The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most attractive tourist attractions. Winding along the seaside cliffs of the Southern Ocean, the 151-mile road is resplendent with rock formations, spectacular beaches, and green countryside. Among the most attractive sights, the 12 Apostles are the most iconic site, a collection of rock formations naturally formed over millions of years. The Great Ocean Road day tour also includes visits to hot springs, exploring wildlife, and rowing along Lake Elizabeth. However, these sites are too mainstream and can get overcrowded. People get so caught up in these tourist spots that it is easier to miss out on the truly special and underrated ones.
Great Ocean Road trips are one of the staple activities in Australia Local Tours. Dotted with numerous iconic tourist spots, the trip is a sight to behold. The allure of these spots is valid, but the real magic lies in the places less travelled and visited by tourists. These places are mostly secluded, and thus people and families can enjoy ample privacy to enjoy the view. Quieter places offer serenity and calmness where you can take in the view and have a wonderful sensory experience. Experiencing the lesser-known areas feels like you have moved away from home and ventured into something new. Visiting these rare sights can give you the sense of adventure that you are looking for. The purpose of travelling is not just to experience leisure but also to expand your mind. The lesser-known areas in the Great Ocean Road day tour also provide massive photo ops, as the locations are more picturesque. With the crowd being thin, there is less chance of photo bombing. You can use these secluded sights to finally click the perfect picture that captures the beauty of the place.
Erskine Falls stands out in an area famous for its waterfalls. This waterfall is situated on a detour route of the Great Ocean Road. You can either travel by car and park at the 30-meter cascade or take a walk through the lush rainforest. The view is splendid, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest of the Otway Ranges. The forest is covered with ferns carved in gullies where Erskine Falls plunges at a 30m drop. It is suitable for tourists who have a knack for hiking. They can climb 230 steps to see the top of the falls and follow the river to its end at 7km.
Erksine Falls is a great tourist destination if you are vacationing in Lorne. It also provides a gateway to other scenic falls, such as the Sheoak or Kalimna Falls. The nearest picnic spot is the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, 2km away.
If you are looking for the panoramic view of the Great Ocean Road, then Teddy’s lookout should be on your bucket list. The area is on the outskirts of Lorne, where you can see the Great Ocean Road coastline and its path slithering through the mountain ranges. People visiting this area generally go to the Memorial Arch at Eastern View for the picturesque location. Teddy’s location, not further away, offers a better location for photo ops. The area is secluded most of the time, so you can take pictures patiently without interference. The meeting of the blue ocean and the rugged terrain of the coastline creates a dramatic effect visible from the vantage point. Such photography needs time, and the area provides ample seclusion without the disturbance of tourists. According to popular legend, the area is named after three Teds who used to transport cargo such as timber through this route from St George’s Mills. So, next time you take the Great Ocean Road day tour, remember to put Teddy’s Lookout on your list.
Kennett River is also one of the underrated gems situated along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Often overlooked, the area is famous for having the largest population of wild koalas in the country. The region has concentrated patches of eucalyptus trees, which the koalas use for shelter and nourishment. Kennett River is famous for its Koala Walks, where the animal can be seen hanging on the trunks of the trees, feeding on its leaves. The region makes for a great tourist destination because of the Grey River Road. It is a part of the Great Otway National Park and is filled with biodiversity of flora and fauna. The area is less crowded with tourists, and thus, you can view the scenery properly without interference. Kennett River is home to rosellas, king parrots, and kookaburras. The region is a short drive from Melbourne, and thus, you can include it in your tour.
The Maits Rest Rainforest is a part of the Great Otway National Park and is famous for its lush green scenery and biodiversity. The area is underexplored and overshadowed by the surrounding tourist spots, but it is easily accessible and notable. The rainforest consists of a broadwalk path that is surrounded by ancient trees, mainly ferns, towering over with lush green leaves. The region is notable for its song birds and earthy smell due to the damp soil. It is a perfect place to step away from the crowded coastline and embrace the greenery of the forest. This region is considered healthy and should be on everyone’s list if they want a healthy environment on their Great Ocean Road day tour. The region has historical significance, with Bryan Maitland administering the region during the First World War. The entire path is about 800 meters and can be completed in 30 minutes. The Maits Rainforest Boardwalk is a great alternative to the popular Apollo Bay.
The Bay of Islands is a collection of islands off the coast of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The Bay of Martyrs is a specific island within the group of islands known for its quiet atmosphere and historic significance. The island stretches for about 32 km, and the bay of martyrs extends to approximately 2 km. Historical evidence suggests that European settler colonialists killed and massacred indigenous Aboriginals on the island, with women and children supposedly killed in a nearby swamp. Despite the gruesome history, the site is home to the spectacular scenic beauty of cliffs, beaches, and sparkling water. The area is picturesque and secluded from other areas, and is considered one of the underrated areas. The wildlife consists mostly of birds such as peregrine pelicans, emus, bristlebirds, and honeyeaters. The visitors can get a view of the beach and experience the rough terrain of the cliff from there. A shipwreck site called the Falls of Halladale is nearby, along with a fishing village called Peterborough.
Prioritize: Make a plan that you can see and set a realistic expectation. Visit the underrated spots that you want to see.
Start Early: Try to start early to escape traffic and crowds in tourist spots and maximise your timings.
Be Flexible: Consider weather disruptions when planning your travel, and be flexible with your plan. Have contingency or alternative plans.
Pack Appropriately: Be prepared and pack accordingly. Bring extra clothes, proper shoes for hiking, first aid kit for any emergency. Carry sunscreen and plenty of water.
The Great Ocean Road is more than the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, and Loch Ard Gorge. However, most of the beautiful spots get overlooked because of the popularity of these sites. The spots mentioned above are not only rewarding experiences, but they also offer their visitors a sense of adventure. Venturing off to these off-beat sites can unlock a world of natural beauty and open your eyes to the diversity of the flora and fauna of the region. These places are secluded and quiet, and thus away from the hustle and bustle of tourists and the prying eyes of the media. So next time you plan your Great Ocean Road day tour, put these sites on your priority list.
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