The Great Ocean Road winds along the edge of the open sea for several hundred kilometres and each turn reveals another sight more majestic than the last. The road passes through the imposing Otway Ranges - a virtual wilderness of temperate rainforest, with extensive stands of aged tall timbers and tree ferns, crystal clear waterfalls.

The most famous feature of this wild coastline is the ancient series of rock formations rising beside the cliffs known as the Twelve Apostles. These are the tough remnants of a weathered and sea beaten coastline and stand silent watch over this treacherous stretch.

Known as the Shipwreck Coast, there are said to be the hulks of many a pioneering ship lost while trying to make its way to the relative safety of Port Phillip Bay.

Loch Ard Gorge is named after one such unfortunate vessel and a short climb down the cliff into this gorge brings into dramatic focus the reality of the dangers the early settlers faced.