The Great Ocean Road is one of the most respected drives in Australia characterized by picturesque surroundings, twisty roads and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. But past these well-trodden tourist thickens are some of the most rugged coastlines and sheltered bays that are less frequented and offer peace, beauty, and a closer relationship with nature. For those individuals who want to get some isolation from people and busy places, such places are good to visit.
Most tourists would say though the dome of the Great Ocean Road is an architectural feature filled ululation; it is really about the other undramatic places most tourists amiss. From surf beaches to peaceful beach getaways, these are all about solitude, breathtaking scenery and a little bit of action.
The Secret Allure of Secluded Beaches
Despite the fact that the Great Ocean Road draws many tourists with bustling coastal towns and superb beaches such as Bells Beach and Apollo Bay, the real fascination often dwells in its less busy corners. Here’s to hope. Those undiscovered beaches are the charming jigsaw for that more than a scene seeker. Whether it’s traversing a secretive beach that’s only accessed through a hiking trail, or relaxing on a secluded beach void of crowds, these hidden beaches are the treasures of the Great Ocean Road.
The defining characteristics of these beaches are their unblemished natural beauty, clean sandy beaches and towering cliffs which arise steeply out of the sea. The country allows one to enjoy a calm breeze with strong limestone cliff where hardly any soul is visible except for the crashing waves at the coast.
Shelly Beach: A Natural Wonderland Near Apollo Bay
Shelly Beach is one of those vacation spots that remain relatively hidden and is located just off of the coast of the capital city of Apollo Bay offering tranquility, rocky outcrops and clear waters. It’s great for families who wanna spend lazy quiet day in a semi deserted beach and the young kids will especially appreciate the ancient jungles surrounding the area since that make the spot even more unique. Shelly Beach is a place where families have children who love our ocean resides because of the rock pools found there.
Getting There
To access Shelly Beach involves a long and interesting drive on Apollo Bay Beach Road. After riding in and parking, a very modest and easy walk, only 90 minutes long is through coastal bushland to the sand beaches which were very quiet. The platforms with nice views on the coast can be used all the way so that the transit to Shelly Beach is this part of fun also.
Johanna Beach: The Ultimate Surfer’s Paradise
One of the rare beaches which accurately deserves the moniker of surfer’s paradise is Johanna Beach. Located in Cape Otway, it is not only renowned for its picturesque scenery but also for its big waves and strong surf, attracting skilled surfers all the way from the seas of other countries. But even you’re not in town for surfing, Johanna Beach presents itself as a beautiful getaway with its dramatic cliffs and long unending expanse of a beach. The beach has thick green bushes surrounding it making it look wild, that has not been spoilt.
Surfing and Solitude
Surfers will definitely relish the big waves but even if you are not coming here for the purpose of surfing Johanna Beach is one of the most loved places for people who want to escape the crowds on the popular seaside resorts. It is also wonderful for going on a road out as it has picturesque views and the whole ambiance seems different. The native wilderness of the Cape Otway National Park encompasses this beach making it one of the beautiful beaches along the Great Ocean Road.
Milanesia Beach: A Remote Adventure
Known to few, stretch your self to the maximum, and most of all enjoy some beach fun that is out of the ordinary, Milanesia Beach is the place to be. Madonna’s Beach is simply tucked away off an unsealed road and is only accessibly reached via a hiking that is hands on and rugged. Those who make the voyage are however rewarded with superb rock earrings, sunlit beaches and tranquility that seems to be so busy from the other sandy beaches.
A Beach for Adventurers
The trek leading up to Milanesia Beach is what makes this hidden treasure even more unforgettable. It ensures quite the opposite as more often than not, the whole beach is at one’s disposal. Sometimes high cliffs and coastal sand dunes will surround you, and these will make perfect memories. There’s something about beaches like these, that every adventurer glories in.
Childers Cove: A Quiet, Untouched Beach
Said to be close to Warrnambool, Childers Cove is one such beach whose patronage continues to be scant in spite of the breathtaking views that it offers. This beach encircled by steep limestone cliffs is an ideal place to go to when wishing to escape the hussle and bussle of the city. Childers Cove is one of the breathtaking beaches along the Great Ocean Road which boasts of the soft golden sand and soothing waves of water touching the shore.
Perfect for Quiet Reflection
Childers Cove is by far wins the title for calmness. It is relatively less populated by tourists so with minimum effort you can easily find a comfortable place and relax with the views of southern ocean. If you desire to stroll quietly, lounge around in some sun, or even splash about in the water, Childers Cove is the perfect vacation for someone who wants to relax.
