Where is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most popular travel destinations luring both national and international visitors to the south-western coast of the state of Victoria. I decided to spend my recent summer holiday exploring the region with my family. I will admit, I was a little apprehensive after my husband booked the holiday because I’d been to the area on three previous occasions and experienced miserable weather with horizontal rain! Not the best conditions for sightseeing.

A couple of days after Christmas we had the car and trailer packed with all our camping gear and set off early for the seven hour drive from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road which is signified by a memorial arch just before you arrive in Lorne. The arch commemorates the returned service men that commenced building the road during 1918, and on to our destination, Warrnambool.

During our 10 day holiday (my 10 day ‘digital-detox’) we enjoyed the beach at Warrnambool, a day trip to the ‘Shipwreck’ coast taking in the 12 Apostles, The Arch, London Bridge, Bay of Martyrs, Bay of Islands and Port Campbell. Helicopter flights over the coast seemed very popular with as many helicopters as flies!

A lovely day trip was also taken to the nearby historic township of Port Fairy where the children enjoyed a camel ride and I drooled over the historic cottages by the old inland port. From Port Fairy we visited ‘Tower Hill State Game Reserve‘ which is based around an extinct volcanic crater, so makes for some interesting landscapes and plenty of wildlife can be seen including emus, kangaroos and koalas. We were very impressed with the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre. Its design blended beautifully with the landscape and is very well hidden within the crater.

One of the highlights of our stay at Warrnambool was the ‘Shipwreck Sound and Light Show‘ at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The spectacular laser show depicts the voyage of the ill-fated Loch Ard ship bound for Melbourne from England during 1878 and was wrecked on the reefs near Port Campbell. There were only two survivors which is miraculous in itself when you see the size of the cliffs they would have been confronted with. The Loch Ard Cemetery is located near Loch Ard Gorge and named after the wreck.

Our holiday ended with a superb meal at Simons Waterfront Restaurant. The restaurant is situated right on the foreshore of Lady Bay with a lovely view over the water to sit back and enjoy the sunset. We all enjoyed our summer, family holiday but for me, the digital-detox was very necessary and a chance to enjoy the 3D world!

Australia’s Great Ocean Road: Walks, Beaches, Heritage, Towns, Ecology and Sustainable Tourism: The Complete Guide to Southwest Victoria

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of the Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool

One Great Reason to Visit the Great Ocean Road

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the spectacular coast line that can be viewed via the scenic drive through coastal towns, national parks and open, salt-bush, cliff tops.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

For More Information

Wikipedia

Great Ocean Road – Official Tourism Victoria Site

You Might Also Enjoy The Following Travel Destinations

Wilsons Promontory, Australia

Freycinet National Park, Australia

Flinders Ranges, Australia

Esperance, Australia

Byron Bay, Australia

Where is Wilsons Promontory?

Wilsons Promontory or more fondly known as ‘The Prom’ is the most southerly tip of mainland Australia. It has been one of my favourite camping spots for many years, offering bushwalking, wildlife viewing, swimming in the clear waters and general relaxation in the protected National Park.

Wilsons Promontory National Park was one of the first national parks declared in Victoria, more than 100 years ago, and is an icon of the park system and draws visitors from all over to this travel destination.

Development within the park has been minimal and it was only recently that a major objection was fought to keep development and commercial tourism out of ‘The Prom’. The only facilities for camping are located at Tidal River camping ground. The park information centre, small supply shop and petrol station are also found here.

During the summer peak season camping is so popular that you not only have to book a site but enter a ballot system due to the demand. Unfortunately, there are times when you will miss out!

The special attractions include Tidal River, a hike to Squeaky Beach, Whisky Bay, a 20km return hike to Sealers Cove (the only access is by foot) and Lilly Pilly Gully. It is a bushwalker’s delight.

The National Park offers the perfect opportunity for taking photographs of beautiful landscapes and wildlife you will encounter. You might like to take a look at Tony Page, professional photographer and writer and what he has on offer.

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Wilsons Promontory

One Great Reason to Visit

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to experience the sunset from the top of Mt Oberon looking over Tidal River and Norman Bay.

Gippsland, Victoria including Wilsons Promontory

For More Information

Wikipedia

Wilsons Promontory NP – Official Park Site

Wilsons Promontory NP – Official Victorian Tourism Site

You Might Also Enjoy The Following Travel Destinations

7 Things to Do in Melbourne

Freycinet, Australia

Esperance, Australia

Broome, Australia

Cairns, Australia

Where is Great Barrier Island?

Great Barrier Island is located 90 km from Auckland on the east coast of New Zealand. Angela Pearse spent a weekend on the island courtesy of Tourism Auckland and Sealink ferries.

Visiting Great Barrier Island is like winding back the hands of time. The 800 or so islanders generate their electricity by wind, solar, battery or diesel power. There is no main water supply or street lighting. Mail is infrequent and supplies of fresh food such as bread and grocery items are shipped over on the ferry.

But it is this back-to-basics lifestyle and untouched natural landscape which makes Great Barrier Island such a special travel destination. On our trip we met some locals who are passionate about “The Barrier”.

