Great Ocean Road - Australia
The Great Ocean Road is a renowned scenic highway that traverses 151 miles of spectacular coastline in Australia’s southeastern state of Victoria. Offering breathtaking views of the Bass Strait, the Southern Ocean, and coastal features like sea stacks, sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush rainforests. The route is considered one of the world’s great travel experiences.
</br>The story of the Great Ocean Road began in the latter days of World War I with the prospect of opening land access to the wilds of southern Victoria with a road built by returning war veterans. Surveying began in 1918 and roughly 3,000 veterans commenced construction in September of 1919. Progress through the harsh terrain proved difficult, with much of the excavation done by hand. After more than a decade of toil, the Great Ocean Road officially opened in November of 1932. Anchored on its east by the town of Torquay and on its west by the town of Allansford, the beautiful route is the world’s largest war memorial, a designation bestowed in commemoration to those who built it.
</br>This bush trip captures the essence of the Great Ocean Road—and much more. Beginning at Essendon Fields Airport, the route passes to the west of downtown Melbourne, granting exceptional vistas of this modern metropolis. It continues along the eastern and southern extents of Port Phillip, the large bay that serves as Melbourne’s maritime gateway. It then continues along the coastline of the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, paralleling the Great Ocean Road, offering unforgettable vistas in every direction.
</br>This route leaves the opportunity open to loiter over any of its many sights, visually exploring spectacular landscapes from above, or adhering to the itinerary, including flying in accordance with local airspace rules, if desired.
Total Legs: 4 Total Distance: 194 Total Time(125kts): 1 hours 33 minutes
Leg 1
Leg Distance: 66.57 Approximate time at 125kts: 32 minutes.
YMEN(YMEN) to WP1(POI1)
Distance: 8.36NM Bearing: 165° 4 minutes
After lifting off from Essendon Fields Airport, set a course to the south-southeast and climb to 1,500 feet above sea level. As downtown Melbourne comes into clear view, sight the prominent north-south running CityLink (M2) highway to the west of the main cluster of high-rise buildings. Follow the CityLink (M2) to the Bolte Bridge, a large, distinctive twin cantilever bridge that spans the Yarra River. Near the Bolte Bridge, visually trace the Yarra River to its termination in Hobsons Bay, which is the northernmost extent of Port Phillip. Fly toward Point Gellibrand, located on the southern end of the confluence of the Yarra River with Hobsons Bay, passing over Williamstown Timeball Tower.
Also known as the Williamstown Lighthouse and Point Gellibrand Lighthouse, Williamstown Timeball Tower was built in 1849, making it the second oldest lighthouse in Victoria. For several decades, the tower displayed a chronometer synchronizer, the timeball. Every afternoon, operators raised a large copper ball along a pole-guide mounted at the top of the tower and dropped the ball along the pole-guide at precisely one o’clock local time. This allowed personnel on ships offshore to adjust their chronometers, critical for precision navigation at sea. Descending in altitude grants detailed views of the tower.
WP1(POI1) to WP2(POI2)
Distance: 9.71NM Bearing: 130° 5 minutes
After passing over the Williamstown Timeball Tower, turn onto a heading of 130° magnetic and climb to 1,500 feet. Sight a prominent point of land in the distance on the northeastern shore of Port Phillip. Pass a prominent jetty at the south end of a shallow cove named Half Moon Bay. Continue along the coast to Ricketts Point, two miles south of the jetty. The coast in this region is protected by Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for crystal clear water, rock pools, and sandstone reefs. 51 species of fish inhabit the water of the sanctuary, including Australian sweep, hulafish, and zebra fish.
WP2(POI2) to WP3(POI3)
Distance: 6.13NM Bearing: 128° 3 minutes
Maintain heading and pass over Beaumaris Bay to reach the Patterson River where it meets the eastern shore of Port Phillip. The Patterson River, which is partially human made, is the shortest river in Victoria and one of the shortest in Australia.
WP3(POI3) to WP4(POI4)
Distance: 9.34NM Bearing: 194° 4 minutes
Continue following the coastline to the southwest, passing a series of coves and small bays to reach Davey Point and then Pelican Point, both small, forested bluffs with houses built on them. Gain a visual of Schnapper Point in the distance, a long, low, tan headland. Mothers Beach is located on the north side of Schnapper Point and Mornington Pier extends northeast into Port Phillip from its tip. Mornington Pier has a monument to Royal Navy officer Matthew Flinders, widely credited for popularizing the name “Australia.” Flinders landed at Schnapper Point during his famous circumnavigation of Australia he undertook from 1801 to 1803.
WP4(POI4) to WP5(POI5)
Distance: 12.27NM Bearing: 230° 6 minutes
Once over Schnapper Point, turn onto a heading of 231° magnetic and maintain an altitude of 1,500 feet, flying out over the open water of Port Phillip. This is the most difficult leg of the journey navigation-wise, due to low-lying landmarks that can prove difficult to identify from a distance. After a few minutes of flying, gain a visual on the opening of Port Phillip to the Bass Strait, a channel known as The Rip (which is also called Port Phillip Heads, or The Heads). After a few more minutes, Mud Island will appear ahead of The Rip. South Channel Fort is located 2.3 miles to the southeast of the southernmost point of Mud Island. As Mud Island becomes more visually well defined, reduce speed and descend to 500 feet above sea level, maintaining heading. After a few more minutes of flying, South Channel Fort will appear.
South Channel Fort, also called South Channel Island, is an artificial island that measures just 400 feet by 250 feet. The colonial government of Australia built the island fort in the 1880s for the defense of Melbourne and surrounding towns using a dense blue-gray basalt called bluestone laid upon shallow mud. The fort was occupied between 1890 and 1916.
WP5(POI5) to WP6(POI6)
Distance: 8.89NM Bearing: 264° 4 minutes
From South Channel Fort, turn onto a 264° magnetic heading, climb to 1,500 feet above sea level, and gain a visual on the western border of The Rip, Point Lonsdale. Upon passing just north of the eastern side of The Rip, Point Nepean, begin descending to an altitude of 1,200 feet above sea level, continuing on a heading toward Point Lonsdale. Due to its shallow water, combined with fast currents, The Rip is one of the most dangerous maritime passageways in the world; it has claimed several ships and lives. Built of concrete, Point Lonsdale Lighthouse was constructed in 1902, replacing a wooden navigation aid erected in 1863. The 69-foot-tall lighthouse, which was automated in 1999, is considered one of the country’s most important maritime navigation aids due to the dangers posed by The Rip.
WP6(POI6) to WP7(POI7)
Distance: 8.48NM Bearing: 293° 4 minutes
From Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, adjust heading slightly to the north and skirt the southern edge of nearby Lake Victoria, which lies just north of the Bass Strait coastline. Lake Victoria is a vital habitat for more than 80 waterbird species, including the black swan, great crested grebe, and the chestnut teal. After passing the southern edge of Lake Victoria, continue on course over some fields and the town of Ocean Grove to reach the northern edge of Lake Connewarre. Named after the Aboriginal words meaning “black swan lake”, Lake Connewarre is part of the Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve and is an important wildlife habitat, like Lake Victoria.
WP7(POI7) to YBRS(YBRS)
Distance: 3.39NM Bearing: 201° 2 minutes
At the northern edge of Lake Connewarre, turn onto a southwesterly heading over the lake and begin descending. Gain a visual of Barwon Heads Airport (YBRS), located just under a mile south of the southern edge of Lake Connewarre. Align the aircraft with runway 18 and land on the narrow asphalt strip.
Leg 2
Leg Distance: 50.7 Approximate time at 125kts: 24 minutes.
YBRS(YBRS) to WP8(POI8)
Distance: 7.06NM Bearing: 216° 3 minutes
Lift off from Barwon Heads Airport and set a course to the south-southwest, tracking the shoreline while remaining just inland of it. Pass between Torquay Airport and Point Impossible (where Thompson Creek meets the Bass Strait) and then continue over the town of Torquay. Gain a visual on Highway B100, which runs roughly north-south of Torquay, and then sight the oval field of the Torquay Cricket and Football Club where Highway B100 curves to the west. The roundabout that marks the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road lies one tenth of a mile to the southeast of the field. (Highway B100’s name changes from the Surf Coast Highway to the Great Ocean Road at the roundabout.)
