Sue

We are spending a week driving from Adelaide to Melbourne. Originally thought we'd stop somewhere every night but now wonder if it makes more sense to stay in a couple of locations and tour from them, since the distances are fairly managable? Where would it make sense to base ourselves from a sightseeing point? Can anyone suggest two (or perhaps three towns) along the route which are nice towns and good for day touring.

Mike

G'day Sue. <BR>As you have a week to do this consider the following: <BR>Through the Adelaide Hills, follow the Princess Hwy along the Coorong, continue on to Mt. Gambier. <BR>From there to Portland, then along the Great Ocean Road. <BR>With the time you have available head for the Grampians, then from there to Ballarat and Melbourne. <BR>Unfortunately getting say from Torquay to the Grampians means heading back in a westerly direction to get to the Grampians but with a week at your disposal that should be managable and it's well worth it. <BR>If you can't make it to the Grampians still head from Torquay up ( north ) to Ballarat. Visit Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum. If you make Ballarat your last nights stop then watch the Eureka Stockade re-enactment at Sovereign Hill in the evening. <BR>Have a look at a good map and work out your distances. <BR>Depending on what time of the year you are traveling pre-booking of accommodation is often not required. <BR>( just try to avoid school holidays ) <BR>If you need more info then just get back to me by email. <BR><BR>Enjoy, <BR>Mike

Mary

Make sure you stay a couple of nihts in Port Fairy. Wonderful old fishing town with great restaurants. The Maritime musuem/ village at Warrnambool is also well worth a visit. Port fairy have a great website. It's www.myportfairy.com<BR>I'd also agree with a visit to the Grampians.

Sue

Thanks,<BR>Will definitely spend some time in The Grampians. Any recommendations for b & b's along GOR?

Mary

I can recommend Gobles in Port Fairy. It's right on the river. Have a look at the Victorian Gov tourism site for other ideas www.visitvictoria.com <BR>There's a truely wonderful hotel with a fabulous restaurant at Dunkeld - the foot of the Grampians - I can't remember what it's called though. If I find it I'll post again - sorry!

Mary

Found it! The hotel I was looking for is the Royal Mail Hotel at dunkeld - www.royalmail.com.au. Very highly reccomended.

jo

Hi Sue<BR>We stayed in Lorne which we thought was lovely. You could use it as a base to see the Cape Otway lighthouse, and Melbourne is only a couple of hours away.<BR>Jo.

danny

Hi, this is one of my favourite spots in the whole world.<BR><BR>Make sure you definately leave enough time for Port Fairy - it's simply gorgeous. Also for Warnambool which is a really nice town, with some remarkably good restaurants.<BR><BR>Apollo Bay is a great place to stop off overnight and a good spot to tour places like Maits Rest (fantastic rain forest with an easily accessable boardwalk) and also to visit the twelve apostles and Loch Ard Gorge where you can follow the amazing story of the Shipwreck of the Loch Ard.<BR><BR>Have a great time - so beautiful.