Hidden Treasures of the Great Ocean Road

A popular place to visit for both locals and travellers alike, the Great Ocean Road has plenty of adventures to explore. In your Dollar rental car, follow this guide to embark on a journey that follows the ocean, showing you all the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.  

Begin Your Journey in Anglesea

The Great Ocean Road’s seaside town of Anglesea is the perfect place to begin your coastal road tripping adventures. Only an hour and a half’s drive out of Melbourne (Victoria’s capital city), Anglesea is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. While the town itself may be one of the go-to destinations along the coast, it’s filled with heaps of hidden treasures for you to discover. Begin your day with a coffee and snack at Poppie’s. This family-run cafe also features a grocer, garden and gift store, and its location in the backstreets of Anglesea means you’ll be surrounded by locals who flock to this place for some of the best brunch options in town. The Anglesea Main Beach is a beautiful place to stretch out on the sand. However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little more secluded, head further down the Anglesea River and you’ll discover plenty of space to frolic in the water. If you’re wanting to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, head out on the Kangaroo Tour at the Anglesea Golf Club. The tour will guide you around the expanses of grass, leading you right up to some of the over 300 kangaroos that live in this area. There’s few things more typically Australian than kangaroos sunbaking by the coast! 

Embrace the Surf at Wye River

As you follow the scenic route of the Great Ocean Road along the cascading coastline, plan your next stop at the sleepy seaside town of Wye River, the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung people. An oasis where the coast meets the forest, this tranquil hub of beaches and sunshine is perfect for a quiet stay and it’s only a cruisy hour’s drive further south along the coast from Anglesea. Start your day with a visit to the Wye General Store. From all-day brunch to a range of cocktails to a post office, if you’re after a taste of Australian coastal town life, this general store has it all. To explore the sensational scenery that surrounds Wye River, head out on Paddy’s Path. This bushwalk will lead you from Wye River to Separation Creek, guiding you past the thriving greenery as it overflows onto the golden sand that rolls out into the sparkling ocean. Only twenty minutes to complete, this walk-through nature is great for discovering the most beautiful views around Wye River, as well as potentially catching sight of the whales that migrate past the ocean waters in the cooler months. 

Get Lost in Nature in the Otways

To top off your adventures along the Great Ocean Road, the most prized hidden treasure of them all is the otherworldly region of the Otways. This expanse of bushland, rainforest and coastline stretches across large parts of the Great Ocean Road, so there are plenty of gems to discover. Begin at Cape Otway (an hour from Wye River) and head out to the Cape Otway Lightstation. While this is maybe the Otways’ worst-kept secret, it’s beloved by many for good reason. This majestic structure not only delivers incredible views of the sweeping ocean, but also a rich history of shipwrecks and maritime history in Australia. Next, venture into the thriving wilderness of the Otways and discover some of the postcard-perfect waterfalls that are hiding within the rainforest. To explore the best of the best of this natural playground, you’ll need to head further inland. The quaint town of Forrest (less than an hour’s drive from Wye River) features one of the best waterfalls in the area. Stevensons Falls is incredibly accessible, so everyone can enjoy this spectacular sight. While the falls are beloved by many, make sure to check out the smaller walks on the Redwoods Boardwalk and the Blue Spruce Walk to get away from the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this stunning scenery. 

From Anglesea to Wye River to the Otways, the Great Ocean Road is brimming with hidden treasures—all of which you can discover in your Dollar rental car.