Smith tip
We most fancy the idea of day-long horse treks into the adjacent Great Otway National Park. Life-long locals and horse-lovers Neil and Jenny Henry lead bespoke tours that can follow the coast or take you high up into the hills of the Otway Ranges.
Moonlight Head Private Lodge
Great Ocean Road, Australia[view map]
Best picnics
It's hard to go past the lawn in front of the Lodge, but if you want to explore a bit, try local surf beach, Johanna. It's big, wild and unpatrolled but a great place to watch the pros catch a wave or three.Best beaches
Also try Wreck Beach, where the anchors of shipwrecked schooners Fiji and Marie Gabrielle are visible at low tide. Head back up to Apollo Bay if you want the full-on fish and chip, kids-zone scene.Best walks
The Great Ocean Walk is a newish and breathtaking set of 'step-on, step-off' hikes along this unique rugged coastline. A tree-top walk is the highlight of nearby Cape Otway National Park.Activities
There's a list of possible activities as long as the Glenn Murcutt-designed corridor that the folk at Moonlight Head Private Lodge are only too happy to arrange for you – an iconic 12 Apostles Helicopter Flight (taking in the famous rock formations just off the coast), fresh-water or deep-sea fishing, tours of local wineries, hiring your own Ducati or Mercedes Coupe, bird-watching, or guided flora and fauna treks.
For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Great Ocean Road, check out our Great Ocean Road restaurant guide
For a full list of recommended activities in Great Ocean Road, check out our Great Ocean Road destination guide