Day 1
Melbourne to Cumberland River
Distance 170km - Driving Time 2hrs 46min
Our journey started in Melbourne picking up our Britz Campervan. We decided to get out of Melbourne straight away and head for the Great Ocean Road, stopping in Torquay & Bells Beach where we watched surfers and got a first feeling for the magnificent trip lying ahead of us. We continued our travels along the coast stopping every few kilometres to enjoy the magnificent ocean views. On the other side we were treated by lush greens of the rainforest. Along the way we also stopped at Split Point Lighthouse and took a stroll at Fairhaven Beach -highly recommended. Our travels finished at Cumberland River Holiday Park – a really great campsite!
Day 2
Cumberland River to Forrest
Distance 37.4km - Driving Time 58min
The next day we briefly waved goodbye to the ocean and travelled inland, stopping at Wye General Store & Café for a yummy breakfast and watching wild koalas in Kennett River. We stretched our legs with a hike around Apollo Bay in the afternoon, so nice to be back by the coast, before heading through the lush rainforest to Forrest, to see another Aussie staple, platypuses. We stayed at the Wonky Stables Caravan Park, a quaint little place in Forrest.
Day 3
Forrest to Port Campbell
Distance 103km - Driving Time 1hr 21min
We travelled back to the coast and proceeded to follow the Great Ocean Road all the way to Port Campbell. With so many stops along the way we were spoilt for choice, but we ended up stopping for a short walk at Maits Rest, a tour of the Cape Otway Lightstation and the Gibson Steps before taking a helicopter flight over the stunning Twelve Apostles. If there was one highlight of the Great Ocean Road, this was it! We slept at the Port Campbell Holiday Park that night.
Day 4
Port Campbell to Halls Gap, Grampians
Distance 154km - Driving Time 1hr 50min
In the morning we visited some other great rock formations close to the Twelve Apostles such as Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. Our trip along the Great Ocean Road finished that morning, but our adventure didn’t! We continued travelling inland towards the Grampians. The landscape changed quickly, and we stopped at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve to soak up the animal-life. Continuing to Halls Gap, we slept at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
Day 5
Hiking in the Grampians
We hiked section one and two of the Grampians Peaks Trail. Originally, we planned to only hike part one and camp at the Bugiga Hiker Camp, but instead, we continued hiking all the way up to Mt Rosea finishing at the Borough Huts Campground. In total it took us five hours and we had a great day! The views from the summit were 100% worth the effort, and we'd happily do it again for these alone. That night we slept at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park again.
Day 6
Relaxing in the Grampians
As we hiked both parts of the the Grampians Peaks Trail the day before, we relaxed on our sixth day. Starting right, we went for a great breakfast at the Livefast Lifestyle Café. We chose not to do rock climbing after the previous day's exertions but instead opted for a for a horse trek in the Grampians. After a relaxing day we spent the evening relaxing watching wild kangaroos, cockatoos and emus, which roam free right next to the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
Day 7
Grampians to Melbourne
Distance 254km - Driving Time 2hrs 53min
On our last day, we travelled back to Melbourne with a couple of stops, firstly at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre (providing a great history of the Chinese miners and their arduous journey from Southern China to Australia where they dreamed of finding gold and discovered one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields). This was followed by a short walk in Mount Buangor State Park to the waterfall, before continuing the final leg back to Melbourne.
Road Trip Highlights
Q and A with Jackie and Dave
Where was the best view?
Mt Rosea, The Grampians
Where you stopped for a picnic?
Fairhaven Beach
Where was your favorite place/town visited and why?
Halls Gap: cute little town, nice people, great café
What was your favorite experience/activity and why?
Doing the first two sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail in one day instead of two – such an adventure!
Best café for coffee?
Livefast Lifestyle Café in Halls Gap
Favourite pub/restaurant?
Curtin House Rooftop Bar, Melbourne
Did you have a favourite holiday park you stayed in and why?
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park: very friendly owner, wild kangaroos roaming free next to the park,
great location
What would be your top tip for other campervan travellers?
Just enjoy it and have fun!
Can you share a recipe from something you cooked in the campervan?
BLT bagels with avo, done quickly and super yummy!