Great Ocean Road
 

Hi again, just wondering from those folks who have done this, we are going from Adelaide to Melbourne and have four days allocated for the drive. Is this too many days or about the right amount of time to do it leisurely? Also, if anyone has any special "musts" along the way we'd love to hear about it. As always, thanks! ;)

I think this is just about right.<BR><BR>I'd stop in Robe, Port Fairy or Warnambool, and then Apollo Bay. Although does anyone think Adelaide to Robe is too far in one go?<BR><BR>Things to see along the way - definately 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Maits Rest, the townships of Warnambool, Portland, Port Fairy and Robe.<BR><BR>All towns have fabulous restaurants, I particularly remember great food in Robe.<BR><BR>The whole coast is spectacular - the drive is pretty tough though.<BR>

Thanks for your response Daneille which helps alot. I guess because the drive is tough it's better to take our time anyway. Appreciate your points of interest too! Have a happy day.

Consider Lorne, Erskine Falls (walks), Kennett River (Koala's), Otway National Park (walks). You might like to take a look at our report: see posting 'Advice on a 3 wk holiday Sydney-Melbourne', which has dropped down to number 190 at the moment.

Stay in Port Fairy over Warrnambool - it's delighful. Excellent web site at www.myportfairy.com. Lorne is also lovely. You might like to consider going to Melbourne via Queenscliff and then across the bay on the ferry, rather than the quick way of Geelong - Melb. It is a lot longer - but Queenscliff is lovely, the ferry crossing interesting, and Sorrento is also nice.

Thank you ALL for such great information. Hopefully I can return the favour one day! Have a good one - cheers!

Danielle, I don't think it's too far from Robe to Adelaide...I drove it in November, but there's also nothing noteworthy (in my opinion) to see in Robe! <BR><BR>Four days is enough time to do it leisurely though....<BR><BR>Melodie<BR>Certified Aussie Specialist

If you want a small detour, Queenscliff is a nice little town. I'm a bit puzzled about the recommendation that you take the ferry to Queenscliff as the ferry only crosses the bay from Portsea to Queenscliff and doesn't come anywhere near Melbourne. The road from Melbourne to Geelong is freeway so should only take about 45 minutes.<BR>Port Fairy is a great place to visit - it's an old fishing port with lots of accommodation and good places to eat.<BR>Tower Hill (between Warrnambool and Port Fairy) is worth looking at.

Travelgrl<BR><BR>Between Adelaide and Robe is the Coonawarra wine region. If you like wine or like countryside with vineyards you might like to think about staying a night in this area. The town of Coonawarra has some lovely B&amp;Bs. 4 days looks good to me. Queenscliffe is a good idea, there is a restaurant at the Queenscliffe Hotel that is wonderful, very traditional in style but the whole place is a joy.

The good advice just keeps on coming for which I am extremely grateful! Meant to also ask if anyone has any particular accommodation favourites along this route. I have done searches and we do love b&amp;b's but would love to hear about recommended ones. Once again, many thanks. :)

Gobles in Port Fairy is lovely - it's on the river. I've not stayed at either Shearwater or Oscars - but have had excellent reports on them as well.<BR><BR>Marg - what I meant (and it was badly expressed - written very early one morning!) was that rather than going from Geelong straight to Melbourne along the freeway, a lovely trip is to go Geelong-Queenscliff - across on the ferry to Sorrento - and then up to Melbourne along the Mornington Peninsula.

maryk, thanks for the info which I will be sure to check out. I also wanted to ask you how long it would take going to Melbourne via Queenscliff from Geelong as opposed to the freeway. This route has been recommended by others as well so I'm assuming it's worth the detour if one has the time which I think we do. As long as we don't have to line up for hours for the ferry!

From Geelong to Queenscliff is about 30 mins. The ferry timetable &amp; info can be found at www.searoad.com.au - but I think it runs about every hour. From Sorrento to Melb is about 1hour 45 mins. The direct route from Geelong to Melb is 1 hour into the city.

THANK YOU! Time to start planning now - appreciate all your help!