Loch Ard Gorge Beach: Where History Meets Natural Beauty
Loch Ard Gorge Beach is located in the well known Port Campbell National Park and has much more than just good views. This particular beach has witnessed, one of the most famous maritime disasters of Australia, the ship Loch Ard that wrecked in the year 1878. While taking a stroll at the shores of the beach, you would experience more than just waves and sands. Towering limestone cliffs frame the beach which provides not only an extreme backdrop but also a quiet restful getaway.
History and Scenic Beauty
Loch Ard Gorge visitors can not only enjoy the beach but also the footpaths that run around the Gorge, leading to lookouts with spectacular views of the ocean. The rock structures in this part of the land are certainly beautiful, and so it is an excellent place for taking photographs. The Loch Ard Gorge Beach should be the appropriate place for visitors in search of natural landscape interspersed with history
Gibson Beach: Beneath the Twelve Apostles
Nestled under the Twelve Apostles cliffs is Gibson Beach a more calm and less populated alternative to the overcrowded tourist walkways. Standing at the Gibson Steps, one steps straight onto a beautiful beach flanked by the wind sculpted limestone cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Fewer tourists frequent this beach and as such it is nice for relaxing strolls and great for taking pictures of the Twelve Apostles from a different side.
Hidden Beneath the Apostles
It’s ironic that while the Twelve Apostles is a tourist hot spot, Gibson Beach is one that doesn’t attract many people. There are golden beaches below the towering a great contrast which makes this place pleasing both to the camera and the eye.
Wreck Beach: A Hidden Historical Gem
Wreck Beach, situated close to Cape Otway, is a sight to visit for both history and nature enthusiasts. This coastline features the artefacts of two infamous Australian shipwrecks, the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji shipwrecks. Some parts of the wreck are sometimes displayed on low tide above the sand, exposing some maritime archeological heritage.
Low Tide Exploration
To have an optimal experience at Wreck Beach, time your visit to low tide when the shipwrecked vessels are visible. This secluded beach is wild and secluded and is for adventure and a touch of history. The surrounding rock structures as well as the towering cliffs give the beaches’ end the ruggedness of wild nature.
Rivernook Beach: A Picture-Perfect Escape
Those who want to rest away from noisy tourists will find this sandy and quiet Rivernook Beach quite pleasing. The beach encircled with blue water is a great place to escape from the busy beaches and even has a soft and quiet shore. Its remoteness is ranked as the best feature of the beach when one simply needs a quiet afternoon at the beach with lots of space to gather by the sun and dip in the water. You can also book an organised Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourn, which runs regularly.
Why Explore These Hidden Gems?
As much as the Great Ocean Road is famed for its prominent attractions, it is the uncovering of these kinds of unspoilt beaches that is the real enchantment of this vibrant scenery. All things from the calm Rivernook Beach waters to the untamed Johanna Beach, such hidden places encompass it all in a way or another. If stunning views or beautiful wild beaches are what are in your bucket list, then prepare for peace and quiet, but with some trekking involved to get there, these lost treasures deliver quite well.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit these remote beaches?
The warmer months (December – March) are the best periods to visit, however spring and autumn have gentle weather with fewer tourists. For surf beaches like Johanna Beach, the winter will do as storms cause swells of many feet, for the intermediate to advanced only.
Is it possible to swim in these beaches?
Swimming is possible in most of these beaches, though it is possible that certain few waters more specifically Johanna Beach are not safe because of underwater currents. Most of these beaches are safe to swim in but always assess risks and hazards before you get into the water. Surfing Milanesia Beach and other remote beaches brings some danger as the local beaches have stronger currents.
Is it possible to camp around these beaches?
Yes, a few of these beaches are not far from camping facilities. For instance, that is Johanna Beach for it has accepted camping facilities nearby and Bimbi Park in Cape Otway National Park is also not far from several other non-disclosed beaches. So every time check for facilities and make sure they are ready for more secluded places.
Which route should I take to access these beaches?
It is easy to drive up to the majority of beaches, although a few like Milanesia Beach might need a bit of a trek. Shelly Beach and Loch Ard Gorge Beach both have trodden well paths up to viewing decks. Most parking facilities are available on the beaten tracks and the enjoyable places.
Are there amenities at these lonely beaches?
Many of these secluded places do not have any amenities since they are located on remote portions of the beach, so you should be ready for that. Others however, for Gibson Beach and Loch Ard Gorge Beach, have adequate parking and few facilities, while not many others, including Milanesia Beach, provide any of these at all.