In Port Fitzroy on the west side of the island, Sven Stellin extracts manuka and kanuka oil and makes products, such as mosquito spray, balms, soaps and essential oils. He gives visitors a first-hand look into the process of extraction and a chance to buy Barrier Gold products.

Also at Port Fitzroy is Glenfern Sanctuary run by Tony Bouzaid. Glenfern is a 150 acre reserve where endangered species such as the rare black petrel, brown teal duck and North Island Robins can live safely from predators. Tony’s guided walk takes you through the sanctuary, which has elevated boardwalks through native forest and a suspension bridge into a 600 year old kauri tree. A ride in Tony’s Unimog, a 4WD all terrain army vehicle, is included in the walk.

Whether fishing, diving, kayaking, bush walking or general sight-seeing is the interest of the day, contact Steve Billingham of the Barrier Tour Company for an ‘Ultimate Tour’ of the island. Steve is renowned for his extensive local knowledge and humorous stories. He also runs Crazyhorse Trike Tours. A trike is a custom built motorbike that can seat two passengers side-by-side at the rear of the driver. Riders get a ‘wind in the face’ experience and commune with nature on an exhilaratingly intimate level.



Great Barrier Island accommodation and camping grounds

The largest settlement in Great Barrier Island is at Tryphena Harbour in the south west of the island where the ferry docks. It has a good selection of accommodation including:

Sunset Waterfront Lodge

Shoal Bay Lodge

Tipi & Bob’s Waterfront Lodge

There are eight camping grounds on Great Barrier Island, with some situated a short distance from pristine white sand beaches. Medlands Beach and neighbouring Okupu Bay on the east coast are particularly beautiful and it is not uncommon to see dolphins there in the warmer months.

Other top notch accommodations include Mt Saint Paul Lodge at Medlands Beach and Great Barrier Lodge at Whangaparapara Harbour on the west, which has self-contained cottages and backpacker cabins.

Currach Irish Pub, Mt Saint Paul Lodge and Great Barrier Lodge

For eating out there’s the Currach Irish Pub at Tryphena, a relaxed bar with live music and delicious speciality seafood dishes.

Or 20 minutes from Tryphena by car, Mt Saint Paul Lodge. A colonial style manor house set back from at Medlands Beach which offers fine seafood dining and stunning deck views. Hosts Trish and Ivan McMannaway are warm and welcoming.

Or try Great Barrier Lodge Restaurant and Bar at Whangaparapara Harbour, a perfect place to unwind after a day of tramping, kayaking, fishing or diving.

Sealink ferries and Fly My Sky

You can reach ‘The Barrier’, as it is affectionately known, by a relaxing four and half hour Sealink ferry ride (with onboard café + two movie theatres) or a 35 minute chartered Fly My Sky flight from Auckland Domestic Airport.

New Zealand (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Great Barrier Island

One Great Reason to Visit Great Barrier Island

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the more than 100 kms of walking tracks. One of the most popular is Kaitoke Hot Springs. Reached by a gentle meandering bush walk, Kaitoke Hot Springs has a series of natural pools for bathing and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard day of sight-seeing on the island.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island from Dave Woodard on Vimeo.

For More Information

Wikipedia

Great Barrier Island Tourism

Great Barrier Island Tourism Directory

You Might Also Enjoy The Following Travel Destinations

Canterbury, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Kaikoura, New Zealand

RT @RichEverett What is a Virtual Assistant http://bit.ly/3oEF0j #

@RicRaftis Did you read the post? –> http://bit.ly/3oEF0j in reply to RicRaftis #

@RicRaftis Yeah…lucky huh? ) in reply to RicRaftis #

@FromTheIsland Hello you! Lovely to see you! Have you got a nice sea breeze where you are? I can't get over how warm it's been, so early! in reply to FromTheIsland #

Thanks for earlier RTs (been flat out here!) @salisburydowns @davidbrewster @aerlic @rebeccamezzino @BusinessDIY @RicRaftis @FromTheIsland #

Melb Bizwomen SHOULD NOT MISS @thePhoenixLunch Networking & fundraising for PANDA $45 http://bit.ly/16iZci <– I'm going! #

Thanks for that! RT @ResRec @kirsty_wilson Thanks for quickly coming to my aid this arvo. Much appreciated. This VA's a great PA! #

Love Skype! RT @CarolineApts Slowly getting staff on board with using Twitter, I wonder if I can push Skype into the mix? http://ow.ly/BJeN #

RT @whereivebeen Responsible Travel vs. Eco Friendly Travel http://bit.ly/2G614z (@GoGreenTraveler) #eco #green #travel #

@CarolineApts Been using it more than 4yrs for O/S friends. Not many using it here in Oz. I'm still trying to convert interstate friends! in reply to CarolineApts #

@endlessblush Such a shame you missed Wed night #TBNN We had a great night. Lots of laughs. Has your week improved? in reply to endlessblush #

@endlessblush It was fun & great to meet those I hadn't met at a #twums! Hope you have nice weekend – sounds like you need one! in reply to endlessblush #

Out the door to do the school run & then getting stuck into client's work. #

Powered by Twitter Tools.