Winding along a rugged stretch of Australia’s southern Victorian coast, the Great Ocean Road is just an hour and a half away from downtown Melbourne. The twists and turns of the road reveal some of the most picturesque ocean views to be seen anywhere on Earth. The sea here is fierce, and the waves beat against the red rock cliffs that line the shore. Huge pinnacles and arches jut out of the sea, providing evidence of the ocean’s sheer power to eat away at the shore.

We are exploring the Great Ocean Road in a Spaceships campervan Our vehicle is the perfect size for the journey, as it’s small enough to easily handle the winding curves of the road, while still being big enough to provide a comfortable place to sleep at our campsite. We are fully equipped with a table, chairs and two gas camp stoves, so we can take full advantage of the many day-use areas along the coast.

Scenic overlook on The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Quick history of The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road was built by soldiers returning home from WWI between 1919 and 1932. Before the creation of the 150 mile stretch of road, the south coast of Victoria was only accessible by turbulent seas, and rough bush trails.

Historic Shipwreck Trail

The seas here are so fierce that this stretch of coastline has earned the nickname “The Shipwreck Coast”. There are 638 known ships wrecked along the coastline. As you tour the Great Ocean Road, be sure to keep an eye out for information placards which tell the stories of some of the approximately 240 shipwrecks that have been found along the treacherous coast. You can also download this guide which describes many of the wrecks, and where they are.

Anchor from the Marie Gabrielle which sunk in 1869

Wreck Beach

One of the best places to spot shipwrecks along the Great Ocean Road is Wreck Beach. Located about 40 minutes south of Port Campbell, the remains of the Fiji (1875 – 1891) and Marie Gabrielle (1864 – 1869) can be found here. From the parking lot, you have to climb down about 400 steep steps, then walk to your right for just under a mile to reach the anchors and wenches that can be seen buried in the sand and limestone at low tide.

Split-Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1891

Lighthouses of the Shipwreck Coast

To combat the plague of shipwrecks along the south coast of Victoria, several lighthouses were built in the mid twentieth century. Most of the lighthouse grounds are open to the public, although some charge absorbent fees for a visit.