The Great Ocean Road - It's all about the journey...

We all know the saying ‘it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey.’

Now before you roll your eyes and say ‘what a cliche!’ - there’s just no other way to describe the Great Ocean Road.

Often with our tours, we hop on the bus - and while we definitely take the time to make stops along the way to appreciate what each town has to offer - the focus is on the destination.

The Great Ocean Road and Silo Art Tour is one long appreciation of beauty, culture, history and community. 

From start to finish, your destination is constantly changing - and you are constantly being amazed. 
 

It’s only natural

Powerful surf breaks, pristine rainforest, stunning waterfalls and encounters with native wildlife - each iconic location we visit brings you closer to nature.

This world famous coastal drive certainly lives up to its reputation.

The Otway Fly Treetop Adventure is a standout experience, where we walk the 600 metre-long, 25 metre-high elevated walkway that provides unrivalled views of the surrounding ranges.

Soak up the crisp, clean air and take a minute to appreciate the untouched beauty of the rainforest. 

Meet the Apostles

It’s impossible to describe the beauty of the scenery that dominates the road leading to the Twelve Apostles. 

With its dramatic, rugged cliffs carved from the sea and its panoramic views across the rich, deep waters, I am always lulled into a reflective mood. The endless blue makes me contemplate how small we are in this vast world.

Then, without warning, you catch your first glimpse of the world famous rock formations. Standing tall along the coastline, formed over millions of years of erosion from the cliffs. 

Sadly, there are only eight left as the salty water and weather conditions have caused several of them to fall.

Here, you will have the option for a 15 minute helicopter flight over the apostles and  Loch Ard Gorge.

Now I know this sounds fancy and potentially extravagant, but I have to say - of all the times I’ve done this tour, those who opt to do the helicopter ride rave about it the whole way home - it is often their highlight and is never regretted.
 

History comes to life

I always look forward to our visit to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village, because it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

The community has preserved the village and buildings to recreate what life was like for the Shipwreck Coast’s first European settlers.

They have even gone a step further, with in-character volunteers wandering around, ready to chat to you and answer your questions.

Stroll through the cobblestone streets, explore all the historic buildings including a school, a fire station and even a blacksmith’s forge.

And don’t forget the treasure display! You can really see how the Shipwreck Coast got its name and have a look at all the fantastic things that have been retrieved from the ocean floor.

But, my favourite part is the multimillion-dollar Sound and Light Show Experience.

Spend the night learning about local Aboriginal stories, and tales about the whalers back in the day, right up to a dramatic maritime disaster involving a young boy and girl.

It’s amazing to see the village come to life and experience the stories told through the projections onto a nine metre water wall. 

A new addition!

I know you’ve probably seen pictures of the spectacular artwork on the huge silos in Victoria, but to stand before them is just something else.

The Silo Art Trail celebrates the agricultural history of the region over 200 kilometers, in what is soon to be the country’s biggest outdoor gallery. 

We slowly cruise between the towns - from Brim, where it all began, to Patchewollock, Sheep Hills, Rupanyup, Lascelles and Rosebery - taking in each unique artwork, which have been done by a team of world renown artists.

It really taps into the identity of the region, highlighting both the struggles and victories the farmers have had over the years. 

I guarantee you’ll be moved by the magnitude of the pieces and the way the artists have tapped into the raw human emotions experienced by our farmers.
 

Tick it off the list

In my (not so) humble opinion, the Great Ocean Road is just one of those things everyone needs to see. 

And when you see it with Langley’s, you get everything taken care of for you - we know the best places to stop and we have all the essentials covered.

So take advantage of someone offering to do the hard work for you and book a tour! You deserve to take a break.