Great Ocean Road
Feb 2nd, 2009, 09:30 AM
#1
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Great Ocean Road
Hi out there,
We're going to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide as one of our segments of our 16 day trip. My question, we are currently scheduled to stop in Port Campbell the first night. My husband feels we should push on to Warrambool. We plan to end up in Coonawara to tour that wine country before we proceed to Adelaide.
We live on the central coast of California and are used to driving coast roads (of course on the other side). Any suggestions. Is it pushing to much not stopping in Port Cambell. The gal that's arranging our trip seems very cautious,
Any suggestions for places to stay along the way?
Should we take the chance and not make reservations?
I'd like to hear some experiences.
Thanks
We're going to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide as one of our segments of our 16 day trip. My question, we are currently scheduled to stop in Port Campbell the first night. My husband feels we should push on to Warrambool. We plan to end up in Coonawara to tour that wine country before we proceed to Adelaide.
We live on the central coast of California and are used to driving coast roads (of course on the other side). Any suggestions. Is it pushing to much not stopping in Port Cambell. The gal that's arranging our trip seems very cautious,
Any suggestions for places to stay along the way?
Should we take the chance and not make reservations?
I'd like to hear some experiences.
Thanks
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:46 PM
#2
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The gal arranging your trip is either not Australian is she? or doesn't know the road so much!
In Australian terms of driving W is not much more than just down the road [about 65km.], probably same for US and with the road departing from the coast after Port Campbell/London Bridge there's not really anything to be seen.
I'd even suggest a more delightful stop would be Port Fairy, lovely older fishing village with some nice B&Bs and restaurants.
W has plenty more options but not quite the character.
That said, a couple of other things should be considered in your driving plans,ie. time of year and whether longer/shorter days, daylight saving time - applies to 4/5/09, getting earliest start and perhaps overnighting closer to the start.
If wineries are an attraction, last day in Melbourne could be worse spent in Yarra Valley, heading south to Mornington Peninsula [both vineyard regions] and either stopping at Sorrento for an early morning crossing to Queenscliff or doing it late afternoon/evening and stopping in a largely unheralded heritage town of Queenscliff.
Make use of www.travelmate.com.au to help find your way about and seems you ought to rely on more than just your gal!
In Australian terms of driving W is not much more than just down the road [about 65km.], probably same for US and with the road departing from the coast after Port Campbell/London Bridge there's not really anything to be seen.
I'd even suggest a more delightful stop would be Port Fairy, lovely older fishing village with some nice B&Bs and restaurants.
W has plenty more options but not quite the character.
That said, a couple of other things should be considered in your driving plans,ie. time of year and whether longer/shorter days, daylight saving time - applies to 4/5/09, getting earliest start and perhaps overnighting closer to the start.
If wineries are an attraction, last day in Melbourne could be worse spent in Yarra Valley, heading south to Mornington Peninsula [both vineyard regions] and either stopping at Sorrento for an early morning crossing to Queenscliff or doing it late afternoon/evening and stopping in a largely unheralded heritage town of Queenscliff.
Make use of www.travelmate.com.au to help find your way about and seems you ought to rely on more than just your gal!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 02:03 PM
#3
Hikergirl,
Use the google - "get directions" function to give you an idea of distances & times. It's only about 90 mins drive if you wanted to go to Port Fairy which, as Bushranger says, is very charming.
Personally, I'd make the decision as you go so that you have the flexibility to linger a bit longer if you find some place that really takes your fancy, or go a bit further if that's what you feel like on the day. There are very good Information centres in most of the towns where you can pick up brochures on accommodation in their and surrounding areas to give you some idea of what's available.
My strategy is to get to my overnight destination in daylight, have a look around to see what looks appealing, and phone to make the reservation. Sometimes I just call in - and if I'm staying in a country pub/hotel, I might ask to see the room first.
OTOH, if you like the security of definitely having a booking before you set out, I'd be tempted to recommend Port Fairy.
Use the google - "get directions" function to give you an idea of distances & times. It's only about 90 mins drive if you wanted to go to Port Fairy which, as Bushranger says, is very charming.
Personally, I'd make the decision as you go so that you have the flexibility to linger a bit longer if you find some place that really takes your fancy, or go a bit further if that's what you feel like on the day. There are very good Information centres in most of the towns where you can pick up brochures on accommodation in their and surrounding areas to give you some idea of what's available.
My strategy is to get to my overnight destination in daylight, have a look around to see what looks appealing, and phone to make the reservation. Sometimes I just call in - and if I'm staying in a country pub/hotel, I might ask to see the room first.
OTOH, if you like the security of definitely having a booking before you set out, I'd be tempted to recommend Port Fairy.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:36 AM
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I know that road very well and I would advise stopping at Pt. Campbell. Melbourne to Pt.Campbell is the best section and you don't want to hurry it. After leaving Melbourne head for Torquay and check out the surfing beach (and great surf shops if you are interested) continue on to Anglesea. Watch out for directions to the Golf Course and to see heaps of Kangaroos in the wild. Continue to Aireys Inlet and turn off the main road up to the Lighthouse. Terrific views. Continue on to Lorne for lunch and great fish and chips at probably the prettiest town on the GOR. also a good stopover town if your journey was more liesurely. Never mind next time perhaps. Continue now to Apollo Bay BUT stop at Kennett River and look for Koalas in the wild up the gum trees. Continue now to AB a pretty town, but not much there so on to 12 Apostles. Take a detour to the Otway Fly (sign posted) if you want to walk among the tree tops. Definitely stop at 12 Apostles and Port campbell is next. It will have been a full day! There are several good accommodation options at PC, it is a small town but pleasant. Next day head fo Adelaide with a detour to Bay of Islands just after Peterborough. The GOR is very well signposted with constant reminders to stay on the Left side of the road. You will enjoy the trip through some of the best coastal scenery in OZ. http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/
Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:54 AM
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Feb 3rd, 2009, 08:45 AM
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Thanks so much for the info. We have to keep in mind that rusing down the road takes away one of the great experiences in Austrailia. Our agent is really encouraging us to have a reservation but we're hesistant. We'll be there around April 27th.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 09:29 AM
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That should be a perfect time for the GOR and it really is a beautiful stretch of coastline. I would advise booking accom. in advance because that is around the Easter period (I think) and that area could still be busy. www.wotif.com is a good site for accomodation up to a month out if you wanted to book it yourself. Bed & Breakfasts (B&B) are always a good option.
