How taking the roads less travelled unveiled a whole new world on the Great Ocean Road

Local is the word on the Great Ocean Road, and that's exactly how we were made to feel over a three-day driving adventure from Warrnambool all the way to Torquay.While there is a plethora of natural, beautiful sights that make the Great Ocean Road its own, it's the people who have helped shape it into a luxurious, unique place, that offers something for everyone.A start at the Warrnambool Art Gallery was a great introduction to the lives well lives across the western districts of Victoria.READ MORE: Why parents should travel with their grown-up kidsWith an undertone of Aboriginal heritage, mixed with an injection of migrants stories, it was refreshing to see the success of their own hub.First stop: WarrnamboolThe Cally Hotel, just down the road, gave us the real insight into the people of Warrnambool - their heart and soul.Local Trish, who migrated to Australia from Chicago, was glowing in her praise of her hometown of Warrnambool, where she has resided for nine years.It's a place made up of people's stories, and I wanted to know more.READ MORE: The best caravan park in Australia has been crowned for 2024Our parmas (it's the Victorian way!) were delightful, and we were most blown away by the quality of the gluten free options. Not only their traditional parmas, but a mushroom sauce and bacon option stole the show.Now for the fun part.We checked into Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs Warrnambool and were whisked away for our magical salt therapy adventure. The 45-minute session, that saw us robed up with blankets in reclining chairs, featured light music and a floor made totally of salt!READ MORE: Perfect way to avoid the crowds in the Northern TerritoryTonia told us to "be brave" and take it all in, really relaxing into the therapy as it worked to clear our lungs. Let me tell you, I felt like a new woman walking out!From there it was straight into the hot springs, just a short walk from the salt therapy room. Although it was a bitter 12 degrees outside, climbing into the 40 degree pools while the rain drizzled around us was pure bliss.The multitude of bathing options, from deep to shallow, hot to hottest, as well as immersive experiences that included waterfalls and different caves to explore, gave us the best of both a relaxing and fun world.We woke the next day to head down to Logan's Beach to spot some whales early next morning. The viewing platform is vast and gives a great chance to see some pure beauties, that come for a visit between May and October each year.It was animals galore on day two, as we headed to the Pavilion Cafe and Bar to see the race horses be walked through Breakwater Bay.Served up a delightful hot wild rice porridge, topped with spiced pears and sticky dates in the warmth of the cafe, we felt like we were right out there with the horses. Then it was time to say goodbye to Warrnambool, but I felt like I was always welcome back.Next stop: Apollo BayThe cold weather that Victoria is known for was on show, as we drove to view the breathtaking 12 Apostles. Alongside many other blown away tourists, we remembered just how lucky we were to live in this state and be able to come down here whenever we please!A short 15-minute drive to the Maits Rest Rainforest in Cape Otway, to undertake the 30 minute walk, was a good refresh from the car.The best part of the Great Ocean Road is that every twist and turn offers something different. It may just seem like it's the road along some incredible beaches, but it's well worth going off track to see what the rainforests have to offer.Lunch was calling, with the staff at the Fisherman's Co-Op offering us a passion that I was immediately intrigued by. Their story sold me on not only their shop and initiative, but the whole town of Apollo Bay.We were treated to three courses of divine service, thanks to chef Bill and coordinator Allan, who talked us through the proud history of the Co-Op.The classic fish and chips were a perfect finish, with the softness of the meal noticed. The fish melted in our mouths, while the chips with a signature spice ended it with a zing."From the Bass Strait to the plate", is their motto, and didn't that statement ring true. For a hearty feed with a classy, yet modern twist, the Fisherman's Co-Op was well worth the stop.Next stop: Aireys InletNext was a brief stop in Lorne, at Teddy's Lookout. Teddy's Lookout reminded me of my childhood, when my parents would drive us from our usual Torquay holiday spot to Lorne. I felt like a kid who was conquering the world, looking at the breathtaking view.After a day of driving, it was time to get to Aireys Inlet. The Sunny Mead Hotel welcomed us with open arms, where we instantly felt relaxed.The little hotel blew us away. Who would have thought this little slice of paradise, that made it feel like summer, could be nestled into the unassuming town of Aireys Inlet?Their on-site restaurant, Santara, spoilt us with their 'feed me' dinner deal that served up three courses of divine Indian cuisine.They catered their menu as gluten free for us, which was noticed and appreciated, with their warming cocktails, highlighted by coconut, selling the entire experience.The pork momo with halloumi pav bhaji, followed by harissa lamb cutlets, chicken ruby, rice and papadums had us in food heaven. Cam was the star cocktail maker and made us feel like the most important guests in the room.Waking up to breakfast in bed was divine, provided with our own Sunny Mead bag filled with juice and cereal goodies.Then it was time to get my relax on - as if I couldn't get any more chilled.I headed just a few shorts steps from my room into the Rasul Spa experience and by the end of it could have fallen asleep again right then and there.A quick stop at the Splitpoint light house was ideal for some fresh air. The historical elements and the beautiful views just topped off what Aireys Inlet means to its people.Last stop: TorquayBut before we got there it was time to step back to being a kid, taking a short 15-minute drive down to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.Greeted by the smiling team and owner Lee, who gave me a quick tour that blew me away, I realised that this place was way more than the chocolate on the shelves.Then, Claire took me through for the tasting session, finished with making our own chocolate. Talk about overwhelmed. Any flavour, nuts, fruit or lolly you dream of, you can add to your chocolate bar.I did so accordingly, and was greeted by official chocolate designer, Anna, who helped me pipe my dark chocolate to perfection.Owner Lee has that "it" factor, explaining how much care is put into every chocolate flavour, ice cream treat and the entire experience that makes their home so special.The Chocolate factory prides itself on the authenticity of the Australiana way."Australians eat with their eyes," Lee tells me, as we stroll through the truffles. Any flavour, shape and size, they have it and they sell very well.Finishing with a filling lunch of soups and burgers, we were off to drive through the beautiful and busy main street of Torquay to end our trip in style.The Great Ocean Road gave me a fresh look on why it has become such a staple of a visit to Victoria.Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and all its city has to offer, we often forget how close the Great Ocean Road really is.I came home feeling like a local, like I could even pick up a surfboard and make Moggs Creek my own, or even create my own chocolate flavour.Whether you're a Victorian, or visiting from interstate and overseas, the Great Ocean Road has so much to offer, as long as you take the roads less travelled to find them.The writer was a guest of Great Ocean Road Tourism.