Victoria Road-trip 2019

Elaine Simpson on 12 October 2019
Day 1 We arrived at Melbourne Tullamarine airport early afternoon then travelled cross-country to the Great Ocean Road, stopping for a late lunch in Forrest, a popular mountain-biking area with a superb brewery and café. At the coast we stretched our legs with a walk down the 86 Gibsons Steps to view rock stacks from the beach; then viewed sunset over the 12 Apostles - a magical experience. On the way to our hotel in Port Campbell the guide entertained us with tales of past human dramas along this Shipwreck Coast

Day 2 After breakfast we were driven to the site of Wildlife Wonders for a preview of the attraction which will open the following year: it is a fascinating walk through native bushland looking for local wildlife with the help of the owner’s spotting dogs. The drive from here to Queenscliff is beautiful with panoramic views as the road winds along cliff tops, up breathtaking headlands, down to the edge of surf beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests; I can see why the Great Ocean Road is such a popular iconic drive. In Queenscliff we take a ride on the Q Train, a restaurant on a train that travels along the historic Bellarine railway: it’s a lovely restored train and dining on board would be a great unique experience. Our own dinner date is at the Queenscliff Brewhouse – great pub grub within an easy walk of our accommodation.

Day 3 We board the Searoad ferry for an 8am sailing to Sorrento on the other side of Port Phillip Bay: a sumptuous breakfast is served to us and the hour passes very quickly. This is a great way to link the Great Ocean Road with the Mornington Peninsula missing out the industrial areas around Geelong. We drive to Peninsula Hot Springs, a popular outdoor natural spa resort, regrettably not enough time to experience any of the thermal pools but it looks great and I’d love to go back. Next stop is the Arthurs Seat Eagle: a cable car with superb views over the State Forest with its numerous walking tracks. Our lunch-stop is at Jackalope Hotel, a stylish, contemporary hotel set amongst the vinyards at Willow Creek: superb local produce and a sampling of their wines.

Next we called at Moonlit Sanctuary, to meet some of the 50 Australian indigenous species that live there, I do love to meet a koala! At Phillip Island we go directly to the Grand Prix Circuit, which hosts stages of the World Superbike Championship, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and V8 Supercar Championship; where you can enjoy the thrill of go-karts or hot laps in a HSV Holden. A go-kart race is organised for us and we all set off! It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I came last: I am definitely not a speed-freak, but they very kindly waited patiently for me to finish.

Finally the Penguin Parade: where thousands of little penguins return from hunting and feeding out at sea, to their burrows in the sand dunes. There is a walk, along boardwalks constructed so that their routes are not obstructed, to the viewing platform where we look down onto their route from the beach, we’re very close but everything possible is done to shield the birds, no sound and no lights; and they are oblivious to our presence. They are tiny, only about 10 inches tall, and they rush back, chattering amongst themselves, calling to their mate to meet up and return to their own nest. A wonderful experience recommended to anyone who loves wildlife.

Day 4 Breakfast on the bus during the journey to Wilsons Promontory, the most southerly point of the Australian mainland and a pristine wilderness environment, with a limited range of accommodation: many visitors bring tents or campervans; we will be staying in lodges or safari tents at Tidal River. We are here to check-out the new 2-hour wildlife cruise operated by Pennicot Wilderness Journeys: first we are kitted out in full-length waterproofs to withstand the conditions and then we’re off onto the ocean. Two hours sounds like a long time, but it was fantastic; there was so much to see and the guides were so knowledgeable that it passed in no time. We had dolphins swimming alongside, saw seals sliding down a huge rock face into the water – having a ball, it looked like really good fun; and even though it’s wasn’t the season we saw 2 or 3 whales; and birds – so many; and we circumnavigated Skull Rock, its cave large enough to house the Sydney Opera House. This was brilliant – another fantastic experience!

No shops or restaurants on The Prom so all our food has been brought with us and we have a picnic lunch before taking a bushwalk to Squeaky Beach with a local guide. Up and over a ridge, then down to the beach, where the sand so fine that it really does squeak as you walk over it. A great way to spend an afternoon in this fabulous environment. Later we have a BBQ dinner and walking there in the dusk from our cabin we encounter many wandering wombats, foraging around in the undergrowth, they are numerous here but rarely seen in the daytime.

Day 5 I’ve loved our short time on Wilson’s Prom, but it’s time to head back towards the city today, and I get the co-pilot’s seat next to the driver and thoroughly enjoy the scenic drive on these exceptionally quiet roads, I’m told it can get a bit busier at weekends as Melbourne dwellers head out there for some R+R. Driving to the Dandenongs and lunch on Puffing Billy a vintage steam train that regularly operates through this beautiful woodland setting: it’s less than an our from the city so easily done as a day trip.

The final leg – we drive into Melbourne and check into our hotel for the last night of a fantastic trip, and we actually have a couple of hours of free time! The day ends with a flight (if that’s the right word) on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, similar to the London Eye: superb views and a great way to orientate with the layout of the city while enjoying a glass of champagne and canapes.

Day 6 Our last morning: we will leave for the airport at lunchtime, but meanwhile we take the Hidden Secrets Laneways and Arcades tour. I’d highly recommend this city tour, it’s a walking tour so not for everyone, but you get to see nooks and crannies that are known only to locals, to hear stories about the people and historic buildings, and the fabulous street art that changes constantly: such a vibrant vibe here – this tour gave me a whole new view of the city. Victoria is the perfect place for a road trip – so much to see and do within a short distance of Melbourne.