Melbourne - Start at 9am

Started off from Melbourne after a quick breakfast and some barbeque food shopping at the local Coles. Remembered to carry plenty of music for the long drive.

The Road Beckons ...

The published time on most travel sites to Port Campbell is about 4 hours but it is impossible not to stop every 30mins to admire the views. Once you hit the hills the roads get windy so watch out when it gets steep. Those with dodgy tummies while driving may want to skip beers before the climb begins. Picturesque towns like Anglesea and Torquay beckon for homely breakfasts. The water is cold throughout the year but the beaches are clean and great to relax. Can be a bit crowded on weekends or school holidays.

Koala Watching

Drive off the road to visit the Koala viewing area. These animals spend most of their time in trees and getting a perfect close up shot takes patience. You can drive up the trail and spot them on the gum trees quite easily. Littering and trying to feed the animals is a strict no-no.

Maites Rest (otways)

Stop at Maites Rest to admire the flora and fauna beautifully preserved. It features a short circular walk through the rainforest with lush greenery and the elusive Otway black snails everywhere.

Port Campbell National Park

Finally 5 hours later we were at the Port Campbell National Park. We found ample parking spaces here and a well maintained Vistor Centre. On the other side we viewed the Port Campbell helipad from where flying tours can be hired for as little as $60 for a short trip covering the main points.

Port Campbell

Spent the night at Port Campbell at the Great Western. At sunset head to the Lord Ard Gorge to view the unique rock formations caused by centuries of ocean currents lashing the shoreline. A few miles from Port Campbell is a formation appropriately called London Bridge (see pic) The Penguin Parade we saw just as nightfall was upon us was breathtaking.