Moms, you know how hard it is to take little ones on vacations, especially if it’s overseas.  It can be hard to find a trip that is entertaining to both parents and children 100% of the time. You may have  returned home from a trip feeling as if it wasn’t a vacation at all, leaving you more stressed than if you would have just stayed home. If you are looking for a trip that will entertain everyone and be worth every second of it, then this post is for you.  I have found the perfect trip were no one fought, cried, or said those dreaded words – I’m bored.  I know that sounds far-fetched, but it’s true and you should go and find out for yourself.  The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia is the best trip our family has every gone on and the only trip where everyone was happy.  This would be a great trip to add to your bucket list.  

The Great Ocean Road is a 242 kilometer-long scenic coastal road (about 150 miles) which connects the towns along the southwest coast of Victoria. You are probably thinking – “Wow, that’s a long drive for little kids” – however, there are constant stops along the way with many activities and breathtaking views.  My kids were eager to hop in the car and couldn’t wait for the next adventure around the corner.  There are countless things to do and see that will keep your kids engaged and happy. 

Top things to do and see on your trip

·        Twelve Apostles ·        Loch Ard Gorge ·        London Bridge ·        Gibson Steps ·        Thunder Cave ·        Thunder Cave Channel ·        The Grotto

·        Lighthouses ·        Beaches ·        Helicopter Rides ·        Otway Discovery ·        Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum ·        Whale Watching ·        Etc.

Day 1

Bell's Beach 
This was our first stop but another great place to start is Point Lonsdale.  We added that stop on a later visit when we stayed a few days in Ocean Grove, near Barwon Heads. 

       
Aireys Inlet - Split Point Light House

We stopped for snacks, restroom and to stretch our legs at this really neat playground in Lorne.

The drive to our hotel went up over the Otway Ranges through beautiful farm land and forest.  A short jaunt away from the ocean side.  We would return to this area for our adventure at the Otway Fly.

The beach outside our hotel in Port Campbell.

   

   

Day 2

The Otway Fly

We took a tree top walk on raised walkways and took a stroll back in time down on the ground level.  We all enjoyed this adventure.

   

   

   

      

 

   

    

The Gibson Steps

We stopped to play here for a little while on the way back to Port Campbell.  The steps carved right into the cliff wall for part of the walk are really amazing.  Down on the sand, the sound of the waves crashing into the beach echoed against the cliffs and it was just an awe-inspiring place to be.  But do not venture into the water, the surf is harsh and dangerous here.

One thing we learned from this trip is that its worth getting out of the tourist viewing areas and hiking down to the beaches.  There is just so much more to experience than the parking lots.

    

    

  

   

   

12 Apostles

This is one of the most famous stops on the Great Ocean Road.  There were 12 limestone structures but due to erosion there are now only 8 remaining.

    

    

    

Dinner at Port Campbell (Room 6 Restaurant)

Day 3

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warnambool. 

The kids loved climbing on the outdoor shipwreck collection.

  

    

    

 

     

     

     

     

     

  

The Arch

This is a beautiful spot for pictures and the kids loved jumping off the small limestone structures.

      

   

       

     

   

The Grotto

Another amazing place to take pictures.  You can see the sea beyond a small pool beneath the Grotto formation.

Day 4

Lock Ard Gorge

I thought this was one of the prettiest beaches to play on.  It's named after a ship that wrecked here killing 54 passengers with only 2 survivors.  A cabin boy made it to shore and bravely jumped back in to save a young women he heard crying for help.  He then climbed out of the gorge to get help to rescue her.  Stairs have been built to safely reach the beach.  

      

    

    

Thunder Cave

My kids loved listening to the sounds of the crashing waves echoing through the cave. It was truly an amazing experience to see and hear. They also enjoyed walking on the path spotting little animals.  

   

Twelve Apostles Helicopter Tour

We decided to come back to see some of the sites since the sun was shining and we had cloudy and rainy weather when we came to see the 12 Apostles the first time.  We decided to take a short helicopter tour and this has been the best memory for all of us.

             

Apollo Bay

A great place to play in the water and get sand between your toes.  If you like surfing, there is a surfing school and we got to see some kids get surfing lessons.

  

  

  

This was this best vacation I have ever taken my kids on.  If you are thinking of taking your kids to Australia, then I highly recommend visiting the Great Ocean Road.  I know there are other top tourist attractions that look amazing such as; the Sydney Oprah House, Great Barrier Reef, and even Uluru (Ayers Rock). However, my family's experience with these places was a little stressful, especially with small children. Due to these stressors, I was not able to see everything I wanted to at these sites.  If you want a vacation that makes everyone happy, then the Great Ocean Road is the way to go.