Today was the main event! I made sure to get the RedSands camper moving early and reached the 12 Apostles and Gibson Steps by 8:30 am. It was the best decision I could have made—the morning light was perfect, and I managed to beat the heavy crowds. Standing there, you really feel the scale of the Southern Ocean’s power. These limestone giants are constantly being reshaped by the wind and rain, eroding at a rate of about 2 cm every year. They are literally a masterpiece in progress.
Next, I pointed the rig toward the Cape Otway Lighthouse. If you’re ever making this drive, keep your eyes glued to the manna gums along the road! I got lucky and spotted a koala tucked away in the branches. The lighthouse itself is a piece of history; built in 1848, it’s the oldest surviving one on the mainland. It officially “retired” in 1994, handing over its duties to a modern solar-powered beacon right next door, but it still stands as a proud sentinel over the coast.
The wildlife luck didn’t stop there. I took a detour to Kennett River, another legendary koala-spotting territory, and found two more! While I was grabbing a coffee at the local café, I was even “greeted” by some cheeky sulphur-crested cockatoos.
I couldn’t finish the drive without stopping at the iconic Memorial Arch. It’s the ultimate photo op, but it has a surprisingly tough history. The one you see today is actually the third version! The original from 1939 was replaced during road widening, and the second was tragically lost in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.
The journey finally wound down in Torquay, the official end of the Great Ocean Road. You can feel the surf culture here immediately—it’s the birthplace of industry giants like Rip Curl and Quiksilver. It’s the perfect spot to park up, grab a burger, and reflect on what an incredible drive it’s been.
Until next time!
