During my first week in Melbourne, I connected with an amazing group of international students from universities around the world. Together, we’ve built unforgettable memories, and our diverse little group is a reflection of the global adventure I’m on, including an Italian, a German, a Brit, a Mexican, a Pole, and me, of course representing the United States. Some of my fondest memories with them include driving down the Great Ocean Road, just west of Melbourne, and taking in all the amazing sights!

The Great Ocean Road is home to some of Australia’s most stunning coastline, and we made plenty of stops to soak it all in. As we cruised from place to place, we blasted road trip tunes, singing our hearts out and making unforgettable memories. We visited iconic spots like the Twelve Apostles at sunset, a famous tourist destination where towering rock formations rise from the ocean. We also explored lighthouses and scenic lookouts offering sweeping coastal views, and spent time on the sandy beaches. The road winds through charming beach towns such as Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, each with its own laid-back, surfer-paradise vibe.

Beyond the gorgeous coastline, the Great Ocean Road reveals other natural wonders, including towering redwoods and cascading waterfalls in the Otway Ranges’ mountains and rainforests. Stepping into the rainforest for the first time was a magical experience; the lush vegetation and towering trees made me feel like I had entered another world. Surrounded by redwoods and waterfalls, I felt small in the face of these incredible feats of nature.

Along the way, we encountered some of Australia’s incredible wildlife. We saw a wild koala running surprisingly quickly, trying to climb onto tourists who had stopped to admire its cuteness. We also spotted grey kangaroos lounging and hopping about, echidnas burrowing in the dirt, and a diverse array of birds, from cockatoos to colorful parrots, that call Australia home.

The Great Ocean Road offered us a glimpse into Australia’s diverse landscapes, from mountain ranges to beautiful coastlines, astonishing rainforests, and some of the world’s cutest wildlife. It was a journey full of fun, awe, and beauty and will be an experience I’ll always cherish!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Monash University