This post originally appeared on Love Chloe Jane. Thanks to Chloe for sharing your story with us!
I honestly believe that every South Australian over the age of about nineteen has, at least once, uttered the words ‘I really have to do the Great Ocean Road one day’. Honestly, for a lot of my friends (and until a couple of weeks ago, myself!), that’s about where it fizzles.
It all becomes a little bit hard - Where do you go? What do you see? Are there really twelve of the apostles? Will you have to sleep in your car with the seat down and your flippers and snorkel mask poking you in the small of your back? Is it even worth the hassle? (Everywhere, everything you possibly can, no, no and hell yes it is)! As part of #thelivealittlesummer, I did what I promised my sweet readers I’d do, teamed up with YHA Australia, got off of my bum and out there into the big, wide world and did the heck out of the (seriously) Great Ocean Road.
Perfect for: refreshing, detoxing, breathing in, breathing out, and remembering what’s important.
Sleepaway: The Port Elliot Beach House YHA. A dreamy refurbished mansion which has lived a dozen lives and has found its destiny as an escape for youth, families, experienced travellers, overseas backpackers and those of us passing through alike.
Best bits:
Perfect for: feeling like you’re a world away from home, getting amongst the little city buzz, discovering cool bars and groovy cafes, exploring why we were recently named the fifth most liveable city in the world.
Sleepaway: Adelaide Central YHA. Multi-storied and bustling with things to do from ping pong competitions, pub nights and walking tours to BBQ dinners, hostel meals and free pancake weekly.
Best Bits:
Perfect for: finding your adventurous spark, getting seriously up-close with wildlife, smashing goals, incredible views.
Sleepaway: Grampians Eco YHA. Tucked just steps away from mountains and hiking trails and run by Stuart and Rebecca, who know all you need to know about getting the most out of your Grampians experience.
Best Bits:
Perfect for: insanely clear water, costal-town charm, pretty nature hikes, taking it slow.
Sleepaway: Port Fairy YHA. An old heritage-listed building with adorable sleeping options like the barn, the coachman’s room and the hay loft (which we scored!)
Best Bits:
Perfect for: incredible rainforests, cool eateries, stunning beaches, more incredible rainforests, and waterfalls galore.
Sleepaway: Apollo Bay Eco YHA. Modern and sleek, this hostel’s vibe emulates the balance of laid-back and busy-busy that the Great Ocean Road captures perfectly.
Best Bits:
Perfect for: Big city vibes, insane skyline sunsets, bars that are beyond any cool you’re used to, world-class food.
Sleepaway: Melbourne Central YHA. An absolute hub, this YHA is full to the brim with people from every corner of the globe getting to know Australia. The bar is cheap, the walls lined with job and travel opportunities add to the backpacker atmosphere, and the location works perfectly with the city’s free public transport route.
Best Bits:
Follow Chloe's adventures at Love Chloe Jane or get a major dose of travel inspo on Instagram.
Liked this article about The Great Ocean Road(trip)? Try:
YHA is a not-for-profit organisation. This doesn’t mean we don’t make money – it means we’re constantly re-investing back into our hostels to meet the needs of our guests.
Following COVID-19 guidelines on hygiene and distancing for a safe stay.