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Myself and my partner are off to Australia in November and as part of our trip we are planning to drive this route. I have allocated 3 full days for this part of the holiday. Does anyone have any suggestions of nice places to eat and/or stay on this route at all?
We are really flexible on where we stay and are interested to see all that this area has to offer. Thanks. 🙂We did it late Jan early Feb. I haven’t got any really strong recommendations.
Our trip was as follows:
Pan Pacific Melbourne-then drove to The International Apollo Bay. This happened to be Australia Day, so the roads were busy and most of the beaches we passed full of activity. The International in Apollo Bay is poor. We had a pizza at the gin brewing place, choice of eating was slightly restricted because of the extra holidaymakers.
Next day Apollo Bay to Port Fairy where we stayed at the Merrijig Inn (we’re pensioners, but it’s the kind of place your granny would love!!). Can’t remember where we ate, it was a Merrijig recommendation and it was fine.
Next day back to Apollo Bay and stayed at the Captains at the Bay-this was very much nicer than The International so would definitely recommend.
The sightseeing between Apollo Bay and Port Fairy and back is great, 12 Apostles etc etc.
You don’t really need to go as far as Port Fairy as there’s nothing super special there. Just before you get there is a medium sized town called Warrnambool which may have a bigger choice of accommodation and eating.
@AFKAE – thanks for that information. I had already looked at the Merrijig and it is highly recommended in all the reviews I read.
Do you think 3 days is about the right amount of time to cover all the sights? Perhaps we could skip Port Fairy if there is not much to see there.We drove Melbourne to Adelaide along the coast stopping two nights along the way and it was a very leisurely drive. Pretty sure you have plenty of time.
@AFKAE – thanks for that information. I had already looked at the Merrijig and it is highly recommended in all the reviews I read.
Do you think 3 days is about the right amount of time to cover all the sights? Perhaps we could skip Port Fairy if there is not much to see there.If you’re returning to Melbourne, I would say 3 days is right.
Just after Apollo Bay is Cape Otway which is an interesting visit to the lighthouse and we managed to see Koalas up in the trees.
If you’re tight on time and didn’t want to go as far as Port Fairy you could stop at Port Campbell, we had lunch there. If you stayed there you would have to travel a little bit further west to see London Bridge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs and the Cathedral. The Merrijig and Port Fairy are fine but not exceptional-it depends if you are tight on time or not.
We highly recommend staying at the Conservation Ecology Centre. It’s not fancy but if you like your wildlife, it’s excellent. Roos just metres from our rooms, Koalas in the trees and you’ll be able to see their work with Quolls, Honey gliders and Poteroos.
Thanks all for your advice. I will do some more research on the places mentioned and I will definitely take a look at the conservation ecology centre. It sounds idyllic. It appears we have planned the right amount of time to have a leisurely drive and take in all the sights and activities.
I’d recommend here – https://www.lightstation.com/stay/. Not in the slightest bit fancy, but quiet and lovely to be able to do some of the walks after the site has closed to the public. You’d need to self cater, there’s nowhere for many miles to get a meal once the Lightstation Cafe has closed. Make sure you have scones at the cafe….
Thanks – I have just taken a look at the lightstation and the studio is still free on our dates so will book one night here and then another night at the ecology centre if they have availability. Thanks again everyone for your suggestions and advice.
Another recommendation here for the lightstation, where e we stayed in the studio. Interesting birds and kangaroos on the lawns. We also saw koalas in the trees in several places along the access road from the great ocean road to the lighthouse. Drive slowly and keep looking up.
If you are going further up the coast towards Melbourne, there are also koalas around the Koala Cafe and Kennet River. Further along the coast at Anglesea, there is a golf course which has become home to a group of kangaroos. Sounds a bit touristy but you can get a short golf buggy tour and get up close to the kangaroos. Definitely worth a stop if you are passing.
I have heard about the golf course tour! It sounds like there is a lot to see on this route which is great. Thanks again everyone for all the tips and recommendations.
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