Ballarat and the Great Ocean Road

[iceman]

Hi guys.

While we're in Ballarat for the Star Camp, we're planning a trip down the Great Ocean Road, to Port Campbell (12 apostles etc) and then back. Looking at the maps this morning, it's further than I expected it to be...

From Ballarat to Port Campbell and back probably isn't too bad, roughly 2-3 hours (each way) from the NRMA thing and could be done in a day trip. But if we go the long way, back to Geelong and then along the length of the road to Port Campbell, how long will that take?

I'm just trying to work out if it can be done as a day trip, or if I need to plan to stay overnight in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell or something.. and if so, then I need to plan which day so I can minus 1 nights accomodation at Ballarat.

Thanks for your help.

[xstream]

Mike, If you want to do it in a relaxed style and not have to rush through everything; stay overnight in either Port Campbell or Warnambool, doing it in one day with three kids you will not enjoy it. :D

[iceman]

Thanks John, I think what we'll do now is leave home a day earlier (Wednesday), stay in Albury/Wodonga on Wednesday night, drive to Port Campbell and stay overnight there on Thursday night, and drive back to Ballarat via the Great Ocean Rd on Friday.

Is it right that it's about 6 hrs to Albury/Wodonga from Sydney?
And another 6 hours from Albury/Wodonga to Port Campbell?

[robin]

Mike,from Ballarat to Geelong,its about an hour then you head through Geelong to Torquay (allow 40mins on a good run.Then down the Ocean road.Add at least 3 hours extra on the lengh of the trip as its really winding in some spots.Once you get to the 12 Apostles, then you're only 45 mins from me in Warrnambool.It all depends on how many stops you make as there's some spectacular scenery the entire lengh of the Ocean rd. We've got a b&b type of cottage which you & your family could have at no charge at all.
Albury to Pt.Campbell/Warrnambool is a solid 6 hours.We come down the Hume, around the Western ring road which by-passes the Melbourne CBD.

[xstream]

Mike,
You'll need to allow yourself a good 8hrs to Albury/Wodonga with the kids and thats only giving yourself quick rest breaks.

[acropolite]

Mike, the great ocean road and the 12 apolstles is a must see, if you get the time take the opportunity. We spent a whole day around the area and could have spent more. The weather was rough and it only enhanced the experience. We stayed at Apollo bay and climbed to the lookout on top of the hill. Here's a couple of pics the first Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles (Note Ken: Taken of course with the trusty Kodak).

[iceman]

Thanks for the replies.

Robin, that's a very generous offer and one I would love to take you up on. I'll PM you to arrange.

Awesome pics Phil, I can't wait to take some myself..

What started out as a couple of nights at Ballarat has turned into an adventure! It's becoming quite a driving holiday.. should be great fun with 3 kids and a wife that gets car sick! :lol:

I've always wanted to check out the great ocean road, so while i'm in Victoria it just has to be done!

[johnno]

http://www.travelmate.com.au/MapMaker/MapMaker.asp?TM_Page=mapmaker

Hi All,
Not sure if I have done this correctly,but the link above will take you to Travelmate,it will give you not only a map,but a detailed description of when and where to turn,how far and how long it should take, to anywhere in Australia,from your home town.
Hope it works.
Regards.John

[xstream]

Nice site Johnno, the only problem with it though it doesn't allow for breaks, stopping, lights, etc. It assumes non stop driving but a handy tool none the less.:)

[ballaratdragons]

Great site Johnno,

Pity it takes the long way round to get to Snake Valley if anyone uses it to get to the Star Camp! Below is a map showing the correct short way in black and their directions in Red! Loooong way around!!

The Blue cross is where Mike will be staying.

To give you an idea of how far out their directions are: Snake Valley to Ballarat is 20 minutes by the Black road and Snake Valley to Mikes Motel is 20 minutes. So what's all the other Red line for? To get you confused!!

[iceman]

Alright, who here is responsible for this!

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15811265-2,00.html

Not happy Jan! :tasdevil: I hope the other 8 are still there by the time we get there in October! :D

[acropolite]

I have it on good authority that Ken did it....:lol2: