There’s nothing better than hitting the road for a few days and letting the salty breeze tousle your hair as you wind along Victoria’s most iconic road. Here’s a just a sample of what a drive down the iconic route has to offer.

If you’re leaving from Melbourne, take a quick detour and turn off to Barwon Heads, the set of popular 1990s ABC TV drama SeaChange, for a bite to eat in Diver Dan’s former home (now a swish bar and café by the name of At the Heads). For those who aren’t fans of the show but are mighty foodies, stop in at Annie’s Provedore & Produce Store, a crowded yet comforting place where you can order freshly made and thoroughly delicious lunches, and ogle at the incredible range of local and international produce on offer.

Get back onto the Great Ocean Road, pass through both the surfing hubs of Torquay and Anglesea, and stop in at the quiet town of Aireys Inlet. The stunning beach is flanked by cliffs, and is the perfect spot for a swim. If the weather isn’t up to scratch for getting your toes wet, try the scenic coastal walk that runs along the cliff tops all the way to the Split Point Lighthouse – where the iconic Australian children’s television series Round the Twist was filmed.

In Lorne, you can enjoy a combination of beach time and culture. Stop in at the Lorne Larder for a quality coffee or a locally made chai, and stock up on some gourmet supplies for the road. Once your belly is full, head down for a swim, surf or even a kayak – and if you’re not sure how to do the latter, there is a local company that runs lessons to get you up and paddling.

Fun fact: there are more than 10 waterfalls in the vicinity of Lorne, so if it’s a walk you fancy, try the walk to Erskine Falls, which is a pretty stroll from the car park to lookouts one and two. The falls are 30 metres high, and are well worth the short walk before you head back to your car and plan the next leg of the journey!

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