Some people meditate… I ride motorcycles. The silence, isolation and focus of either exercise helps sharpen the mind, allowing inner concentration and new perspective… it’s just that on a motorcycle you also get to rip around corners, experiencing G’s like nothing but a spaceship can provide!
When one is in a state of constant travel (as we are) there is a lot of ‘getting from A to B’. My general rule of thumb is that the quickest and cheapest route is usually the best choice. Typically the point of such transitions is to BE at B, with the in-between irrelevant. There are, however, special circumstances when getting from A to B has nothing to do with BEING at B at all… it’s all about getting there instead.
There is nothing particularly extraordinary about Port Campbell (Australia), aside from the fact that it’s ‘Point B’ on the Great Ocean Road. Point A in this circumstance is Melbourne, our start to an incredible adventure along one of the most memorable stretches of highway in the world. This road was made for a journey, and this journey was made for a motorcycle.
We started our incredible adventure at Off Track Motorcycle Rentals. This specialty rental company offers unique BMW rentals (with the largest inventory in all of Australia) and even organizes group rides for those looking for a little more guidance. We were set up on their BMW R 1200 GS and fitted for all the necessary gear (helmets, gloves, pants – safety first!). We brought our own leather jackets, straight from Florence, Italy! The owner of Off Track, Grant Evans, could not have been more helpful. He offered invaluable guidance for the best method to tackle this amazing road, where to stop and what we could not miss.
Heading off in the morning, armed with Grant’s advice…. our first stop was the quaint Victoria town of Queenscliff for brunch. Leaving with our bellies full of crepes, the boring highway was behind us and the fun was really getting started. I was very comfortable on the bike (she’s a big girl, but she handles well), which glided along like a Cadillac, and Andrea was relaxed with plenty of room on the back.
Next stop… Point Break cameo! How can anyone from our generation pass up the opportunity to do their best ‘Bodhi pose’ overlooking Bell’s Beach? We certainly couldn’t! This beautiful, cliff-side setting is a nice stop before the longer ride to come. Check out one of the most amazing surf beaches in the world and hope for better weather than the 100 year storm… we enjoyed beautiful sunshine on our quick visit.
From Bells Beach, we headed out towards Apollo Bay. It was about 85km of the most breathtaking coastal roads we’ve ever experienced. Apollo Bay is the perfect spot to post up for the night, based on a morning departure from Melbourne and breakfast stop in Queenscliff. We arrived at dusk exhausted from the long ride, and checked in at Captains at the Bay. This quaint Bed & Breakfast is run by a lovely couple (Anna and Duncan) whose focus on hospitality is heartwarming. Their friendly demeanor (and wonderful eggs benedict) make the hotel a ‘can’t miss’ for any Great Ocean Road adventure.
Settling into one of their modern suites, we recharged our batteries (both literally and figuratively) and headed out for a wonderful risotto and vegetable plate at Casalingo.
I hate early mornings, but the anticipation of getting back on our bike the next day gave me a jump-start. We were up with the sun, our sights set on Great Otway National Park and the light station along the water. While the lighthouse and surrounding sites are nice, the real star attraction of this stopover is all the wildlife. Though it can be difficult on a motorcycle, make sure to keep your eyes peeled along the way. This wilderness is teeming with animals. We encountered our first wallaby and koala while in the park, definitely an unforgettable experience!
Off again, this time through winding, rain-forest roads that eventually led us to the Twelve Apostles. These rock towers were formed after thousands of years of erosion by the powerful Pacific Ocean, slowly emerging from the coastline. It’s simply remarkable what nature can create! My favorite discovery of this stopover was learning that the apostles used to go by another name… known as the Sow and Piglets until 1922. It’s amazing how pigs can become priests!
From the Twelve Apostles, it’s a short (but incredible) ride to Port Campbell. With numerous lookout points along the way, we found more private spots with views even more remarkable than those near the busy Apostles.
Once you reach Port Campbell, you can either make your way back along the coast or take the more direct route through Victoria’s inland roads. Needing to get back to Melbourne before nightfall, we reluctantly opted for the fastest way home. Though nowhere near as beautiful as the Great Ocean Road, the highways provide a certain meditative element. We were both in a trance as we sped past endless acres of farmland.
In just a few hours we were back at Offtrack Motorcycle Rentals, taking off our helmets for the last time that weekend. This was truly an unforgettable experience, and my favorite of all our Australian adventures.
