Age doesn’t matter when it comes to road trip memories. Whether you’re 18 or 88, they all share the same nostalgic power. And with Australia boasting 34,000 kilometres of shoreline, the coastal road trip is perhaps the most popular, and evocative.
Lakota Johnson agrees. The actor and model is perfectly positioned to affirm the merits of a shoreline cruise. Given he divides his time between Melbourne and Los Angeles, the talented performer has covered a mile or three along both countries’ spectacular oceanfront roads.
“There aren’t many drives like Australia’s Great Ocean Road,” he says. “The closest would have to be Highway 1 through Big Sur on California’s Central Coast. But the trip from Melbourne to Lorne is especially memorable.”
Magnetic Melbourne
On the morning of departure day, Lakota powers up with a quick coffee in Collingwood after loading the Papaya Metallic Macan. Like its driver, it’s fully charged and ready with more than 650 kilometres of driving range for the winding roads ahead.
“City Saints Collingwood is always a go-to in Melbourne,” he says.
First up, it’s the Melbourne CBD. City life in the Macan is simple thanks to 563 Nm of ready torque. And the Macan makes use of the stop-start traffic to replenish the 100 kWh onboard battery, which can access up to 240 kW of regeneration power.
But it’s the in-cabin comfort that immediately captures all drivers, including Lakota.
“There aren’t many drives like Australia’s Great Ocean Road." Lakota Johnson
“The technology and luxury are right at home together. It’s as if the Macan’s travelled to the future while keeping its Porsche essence. You know it’s a Porsche even before you drive off.”
Lakota and the Macan head towards Melbourne’s creative pocket of Richmond before turning towards the city’s home of sporting heritage, the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. Over the Yarra River and past the National Gallery of Victoria, it’s a seamless glide past the city’s arts precinct and on towards the West Gate Bridge and the road out of Melbourne.
Turquoise Torquay
Torquay is the perfect stop to top up. For the Macan, it’s an easy connection to the 350 kW fast charger at the RACV Torquay Resort. For Lakota, it’s a choice of eateries along Torquay’s Gilbert and Pearl Streets, including some charming old weatherboard-fronted cafes along The Esplanade. Pond Café is particularly appealing, which sits opposite Torquay Beach’s blonde sands and Bass Strait’s bright blue water.
Later, a walk to take in the view from Rocky Point Lookout – at the border of Torquay and Jan Juc – confirms why The Great Ocean Road is so popular with visitors. The rocky outcrop almost resembles a scale-model slice of the 12 Apostles, two hours’ drive further south.
Back on The Great Ocean Road, the Macan is back at full charge, needing only a handful of minutes to return to ‘refill’ during lunch. Through the windscreen it’s green to the right and blue to the left. Ten minutes later, a road sign flashes by, signalling the turn-off to a world-famous beach.
“Point Break was always cool,” Lakota says, referring to the film that cemented Keanu Reeves’ place in Hollywood, and Bells Beach into silver screen folklore.
"You know it’s a Porsche even before you drive off.” Lakota Johnson
Overnight at Lorne
The Great Ocean Road’s corners and switchbacks bring out the Macan’s Porsche DNA, a reminder that sports car handling can be right at home with luxurious comfort. The Macan’s orange hue takes on a new shade as the sun arcs lower in the afternoon, and its isn’t long until the curves give way to the quiet township of Lorne, and its landmark hotel.
This institution has stood on The Great Ocean Road for 145 years, a symbol of enduring popularity with locals and travellers alike. And like all landmark destinations, it’s stayed ahead of the times.
Lakota plugs in the Macan at the Visitors Centre and heads out to explore the ocean-front main street. Expecting the simplicity of an untouched Malibu, he finds Lorne has disguised its evolution, much like the Macan.
“The arts scene here is vibrant. It’s far more than a surf town, it’s a creative destination.”
Dinner at Totti’s Lorne is an Italian-inspired affair. Classic favourites like lobster pasta and grilled King George whiting showcase the best of the region’s produce.
The next morning is a chance to explore Lorne in the cool beachside air. The Riverbank Café is a favourite stop for locals, but a short drive up and away from the waterfront reveals Qdos Café, part of a gallery showcasing outdoor sculptures and indoor art spaces.
“This is the perfect start for the drive home,” says Lakota, admiring an abstract painting.
“Enjoying modern art in the natural surroundings elevates your mood. It’s invigorating.”
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