How to discover the Great Ocean Road

Between two housesits in Melbourne we had eleven days to spend in the neighborhood of Melbourne. Now, we would not be Ella and Geert if we did not go camping during these eleven days. Our plan was a roadtrip with a campervan, and to start from Melbourne.

A Great Ocean Road roadtrip was the perfect option. We both enjoy touring along the sea with a constant view of the rugged rocks and sea. The Great Ocean Road is a road along the southern coast of Australia. The 243 kilometer (150 miles) road lies between the towns of Torquay and Warrnambool, both in the state of Victoria. On internet and in many travel blogs you can read things like “Great Ocean Road in two days”, or even do it in a one day organized tour. Given the many sights and that we are slow travelers, we decided to make it “Great Ocean Road in 1 week”. And after all, the weather was really nice during that 1 week so a lazy day at the beach would be nice as well.

The Great Ocean Road…

is also walked by many people. This once-in-a-lifetime Great Ocean Road Walk can be done in 6-8 days. Start at Apollo Bay, passing through Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park on the way. The finish of this incredible journey is at the world-famous Twelve Apostles Marine National Park.

Now that it was clear which route we wanted to travel, it was time to choose the vehicle. Looking at the weather forecast, the duration and the length we opted for a small campervan with sleeping space in the back and maybe a small kitchen. Incidentally, the latter is not really necessary in Australia. Just like in New Zealand, most campsites are equipped with (an extensive) kitchen. You should think of: stove (sometimes several), pans and dishes, ovens and microwaves, refrigerator and barbecues. In short, if you are lucky you will camp with a super deluxe kitchen.

Camping in Australia is extremely popular. This means that there is a wide choice in renting different campervans and motorhomes. There is something for every budget. The benefit is also that you can pick up the vehicle from any major city. After a search we ended up at Camperman Australia, they had the van that we were looking for, still available for our desired period and affordable.

TIP I: As a Dutch citizen you do not need an international driver's license to rent a car or campervan

Einstein once said;

“Look deep into nature. And then you will understand everything better”

We both believe that when you live in nature it will bring peace in you inner body. It opens your mind and make you really see, hear and smell things.

The great thing about touring in a campervan is that you can basically park your van anywhere. For example, we parked the campervan on the cliff one morning and ended up standing there all morning with just the two of us. Geert flew his drone while Ella was walking along the cliffs. You have everything with you, think of food or something to drink. In the afternoon we had lunch and then slowly drove on. When you ride along the Great Ocean Road you will get many opportunities to park your vehicle and enjoy the view or just the moment.

The Great Ocean Road is easy to ride on. There is sufficient parking space at the sights, whether you travel the Great Ocean Road. by small campervan or with a large motorhome. The nice thing about this road is that everyone you meet is basically doing the same as you. Sometimes you see people again at the campsite in the evening.

In Australia you are only allowed to camp in the wild in the designated National Parks (you will find a few along the Great Ocean Road.). But along the route you will find definitely plenty of campsites.

TIP II: Do you like a campfire at your tent or camper? At many campsites you can buy a fire pit with firewood.

Our trip along the Great Ocean Road lasted six days, these were six fantastic days. The weather was good, we met nice people and enjoyed the natural beauty and wildlife. Since we had some days left we decided to drive to the Grampians. National Park Grampians (The Grampians) is the place to be if you like hiking. It is a beautiful mountainous nature reserve. We love hiking and camping and you can do that very well there.

When we left Warrnambool, we drove straight up to Halls Gap. Halls Gap is considered the capital of the Grampians. There are campsites for everyone's choice and for the first night we opted for the camp site Halls Gap Lakeside because of the kangaroos. Huh.., the kangaroos?

This campsite is known for it’s kangaroo's that come out when the sun is behind the mountains. These cheerful fellows then hop onto the campsite and scurry around your camper.

Close encounter

Geert himself had a 'close encounter' with one of the kangaroo's very late in the evening. The animal didn't do anything but Geert was a bit shocked because of the size and the noise it made.

Camping was great, however we arrived on the bonnevoy and we could only stay one night. And we were allowed to pick a spot.

The next morning we packed our things and after breakfast we drove a bit out of Halls Gap to drive to the next campsite at Lake Fyans.

Here too we arrived at the bonnevoy and we could also choose our place here. This place is so beautiful that we ended up staying for two days. From here we made another beautiful hike in Halls Gap and in the evening we watched the sunset across the lake with many camping guests.

The Grampians is definitely a place for us to come back. We have been on two nature campsites where wildlife also has access at dusk. Moreover, the area is beautiful and there are plenty of hikes.

Here you can read more about our trip to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians.