We are on a road trip from Sydney to Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, during the Easter Long Weekend.
Day 1 :
We left after work on thursday and drove for 3 hours to Yass, staying at the Hi-Way Motor Inn. Nice and Clean, with a comfortable bed ready for the long drive next day. For the price, good value.
Day 2 :
Friday, we head off early and stop off at the 'Dog on the Tuckerbox' near Gundagai. Kids had never heard of Gundagai before, which is a shame as it's a classic early Aussie country song. So i have to sing the song to my kids.
We continue on, and for lunch we stopped off at the 'Sam Miranda King Valley' winery. The food was reasonable, and we bought a few bottles of wine for our journey.
We arrive late in the afternoon as the sun sets. We have rented a holiday house for 3 nights, across from the beach in Apollo Bay. About a 2 minute drive to the centre of town.
Day 3 :
Saturday, we head off along the Great Ocean Road. We take a detour to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. For pleasant drive to get to the lighthouse.
The view from the lighthouse is quite spectacular and a bit windy.
During the drive from Great Ocean Road to the lighthouse you can stop and look for Koalas. If your not sure where they are, there will be lots of other cars who have pulled over as well. It one stop we saw about 4 Koalas all having a rest. First time my kids have seen koalas in the wild.
Continuing our road trip along Great Ocean Road we take a detour and go to the 'Otway Fly', to go on the Treetop Walk. You can also do a Zipline tour.
It is a pleasant walk among the forest.
Top of the lookout tower is a bit nervy. The tower sways a bit, so if your scared of heights take your time going up and hold on or bypass altogether. We saw plenty of parents with prams/strollers taking the walk.
That ended our drive for Saturday. the wife and myself headed into Apollo Bay for dinner having Fish and Chips. There is quite a good selection of restaurants, take aways and cafes. So you will find something you like, and fits your budget.
Day 4 :
Sunday, we are off to the '12 Apostles'. Amazing place to visit. It is an easy stroll from the carpark to the various lookout points.
After the 12 Apostles, we come to the 'Loch Ard Gorge'. An area where numerous shipwrecks have occurred.
There are a few walks around this area. Here are some photos on the 'Island Archway' and 'Razorback' walk.
Loch Ard Gorge from a distance
This is the Razorback.
getting tired and hungry after our walks, we drive into Port Campbell for lunch. We ate the 'Waves Restaurant'. My salt and pepper squid was delicious, and the kids says the Sphagetti Bolognese was better than mums.
After a long Sunday, we head back to our accomodation at Apollo Bay for one last play on the beach
We are having dinner at 'Chris's Beacon Restaurant', which sits on the hillside looking over Apollo Bay. Would be better to come for lunch to see the sights . We were under-dressed for the occasion. The food was really nice, but you must love Fetta and/or Beans, as all main dishes seem to have them.
Day 5 :
It's Monday, and it's time to head back home on our 15 hour drive back to Sydney . We head along the Great Ocean Road one last time. I'm sure we will be back to spend more time here again.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Thursday
Drive from Sydney to Yass for the night
Day 2 : Friday
Drive from Yass to Apollo Bay, stopping off at 'Dog on the Tuckerbox' and 'Sam Miranda' winery.
Day 3 : Saturday
Visited Cape Otway lighthouse and Cape Fly Tree Top
Day 4 : Sunday
Visited 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other walks. Went to Port Campbell for lunch
Day 5 : Monday
Drive along Great Ocean Road and head home to Sydney
Costs
- Hi-Way Motel Yass : $100 per night for 2 double beds
- Apollo Bay Holiday House : $450 per night (2 Queenbeds and 6 bunk beds)
- Cape Otway Lighthouse : $19.50 per adult, $7.50 per child, $49.50 for family (2A and 4K)
- Otway Fly Tree Top Walk : Booking online - $23.75 per adult, $14.25 per child, $60.80 for family (2A and 2K)
- Otway Zipline Tour : $114 per adult, $80 per child, $356 for family (2A and 2K)