‘Important detail that makes iconic Aussie road trip even more incredible’
There’s always been a friendly rivalry between the states in Australia, none more so than that between NSW and Victoria.
Each has attributes that shine, but Victoria has the glorious coastal drive – the Great Ocean Road. Big kudos Victoria, this time, you win.
Torquay is the starting point of the Great Ocean Road drive. Getty
Although Australia is an island, ironically, there are few roads that hug the coastline closely enough to delight road trippers with ocean views.
But the Great Ocean Road delivers spectacular ocean vistas at every turn and a variety of accessible accommodation and activities to engage all ages.
Starting our Great Ocean Road trip
Arriving at Melbourne Airport our first leg of the trip was to Torquay. The coastal town is known as Australia’s surf capital and is the starting point of the Great Ocean Road drive.
After checking into accessible accommodation at The Sands Torquay, we spent the afternoon in the laid-back town wandering the boutiques filled with coastal chic décor and clothing.
When the troops tired of my window shopping, we wandered along a portion of the Surf Coast Walk, a one-kilometre wheelchair accessible pathway which runs parallel to the ocean.
For visitors keen to explore closer to the water’s edge, Fishermans Beach offers beach matting and a free to loan beach walker, water wheelchair and hoist.
We explore the Great Ocean Road in an accessible way. Supplied
A taste of Willy Wonka on the Great Ocean Road
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast at The Sands Torquay, it was time to continue on our journey, with the first stop planned just 20 minutes from Torquay at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
As we entered the building our senses were awakened, starting with a visual feast. Beautifully presented chocolates, souvenirs and gifts decorate the store’s walls and as a result, several kilos of chocolate (yes, I weighed it) made its way home with us. But, before getting carried away in the gift shop we enjoyed a chocolate tasting that had our taste buds dancing with happiness and our heads full of chocolatey facts.
A chocolate lollipop making session then allowed us to unleash our creativity with a dazzling array of lollies lined up for us to use for decoration. My daughter was conservative and considered in her lolly loading technique but in stark contrast, my husband showed no restraint taking the approach that more is more, probably accounting for at least a kilo of our haul.
Access: Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers accessible parking, good access throughout the gift shop and the café and a stand-alone unisex accessible bathroom.
Making some chocolate lollipops. Supplied
The Great Ocean Road’s accessible angle
The surf coast town of Anglesea was merely a pit stop on our journey, but we think it’s a town worthy of a longer stay. The Monty Anglesea opened in December 2025 and offers guests a nostalgic throw back to a motel-era of yesteryear with a contemporary Palm Springs twist. With two accessible rooms fitted with hi-lo beds and accessible recreational facilities across the road this is a great spot to overnight on the drive.
With beach matting on the river side of town, a beach walker that’s free to loan and a Changing Places bathroom, it’s clear Anglesea has made accessibility a priority.
Top tip: Beach wheelchairs are available free to loan at many towns along the Great Ocean Road and can be booked via the website.
It’s clear Anglesea has made accessibility a priority. Supplied
Arriving in Apollo Bay
As soon as we arrived at Apollo Bay, I knew we’d be wishing we could linger longer in this pretty coastal retreat at the foothill of the Otways. Apollo Bay treated us to an enviable and level stretch of white sand and calm waters.
Once perched on the hillside in our two-bedroom accessible cabin at BIG 4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park with ocean views, it was immediately apparent why this coastal oasis is a popular choice for extended stays. (BIG 4 Pisces Apollo Bay offers one two-bedroom accessible cabin and a three-bedroom accessible cabin.)
The beach nearby had the facilities we needed to get Braeden down to the water with beach matting and a water wheelchair free to loan. It’s always special when the facilities are available that allow us to roll along the beach as a family when we travel.
Beach matting and a beach wheelchair on offer in Apollo Bay. Supplied
Apollo Bay’s wildlife is in abundance with koalas often spotted taking a stroll. While we didn’t see that, we did visit Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary for a private accessible tour. Located just five kilometres from Apollo Bay and set on 12 hectares the sanctuary is a haven for its resident wildlife. There are no animal enclosures so it’s wildlife bingo as to what you’ll spot, but with an expert guide we were hopeful.
Along the accessible route we spied koalas snoozing high in the treetops, wallabies playing peek-a-boo in long grass, emus wandering nonchalantly, and bandicoots and potoroos grazing. Only the echidnas proved elusive.
Make time for lunch in the Emu Café on site. I stopped back in on our return to Melbourne because their chicken roll with homemade mayonnaise was so good.
Access: To protect the wildlife, Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary can only be accessed on a guided tour, including Inclusive & Accessibility Tours. These have been created for visitors who may need extra time or support for their visit, or for visitors who may benefit from a more sensory experience.
The iconic Twelve Apostles are freestanding limestone rocks rising majestically from the ocean. iStock
The jewel of the Great Ocean Road
Although the Twelve Apostles is an easy day trip from Apollo Bay, we visited on our way to our final stop in Warrnambool. With expert advice to arrive at the Twelve Apostles as early as possible but no later than 11am we hit the road with determination to beat the crowds.
We’ve seen the Twelve Apostles in documentaries and in movies, but I was floored by their beauty in person. On a blue-sky day the contrast of the sky, the rugged cliff face and the limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean made for a spectacular sight.
Over time wind, rain and the mighty force of the waves has worn down the stacks causing some to weaken and collapse. As a result, only seven of the original limestone sea stacks remain.
We spent longer than anticipated wandering the accessible boardwalk, taking in the views from Saddle Lookout, a cantilevered platform above the cliff, and snapping photos.
The accessible boardwalk was first class. Supplied
After viewing the famous landmark from the boardwalk, it was time to see it from the air with 12 Apostles Helicopter providing a 15-minute sightseeing flight. The helicopter skirted the coastline as the commentary matched the magnificent aerial views.
If your budget can stretch to a scenic flight, it adds an exhilarating element to the visit.
Even a helicopter ride was on the cards. Supplied
A whale of a time on the Great Ocean Road
From June to October, Southern Right Whales migrating north stop at Warrnambool to give birth and nurture their calves in the protected waters of Lady Bay.
Locals told us stories of previous seasons and the wondrous scenes of the visiting whales and their calves being within easy sight. Our visit was outside of whale watching season, but we’d be keen to plan another trip around their migration in the hope of seeing the mums and bubs from the coast.
Like the whales, we headed for warm waters and visited Deep Blue Hot Springs Sanctuary – relaxing in some of the 17 thermal pools. All the pools have a step or stairs to enter, some are fitted with a handrail to assist with access.
Deep Blue Hot Springs Sanctuary has 17 thermal pools. Supplied
Accessible family accommodation is hard to find so we were pleased to have room to spare at the five bedroom Logans Beach house in Warrnambool. With multiple bathrooms (one accessible) and a full kitchen, larger families and those travelling with support staff are well catered to.
Our Great Ocean Road trip was a fast paced four-night adventure that took in all the major sights. We’d love to return with more time to savour all the region has to offer, choosing a slower pace to do more walks, chase all the waterfalls and koala gaze until our hearts are content.
The Twelve Apostles ranks high on my top ten list for Australian natural wonders you must see.
The only question I was left with after our visit was, “why did it take us so long to visit?”
This story was originally published by Travel Without Limits and has been reproduced here with permission.
