Most tourists assume that Australia’s travel highlights lie in its “Outback”, The Great Barrier Reef, cosmopolitan metropolises or miles of white sandy beaches frequented by frolickers of all ages. However, the Great Ocean Road, snaking just off the corridors of Melbourne, goes much beyond these preconceived notions and zips you off on a ride of a lifetime. Fringed by savage waves, a 151-mile route marked by the Great Ocean Road endows you with surprisingly mellow driving experiences and transcends you to surreal levels of excitement.

This ride through nature meanders alongside the wild seas stretching from Geelong to Portland. Every turn of this dramatic drive introduces you to something new: historic ports, surf beaches, whale lookouts, lush rainforests, towering mountain ranges, and yes, national parks too. Laze alongside the waves on the golden coastlines of Lorne, gape at the monster waves hitting Bells Beach, walk through the Aboriginal sites near Tower Hill, click the craggy limestone stacks dominating the Southern Ocean or stop to gaze upon the antique fishing villages dotting Port Fairy-there is a lot to see and do on this route!

Twelve Apostles, VIC: Spectacular Shorelines

The storm-ravaged southern coast of Victoria is inextricably linked with a series of stunning rock formations– the Twelve Apostles. Its spectacular coastline is also home to some iconic surf spots at Bells Beach and the sparkling sands of Lorne. Sea kayaking, fishing, swimming and surfing in Apollo Bay are some of the many aquatic activities waiting to be enjoyed en route. After visiting the old world charm of Port Fairy, you can look forward to great swims at Anglesea or get windswept at Shipwreck Coast.

Great Otway National Park, VIC: Wild and Wet

From rivers to rain forests to rugged coastlines to frothy rivers, this wet and wild Great Ocean Road is all about experiencing the most diverse natural forms. The sparkling gorges and thundering waterfalls, caves at Cape Bridgewater and the ancient limestone towers at the Bay of Islands make a walk through the Great Otway National Park all the more memorable. The 91km Great Ocean Walk brings you closer to thick forests, high sea-cliffs and deserted sandy beaches-take your pick!

Anglesea, VIC: Wildlife Galore

The Great Ocean Road is home to many exotic species of flora and fauna and serves as a haven for wild life enthusiasts. Catch the sight of southern right whales in Warrnambool or gaze upon kangaroos, emus, koalas and water birds at the thriving Tower Hill State Game Reserve. The kangaroos in Anglesea are as appealing as the koalas running around in the Great Otway National Park or taking a dip in Kennett River. The fur seals thronging Cape Bridgewater, glow worms lighting up Melba Gully, dolphins showing up at the Bellarine Peninsula in Queenscliff and the dawn sightings of platypus at Lake Elizabeth make this trip a “must” on the list of all tourists.

The other highlights of the amazing Great Ocean Road include an introduction to the region’s Aboriginal culture, food, wine, festivities and more. With all this and a lot more in store, a Great Ocean Road trip has a lot on its cards. Are you ready?