The Great Ocean Road drive between Lorne and Apollo Bay boasts some of the road’s most pristine scenery Many say it is the most picturesque along the road, with the dense bush of the Angahook-Lorne State Park continuing almost down to the water’s edge and stunning views over the ocean.

There’s a handful of small communities nestled against the bushy backdrop in this winding section. Visitors soon discover that the atmosphere is relaxed, in deference to the quiet, unspoilt natural beauty that surrounds you. At Cumberland River, a few kilometres the Apollo Bay side of Lorne, the scenery is postcard-like, with dense bush, a rugged cliff face beside the river and the idyllic grassed camping ground. Wye River is another popular camping and caravanning spot, just 18km from Lorne. A further 5km away is the holiday hamlet of Kennett River. Drive further on to Skenes Creek and the scenery undergoes a dramatic change as the road descends to almost sea-level. Steep hills flatten out and wide, cleared areas are in pasture, indicating the farming nature of the region. From here, you can drive deep into the Otway Ranges on roads that climb to moderate heights among the tall trees.

The whole drive is special, so take time to stop at the lookouts.

Things to do from Lorne to Apollo Bay (including Cumberland River, Wye River, Kennett River and Skenes Creek):

enjoy excellent bushwalking in some of the coast’s most picturesque country
discover a waterfall deep in the forest
explore the rockpools at the Cumberland River
swim or surf at Wye River, Kennett River and Skenes Creek
look for koalas around the Grey River picnic ground near Kennett River

There’s something special about Lorne. The scenery is simply charming, the atmosphere strictly Mediterranean — a combination that has been drawing visitors to this special place for more than century. Set between the waters of Loutit Bay and the cool Otway forests, Lorne has a charm that’s hard to surpass. Add mild weather, a touch of the café culture, shops, boutiques and galleries and it’s no wonder Lorne is one of the Great Ocean Road’s most popular holiday destinations.

Apollo Bay was first sighted by Lieutenant Grant abroad the sailing vessel Lady Nelson. In 1845, the bay was named by Captain Loutit who sheltered here in his vessel Apollo.

It is not difficult to understand why this part of the world is regarded as ‘Paradise by the Sea’.

The town nestles into the picturesque green foothills of the Otway Ranges that roll down to a sweeping arc of golden beaches and sky-blue sea. Dozens of cypress trees dot the wide foreshore reserve, while the fascinating Otway National Park is just a stone’s throw away.

More people are slowly discovering what the 1,200 locals already know — Apollo Bay is a special place. The fact that it is further along the Great Ocean Road has probably helped the town retain that unique charm.

Enjoy a drink in one of the old pubs or cafes revamped to cater to the new generation of travellers. (A great place to find a latte — often difficult in rural areas — is La Bimba café on the waterfront. They also have local artwork on the walls for sale).

For the best views over the town, drive up Marriner's Lookout Road. Superb views are to be had although watch out for wandering cows! Another favourite lookout is Crows Nest in Tuxion Road.

Drive a little further, through the Otway forests to the lighthouse, explore nearby forest and waterfall walks, or on a fine day take a scenic plane flight from the Apollo Bay airstrip to the Twelve Apostles.

Alternatively drive a few kilometres out of town past neighbouring Marengo to discover a superb bird's eye view of Apollo Bay's rolling green hills, the Great Ocean Road and Bass Strait beyond.

Apollo Bay makes most of its living from fishing, farming and tourism. And the fishing fleet, moored behind the safety of a huge breakwater, has itself become part of the tourism experience. The specialties — crayfish and abalone — are in big demand.

You can wander along the pier where the boats are moored, past stacks of craypots, and see the fishermen making ready for another trip out to sea. Their fresh-daily catch is readily available from the colourful fishermen’s co-operative at the pier entrance.

Nearby is the town’s golf course, which has one of the best locations you could imagine — high on the point of the bay with the sea, town and hills in the background.

Apollo Bay, for all its other wonders, is a beach resort with marvellous opportunities to enjoy swimming, surfing or just walking along the sand. Don’t forget the many giftshops, galleries and teahouses to explore, plus the regular foreshore market where local arts, crafts and produce are on sale.

The many breaks, waves and subleties of wind and weather are best gleaned from the locals, who do not mind sharing a secret or two if they are approached the right way. In some of the better wave areas it can pay to give way to the regulars, who regard the best positions as theirs by right. Perusal of, and investment in, surf magazines and some local guides and newspapers, will help your eternal search for the perfect wave.

Surfing around Torquay and Anglesea

The surf culture really gets under way at Torquay, the ‘surf capital’ of Australia. Near Torquay there are good reefs known as Insides and Outsides at Point Impossible, but the expert action is at Point Danger, particularly in big winds, when the wave jumpers put on spectacular displays.

Jan Juc beach is a good learning ground, but from there to Bells Beach is a rocky shoreline with a series of reef swells below the cliffs. The first of them is Bird Rock, highly regarded in the golden mile of surf action.

Bells Beach is the classic of the coast, with huge autumn and winter right-hand breaks at Winkipop, Bells, Rincon, Centreside and Southside. The take-off area from the beach is known as The Bowl.

The waves, rated with the best in the world, are created by a rock shelf coming right into shore, on a steady upwards incline, so that waves break consistently. August is thought to be the best month, although the crowds flock around at Easter for the internationally acclaimed Rip Curl Pro and Sunsmart Classic.

It is mostly board surfing territory between Torquay and Anglesea, which has a lovely sheltered bathing beach at Point Roadknight and body surfing at Urquhart Bluff. Anglesea and the nearby Fairhaven have good beginner and body surfing beach breaks, while the long stretch of coast between Airey’s Inlet and Lorne is distinguished by Cathedral Rock, the favourite of many west coast surfers.

Surfing from Lorne to Apollo Bay

The surf beach at Lorne gets crowded, but is ideal for bodysurfing and for relaxing on the wide sands. Lorne has beach breaks for beginners and bigger right-handers running into the rocky shores of Lorne Point and, on its western side, at Vera Lynn and off St George’s River. Along the coast, between Lorne and Apollo Bay, there are good surf spots at Cumberland River, Wye River, Baldy Rock, Skene’s Creek, Sawmills and Kennett River. The monsters around Apollo Bay are Marengo, Boneyards and Juniors, all just past the town.

The main beach at Apollo Bay, like that of Lorne, can get crowded but is good for bodysurfing — or just taking it easy on the golden sand.