Great Ocean Road

Your starting point is Torquay, but don't go racing off just yet. You'll want to bask in Victoria's surfing and beach-worship capital for a while. As the birthplace of some of the biggest names in surf gear and accessories, this seaside town oozes laid-back cool. At dawn, watch surfers catching the first waves of the morning or, better yet, get out on the water with them.

Did someone say caffeine? After that early rise, you'll be happy to learn that Torquay is home to some pretty awesome cafés to keep you fuelled. All you have to do is follow your nose to the smell of freshly ground coffee beans.

Now that your brain and body have that nice caffeine and post-swim buzz, it's time to buckle up and hit the Great Ocean Road.

Be sure to stop by Bells Beach and Point Addis Marine National Park before making your way to the town of Anglesea. Quieter than Torquay, Anglesea is a celebration of coastal living, and life here revolves around the area's gorgeous natural landscapes and experiences.

Roll out a towel and bask in the sun, or float in the waves at picturesque Anglesea beaches. If you still haven't surfed your fill, grab your board and catch a wave at the Anglesea Surf Beach.

After basking in the natural delights of Anglesea, hit the road again. It's only a 10-minute drive to your next destination, but this short stretch of road, which follows the curve of Guvvos Beach, has endless epic views.

Stop for a picnic at Urquhart Bluff, the perfect backdrop for lunch. When you're done refuelling the body, take in some soul food as you walk along the beach enjoying the fresh salty air and stopping to peer into rock pools.

Then continue on to Aireys Inlet. This seaside hamlet might be small, but there's plenty here to keep you busy. A thriving live music, entertainment and arts culture keeps the Aireys' event calendar jam-packed. There's a blossoming literary scene here too, which isn't surprising considering the wealth of inspiring landscapes on the doorstep of Aireys Inlet.

Keen to explore town? If you're not sure where to start, check out one of the walking trails around town. The Clifftop Walk winds along the coastline on limestone cliffs. If the tide is low, be sure to explore rock pools and formations along the way.

For an insight into the history and culture of Aireys Inlet, take the Lighthouse Precinct Walk, which goes from the town's landmark lighthouse, past heritage-listed buildings and then on to even more gorgeous natural expanses.

Follow the rugged coast further southwest to Lorne. The first part of this stretch of road winds between the beach and bush before passing beneath the Memorial Arch at Eastern View. The arch was built to commemorate the 3000 returned soldiers who constructed the Great Ocean Road.

Once you pass beneath the archway, the road winds up a hill into a scenic forested headland before emerging and winding down to follow the shoreline once again.

Lorne is a welcoming little town, perched on the Erskine River, which flows out into Louttit Bay. The best way to get acquainted with this place is to let your tastebuds lead the way. The culinary experiences here are endless, and with fresh seafood and local farm-to-table fare, there'll be something on the menu to delight all the travellers in your gang.

Need even more ocean therapy? Don't stress! Lorne's two-kilometre long sheltered shoreline is complete with lawns, shady trees and picnic facilities.

After chillaxing on the beach, stretch your legs on one of the many coastal and bush walks around Lorne. Some crowd favourites include the St George River Walk and the Cherry Tree Creek Walk.

If you're a thrill-seeker and bushwalking isn't quite fast paced enough for you, race on over to Live Wire Park. This is one of the largest outdoor adventure parks in the world. Release your inner Tarzan on the 525-metre zip-line coaster, or bounce up through the canopy on their awesome suspended trampolines.

You know the drill by now: Buckle up and hit the road again. This time, you're heading to Apollo Bay. This leg of your journey covers some of the most spectacular sections of the Great Ocean Road yet. The drive to your next stop can take as little as an hour, but you could make a whole day of it, stopping at the many stunning viewpoints and scenic walks along the way.

One of the best places to stop and enjoy the surrounds is the gorge where the Cumberland River meets the sea. There are plenty of fantastic walks in the area, including the epic 20-kilometre Cumberland River Trail. If you're feeling adventurous and want to take on this walk, be sure to throw your togs in your daypack. The trail winds past several spectacular waterfalls and Jebb's Pool, a magical swimming hole.

From here, the road winds between cliffs and the ocean, opening up impressive sea views all the way. Take your time and stop regularly to bask in those vistas and get some memorable pics.

If you're road-tripping from May to October, be sure to regularly scan the ocean's surface. You may be blessed with the sight of southern right whales on their annual migration. They like putting on a show, sometimes hanging out just 100 metres from shore.

Apollo Bay will be a warm welcome. Home to a flourishing fishing industry (no surprises there), the freshest seafood is always on the menu at local cafés and restaurants. The area is also awash with artists, musicians and creatives. To check out their work, weekend visitors should get to the Sunday foreshore market, where you can also stock up on local produce and seafood.

Be sure to charge that camera battery overnight because you'll be using it heaps today. Almost half of this leg of the journey loops inland, winding through the lush landscape of Great Otway National Park. The rest follows the rugged coastline.

There are plenty of places to stop and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest through the inland section. Maits Rest, for example, is a boardwalk that meanders through beech and mountain ash trees, some of them more than 200 years old.

Turn off the highway on to Lighthouse Road, which leads to the iconic Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia's oldest and most significant lighthouse.

Now head back to the Great Ocean Road and continue along the inland part of the drive. The next time you emerge out to the coast, you'll find yourself at the crown jewel of Australia's most iconic scenic drive. Behold the 12 Apostles. Twenty million years in the making, these limestone pillars were carved by the relentless, stormy Southern Ocean.

Just three minutes from these mighty formations is Loch Ard Gorge, a pristine ocean inlet flanked by two cliff faces. The enclosed beach got its name from a clipper that ran aground here in 1878, becoming one of the most famous tragedies along the Shipwreck Coast.

Stop in at Port Campbell, the ideal place to grab a feed and debrief after the awesomeness of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Continue northwest to Bay of Islands Coastal Park, a protected expanse stretching along 32 kilometres of coast, encompassing epic views and a collection of incredible geological features.

Then get ready to fall in love with the irresistible seaside delights of Port Fairy. The former whaling and sealing station was first established in 1833, and today you'll find the town has a nice vibe thanks to its historic maritime charm.

And just like that, you have travelled the entirety of the Great Ocean Road. The good thing is that now you can turn around and see it all over again on your return journey.