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Cruising along the idyllic Great Ocean Road is simply one of the best caravanning journey’s anywhere in the world. This seemingly endless coastal road is a beauty to behold. While many people just like to keep driving, if you do want to break it up and see all that this wonder has to offer, we have put together a three-day itinerary to get you started.
YOUR ITINERARY
Starting your adventure from Melbourne, drive for an hour and a half to reach the region’s surfing paradise, Torquay. Ride the waves (if you know how); if not, educate yourself about quintessential Aussie beach culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum. You can also opt to go snorkelling at the Danger Point Marine Sanctuary with an incredible diverse range of underwater life.
After your first stopover, follow the most picture-perfect coastal route in the world—from Torquay to Lorne and then to Apollo Bay. This 92.4-km stretch of beaches, cliffs and escarpments provide a panoramic view that will make your jaw drop. Be sure to stop at Teddy’s Lookout, where you can see the waves come crushing into the cliffs and into the mouth of the Saint Gorge River.
Go to the famous rock stacks that is the Twelve Apostles by driving further from Apollo Bay. These ancient limestone mounds rising from the ocean are a testament to how nature does its magic. Other lovely formations that you can enjoy include the Loch Ard Gorge, the Arch, the Blowhole, and the London Arch.
Drive for one and a half hours more to reach Port Fairy, located at the westernmost end of the Great Ocean Road. Here you can spend the night at any of the well-appointed caravan parks to prepare for another day of adventure.
Start the day early in Warrnambool and visit the state’s largest maritime shipwreck collection where you can find over 40 buildings and vessels spread out in a 10-hectare estate.
If you are visiting between June to September, take advantage of the abundance of Southern Right whales that come to Logans Beach to give birth to their youngsters. Take note, however, that there is no guarantee of a sighting and you should consider calling the Visitor Information Centre. Better yet, stay longer and schedule a series of visits for whale watching.
After all the coastal experience, it is time to go inland and revel at the wonders of the Grampians. Base yourself at Halls Gap—less-than-two-hours drive from Warrnambool. You can enjoy hikes along lovely park trails or rock climbing and abseiling. Enjoy a dip at either the Silverband Falls or MacKenzie Falls to cool yourself after your adventures.
If you don’t feel exhausted or if you still have time, drive for two hours more to spend the night at Colac.
Connect with Mother Nature and rejuvenate your soul with a leisurely morning walk to the Botanical Garden. If you’re feeling pumped up, try the longer route and take the Old Beechy Rail Trail, follow the Otway Ranges, and end at the Forest Tiger Rail Trail.
Next off, drive your way to Ballarat and learn about the region’s rich gold mining history. Make sure to visit Sovereign Hill that recreates the feel of a legit gold-rush town. Here you can explore the town and talk to inhabitants that wear costumes and act as miners, townspeople, or soldiers in the 1800s.
When you have had your fill of the great gold rush exposure, head on to Melbourne to conclude your 3-day Great Ocean Road caravan.