Discovering a winding stretch of black top that takes your mind away from the chores of daily life and allows you to enjoy motoring freedom is, pretty much, what driving is all about.
You might be behind the wheel of the latest and greatest from Modena, the finest from Stuttgart, a Golf GTI, perhaps. Maybe even an old faithful such as a Lancia Fulvia or BMW 2002. It doesn’t matter, just being out, driving, with no other purpose than simply enjoying your machine and the road ahead. For those who love cars, does it get any better?
One of the best roads to find out for certain is the Great Ocean Road on the south-west coast of Victoria. The road stretches from Torquay through to Warrnambool, but it is the section between Lorne and Apollo Bay that best captures the essence of this coastal road. It’s also the most enjoyable part to drive, as well.
Sure, there is often plenty of caravans and Sunday drivers, but this is a road that must be savoured and every moment of clear road enjoyed to its fullest.
Now, best get to the point of this article I suppose. Last Friday, episode 27 of the rather oddball ABC TV program Can we help you featured a segment on the making of the Great Ocean Road. It is a fascinating journey back in time that traces the history and the champions of the road at its genesis. You can either watch the clip directly on the show’s website, or choose to download the episode in full.
Watch the footage, think of the great roads you like to savour, then, on a nice Sunday go out and enjoy yourself. I know I will be.
UPDATE 17 August: Thanks to Todd for the pic.
[Screen grab from ABC TV footage]
7 replies on “The Great Ocean Road”
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How do think an Audi S3 would go on this road? 🙂
It has been a rite of passage for my last three cars to travel the road. So, I’m not sure when, but I will find out one day!
As a driving road, The Great Ocean Road mixes spectacular views with what seems to be endless twists and turns to Princetown… I think the most exciting part of the road is between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Grab lunch in Apollo Bay (or Breakfast) and return via Forrest and Ceres to Geelong… good fun for the whole family!
I actually went down here this morning with the missus in my polo gti.
Weather was terrible with the roads slippery and greasy, also lots of rocks and branches on the road.
But boy was it good fun. I had the road to myself from the start to Apollo Bay, had breakfast at a Cafe at about 8am then returned the same way I came.
I didn’t go up Forrest Rd due to the storms the previous night.
My tip, hit the road early! I was in Torquay at around 7am and no one was around. Get on it!
I am dying to take my bike there. Will have to wait for warmer weather, but I haven’t ridden a bike there since I was at uni which is some 12 years ago!
@Philthy, I’ve found out twice now. 😉
First was Xmas 2010 when the car was stock, and then again just a few days ago in Stage 2+ trim and also with PSS10 coilovers. The Bilsteins are bloody amazing and have transformed the car! The extra grunt and more liner power delivery is nice too.