Bucket list worthy: Explore the spectacular 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road

by Brigitta Pasztor - May 10, 2023

Dear beautiful souls,

Today, I'm thrilled to take you on an exciting journey along the Great Ocean Road, as we explore the breathtaking beauty of the 12 Apostles and make a stop at the charming Aireys Inlet lighthouse. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip filled with stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and a touch of serendipity. Buckle up and let's embark on an adventure you won't want to miss!

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Melbourne behind, we hit the road on our Great Ocean Road adventure. With approximately ~ 280km of scenic coastal drive ahead, we can't help but wonder about the fascinating twists and turns that await us. How many unique viewpoints will we discover along the way? Will we encounter any local wildlife?

The first stop of our journey is at the historic Aireys Inlet lighthouse. This picturesque coastal gem has guided countless ships to safety since its construction in the end of the 18th century. As we explore the lighthouse grounds, we can't help but appreciate the panoramic views of the rugged coastline. As someone who has no idea about any Australian TV series my boyfriend highlighted it to me, that this lighthouse played a cameo role in a popular Australian children's television series "Round the Twist" in the nineties.

As we wind our way along the Great Ocean Road, we're treated to a visual feast of natural wonders. The magnificent 12 Apostles steal the show with their towering limestone formations rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. These iconic rock stacks, shaped by millions of years of erosion, offer an awe-inspiring spectacle. Did you know that the 12 Apostles were originally known as the Sow and Pigs? Over time, erosion and collapses have reduced the number of stacks, and currently, there are fewer than twelve remaining. Each visit to this remarkable site presents a unique experience, as the ocean and weather continue to shape and transform these formations.

During the whole day the weather played a whimsical game of hide-and-seek between rain and sunshine. The alternating showers and rays of sunlight created a surreal atmosphere, painting the landscape with an ethereal glow. And oh, the rainbows! Lot's of them, even some double ones.

@wxyand #australia #victoria #greatoceanroad #12apostles #sunset ♬ Down Under

But it wasn't just the weather that blessed us with its charm. Along the road, we were fortunate enough to encounter a delightful array of Australian wildlife. As we drove past lush fields and open pastures, kangaroos gracefully hopped alongside the road. We spotted some alpacas too alongside the sheep, cows, and horses that dotted the landscape. It was a symphony of nature's creatures, a harmonious coexistence of different species that added an extra layer of wonder to our journey.

The rain and sunshine, the kangaroos and alpacas, the sheep, cows, and horses – all came together to create a magical experience along the road to the 12 Apostles. It was a reminder that beauty can be found not only in iconic landmarks but also in the simple moments of connection with the natural world. The 12 Apostles and Aireys Inlet have shown us just a glimpse of the wonders this remarkable region holds. Remember, the beauty of travel lies not only in the destinations we visit but also in the unexpected twists and surprises that unfold along the journey. So, grab your map, plan your route, and get ready to embrace the Great Ocean Road's twists and turns.