3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS
DAY 1
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
Depart: Melbourne
O/night: Port Campbell
Distance: 279 kilometres
Start your bucket-list drive west towards Geelong stopping at Werribee Open Range Zoo in time for an open-air African safari adventure. then explore Geelong Waterfront’s sparkling bayside precinct.
Road trip the Surf Coast, through Torquay, Anglesea and onto lovely Lorne for lunch. Detour to Cape Otway Lightstation for brilliant ocean views, before catching sunset over the Twelve Apostles and settling in for the night at Port Campbell’s Southern
Ocean Villas or Anchors Port Campbell.
DAY 2
Great Ocean Road to Grampians
Depart: Port Campbell
O/night: Halls Gap/Dunkeld
Distance: Approx 260 kilometres
Discover the western reaches of the Great Ocean Road: stunning Bay of Islands, Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Tower Hill’s intriguing volcanic landscape and Port Fairy’s picturesque fishing village vibe.
Head north through farming country, detouring to Hamilton Gallery for an art fix or Pomonal Estate to taste local vintages. Check into your cabin at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park or deluxe accommodation at DULC, the perfect bases for exploring the Grampians National Park.
DAY 3
Grampians to Melbourne
Depart: Halls Gap/Dunkeld
O/night: Melbourne
Distance: Approx 250 kilometres
Joyride through more wine country, to Stawell, Ararat and on to Ballarat. Gold rush history comes alive at award-winning Sovereign Hill – the entertainment readily fills the entire day.
Or choose to duck away early to ogle artworks at the Art Gallery of Ballarat and meet-up with a myriad of native animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park before a leisurely drive back to Melbourne via the Western Freeway.