Great Ocean drive
 

Hi,
I am currently in Melbourne and contemplating the idea of doing the great ocean road drive on the weekend of October 7th. I am here for work, so I don't know anybody to do it with. How complicated is the road? Is is just a matter of picking up and car and a map and just go? Anybody up for it? am a 26 year old sane, and fun male for the record, anyone is welcome. I just hate to do stuff by myself but may have to for this one.
Walid

I took the tour with the Wayward Bus, www.waywardbus.com.au and enjoyed it. The road is mostly two lanes and in pretty good condition. Don't be in a hurry and you will be fine. This was a 3 1/2 day tour--just in case you would like to enjoy the trip with others.

We recently did a one (long) day tour with Gray Line and it was well done and comfortable. If you do this, take the Helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles.
Dave

I spent a week in Melbourne in February and took a scheduled tour drive. I'd suggest taking a bus (choose the smaller ones rather than the 40 person tourbus!) as you will really get to see the drive and the driver definately knows where to stop.
with the small bus, we were able to pull off to side roads and see Koala's close up in trees, see smaller scenic areas - the larger buses can't do this! Of course don't miss the 12 apostles, a stop at the rainforest and the surfers paradise.. (can't recall the name as I'm not a surfer) it's one of the first stops! As a young guy tho, you'll probably find more folks over 30 on most of these buses!! as long as you enjoy people tho, you should have fun!

I did a lot of research on the internet looking for a really good GOR day trip. I spoke to several tour operators by calling from the US and came up with a company that looked and sounded terrific. The GOR is a very long drive and I wanted to go with a small group instead of a large coach tour. Also most of the tours get you back to Melbourne around 6 PM. The one I selected leaves the city approx. 7:45 AM and gets back around 8:30 PM. A long but very full day and quite comprehensive.

You travel in a purpose-built see-through glass roofed convertible bus which can be open or closed so you get to see a lot more than in a regular bus as they can go where a large coach cannot. They take a maximun of ten passengers per trip and will pick you up at your hotel. I spoke with Grace and Brian and they seem like great people.

The company is called "A Tour With A Difference" They charge $AUD 115. Check out their website at http://www.atwad.com.au/tour_gor.html.

I am really looking forward to taking this tour....so check it out.