Australia....Great Ocean Road....Port Campbell....

During the early 2000s, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Melbourne – Australia on a business assignment. Amid the fast-paced work life, one majestic escape kept calling me back—the Great Ocean Road. Whether it was with visiting family, friends, or simply a solo adventure, this iconic coastal highway always offered something special.

 We would set out from Melbourne early in the morning, heading southwest toward Torquay, the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road. With coffee in hand and the radio playing soft Aussie tunes, the drive itself felt like a ‘yellow brick road” journey full of excitement. The Southern Ocean shimmered alongside us, cliffs plunging dramatically into blue waters, with each curve in the road opening up to new vistas more breathtaking than the last.

 

One of the highlights of the trip was, of course, the famous Twelve Apostles—a group of towering limestone stacks rising out of the ocean like ancient sentinels. Though only eight of them remain standing, they are a surreal sight. I remember taking a helicopter ride over the coast, the wind rustling in my headphones and the pilot pointing out the majestic formations below. From the sky, the rugged coastline seemed like a painting—wild, untamed, and impossibly beautiful. 

Just beyond the Apostles lies a lesser-known but powerful site steeped in Aboriginal legend—the story of the two lovers. According to a local Gunditjmara tale, two star-crossed lovers from rival tribes fled to be together. When their families gave chase, the sea spirits took pity on the lovers and transformed them into stone, so they could remain side by side forever. It’s said that the two rock formations off the coast represent the couple—eternal, unmoving, and embraced by the
ocean’s song. Standing there, with the sea wind whispering past, the legend adds a spiritual depth to the already awe-inspiring landscape.

 Not far from the Twelve Apostles is another dramatic and moving stop: Loch Ard Gorge. This striking inlet is named after the clipper ship Loch Ard, which tragically wrecked here in 1878. Of the 54 passengers and crew, only two teenagers survived—Tom and Eva—who washed ashore and took refuge in the gorge. Their story of survival and loss is etched into the cliffs, adding a human dimension to the grandeur of the setting. Walking along the sand at Loch Ard Gorge, the waves echo the past, and the towering rock walls seem to hold onto the memory.

 

To balance the coastal drama with lush greenery, a detour inland took us into the Great Otway National Park, home to one of the most enchanting rainforests in Australia. The Otway Rainforest is a world of towering tree ferns, ancient myrtle beeches, and waterfalls cascading over mossy boulders. The walk through Maits Rest was magical sunlight filtered through dense canopy, birds called out in the stillness, and every breath felt purer. The contrast between the roaring ocean and this quiet green sanctuary was breathtaking.

We continued our journey toward Port Campbell, a charming town almost nudging the border of South Australia. There, we had the surreal experience of watching whales glide through the waves—gentle giants breaching the surface in slow, elegant arcs. It was humbling, almost spiritual.

No road trip is complete without indulgences, and Timboon’s ice cream was one I still dream about. Creamy, rich, and locally crafted, it was the perfect mid-day treat. And of course, I couldn’t leave without having a generous slice of Pavlova, the iconic Australian dessert crowned with fresh fruits and a crisp meringue shell.

The Great Ocean Road wasn’t just a drive; it was an experience layered with memories—ocean mist in the air, kangaroos hopping across meadows, tiny cafés with the friendliest hosts, and photo stops that turned into quiet meditations. Each visit brought something different, and yet the feeling remained the same—freedom, wonder, and a deep appreciation for nature’s grandeur.

To this day, that stretch of winding road remains one of my favorite places in the world. A road that never gets old, no matter how many times you drive it.

                                                         PEACE ON EARTH

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