Back in the fifties and sixties, there really was no type of clothing that could be defined as strictly "surfwear." Surfers, who needed baggy trunks in order to straddle their surfboards, usually bought whatever was available in a larger size or had them custom sewn. The Hawaiian shirt became associated with surfing, but not only with surfing. It took a couple of upstart companies in Torquay Australia to invent surfwear as we know it today.

They have both gone international now, but the two largest manufacturers of surfwear in the world, Quiksilver and Rip Curl, both have their origins in Torquay. One of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, the Rip Curl Bells Beach has been running since since the early 1960s and became a professional contest in 1973. Back then, it was run on a shoestring and the most the winners could hope for as a prize was to win back their travel expenses. Today, it is a multi-million dollar contest that is an important part of the world surfing circuit.

The Bells Beach contest in Torquay plays a big part in surfing history. In 1981, Simon Anderson tackled both the competition and some of the biggest waves in the contest’s history on his new invention, the "thruster" surfboard. He won the contest on this strange 3 finned board. After that, surfboard design was changed forever and these three-finned short boards are the norm to this day.

It will come as no surprise that a city with a surfing history as rich as Torquay would have a museum dedicated to the sport. The Surf World Museum in Torquay is not just any surfing museum: it is the largest one in the world and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

With all of its surfing attractions, it would be understandable if you wondered if Torquay had anything to offer non-surfers. As the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most spectacular highways, the answer is yes, Torquay has a great deal to offer everybody. You don’t even have to drive out of town to get a taste of the grandeur of the Surf Coast. You can experience its rugged beauty just by taking the Surf Coast Walk. Although the walk is almost 19 miles (30 kilometres) long and takes an average of eleven hours to complete, it is divided into several segments, so can be enjoyed in "small bites" if you prefer.

One of surfing’s secrets is that the best waves in the world are located in some of the world’s most scenic coastal settings. Torquay’s Bells Beach, Jan Juc and other Surf Coast spots are no exception to this rule. The town itself enjoys a stunningly picturesque setting. Whether you’re a surfer or not, if you love the sea, you will love staying in a Torquay accommodation and getting to know the area and its unique community.

Opportunities for Warrnambool accommodation and sightseeing are plentiful here. Cannon Hill offers panoramic views of Lake Pertobe and Lady Bay. They have parking for you car, a large rotunda and great barbeque facilities for a picnic lunch.

There are also several beautiful gardens. Warrnambool’s Botanic Gardens feature lush plant life and trees, winding walking paths, a lily pond stocked with ducks and a rotunda where you can catch a live concert. It is full of history as well, dating back to its creation in 1879 by designer William Guilfoyle. Fletcher Jones Gardens is also a nice choice. These gardens are home to colourful plants, a wishing well, waterfall and an old hawker wagon owned by Jones.

Children will have a field day at Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. This play land will keep kids busy feeding ducks, observing flying foxes, boat riding and wandering through a maze. There are also giant slides and picnic areas with barbeque facilities. The Lake Pertobe region is also home to outdoor sports activities such as mini golf, lawn tennis and an athletic track. Nearby is a skateboard park.

When night falls, hitting the town can be a blast. First, catch a live show at Warrnambool Entertainment Centre. Here you can see ballet, opera, musicals, live drama and comedy. Then grab a bite to eat at one of the area’s many restaurants, cafes and diners. From upscale bistros to casual dining, there is something for every taste. Before heading back to your room, pop in at a local pub or bar for a drink and a little dancing.

And you cannot miss whale watching. This area is actually a hot spot for whales feeding and playing. People have options of watching these majestic beasts from the land, the sea, the air or even by train.

If you are feeling adventurous, head to the water and fish or dive. There are many fresh water lakes as well as salt water inlets and bays, not to mention the ocean, just waiting to be explored. Of course you can dive down and admire aquatic life such as fish and coral. But you can also visit Ship Wreck Coast. You will be provided with all the necessary gear to explore. This area imposes a "no take" rule. But there are other areas where you are allowed to take crayfish and other fish.

Before your visit is complete, you need to head off to Allansford Cheese World. Here, you will be treated to samples of award winning local cheese. You can also buy yourself a meal or snack. Local wines are also available to make the experience complete. Stop inside the Cheese World Museum, where you can learn all about the history of farming and farming life.

So you can see, this destination is one that will surely make everyone in your party happy. Warrnambool offers a good balance of excitement and relaxation. The sights you take in will last a lifetime. Just be sure your trip is long enough; time flies when you’re having fun!

This city is tourist equipped with many high class resorts. The Mantra Erskine Beach Resort is set on the beachfront, complete with gardens and a historic guesthouse. A day spa adds relaxation and comfort to the Cumberland Lorne Resort. Ocean views in a restored hotel are available in the Grand Pacific.

There are other Lorne accommodation options. The Lemonade Creek Cottages are surrounded by temperate rain-forest. Many of these cottages are available. Motels, villas, and bed and breakfasts are part of the town, as in most tourist sites. Some may go for convenient locations only a few minutes from the beach and shopping centres. There is even a pet-friendly location, Red Paws of Lorne.

The Great Ocean Road is a famous tourist route. It starts in Torquay and goes 243 kilometres to Warrnambool. The road is both transportation route and war memorial; it was dedicated to the casualties of World War I. Lorne has favourable access to the road which lets tourist use it as a headquarters and still explore the surrounding coastal towns.

The resident population of the town is less than 1000. It is usually quiet. For most of the year, this makes it a good place to escape. There are a lot of nature exploration opportunities for any visitor. The flora and fauna add a beautiful backdrop for picnics and hikes. The Erskine Falls and Otways National Park are great options nearby, but there are smaller local parks, too.

