The GOR was built after WWII to link the coastal towns of Vic and also to employ returned servicemen. Today, though, the amazing views of the Southern Ocean and the incredible limestone formations offshore make it a huge tourist attraction. The inaptly named 12 Apostles consists of about 10 limestone pillars rising out of the water along one stretch of the road; although these are the most famous, there are dozens of limestone formations equally spectacular along the road, as well as a few nice bush walks and hundreds of plaques commemorating various shipwrecks.

From the end of the GOR in Warnambool, head north through the Grampians mountains. Try to stop at the less popular tourist lookouts and do at least one walk through the bush - I guarantee you'll see plenty of rock wallabies. If you like a bit of history, Ballarat, the site of the Eureka stockade, is now on your way back to Melbourne, worth a look for anyone interested in Australian history.

You should be able to do this in 3 days, but take 4 if you don't want to be rushed. Alternatively, from the end of the Grampians, you could head west to Adelaide and on to Western Australia.

You can drive the road on your own, but we took the double decker tour bus. The bus tour provided a chance for us to look rather than focus on driving. We stopped for billy tea and had lamkins (a very aussie tea). We then saw kangaroos on the golf course (a continual hazard for those trying to play golf). From there we leisurely drove along the most treacherous coastline in the world. Numerous crosses dot the coast attesting to the ships wrecked by the perilous rocks lying in wait under that pristine looking geen-blue sea.

We passed the beach where surfers from all over come to ride "world class" waves and hope to catch a glimpse or maybe even participate in the largest surfing competition in the world.

Then, we came to the 12 Apostles, 12 free stnading limestone rock formations that jut out of the water away from the beach and biblically named. They are magnificent and breathtaking!! I easily used up a roll and 1/2 of film here.

Helicopter rides are available to those who wish to fly in and around the monoliths. We opted for the shore, and snapped away from the cliffs that look down on virgin beaches. From here one can see caves where only water wooshes in to cut its mark. Two of the apostles have fallen and only 10 remain standing, due to the softness of limestone. The water is so clear you can see lying apostles very clearly. We also visited in July, which is winter for Australia, That arctic wind is very cold!!!! After all this is the southern most part of Australia (I am not counting Tasmania here).

Wear your warmest jacket, and then take a pair of gloves, a hat and something warm to drink. But whatever you do in Melbourne, definately take a day to see the 12 apostles.