Spring is about to arrive on the Great Ocean Road and there’s every reason to feel happy about it! The evenings are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, flowers are starting to bloom, birds are nesting and the region is sleepily emerging from its winter hibernation.
So, it’s time to fling off your layers, get outside, and breathe in the fresh ocean air! If you’d like to check availability for a stay at Alkina Lodge this Spring, visit our booking availability here. But if you need convincing, here are just a few reasons why Spring is a great time to visit the Great Ocean Road.
1. It’s Wildflower Season
There are parts of the Great Ocean Road that are a riot of colour in the Spring. Try visiting the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve or take a walk through the Bay of Islands Coastal Park to see the extravagant display of wildflowers carpeting the landscape.
2. Spring Is A Great Time Of Year For A Walking Holiday
It’s time to get your hiking boots out! The weather is warming up but it’s not too hot, there are longer daylight hours, and it’s not too crowded. Not only that but the winter weather has created spectacular waterfalls in the nearby Otway region. There are beautiful walking trails near Alkina Lodge to suit everyone, from short rainforest walks to longer, multi-day coastal hikes. Click here to read more about walking tracks in the region.
3. Spring Is Also The Perfect Time For Biking
Mountain biking or road biking, there’s a wide array of options for the cyclist, and Spring offers great conditions without the crowds. Head to the nearby town of Forrest for some of the country’s best mountain biking. The popular Old Beechy Rail Trail is suitable for mountain bikers and runs for 50 kms – you can choose to complete the whole trail or just short sections of it. Click here to read more about other cycling options in the region. Want to go electric? Then be sure to check out local family operated company Otway e Bikes for guided electric bicycle tours.
4. It’s Still Whale Watching Season
Whale watching season runs from June to October, so there’s still time to catch a sighting of these magnificent creatures. A good spot to watch from is the specially constructed platform at Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool. Click here to read more about whale watching on the Great Ocean Road.
5. Spring Events and Festivals, 2019
The Great Ocean Road really starts to come alive in the Spring and there’s plenty going on. Some of the events we’re looking forward to are listed below.
100 Year Celebration of the Great Ocean Road
When: 18 September – 5 October 2019
Where: Various locations on the Great Ocean Road, VIC
September 2019 marks the Great Ocean Road’s centenary. To celebrate there’s a special program of events and experiences including pop up cinemas, art installations and an augmented reality QR trail. Full details are available here.
Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo
When: 14-15 September 2019
Where: Lorne, Great Ocean Road, VIC
Considered by many to be Australia’s top cycling event, Amy’s Gran Fondo takes place on the Great Ocean Road and is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. More information and entries here.
Lorne Festival of Performing Arts
When: 3-6 October 2019
Where: Various locations in Lorne, Great Ocean Road, VIC
There’ll be a whole host of fabulous shows, dining experiences and family events. More information available here.
Otway OktoberFest
When: Saturday 5 October 2018
Where: Prickly Moses Brewery, Barongarook VIC
One of the most popular Spring events on the Great Ocean Road, including traditional Oompah music, a yodelling competition, slap dancing, games, brewery tours and great beer all round. For tickets visit Otway October Fest.
Port Fairy Spring Music Festival
When: 11-13 October 2019
Where: Various venues around Port Fairy
Now in its 30th year, the festival offers a fabulous weekend of fine music including classical and contemporary concerts and a free programme of events. The full programme is available online at Port Fairy Spring Fest. Tickets for some concerts sell out fast so be quick!
The 2019 Warrnambool Show
When: 26 October 2019
Where: Warrnambool Showground, VIC
An agricultural show which showcases the best of the region. Plenty of entertainment including wood chopping, showjumping and shearing competitions. Full details are available here.
Where To Stay
Private, self-catering luxury accommodation is available at Alkina Lodge here.(+61 3 5348 2008. Alkina Lodge is an architecturally designed lodge set in over 100 acres of native bushland. The lodge is about 20 minutes drive from the 12 Apostles.
Getting There
The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria and stretches for 243 kms, starting at Torquay and ending near Warrnambool. How to get there depends on which part of the Great Ocean Road you’d like to visit. However, the most famous sights such as the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park are located 275 kms west of Melbourne, approximately a 4 hour drive along the Great Ocean Road.