WP8(POI8) to WP9(POI9)
Distance: 8.35NM Bearing: 217° 4 minutes
The section of coastline between Torquay to the town of Lorne, approximately 25 miles to the southwest of Torquay, is known as the Surf Coast. Traversed in its entirety by the Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast is renowned for its beautiful shorelines, diverse wildlife including koalas and shorebirds, whale watching, and exceptional surfing. The Surf Coast contains several coastal parks and preserves.
Pass over the southern edge of the town of Torquay to reach the shoreline at Lorne-Queenscliff Coastal Reserve. The reserve was established to protect the diverse environments of the region, including reefs and beaches. Continue flying to the southwest, at an altitude between 500 and 1,000 feet above sea level, remaining just off the coast for exceptional views. Reach Point Addis, a distinct coastal prominence buttressed by sea cliffs. A distinguishing feature identifying Point Addis is a large open field on a bluff just inland of it. Point Addis lies at the juncture of Point Addis Marine National Park and Great Otway National Park. Point Addis Marine National Park protects several critical maritime habitats, including limestone reefs, sponge gardens, and kelp forests. Great Otway National Park, inland of Point Addis, comprises mountain environments of the Otway Ranges, beaches, eucalyptus forests, and temperate rainforests.
Continue flying just offshore past beaches and sea cliffs, then pass by the Anglesea River where it meets the coast at a broad, sandy beach. Continue to the next prominent point, Point Roadknight, a popular beach destination with a long, sandy beach to its north.
WP9(POI9) to WP10(POI10)
Distance: 4.39NM Bearing: 225° 2 minutes
The land inland of the coast becomes hillier to the southwest of Point Roadknight, with lush forests covering the rolling terrain. Gain a visual on Split Point in the distance, the location of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. Approaching Split Point, two large sea stacks, Eagle Rock and Table Rock, come into view, which are the centerpieces of the sanctuary. They are volcanic in origin and continue to be shaped by the erosional action of waves. Split Point Lighthouse stands on the bluff overlooking Eagle Rock and Table Rock. Originally constructed in 1891, the 112-foot-tall lighthouse remains in operation as an automatic navigation aid. This section of Victoria is commonly called “Shipwreck Coast” as more than 700 ships have run aground in the area.
WP10(POI10) to WP11(POI11)
Distance: 2.85NM Bearing: 253° 1 minutes
Continue flying on a westerly course, parallelling the Great Ocean Road where it runs along the beach. Sight a small cove and point of land in the distance where the coastline hooks to the south. The point of land is called Cinema Point, and it offers exceptional vistas as it stands about 50 feet above the crashing surf.
Memorial Arch at Eastern View lies approximately .6 mile to the northeast of Cinema Point, at a point on the coast just before it hooks to the south. Initially erected in 1939 at the small settlement of Eastern View, the wooden Memorial Arch spans the Great Ocean Road in commemoration of the veteran workers who built the route. Although the arch itself has been rebuilt several times over the decades, the original Great Ocean Road sign crafted to adorn the structure has endured and hangs at the arch’s apex.
WP11(POI11) to WP12(POI12)
Distance: 5.31NM Bearing: 199° 3 minutes
After passing over Memorial Arch, continue following the coastline and pass Cinema Point. The coastline here is characterized by dramatic sea cliffs and lush forests inland of the shoreline. Gain a visual on the coastal town of Lorne, located where the coastline hooks to the southeast and forms the southern end of Loutit Bay. Point Grey and the Lorne Pier are located on the southeastern edge of the town where the coastline again strikes to the southwest. Lorne is a key destination for travelers along the Great Ocean Road as it grants access to its sheltered beach, and the lush inland rainforests and waterfalls of Great Otway National Park.
WP12(POI12) to WP13(POI13)
Distance: 11.08NM Bearing: 207° 5 minutes
Continue paralleling the Great Ocean Road to the southwest. Flying at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,200 feet above sea level provides exceptional views at this point in the journey. Pass several notable peaks of the Otway Ranges including Langdale Pike and Mount Defiance, then pass by the small coastal hamlets of Separation Creek and Wye River. Pass over Point Sturt, which lies due south of Wye River and continue to Point Hawdon, a prominent headland along this spectacular stretch of coastline. After passing Point Hawdon, cross Addis Bay to reach Cape Patton, directly to the southwest of Point Hawdon. The Great Ocean Road rises to nearly 300 feet above the crashing surf at Point Hawdon, making this location a favorite for travelers as it offers panoramic views of the sea and the mountainous coastline.
