Great Ocean Road Stargazing Review | Been using this spot for 2 years – here’s my honest take!

🔥 G’day mates! Been stargazing along the Great Ocean Road for over 2 years now, and let me tell ya, it’s been a bloody ripper of an experience! Here’s my honest take on whether it’s worth the midnight drive.

📍 First Impressions

First time I went, I was bloody blown away! The lack of light pollution out there is something else. Drove from Melbourne one arvo, set up camp near Cape Otway, and when the sun went down… whoa! The Milky Way was so clear I felt like I could reach out and touch it. Mind you, it gets bloody cold once that sea breeze picks up, so pack warm!

🏃 Real-World Testing

I’ve tested spots from Port Campbell to Lorne, and my fave’s still the Cape Otway Lighthouse area. Last weekend I took my new telescope out there – crystal clear views of Saturn’s rings! The cliffs create this epic natural windbreak too. Tried the Twelve Apostles car park once… nah mate, too many tourists with their phone flashes. Pro tip: head 2km west of the main lookout, way less crowded.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

– Absolutely insane dark skies

– Easy access from Melbourne

– Epic coastal backdrop for photos

– Year-round stargazing opportunities

❌ Cons:

– Weather can be unpredictable

– Tourist spots get crowded

– No facilities at remote viewing spots

– Bloody cold at night (even in summer)

⭐ Verdict & Rating

Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars! Honestly, if you’re into astronomy or just wanna see something magical, this is heaps good. The combination of dark skies and dramatic coastline is unmatched. Yeah, the weather can be fickle and you need to plan properly, but when you get that clear night? Pure gold! Definitely worth the trip, especially if you combine it with a day of exploring the road.

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Check the moon calendar – new moon weeks are best for dark skies
✅ Download a stargazing app like SkyView before you go (no reception out there)
❌ Don’t rely on phone flashlight – get a proper red light torch to preserve night vision
⚠️ Watch out for wildlife on the roads at night, especially wallabies and wombats!

🚀 Got questions about Great Ocean Road stargazing? Ask away! 🚀

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