Spectacular road trips. Australia’s amazing Great Ocean Road

Exploring the open road has been popular since man figured out how to stay on a horse. And we Singaporeans are known for our spirit of adventure, but where to go?

The intrepid travel team at Budget Direct Insurance has all the answers in our latest series celebrating the magnificence of the road trip. We explore some of the easiest road trips around, where the driving is a dream and the scenery spectacular. Here is our all-in-one trip planner to Australia’s amazing Great Ocean Road.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road – Cool facts

The Great Ocean Road in a 243 kilometres stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.

This sweeping road was built by soldiers returning after the First World War and is dedicated to those who didn’t make it back. This makes the Great Ocean Road the world's largest war memorial.

Encounter dramatic scenery, sheer cliff drops, crashing waves, pristine beaches and rainforest, as well as good quality farm produce, local wine and great seafood. Whales and dolphins populate the sea while inland you may be lucky enough to spot koalas, kangaroos or some of Australia’s huge variety of bird life.

Taking kids?

The water along this stretch of coast can be cold and rough and you may want to treat yourself and the kids to a wet suit and a body board to really get the most out of the surf.

The Twelve Apostles

One of the best known sights along the road is a stunning collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. Sadly there are now only eight apostles standing as the ninth collapsed in July 2005!

Driving the long and winding road

Driving is relatively easy along the Great Ocean Road (single carriageway) although the road will be winding in places. Australians drive on the left and watch out for out for speed cameras. Parking in towns and stop-off points is easy, even with a campervan. Accommodation ranges from good campsites and motels to the more luxurious, with trendy houses to rent out, and spa resorts.

Campervans are popular along this route and well catered for. All the main car and campervan companies have pick up points at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport.

When to go

A temperate climate means you can go any time of the year is but it can get very busy during the summer months of November to February. Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne are crowded during school holidays and the surfing competition at Bells Beach attracts huge crowds at Easter.

Easy does it

You could complete the whole trip in three days but this road trip is better if you take your time and stop off to explore the hidden gems. This is a great road trip for those who don’t do road trips!

And don’t forget, before you set off make sure you’ve got your travel plans covered!