The city has all the beauty and benefits of a seaside town. Beaches and cafes are popular places to visit. Check out the spas for those who need a relaxing break from vacationing. Shopping or cruising an art gallery are great ways to spend the day. The fish market can add that special local flavour to your day.

The pace changes in Lorne when the city becomes part of a series of different endurance events. It is one end of the Great Ocean Road Marathon. The race runs 45 kilometres along the road. The Pier to Pub Swim and the Mountain to Surf Run also attract a crowd. Golf and other sports are available at the country club and elsewhere. Surfing in the area can be another fun escape.

Once a year the city comes to life as the crowds pour in for the Falls Festival. It starts on the 28th of December and ends on New Years Day. The festival tradition began in 1993 with only a small concert. It grew each year. Starting in 2007, the festival hosted over fifty artists. The festival attendees camp out near the venue or just a little bit away. The tickets go from $30 to $300 depending on dates and camping.

This site has many historic buildings to explore. The Pacific Hotel at Mountjoy Parade dates back to 1879 and is built of old brick. St. Cuthbert Presbyterian Church dates back to the late 1800s. Erskine House is from that era as well, and offers extensive gardens. It has its own accommodation centre. Check out the Lorne Historical Society Museum is worth the time, too.

Great Ocean Road Tours with ACMTours

As scenic drives go, you would be hard-pressed to find something more impressive than the Great Ocean Road. This gorgeous stretch of highway runs for nearly 250 kilometers, connecting the towns of Torquay and Allansford. Originally constructed during the Second World War as a means of transportation for Australian soldiers, today the Great Ocean Road is much more likely to see tourists enjoying the wide vistas of ocean-swept beaches.

Driving the road yourself requires intense concentration, with sharp curves bringing speeds down to well below the posted speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. Rather than spending all day negotiating this tough terrain, spend your holiday taking in the views in one of ACMTour’s luxury vehicles.
If you’re paying attention to the driving rather than the scenery, you could easily miss spotting the bountiful wildlife that roams along the road. With a keen eye, you can catch glimpses of kangaroos, koalas, and all types of native birds.

ACMTours offers both one and two day tours to suit your timeframe. Groups are limited to less than seven passengers to ensure attention to detail, and each outing comes complete with a scrumptious two-course lunch, often including traditional fare such as kangaroo. Many of the ingredients are locally grown and organic, establishing a real connection with the land you can cherish.

If you have the time, a two day tour is highly recommended. This expedition comes complete with sunset views of the Twelve Apostles, the famous (and stunning) collection of limestone stacks that jut majestically out of the ocean. Your two days of driving are broken up luxuriously with an overnight stay at the Guest House, a quaint inn that overlooks Great Otway National Park. In the morning, awake to a breakfast of fresh eggs, brought right to the table from the hens out back.

There’s no better way to explore the Great Ocean Road than with ACMTours. Leave the driving to professionals, and enjoy every kilometer of the pristine surroundings. While you are in the area, Book it Now has a comprehensive list of Great Ocean Road Accommodation to stay in.

Contact Information:
Australian Coastal Mountain Tours Pty Ltd
Holiday Inverloch Pty Ltd
Ph:1300 851 847
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eVqNZm0jEI
http://www.acmtours.com.au

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

Around the world there are many famous and scenic highways which are ideal for touring holidays, and Australia is no exception with its Great Ocean Road! Here you’ll find some fantastic scenery, many famous Australian landmarks, and a number of great little towns to stop in and explore.

Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road is situated in Victoria, in south eastern Australia, and runs for 243 kilometres (151 miles) between the cities of Torquay and Warrnambool. The road mainly hugs the coastline which means it has many twists and turns, so you need to allow yourself plenty of time to get from town to town. We certainly wouldn’t recommend you try to cover the whole distance in just one day, as you really wouldn’t be able to fully appreciate this great stretch of road if you’re rushing!

What is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road was constructed between 1919 and 1932 in memory of those who were killed in the First World War. In a fitting tribute to their comrades, the road was built by 3000 of the servicemen who were lucky enough to return with their lives.

What will you see on the Great Ocean Road?
There are literally hundreds of things to see and do on your tour of the Great Ocean Road, so many in fact that we’ve just included some of the highlights of our tour here!

Coastal Landscapes – With much of the Great Ocean Road hugging the coast you’re in for a treat in terms of the magnificent coastal landscapes you’ll see here. Views are aplenty of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait and then there are the famous coastal rock formations: London Arch, the Grotto, Elephant Rock and probably the most famous of them all, the Twelve Apostles.

Mountains and Forests – If you can tear your eyes away from the views of the coasts you’ll also enjoy the beautiful mountains and forests which are just inland. These areas can’t be fully appreciated from the road, so make the most of them by driving inland a little and visiting places like Erskine Falls near Lorne. One stretch of the Great Ocean Road passes right through Great Otway National Park giving you the opportunity to see some of Australia’s last remaining temperate rainforests.

Towns and Cities – All along the Great Ocean Road you’ll come to towns and cities of varying sizes, each with their own charm and appeal and a range of tourist attractions which will likely convince you to stay! The larger towns you’ll pass through (from east to west) include Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Lavers Hill, Port Campbell, Peterborough and Warrnambool.

Our best advice for touring the Great Ocean Road is to make sure you allow yourself enough time. The appeal of the Great Ocean Road is not just the road itself but the whole area, and you’re really encouraged to stop at every opportunity and get out of the car to walk and enjoy the sights and sounds at a more relaxed pace. We’re sure you’ll be very happy that you did!

Our website has a fantastic list of Great Ocean Road Accommodation including Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Houses, Self-Contained, Motels and Hotels all along the way.

‘Touring the Great Ocean Road’ by Claire Bolgil