WP13(POI13) to WP14(POI14)
Distance: 5.53NM Bearing: 239° 3 minutes
Continue tracking the coastline and pass Sugarloaf Hill, then enter Apollo Bay. Gain a visual of the small coastal hamlet of Skenes Creek. Just before passing Skenes Creek, turn onto a 183° magnetic heading at a small, low point of land, flying out over Apollo Bay. The town of Apollo Bay lies in the distance to the right once on this heading.
WP14(POI14) to WP15(POI15)
Distance: 3.78NM Bearing: 183° 2 minutes
Continue on a heading of 183° magnetic over Apollo Bay to reach Henty Reef. The Reef lies approximately 2.3 miles to the east-southeast of the hamlet of Marengo, which is just south of the town of Apollo Bay. Henty Reef is a system of low, flat sandstone islands that barely breach the surface of the surrounding water. Fringed by colorful seaweed gardens, Little Henty Reef thrives with sea life.
WP15(POI15) to YAPO(YAPO)
Distance: 2.35NM Bearing: 272° 1 minutes
After passing over Henty Reef, turn right 90°, back toward the coastline, and land at runway 27 at Apollo Bay Airport (YAPO), located just north of Marengo. The approach to runway 27 is straightforward as it lies perpendicular to and just inland of the coast, but the strip is very narrow, requiring a delicate touch on the controls.
Leg 3
Leg Distance: 41.6 Approximate time at 125kts: 20 minutes.
YAPO(YAPO) to WP16(POI16)
Distance: 6.96NM Bearing: 212° 3 minutes
Lift off from Apollo Bay Airport and follow the heavily forested coastline to the southwest past Blanket Bay and Point Lewis. The Great Ocean Road lies further inland of the coastline along this section. Pass over Point Franklin, where the coast trends toward the west.
WP16(POI16) to WP17(POI17)
Distance: 1.96NM Bearing: 257° 1 minutes
Continue past several small coves along the rugged coastline west of Point Franklin to reach Cape Otway and the Cape Otway Lightstation. Cape Otway is the southernmost point of this route and marks the boundary where the Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean. Due to winds, currents, and the rugged nature of the coastline, this area has historically proven treacherous to maritime travel. Hundreds of ships have sunk nearby. Construction on the Cape Otway Lightstation began in 1846 and began operation in 1848, making it the second lighthouse completed on the Australian mainland. Nicknamed the “Beacon of Hope” for its navigational importance, the lighthouse stands roughly 300 feet above the sea and is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.
WP17(POI17) to WP18(POI18)
Distance: 12.85NM Bearing: 281° 6 minutes
After passing Cape Otway, turn to the northwest to follow the general trend of the coastline, sighting Point Reginald in the distance, a prominent headland. The Great Ocean Road runs inland through most of this portion of coast as the shoreline here is some of the most rugged and dangerous in Australia. The mountains of the Otway Ranges plunge into the sea around Point Reginald, providing some of the most dramatic ocean vistas found anywhere on the planet. Flying at altitudes near 500 feet above sea level grants exceptionally detailed views of the coastline, while flying between 1,000 and 1,500 feet provides much broader, more expansive views.
WP18(POI18) to WP19(POI19)
Distance: 6.3NM Bearing: 298° 3 minutes
Continue along the shoreline as it trends to the northwest, passing cliffs and coves of the rugged coast. Descend to 500 feet for the best views of the coast. After passing Oliver Hill, a heavily forested prominence just inland of the shoreline, the terrain becomes lower and more level. Less than a mile northwest of Oliver Hill, pass into Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, a marine protected area established to protect the world-renowned sea stacks and other spectacular features of this part of the coastline. Sight a large rocky promontory where the Gellibrand River meets the sea, Ronald Point (also called Point Ronald). Princetown beach lies directly to the southeast of Ronald Point. Just inland of the coastline, Ronald Point marks the juncture of Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park. Port Campbell National Park is the terrestrial counterpart to Twelve Apostles Marine National Park.
