Songdoc

I'll have 5 days (May 31 - June 4) in between work obligations in Wellington, NZ and Sydney. FYI, we get to return every year--so we've seen a great deal of NZ -- and loved it. We're primarily drawn to nature and long, easy walks. I'd REALLY wanted to visit Marlborough Sounds this time ... but the logistics are just too daunting.

FYI, the Bay of Many Coves resorts (in Marlborough Sounds) offerered me a great price (4 nights for the price of three -- thanks for suggesting that Melnq!) but with it being winter there are no float planes and fewer ferries/water taxis than in peak season. So there'd be no way to do this without overnighting on the way back in Wellington--and then having to be up by 4:30 AM to get to the airport. I'd have to trade an entire day of vacation for travel. So I think we'll probably leave this for another trip.

I'd love to return to N. Queensland. Loved it last year -- and there are plenty of places we didn't get to, such as the Atherton Tablelands. But ... we don't want to travel that far -- and spend quite that much for flights for such a short visit.

Option #2 was returning to Abel Tasman. The logistics are easy and we absolutely loved our stay there (at the Ocean View Chalets) last year. We'd take the water taxi to parts of the park that we didn't explore last time -- and do some different walks ...

So ... what's wrong with option #2???
I know it would be beautiful and relaxing ... but ... it doesn't give this travel-o-holic that rush of excitement; that thrill of going to a place I've never seen before.

So ... I just thought of option #3:
fly from Wellington to Melbourne; spend a day or two in the city -- then take two or three days driving the Great Ocean Road. It's an easy flight from Wellington to Melbourne -- and even easier from Melbourne to Sydney.

So, here are my questions: how much driving would be entailed? (I'm not a fan of long drives). How many days would be needed to do this without more than 2 hours of driving per day? Would I do this as a circle -- and return to Melbourne -- or should I return the rental car and fly to Sydney from somewhere else instead of backtracking to Melbourne.

I've just thought of this option -- so I probably will have more questions, but thought I'd see what you all think.

Thanks, as always!

Melnq8

Hi Songdoc -

We spent a few days exploring the GOR on our way to TAS a few years back - we spent three nights near Apollo Bay and explored from there, which entailed more driving than you're after, but my report from this trip might give you a few ideas:

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...t-wild-tas.cfm

DownUnder

Go for option #3
http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/
After a couple of days in Melbourne drive to Lorne, about a 2 hour drive away, and overnight there. Next day drive to Port Campbell, about another 2 hour drive, but lots to see on the way. Overnight at Port Campbell and then return to Melbourne via Colac. This is a bit more than 2 hours, but it is an easy drive and Colac is a good place to stop for lunch or a coffee. The GOR is one of the most scenic areas of OZ and is very much worth doing.

Songdoc

Thanks so much. This is looking very appealing.

If we were to add an additional day would you suggest two nights in Pt. Campbell or Lorne -- or somewhere else?

DownUnder

If you wanted to add an extra day I would suggest 2 nights in Lorne. Otherwise you could also return from Port Campbell via Halls Gap in the Grampians and stay there for a night.
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=109

Another popular country town for an overnight is Daylesford. It would be about a 5 or 6 hour drive from Pt Campbell via Ballarat, which may be too far for you.
http://www.visitvictoria.com/display...C80C476A900AA/
http://www.daylesfordvictoria.com/

Songdoc

Well ... the decision is made. (Drum roll, please ...) We're going to Melbourne & then driving the Great Ocean Road. I know it's the right decision because I'm really excited about it.

Here's the tentative itinerary:
Mon., May 31 -- arrive Melbourne early evening
T & W -- Melbourne
Th -- drive to Lorne & overnight
F -- drive to Pt. Campbell & overnight
Sat. -- drive to Grampians & overnight
Sun. -- drive to Melbourne and fly to SYD late afternoon or early evening

Any suggestions of lodgings along the way? Unfortunately, DP does not like B&Bs.

Also ... do you think Lorne is a better place to overnight than Apollo Bay?

Thank you all so much for your help!

DownUnder

Your itinerary looks good and Lorne is a better place than Apollo Bay. Better restaurants and cafes, better accommodation and a lovely setting on Louttit Bay.
The walk on the path adjacent to the GOR and between the Lorne pub and the pier is as good as anywhere!

DownUnder

In Lorne, Erskine Beach Resort is right on the Beach, The Pacific Hotel has a great position opposite the pier on the GOR and The Cumberland is in the centre of town. All would be ideal for an overnight.
http://www.lornevictoria.com.au/5/hotels.aspx
In Port Campbell this motel is in a good position
http://www.portcampbellaccommodation.com/
and in the Grampians the the Royal Mail at Dunkeld is excellent
http://www.royalmail.com.au/
but there are other options in Halls Gap if you want something in the bush.