I've spent the better part of a decade chasing light and waves along Victoria's coastline, and the stretch between Torquay and Apollo Bay never fails to deliver. This is the Great Ocean Road at its finest, where every bend reveals another postcard-worthy scene. Let me take you through my favourite beaches along this legendary route.
Bells Beach: Where Legends Are Made
You can't talk about this coastline without starting at Bells. This place is surf royalty, and for good reason. The powerful swells that roll in here have been testing surfers since the 1960s. I've photographed this beach in every season, and it's got a different personality each time.
On quieter days, you'll find dogs absolutely loving life on the sand. I captured one of my favourite moments here when a pup had the entire beach to himself at sunrise. That shot became my Bells Beach Art Print I, and it brings a smile to my face every time I see it.
Anglesea: The Unsung Hero
Here's where things get interesting. While everyone rushes past to get to the Apostles, Anglesea quietly serves up some of the most spectacular coastal views on the entire road. The cliffs here are jaw-dropping, those sheer drops onto golden sand with water so blue it barely looks real.
I've got five different prints from Anglesea, and each one shows a different side of this beauty. The lookout gives you sweeping views across to Point Roadknight. Then there's Soapy Rocks, which lives up to its name, colourful and slippery as hell. The Surf Life Saving Club perched up on the cliffs makes for a classic Aussie scene too.
My Anglesea Art Print II captures those breathtaking cliffs perfectly. It's one of those shots where the scale of the landscape just hits you.
Aireys Inlet: Round the Twist Made It Famous
Split Point Lighthouse is an absolute icon. If you grew up in Australia in the 90s, you know this lighthouse from Round the Twist. I still can't visit without humming the theme song.
The red and white stripes against the coastal backdrop make for brilliant photography. This is one of those spots where you don't need to work hard for a great shot, the location does half the work for you. Check out my Aireys Inlet Art Print I if you want that TV show nostalgia on your wall.
The Road to Apollo Bay
As you keep heading west, the landscape changes. The road starts hugging the hills more tightly, and the ocean crashes with more attitude below. There's something magic about this stretch where everything comes together: the winding road, the forested hills, and that wild Southern Ocean.
I shot my Apollo Bay Art Print I to capture that sweeping curve of the Great Ocean Road as it carves through the landscape. It's one of those views that makes you remember why this road is world-famous.
Hidden Gems: Childers Cove
Want to know a secret? Everyone obsesses over the 12 Apostles, but just down the road is Childers Cove, and it's criminally underrated. You get similar limestone formations without the tour buses and crowds.
I love shooting here because it feels like you've discovered something special. These rock formations are like the 12 Apostles' siblings who prefer peace and quiet over the paparazzi. My Childers Cove Art Print II showcases these ancient monoliths in all their glory.
Why I Keep Coming Back
After 10 years of photographing this coastline, I'm still not over it. Every visit brings different conditions, different light, different moods. Winter storms make the ocean angry and dramatic. Summer brings those crystal clear days with water that glows turquoise.
The best part? These beaches are accessible. You don't need to be a hardcore hiker or have special equipment. Just pull over, walk down, and you're standing in front of some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the planet.
FAQ
What's the best time of year to visit these beaches?
Honestly, each season has its charm. Summer gives you warm weather and calm seas, perfect for swimming. Winter brings dramatic storms and moody skies that are incredible for photography. I'd say autumn is the sweet spot, fewer crowds and still decent weather.
How long does it take to drive from Torquay to Apollo Bay?
Without stops, about 90 minutes. But you'd be crazy not to stop. Give yourself at least half a day, ideally a full day if you want to explore the beaches properly. Trust me, you'll want to pull over constantly.
Are these beaches safe for swimming?
Some are, some aren't. Bells Beach can have gnarly rips and powerful surf. Anglesea main beach is patrolled in summer and generally safe. Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, and check conditions before jumping in. The Southern Ocean doesn't muck around.
Can I get your prints shipped anywhere in Australia?
Yep, free shipping Australia-wide. I print to order and ship from Melbourne. All my frames use FSC certified timber, so you're getting quality that's built to last.