WP19(POI19) to WP20(POI20)
Distance: 3.18NM Bearing: 304° 2 minutes
Continue tracking the coastline to the northwest after passing Ronald Point. Skirt a long line of sea cliffs and then fly past Clifton Beach. The Great Ocean Road rejoins the coastline near the northwest end of Clifton Beach. In the distance, sight Gog and Magog, two large limestone sea stacks located just off Gibson Beach (Gibson Steps provides access to the beach from the Great Ocean Road). Gog is the larger of the two and lies closer to the shoreline. Just beyond Gog and Magog, pass a small cove bounded on the northwest by a hook-shaped promontory called Castle Rock. Castle Rock rises 150 feet vertically off the shoreline and offers spectacular views from an observation point on its summit, a location called Saddle Lookout.
Pass Castle Rock to reach the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that is one of the most famous natural creations on the planet. The inexorable erosional action of the sea’s waves created these formations over millennia. Originally eight in number and called the Sow and Piglets, wave action has reduced their number to seven; their name was changed to be more evocative of their commanding presence.
WP20(POI20) to WP21(POI21)
Distance: 6.16NM Bearing: 288° 3 minutes
Continue along the coastline, passing several more promontories, sea stacks, and islets. Fly past Loch Ard Gorge, a stunning beach surrounded by towering yellow limestone cliffs. The gorge was named after the clipper Loch Ard, which became shipwrecked in the area in 1878. Continue past Loch Ard Gorge to reach the small seaside village of Port Campbell.
WP21(POI21) to YPBH(YPBH)
Distance: 4.19NM Bearing: 267° 2 minutes
From Port Campbell, follow the coast, remaining just inland of the shoreline. Gain a visual on Curdies Inlet and the hamlet of Peterborough. Peterborough Airport (YPBH) lies due east of Peterborough amid a large field. Land on runway 26.
Leg 4
Leg Distance: 35.29 Approximate time at 125kts: 17 minutes.
YPBH(YPBH) to WP22(POI22)
Distance: 3.95NM Bearing: 278° 2 minutes
Lift off from Peterborough Airport, fly over Curdies Inlet and Peterborough and then pass back over the Great Ocean Road and the coastline at Crofts Bay. Climb to an altitude between 500 and 700 feet above sea level. Shortly after passing Crofts Bay, reach the Bay of Islands, renowned for its collection of small coves, sea stacks, and islets. The Great Ocean Road strikes inland at the Bay of Islands to the town of Allansford, its western end.
WP22(POI22) to WP23(POI23)
Distance: 9.11NM Bearing: 297° 4 minutes
Continue along the coast, passing Flaxmans Hill and several sea stacks, to reach Murnane Bay.
WP23(POI23) to WP24(POI24)
Distance: 10.75NM Bearing: 288° 5 minutes
The coastline immediately northwest of Murnane Bay is defined by low sea cliffs, long stretches of beach, and several small ponds just inland of the shoreline. Pass Lake Gillear and sight a promontory in the distance, Breakwater Rock. The coastline curves to the south at Breakwater Rock, forming Lady Bay. The bay and point lie just south of the city of Warrnambool. Pass over Breakwater Rock and continue to the northwest.
WP24(POI24) to WP25(POI25)
Distance: 5.96NM Bearing: 291° 3 minutes
Continue past Breakwater Rock and Warrnambool and climb to 1,200 feet above sea level. Pass a series of low cliffs and long stretches of sandy beaches to reach Warrnambool – Port Fairy Coastal Reserve, which protects vast sweeps of dune fields and wetlands. Sight The Cutting, a long, narrow lake that nearly reaches the sea on its western end. Turn to the north toward Tower Hill Lake at the western end of The Cutting.
WP25(POI25) to WP26(POI26)
Distance: 1.34NM Bearing: 349° 1 minutes
Tower Hill Lake fills a 30,000-year-old dormant volcanic crater. The circular lake is dotted with small islands and has a large, forested peninsula as its centerpiece. The Lake is the namesake of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, which protects emus, kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, and several bird species.
WP26(POI26) to YWBL(YWBL)
Distance: 4.18NM Bearing: 52° 2 minutes
At the southern edge of Tower Hill Lake, turn onto a northeast heading. Pass over several agriculture fields, begin descending, and land at runway 04 to bring this aerial exploration of the Great Ocean Road to a close.
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