Driving the Great Ocean Road: Familiar Views, New Horizons

Join me on my first drive along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road, starting from Torquay, where the breathtaking coastal scenery evokes memories of Japan’s Atami and Izu. While the majestic Twelve Apostles steal the show—otherworldly and unmissable—the winding familiarity of the route might tempt seasoned Izu drivers to fast-track inland. Beyond the views, it’s the endless, straight stretches that ignite a traveler’s thrill, a stark contrast to Japan’s twisty coastal roads. This episode also reflects on driving’s demands, aging, and safety, exploring ideas like frequent tests for elderly drivers and the responsibility we carry behind the wheel. For this wanderer, the road is both a journey and a lesson in freedom and focus.