Our trip to Australia and New Zealand starts in mid-February. First stop Melbourne where we will be renting a car and driving to Apollo for 2 days, then Halls Gap for 2 days before returning to Melbourne.. Any insider tips for stops along the way? Is it worth a trip out of Apollo to see '12 Apostles'?

Do I need any special electrical plug adapters for either Australia or New Zealand?

Thanks,

The area around the Twelve Apostles is the best part of the Great Ocean Rd, in my opinion. The Apostles themselves are very popular - worth getting away from the crowd by doing some of the coastal walks and stopping at some of the other lookouts. Assuming you have no time to spare, I would recommend one night in Apollo Bay and one night further west along the GOR, say Warnambool or Port Fairie, before heading north to Halls Gap. That will save some time by avoiding backtracking. Also be sure to take the side road to Cape Otway for nice scenery and koala spotting.

I was there last year staying in Apollo Bay (2 nights), Port Fairie (1 night) and Halls Gap (3 nights). Check out my trip report for more details:
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...queensland.cfm

>Do I need any special electrical plug adapters for either Australia or New Zealand?

Yes. See: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Don't be too disappointed - there are no longer all twelve apostles, I can't remember how many are missing, but quite a few have crumbled and returned to Mother Nature's wet bosom, as has the "London Bridge". But it's still fun to see the area.

You asked about worthwhile targets along the way:

www.otwayfly.com
www.lightstation.com
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/pa...-national-park
http://tinyurl.com/ott8t6n

Thanks!

Walking part of the Great Ocean Road Walk is beautiful and there are some lovely walks in behind Lorne.