Great Ocean Road

Having done this trip a few years ago I would suggest setting up in a park somewhere and do day trips to see all there is to see in each area along the way, then move on to the next base. That way you will have covered all the highlights, so to speak, as you go.

I have stayed at the Erskine River Caravan Park in Lorne and day tripped that area and then moved on to Peterborough to do the next stage staying several days at each location.

There is plenty to see and do from Sorrento to Port Fairy and beyond to Mount Gambier.

Make sure you check out the Maritime Museum in Warnambool.

Cheers, Bruce.

Living in Geelong, I know the area fairly well, it's a great drive, take it easy and you should have no worries with your van, it's a busy road, with it's fair share of trucks and tourist coaches, plenty of slow vehicle pull over areas so you won't hold the traffic up. It would pay to base yourself in towns along the way, then travel back to the scenic points and lookouts as there is only limited space in these areas especially between Anglesea and Apollo Bay. Take some time to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong before heading down the GOR. If you are into some 4 wheel driving there are plenty of very scenic tracks throughout the Otway Ranges. Cape Otway Lighthouse is worth a visit as is the Otway Fly. Then there are the Twelve Apostles etc around Port Campbell. There are plenty of caravan parks along the way, but there won't be many opportunities to free camp. Don't know how far west you intend to travel, the Great Ocean Road officially ends at Warrnambool, but right along the west coast to the border is a great drive. Sept/Oct would be a good time to visit, but during the school holidays it gets very busy down that way.

We did it September October last year. Take some warm clothes as it was cold. As others have said, base yourself and then do day trips. The caravan park at Lorne is a bit ordinary. During the 3 days we were there, the toilets were not cleaned once.

We did East to West last month with a 22 ft van on our way home from Tassie. We found it very worthwhile and very scenic. There aren't a lot of oportunities to stop to take in the sights on some sections and you need to be sensible about where you do stop. We found the road deteriorated to very rough on the inland section. Not holey, just a very uneven surface that tries to tear the back out of your 4WD. So nice and steady is the go. Camps are scarce along this road unless you want a van park in town. We overnighted at what we call a 'blue metal camp' just out of Youlong (38.44.49S 143.16.58E). Clean under foot and out of sight of the road and the road went quiet after dark anyway. Not a bad spot. I recomend you do it, just take it nice and steady.

Cheers ....................................... Kev.

We hauled similar van through their in Feb, found it difficult to pull over to do the photographs & explore as the traffic was challenging and the crowds at car parking spots along the way unbelievable.

Would suggest the best idea is to haul to various locations, park up, unhook and venture out to make it worth while, or you may miss a fair bit as we did.

As it is, we will have another crack at it and be better planned, it is a area full of attractions, worthy of putting some effort into the trip.

Happy travelling.... Phil

We done this trip several years ago from Sydney. Went down the coast road across the bay to Queens Cliff travelled through to Warrnabool then up to the Grampions back to Ballarat then back to Sydney. We had agreat trip and suggest you stay at the main parks this was in July still cold at nights but very few tourist.

Roy & Fiona.