The Great Ocean Road is renowned across and the World as one of the most picturesque ocean roads which boast impressive natural formations such as the Twelve Apostles, beautiful Victorian styled towns, rugged beaches and a vast array of National Parks and wild life.
After World War I, the Great Ocean Road was carved out of the coastline. It was initially conceived as a memorial to those who had fought in the First World War with many of the road builders being ex-servicemen.
The 320km road that Fitness Challenge will embark upon stretches from Queenscliff on the through to Port Fairy. Much of this coastline is also known as the 'Shipwreck', a reference to the many ships which were trapped and sunk on the many reefs over the past 150 years or so.
Queenscliff - Lorne
There is no time to rest at this beautiful seaside resort town with 1880’s charm as you head off for the first 80km leg of your fitness challenge.
Queenscliff sits overlooking the entrance of Port Phillip Bay and the treacherous waters between Port Phillip Heads. This area is also known as a ship's graveyard due to the number of wrecks that have occurred over the years. On your way to Lorne your landmark goal for week 1 of the challenge, you will pass through the Norfic Pine fringed beach of Torquay – an area known as Australia’s surfing mecca. 15 kilometres along the road from Torquay is Anglesea similarly adorned with a selection of beaches, ranging from surf beaches to quiet protected coves. Here you may fancy a spot of golf. The local golf course is a place of interest , as not only might you encounter the odd birdie or albatross, but also one of the numerous kangaroos that call the course home.
You will have to cover approx 11.5km’s as a team or 2.9km as an individual each day to reach Lorne in seven days time. See you there!
Lorne – Cape Otway
Lorne is place famous for its spectacular beauty. The gentle waves of Louttit Bay lap the wide stretch of golden sand just opposite the towns main street, the Great Ocean Road. Rearing up behind Lorne are the eucalypt-clad slopes of the Otway Ranges, here you can visit Erskine Falls which cascades 30km into a beautiful tree fern gully one of the most popular falls in the Otways.
The winding stretch of road to Cape Otway – your destination point for the end of week 2 – follows closely along the coastline. You will pass by the crescent shaped beach of Apollo Bay with its spectacular coastal views and many lookouts which provide excellent vantage points for photographers and the surrounding area is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Cape Otway - The Twelve Apostles
Rugged Cape Otway and surrounding areas contain some of the Great Ocean Roads most dramatic and awe-inspiring coastal and rainforest scenery. The cape is the most southerly point on the road. Here you will see Australia’s oldest lighthouse. To get a bird’s eye view of the stunning scenery of the Otways The Fly, Australia’s biggest tree-top walk is a giant Meccano soaring 47 metres above the ground built among the forest allowing you to see the canopies and wildlife.
On your way to the Twelve Apostles, the landmark goal for the end of week 3 of the Fitness Challenge you will make your way past Lavers Hill, a small township perched atop the Otway Ranges and surrounded by forest and the Melba Gully State Park. Lavers Hill has fantastic views as it is the highest point on the Great Ocean Road.
Twelve Apostles – Port Ferry
Originally named the ‘Sow and Piglets’, these giant rock formations which soar as his as 45 metres, lay where the original coastline used to be. Pounding waves from the Southern Ocean, rain and gail force winds have eroded the soft limestone rock to leave these rock islands isolated from the shore. Today only 8 remain.
Only 80 km to Port Fairy, the end of the Great Ocean Road and the final destination of the fitness challenge. On this final stretch of road you will come across the only city along the Shipwreck Coast, Warrnambool. The city has a thriving arts and events scene, and relaxed café culture. It also has a state Game Reserve which sits inside an extinct volcano.
Port Fairy is a town that has retained much of its colonial architecture which captivates the history of one of Victoria’s earliest ports. Here you will discover the historic Port Fairy lighthouse which stands over the rugged rocky shore where the Southern Ocean breaks. Lady Julia Percy islands a flat-topped volcanic land mass sits just off the shore and is home to a huge fur seal colony. You may also be lucky enough to spot migrating whales as they pass by during their annual trek from sub-Antarctic waters.
Please note: Distances are approximate only and estimated for the purpose of this activity.
