One of the greatest motorcycling roads in the world. Want James Bond style hillside roads? Got it. Want twisty forest roads? Got it. There's pretty much everything any motorcyclist could want, and all within a short hop down the M1 from Melbourne.
For those that aren't completely familiar, this is a road that, depending on the overall route taken, stretches out to over 200km. It's easily combined with inroads from the Australian mainland, but the main attraction is the idyllic ocean-view lanes.
While it's possible for a dedicated biker to do the whole shebang in one day, most prefer a more leisurely pace that can last three days. As you might imagine with such a pristine route, there are many attractions and side-stops along the way to elongate your journey.
Starting in Melbourne, this ride is one for the bucket list and is a perfect choice for the biker on a serious see-everything experience.
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WHY SHOULD I RIDE IT?
Simply put, there's everything you could want! Rookies might find some of the more twisty parts challenging, but for a seasoned biker, the road features some amazing bends that getting right delivers a major dose of satisfaction. I'm a particular fan of the stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay – the temptation to just do that section over and over is strong.
The road surface is generally good throughout, and if you pick your time of year well then getting dry tarmac shouldn't be a challenge. Just watch out for damp patches as you wind through the Otway National Park.
If you're into incorporating more than just tarmac into your road trip, it's dotted with an enviable spread of Australian landmarks. With the vast majority of the route directly running along the coast, it's a simple matter of hitting up the desirable backroads to dig into the mainland slightly.
HOW SHOULD I RIDE IT?
Simple – you can ride it how you want to. Day-trippers from Melbourne will probably choose an early start, aiming to drive through Torquay and pull into Apollo Bay around lunchtime. You'll get the best (in our opinion) sections of road in, and can either head back the same route or head inland and join the A1 for a speedy route back.
If you're looking for a longer trip, you can obviously make your own schedule up, but for most people, by the time you arrive in Port Cambell you'll almost definitely be ready for a chilled beverage and calling it a day. If I were given three days and the ocean road, I'd most likely have an overnighter in Apollo Bay and spend a bit of time re-running our favourite bits and exploring some of the surrounding inroads.
What's the best time of day/day of the week? Really depends on what suits you best, but the biggest variable with time is going to be traffic. Saturdays in the summer can be full of lunatics in hire cars and coaches taking corners at a pace you wouldn't believe. You won't have the freedom to enjoy the ride, and you'll be too busy looking in your mirrors for the next tourist wagon. I'd suggest avoiding the worst by getting an early start mid-week.
Another word of warning on speed – take it easy. Not only can this road bite, but speed is also enforced with supreme efficiency.
WHAT TO WEAR?
Being safe on the motorbike doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. At SA1NT, we've taken on the challenge to produce great-looking motowear that retains all the protection riders need.
From classic-look, straight-leg jeans to bleached blue slim jeans, from classic-cool leather jackets to road-safe shearling, you can be sure you'll find what you need. Just like you, our clothing is unbreakable, so you can spend more time where you want to be: out on the road.
For the men, you can't go past our unbreakable slim jeans with the Unbreakable Denim Jacket.
We also have options for women's motowear like unbreakable slim jeans and the Women's Unbreakable Denim Jacket.
NOTABLE SPOTS
Many motorbike riders return to the route year-on-year, you can tailor the journey to hit up different spots along the way. There are plenty of recommended staples to get you started.
The Great Otway National Park is a must-see if your itinerary permits. Anyone into hiking will be in their element – it offers a 57-mile trail that contains rainforest land, waterfalls, and captivating glimpses into Australia's Aboriginal history.
The 12 Apostles are next on the checklist. They're the most frequently cited attraction along the route and for good reason with the added bonus of a great selection of eateries and pit-stop opportunities nearby.
The Grampians National Park is another opportunity to soak in the enviable beauty of Australia's wildlife and scenery, the park offers a stunning view as you ride along your route toward it, be sure to check out Halls Gap and keep an eye out for the local koalas.
There are more than a handful of reasons to ride The Great Ocean Road. The adventure awaits and along the way, you can create experience breath-taking scenery and make memories to last a lifetime.