Melbourne Cup Weekend Sojourn by the Great Ocean Road

For many Melburnians, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is almost the kick off of the Summer beach season.
This event which marks the culmination of the Victorian racing season affords many of us (though not all, and with that I feel lucky) a longer weekend off work.

So with four days to spare, The Generals set off to an impromptu adventure and re-discover the pristine scenery of the south-eastern coastline of Victoria, where mountain meets the ocean on hundreds of kilometers of winding road.

The weather was sunny, albeit chilly, was just perfect for the road trip.

The Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay, approx 30 mins drive from Geelong. It is known for its surf beaches – Jan Juc Beach and the more famous Bells Beach where the Rip Curl Pro International Surfing Competition occurs around Easter every year.

Anglesea has been in our subconscious as another beach getaway, but somehow, we’ve never truly considered it as a destination until now. So this time, we decidedly chose to explore this place a little bit more. The Coogoorah Park offers water sports recreation such as kayaking, water cycling and motorized boats. The shallow water gives some comfort to just leave the kids alone and be on their own. The powdery sand and the expansive coastline makes you feel like you are in the middle of the dessert but with the ocean just a stone’s throw away.

Next destination is Lorne, our favourite of all. We used to frequent Lorne many years ago, and this is our top destination along The Great Ocean Road. The kid-friendly activities, the variety of dining options fronting the beach and the hustle and bustle along Mountjoy Parade provides the unique charm that makes me love this place.

Usually, the ultimate destination for many tourists is the site of the 12 Apostles, a set of limestone stacks rising majestically from the ocean by the Great Ocean Road. It is approximate 4 to 5 hours drive from Melbourne CBD.

I probably have not travelled enough to say that The Great Ocean Road is such a unique sight. But every time I am on this road trip, I feel blessed having to enjoy this clean, unadulterated, mostly uncommercialized beauty of nature.