Bells Beach Lodge - Torquay is known as the SURF CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA. Home of the world renowned Bells beach "Ripcurl Pro Surf Classic", the world's longest running surf competition. Birthplace to Ripcurl and QuikSilver surfboards, wetsuits and clothing. Grab a bargain in the factory outlets and seconds shops. Visit the world's largest surf museum, home of Australia's surfing heritage. Situated just over an hour from Melbourne, Torquay is easily accessible by both train and bus. Just catch the V-Line train from Spencer Street station (Melbourne to Geelong) and connect with the bus to Torquay. When you see the surf shops get off the bus and we're 200m down from Ripcurl (approx 1½ hours travel time).   More information       Warrnambool Backpackers - Warrnambool Beach Backpackers is the only purpose built hostel in Warrnambool. It is close to the beach and river, has comfy beds with Duvets and has a very large common room. Located only a 3-minute walk to the beach where, depending on the season, you could see the penguins (summer) or go whale watching (winter).   More information       Apollo Bay Backpackers - Your home away from home - don't stay for a day, stay for a holiday in our home away from home hostel in Victoria's Premier Coastal Town.   More information

The Great Ocean Road begins it's journey south from Torquay, winding alongside this awesome coastline to the South Australian border. Lush farmland, towering Norfolk Pines, stone cottages, rainforest canyons, waterfalls, sun bleached sand dunes and raging seas. This is rugged Australian Beauty at its very best, so if your going to miss anything don’t let it be this.

Famous surfing locations along this coastline include Bells Beach where the annual Bells Beach Easter Classic draws surfers and surfing legends from all over the globe. If you leave the GOR at Apollo Bay, you can travel to Cape Otway Lighthouse on the most southern point of Victoria and enjoy yet another spectacular view towards Port Campbell National Park. It is this area of windswept coastline (known as the shipwreck coast) that is home to one of the worlds most amazing natural wonders -The Twelve Apostles.

To appreciate the sheer magnificence of this place take a walk down Gibson steps and onto the beach. With a 70 metre cliff face, this is the only place to access the beach until you reach Loch Ard Gorge where you won’t be able to hold yourself back from a swim – no matter the weather.  There is no abseiling or rock climbing here and nor would we recommend it. Stick to the boardwalks and viewing platforms and take spare film.