If you’re visiting Melbourne, this is one A to B journey you cannot miss… enjoy the ride!
If you’d like to follow our route along the Great Ocean Road, use the map below. Click the top right corner to expand, and select the various points for more information.
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Ah this is one of my top road trip wish lists – and I never considered doing it by bike! I’ve only been on one once but found it exhilarating. If you’re into bikes, you’d probably love my home island, Isle of Man – it’s famous for TT races!
We were just watching so TT race videos this week… Your hometown race is insane!!
What an awesome roadtrip! I’ve done the GOR in a car but it must be an entirely different feeling on a bike. Glad you had great weather for your trip and that you hit all the amazing places along the coast. Yay for Melbourne! 🙂
I’m sure the GOR is amazing no matter the vehicle. We thought about getting a car, and definitely considered a convertible, but when we figured out we could do it on a motorcycle.. there was no question!
So glad that you enjoyed your journey … this is one of my favorite parts of Australia, and probably easily one of the prettiest coastal drives in the world. So glad you got to see your first koala … even living her in Aus I’m still fascinated every time I come across one!
The koalas are just too freaking adorable..
I loved the Great Ocean Road but have never been on a motorcycle before. I’m sure it’s a great thing to do though and I can see how the Great Ocean Road would be perfect for a ride, the nature is stunning and the road very windy!
There are few roads that call for a motorcycle quite like the GOR.. consider it for your next trip 😉
First of all: I really like how you started this article! Made me laugh!
Second: I never really considered doing a motorbike tour but now I’m kind of intrigued to try it out myself. A road trip has long been on my wish list and maybe I should just learn how to drive a motorbike!
If you’re up for it.. there are few feelings on earth like riding a motorcycle.. especially on such a beautiful road. If you are thinking about learning to ride.. I would definitely recommend a safety course to get started.. You’ll never want to go back to cars again..
Looks like you had a great time on the ocean road. The scenery is amazing being Australian we traveled this road before as well. On a motorbike would be excellent. A piece of trivia for you the film makers of point break filmed the scenes that were meant to be bells beach in Oregon USA.
Oregon?! lol.. I guess we have to schedule a U.S. Northwest motorcycle trip to do the proper Bodhi..
What a ride! Exploring the Great Ocean Road is on my bucketlist for sure. I would love to ride it on a bicycle! Great photos as well.
A bicycle does sound amazing actually… I just don’t know if the roads are quite conducive to such a vehicle. It is a narrow two-lane road (one going each direction).. I might stick to a motorized vehicle and just stop often to see it all..
What an awesome way to explore! I do prefer a car though but I know a few people who would love to do this. And What a view! That shot of the 12 apostles is everything.
I’m an originalist.. they’re the Sow and Piglets..
Wow – look at these gorgeous photos! I’m not daring enough to ride a motorcycle…though I have rented a scooter before and driven around. I did this in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos and it really was the best way to zip around the island and get some lesser known places. It looks like you were rewarded with some incredible views! Love!
If you’ve done the scooter.. you’re building up to the motorcycle. Let us know the next time you think of heading to the Caribbean.. we’ve got some great recommendations!
Make sure you wear a helmet.
The Great Ocean road on a motorcycle is not a bad idea at all! Love the sound of that!
It’s not just ‘not bad’.. it’s amazing 😉
Got it but transcending at 60 mph could get messy.
only if you fall…
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I’m not brave enough to ride a motorcycle but I’m sure it’s a great way to travel.
I rode a motorcycle once and I felt free. So I understand where you are coming from. Ride on bro!
I haven’t thought of motorcycles as meditation but I can see why… with the open road, its a great way to take things off your mind and just enjoy the ride.
it’s pure focus and a white noise silence.. very relaxing yet exhilarating..
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Great Blog! You guys look great together. BMW bikes are always fun to ride. I was in morocco last year then i join wheels of morocco which is one of the best tour guides in morocco. They have given me BMW bikes and i started loving this bike. You guys should also go to morocco for adventure tour.
Hi Chris! Thanks so much! We loved the BMW… wish we had thought of doing an adventure tour while in Morocco these past few months, but we will definitely be back. Great recommendation. We’ll reach out the next time we are there. Sounds like an incredible way to explore one of our favorite countries!
That is my pleasure Andrea. I hope, i’ll get to see your another blog soon regarding adventure tour.
interesting post about so fantastic experience
thanx for sharing