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Drive the Ocean Road

by Alexandra Middleton | 09 May 2013

The beauty of the Great Ocean Road, aside from its standing as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, is that the picturesque area satisfies a range of tastes and is accessible on any budget.

My own journey along this rugged and breathtaking coastline began in Adelaide, where I took advantage of a Kea Motorhome relocation deal.

For only $5 per day, plus a refundable insurance bond, my partner and I had our accommodation and vehicle covered for the next three days.

This was the first time I had travelled in a Motorhome, but having stumbled upon the relocation deal it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.

Essentially, rental companies offer highly discounted rates to travellers willing to deliver hire vehicles back to the depot following a full price booking.

A simple ‘rental relocation’ Google search will reveal a number of companies offering this service.

Rental relocation does come with a catch; deals are generally advertised only a couple of weeks before the travel date, are bound by a set time frame in which to return the vehicle and are all one-way.

However, if you’re a flexible traveller, line up a cheap flight home and give relocation a go.

Portland

Picking up the van in the morning we wasted no time hitting the road and by the time we reached our first stop in Portland we were keen to stretch our legs.

As Victoria’s first permanent European settlement, Portland boasts hundreds of well-maintained heritage buildings that are perfect to wander around.

Being nature lovers, we quickly grabbed a coffee and gourmet sandwich from locally loved Lido Larder and headed for the Cape Bridgewater Trail.

While it’s a slightly more strenuous track we opted for the 2.5km seal walk which leads to a viewing platform directly above the largest seal colony on the Australian mainland.

Hugging the coastline, the trail rewarded us with breathtaking views of the cliff escarpments and the contrasting deep blue, moody seas below.

The awesome sights of the cliff faces of the Great Ocean Road just keep coming.  

Port Fairy

In holiday mode already and in no rush we drove one more hour to Port Fairy where we planned to spend the night.

A renowned fishing port, we decided to test our angling skills at Port Fairy’s East Beach.

Rewarded with what could only be beginner’s luck, we cooked up our catch using the free BBQ facilities at Port Fairy Caravan Park behind East Beach and settled in for the night.

Port Campbell

After a good night’s sleep we were fresh-faced and ready for the main event, The 12 Apostles.

While only eight of the original Apostles remain, the sight is no less awe-inspiring.

The sandstone stacks reach an impressive 45 metres in height and yet still manage to look vulnerable against the 70 metre high cliffs above, and the rough waves lapping at their base.

Visitor information boards explain how the limestone cliffs were worn away by the force of the wild ocean and strong winds over millions of years.

Great Otway National Park

For a unique view of the lush rainforest characteristic of the Great Otway National Park, look no further than the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

Not your average nature walk, the Otway Fly is a steel walkway elevated 25 metres above the forest floor. 

Don’t rush the two-kilometre track; we spotted countless birds during the three hours we were there.

The setting is so relaxing, we often found ourselves staring into the distance, lost in the moment and our surrounds.

We booked ahead online and saved 10 per cent off our entry fee.

Lorne

With the beautiful Otway rainforest leaving us in an almost trance-like state of relaxation, we figured why do things by halves. We headed to Lorne for a hot stone massage at Endota Spa.

Lorne is the perfect place to treat yourself. We obliged.

Dinner that evening was a fabulous affair and a credit to the area’s local produce, from which everything on the menu was made.

The Maple Tree restaurant was awarded the 2013 Golden Plate award for excellence in hospitality, and by the end of my Otway pork belly entree and grilled king scallops main, I was left with no doubt as to why. 

We spent the night at Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park beside the beautiful Erskine River.

Torquay

Bound by the time constraints of our relocation rental we hit the road early the next morning. Conveniently our departure fell on the last Sunday of month, which meant we could explore the Lorne Craft and Produce Markets and pick up some fresh bread and locally made preserves to have later for lunch.

No trip along the Great Ocean Road would be complete without stopping at Bells Beach to give a nod to our Australian surfing culture.

After a short break watching the massive swell roll in, and the obligatory stop at Quicksilver and Ripcurl, both of which began in Torquay, it was time to get on the road.

 

Want to drive the Great Ocean Road and see the picturesque sights? Join Probus for the 2013 Rendezvous and sign up for the Post Rendezvous Tour with Trade Travel.