recently embarked on an epic road trip through the region.

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, VIC

Introducing Roady

Started across the ditch in New Zealand and now saying Kia Ora to Australia, Roady is a travel app that puts local knowledge into everyone’s hands to help you with your next road trip. The team behind it is on a mission to make the world’s most loved travel app. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or planning your first road trip, Roady's insights can help you make the most of your next journey.

Paddy's Path, VIC

Shania's Great Ocean Road adventure

Roady’s Shania Molloy recently journeyed along the Great Ocean Road. She described it as 'driving through a postcard', with endless ocean views and dramatic cliffs that left her in awe.

The unmistakable Twelve Apostles, VIC

Surprises and hidden gems

One of the most surprising aspects of the Great Ocean Road for Shania was how quickly the landscape changed. 'One minute you’re on rugged sea cliffs, next you’re driving through rainforest,' she said. A hidden gem that took her breath away was Sparks Gully’s viewing point, offering a stunning and unexpected perspective of the landscape.

Mount Defiance Lookout, VIC

Best beaches and activities

Apollo Beach was Shania's favorite, describing it as 'absolutely breathtaking'. Besides hitting the beach, she enjoyed a variety of activities, including hikes in the rainforests, swimming at lush swimming holes, and viewing epic lookouts. Each activity provided a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road.

Jebb's Pool Swimming Hole, VIC

Impressive towns and travel tips

Apollo Bay stood out as the perfect mix of beach and mountains. With Shania spending around 2-3 hours driving each day, she found that breaking it up with scenic stops made the journey feel shorter. Her travel hack? 'A good playlist = guaranteed good vibes'. This simple tip helped make the long drives more enjoyable and fun.

BIG4 Aireys Inlet, VIC

Iconic sights and photography tips

Seeing the Twelve Apostles in person was a surreal experience for Shania. 'The scale of it? Insane!' she exclaimed. For great photos, she recommends shooting during golden hour when the light is perfect. Sparks Gully was her top spot for epic shots, offering a unique and picturesque backdrop.

To find out about where to head on a Queensland road trip, check out Roady's tips here.

The sensational views of the Great Ocean Road, VIC

Visiting the Otways and weather tips

Shania encourages everyone to visit the Otways for a lush, green, and peaceful contrast to the coast. When the weather wasn’t great, she went into full cosy mode with a local takeaway meal, a blanket, a book, and a view of the rain. This approach allowed her to enjoy the trip even when the weather didn't cooperate.

Shania's journey along the Great Ocean Road was filled with unforgettable moments and stunning scenery. Whether you're planning your own trip or just dreaming of one, her experiences offer plenty of inspiration.

BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park, VIC

BIG4’s visited

Shania stayed at several BIG4 Holiday Parks during her road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Conveniently situated in locations to easily facilitate a trip in the area with ease.

  • BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park: 'Had such a fun, laid-back vibe, and the best part was definitely the mini golf!' Shania enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the variety of activities available.
  • BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park: 'The glamping tents were perched perfectly to give you insane views of the ocean! You could hear the waves as you woke up. And to make it even better, there was a coffee van right there at the park!' According to Shania the combination of luxury camping and stunning ocean views made BIG4 Apollo Bay a standout destination.
  • BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park: 'All the wildlife! Kangaroos hopping around everywhere and dozens of cockatoos visiting us on our porch. Campfire under the stars was a close second!' Shania loved the abundance of wildlife and the magical experience of a campfire under the stars.
  • BIG4 Aireys Inlet: 'Staying in the pods nestled around trees felt like a peaceful hideaway!' The serene environment and unique accommodation made BIG4 Aireys Inlet a memorable stop on Shania’s journey.
BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, VIC

Ready to embark on your own Great Ocean Road adventure? Book your trip with BIG4 here.

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