The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular road trip in Victoria, Australia. If you haven’t yet visited this part of the country, this scenic drive is one to add to your itinerary.
Travellers from all over the world rave about the Great Ocean Road. I love to visit particular parts of this coastal road for weekends away and longer family holidays.
I have visited the Great Ocean Road countless times. Sometimes for a holiday with family, milestone birthdays, day surf trips or a couples night away.
Each time I visit this beautiful part of Victoria, I’m reminded of the diversity between each town. The gorgeous views and the local, down to earth atmosphere of most areas is rare.
Between the hot spots of the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach, and Apollo Bay, are hidden secrets along the Great Ocean Road. These spots will appeal to travellers looking for more than the usual road trip experience.
If you are planning to take a Great Ocean Road tour, listen out for the towns between the usual destinations. These will be the less populated areas, especially in summer and holiday peak seasons.
Here are 5 Hidden Secrets Along The Great Ocean Road to inspire you to seek further than ever before!
Torquay Back Beach
Torquay Back Beach is not the first beach people consider when visiting the surf capital of Victoria. This area is more famously known for Bells Beach and the surrounding surf breaks, including Jan Juc.
While the back beach can sometimes get crowded, this surf spot is well suited for families and swimmers. It’s a great point to watch the sunset or stroll along the paved path all the way past the point.
Torquay has grown exponentially over the last 5-10 years, particularly since the pandemic. If you are travelling from Melbourne to The Great Ocean Road, Torquay is only an hour and 20 mins drive. Many young families have moved to the area, previously known for its older generation. The beaches are gorgeous, and the small town offers everything from groceries to clothes, and plenty of restaurants and cafes.
With all this growth in the area it’s difficult to escape the crowds, especially when the waves are good.
Torquay Back Beach is perfect for a swim, or to take some epic pictures in the early morning or sunset.
The back beach is past the Torquay point, and is walking distance from the main part of the town. Follow the esplanade around the bay, to view the first waves breaking on the surf side of the Torquay point.
Fairhaven Beach
Fairhaven beach is located between Aireys Inlet and Moggs Creek on the Great Ocean Road. This beach is a lesser known stretch than Aireys Inlet. A beautiful and quiet place for swimming, surfing and lounging on the beach.
The waves along this stretch are good for body surfing, body boarding, and surfing if the swell is big enough. The beach is clean and fairly safe for kids to explore.
Anywhere on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road is ideal for a relaxing getaway, and the views are spectacular. In the off peak season, there is a local atmosphere to Fairhaven. Crossing the Great Ocean Road to access the beach is easy for families with young children.
Fairhaven is 1.5 hours from Melbourne and great for a long stay, or even for an overnight stay or weekend.
Moggs Creek
Like Fairhaven, Moggs Creek doesn’t get mentioned as much as other popular towns along the Great Ocean Road. This small town has a population of under 150 people. The quiet beach and walks are perfect if you are looking for a coastal town under 2 hours from Melbourne.
There are lots of hiking tracks and picnic areas in Moggs Creek, another top area to stay for families or groups, even in cooler seasons. Fishing and hang gliding are also popular in this area, weather conditions permitting.
The Airey’s Inlet local shops are a 5 km drive away. Moggs Creek is another small, quieter town on the Great Ocean Road, without being too remote and far from essentials.
There are many top quality holiday rentals available at Moggs Creek, through airbnb, stayz or booking.com.
Peterborough
Peterborough is a small town further along the Great Ocean Road, with one of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches. The drive is 3 hours from Melbourne if you take the inland roads and longer if you travel along the coast. Situated 13 kms further along from the popular town of Port Campbell, Peterborough is quieter, with a few amenities.
The Peterborough beach is spectacular and worth the visit alone. There is a pub, with quality meals, a golf course and selection of shops in the main street of Peterborough.
Allansford
Allansford is located right at the end of the Great Ocean Road. This is a very small community, with only 610 houses. It is located ten kms before Warrnambool, with the Hopkins River flowing through the town. Allansford is great for the local atmosphere, a pub meal or visiting the bakery, nursery or small grocery store.
The locals are friendly, and you get to experience the last small country town, before the business of Warrnambool.
Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, Australia’s oldest dairy maker and Cheese World cafe and museum are both located in Allansford.
Conclusion
The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly very popular for road trippers, Melbourne families, surfers and international travellers. These lesser known areas are worth considering for quieter holiday time, with equally the same stunning views and memorable experiences.
If you are driving from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, these areas are worth adding to your travel itinerary. You won’t regret breaking up the touristy locations with unique beach time and local secrets, like dining at the Peterborough pub or gazing across the un-crowded beach view at Fairhaven.
