Wellness & Wildlife: Exploring the Magic of the Great Ocean Road

With summer’s arrival, the call of the open road is irresistible, and there’s no better journey than this iconic route along the southern coast. Recently crowned Australia’s most-loved road trip, the Great Ocean Road is a testament to the country’s natural beauty, where rugged cliffs meet the untamed ocean and rolling green hills melt into quaint coastal towns. It’s a scenic escape like no other.

In the face of rising living costs, many Australians—especially millennials—are seeking budget-friendly adventures, and the Great Ocean Road stands out as the perfect choice. It offers a blend of adventure and tranquility, a rare combination that caters to all. On my recent journey, I found the serene side of this coastal stretch, uncovering hidden wellness retreats, indulging in exquisite local produce, and marvelling at the adorable wildlife that calls this area home.

If you’re ready for the ultimate long weekend escape, here’s your guide to the Great Ocean Road.

Day One: Anglesea

I brought my mum along for the ride, and let's be honest, this could go one of two ways—perfectly delightful, or disastrously chaotic. Thankfully, our mother-daughter dynamic made it a harmonious adventure, and we were both quickly swept up in the peace of our getaway. Sure, we both share an undeniable gift for unintentionally offending each other, but there’s something truly special about carving out one-on-one time together amidst the daily chaos.

We set off from Melbourne, leaving the bustling city behind for the quietude of Mount Duneed. Our first stop was SANA Recovery, where we took a moment to breathe and reset before continuing our journey. As we sipped our chai, the weight of the week slowly melted away, and we could feel the excitement for what lay ahead building between us.

Next, we arrived in Anglesea, hoping to canoe along the serene river. But with the weather shifting, we quickly pivoted. We found refuge by the riverbank at Coogarah Park, laying out our picnic hamper from Surfcoast Picnic Co. Just as we settled in, the sky had other ideas, which turned the moment into a “blink-and-you-missed-it” affair. We quickly jostled into gear, ready to make our way to our first night’s stay.

For the night, we stayed at the refurbished Great Ocean Road Resort, which blended nostalgia with relaxation. The spacious two-bedroom apartment felt like a home away from home, complete with a spa bath and thoughtful touches that made us feel instantly at ease.

After checking in, we treated ourselves to some much-needed pampering at the resort’s onsite Lux Spa & Wellness. The massages were transformative, with the therapists working some kind of magic to find knots we didn’t even know we had.  We emerged feeling lighter and renewed, ready for a relaxing evening ahead.

Dinner was at The Coast Restaurant, a family-friendly spot serving fresh, local flavours. The grilled sardines with pepperberry chimichurri were an unexpected delight, and the slow-braised beef cheek melted in our mouths. The Bells Beach lamb was tender, and for dessert, the whiskey and marmalade bread and butter pudding felt like a warm hug. The modern Australian menu, featuring native ingredients and locally sourced produce, was the perfect way to wrap up the day, best paired with a glass of local Chardonnay. 

Day Two: Apollo Bay

After a blissful night’s sleep, we set out early to catch the morning light dancing across the ocean. Finally, some sunshine! The highlight of the day? Our seal kayaking adventure in Marengo with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak. We paddled out to rocky shores where playful fur seals basked on the rocks, completely unfazed by our presence. 

Following the kayaking, we wandered Marengo Beach, exploring rocky flats dotted with inviting rock pools. Eventually, we headed back to Apollo Bay’s main street, where we indulged in a quick coffee and a stroll around the local market.

Next, we joined the “Walk With Wildlife” tour at nearby Wildlife Wonders. Picture this: baby emus that could melt anyone’s cold, dead heart (read: mine), kangaroos lounging with an unmatched confidence, and koalas lazily perched in their trees. Our guide was a fountain of knowledge, and as we passed the emus (who weren’t exactly rushing to let us take the lead), the stunning coastal view behind them made everything feel so quintessentially Australian.

Refreshed by our wildlife encounters, we took a short hike to Sheoak Falls, followed by sweeping views from Teddy’s Lookout. By this point, a light mist had rolled in, adding a magical touch to the already mystical landscape.

By the time we reached Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet, we were ready to unwind. We sipped Prosecco in the room (a shared love) before heading to Santara Restaurant, which offered the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening. The meal was a delicious assortment of pork momos, halloumi sliders, samosas, and curries (definitely try the lamb vindaloo), complemented by moody vibes and topped off with a spicy margarita to round out a perfect day.

Day Three: Aireys Inlet & Torquay

On our final day, we focused on enjoying the serenity that had defined our trip. The morning began with a peaceful stroll around Airey's iconic Split Point Lighthouse, the cool air still holding the mist from the previous night. We were rewarded with panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

After soaking in the scenery, we made our way back to Sunnymead, where we slipped into chequered robes and headed to the Indie Spa. The soothing mineral pools wrapped us in calm, setting the tone for a complete unwind. For the ultimate indulgence, we experienced the Bathe In treatment, a luxurious 40-minute soak in stone bathtubs. We chose from luxurious bath soaks like spiced chai, with warming cinnamon and citrus, or the vino buttermilk soak featuring vanilla and berries. A dry body brush exfoliation prepped our skin, and we sipped mocktails while we bathed.

The vibrant, nostalgic 1950s Miami-meets-Broadbeach vibe of Sunnymead made it impossible not to fall in love. From the colourful palm prints to the inviting pool area and the outdoor pizza oven, it felt like the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

After our spa experience in Aireys Inlet, we headed to RACV Torquay Resort for another wellness treat—the stunning One Spa Hammam Bathing Session. My mother, initially hesitant, quickly became a convert. The steam room worked its magic, melting away tension, and the Hammam wasn’t just a steam session—it was a full ritual. We moved between the thermal stone steam room, vitality pool, and relaxation pool, each offering therapeutic benefits. The vitality pool gave us a perfect pick-me-up, invigorating our bodies and boosting circulation.

Following all that pampering, we wrapped up the day with lunch at Hardings Lounge, perched above the lush golf course at RACV Torquay Resort. Sipping crisp white wine, we felt like boujee housewives, enjoying delicious nasi goreng and pad Thai.

As we drove back to Melbourne, it hit me—this trip wasn’t just about ticking wellness boxes. It was about slowing down and creating memories with the person who’s given me the chance to explore this world—a world where the Great Ocean Road exists.

This getaway struck the perfect balance between relaxation and nature, a beautiful reminder that the wonders we seek are often right on our doorstep. In a fast-paced world, we could all use a little more of what the Great Ocean Road so effortlessly provides: unparalleled beauty and a much-needed dose of wellness.

Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Great Ocean Road delivers. Each curve reveals something new—wild beauty, peaceful hideaways, and a profound connection to nature. This is Australia at its finest, where every moment feels like a postcard-worthy memory waiting to be made. For more travel inspiration this summer, check out these island getaways and Euro-summer stays.