Great Ocean Road Forum: Driving Adelaide to Melbourne

We did a leisurely drive along this route a few years ago. We spent the first night in Naracoorte to see the fascinating Naracoorte Caves N.P. We also visited some of the wineries in the Coonawarra region.

Our second night was spent in Warnambool, but nearby Port Fairy would be a good choice too.

Our third night was at Apollo Bay and we enjoyed the town and walking along the beach very much.

If you have lots of time, I certainly wouldn't rush this trip.

I forgot to mention, a good part and most of the iconic Great Ocean Road features, London Bridge (whose arch fell in some years ago), the 12 Apostles (which were only ever 9 or 10) etc., require a stop in the purpose-built laybys to view, because they're obscured by sandhills between the road and the ocean.

Even though it's January, take a light wind/shower coat - the weather can change on a dime and be quite chilly along that coast. Have a look in some of the maritime museums and you'll see how trecherous it can be - some fascinating tales and objects from shipwrecks.

Longhorn is right: There are so many interesting things & places along the Great Ocean Road, taking your time would be well rewarded.

visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road/A…

Sometimes just being, not going or doing, is the perfect thing, too.

Soemthing to be aware of is that Australai Day is aThursday public holiday (think thanksgiving type weekend) so you may find quite a bit more traffic and weekend escapers than normal. Gte your accom sorted soon.

>>We'll be in Adelaide January 25 and plan to drive the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne. We have lots of time but all the forums indicate 2 days would be sufficient<<

Possibly some confusion?

The Great Ocean Road is not the road all the way between Melbourne and Adelaide.

2 days is sufficient for the GOR returning to Melbourne via the inland route.

3 days is recommended for the route between Melbourne and Adelaide which includes the GOR. (Edit: As far as I've read. It's a long time since I've done it myself. I remember one day for Port Campbell to Melbourne felt rushed.)

If you have "lots of time" you should, while looking at a map, do some research on where you would like to stop, and plan accordingly.

Hi,

IMO; you need more than 2 days to drive the GOR - we have done the drive a few times & have really enjoyed staying at Robe / Port Fairy / Port Campbell & Lorne.

A great way to explore along some of the more secluded and interesting spots on the Great Ocean Road is to have a look at the Shipwreck Discovery Trail.

You can download the trail here

flagstaffhill.com/history-queries/…

I support Naracoorte Caves and Coonawarra as a suggested spot to spend half day. You can cut across to Robe quite easily if you want to go there also.

If you are into historic properties you could check out Robe Heritage Cottages, Cape Otway Lightstation and LIghthouse Lodge Warrnambool.

http://www.robehouse.com.au/

www.lightstation.com.au

Thanks, got a map and appreciate your comments.

Thanks Bokhara - we've been researching the car/ferry Queencliffe to Sorrento and it looks great. We'll be prepared to Australia Day may stay and enjoy the celebrations in Adelaide.