Starting 100km south west of Melbourne the Great Ocean Road works its way along the stunning coastline of Victoria's south west. The Great Ocean Road is recognised as one of the world's most scenic drives. The Great Ocean Road stretches for over 300 kilometres, from Torquay, just south of Geelong, to Warrnambool. For most of the distance the road hugs the coastline winding around the stunning cliff tops and displaying breath taking views of the Great Southern Ocean and natural wonder like the twelve apostles.

When the road does venture away from the coast there is just as many wonderful things to experience like the peaceful valleys and stream or the rolling forested hills. There are also many inlets created by the big swells produced by the Great Southern Ocean. It is here where the quiet seaside villages are found that are an experience in themselves.

Torquay is a popular surfing spot and the road leads past a collection of surfing and swimming beaches. Between Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay the road features the beautiful contrast of the ocean beaches on one side and the forests and mountains of the Otway Ranges on the other. The Otway Ranges stretch from Anglesea to Cape Otway and offer beautiful hills, waterfalls, excellent walking tracks and picnic spots.

The Great Ocean Road returns to hug the coastline along the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park. This stretch offers dramatic coastal scenery, with the road twisting and turning. Along this stretch of the Great Ocean Road is an amazing collection of rock sculptures such as 'The Twelve Apostles'(huge stone pillars looming out of the surf) and 'London Bridge', a rocky promontory arch carved out by the sea.

Just before the road leaves the coast is Peterborough. Here the Curdies River enters the sea in a wide sandy inlet, which is very popular with fishermen.

Victoria's average temperatures in summer and winter are only a few degrees lower than Sydney's but is generally far less humid. The states annual rainfall is also less than Sydney and Brisbane. The only problem with the climate in Victoria is that it is so unpredictable, especially in the spring. In the capital of Melbourne you can sometimes experience the four seasons in one day, so always expect the unexpected when in this state.

Even thought the climate is generally cooler in Melbourne there is rarely times when a big heavy jacket is needed. However, when you venture inland to places such as Ballarat or the mountain regions it can get quite cold. The nights can be very frosty and cold even if the days are clear and warm. In the summer months the whole of Victoria warms to very pleasant temperatures. There can be heat waves in the months of December and January and these can make temperatures reach almost 40C.