State of Victoria Travel Forum

Hi,

Mid June I will travel from Melbourne to Adelaide with one day stops at Philip Island, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Grampians and Robe. I have some questions about this route and the places:

- Can anyone tell me if the route realistic an nice and if we miss something in this itenary that we can't miss?
- Is it a nice drive in winter?
- Is the penguin parade on Philip Island also in June or is it seasonal?
- Can anybody give me tips about must sees in Philip Island, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy and Robe?
- Does anyone know nice hostel accommodation in these places for a thirty year old?

Kind regards,
Mark

Hi We did this drive several years ago and had 3 stopovers at Lorne, Port Fairy and Robe. We travelled early May and found the weather very good. You will have plenty of time to divert off the road and travel 20 or 30 km inland to see special things.

In Port Fairy we took a 1 hour cruise with commentary which we enjoyed. Recommend you check out the Vt pages of members, you might find something that appeals.

Good Luck
Mike

Hi Mark,

You might find something on these web pages:

www.victrip.com.au
www.melbourne.citysearch.com.au
www.visitvictoria.com
www.visitsouthaustralia.com

Mike

The route is realistic, but remember that Phillip Island is on the other side of the bay to Apollo Bay/Port Fairy etc, so you would have to start there.

AS far as I am aware, the penguin parade is all year round, but I will check and repost.

For hostels/hotels in the areas, check out www.hostelworld.com or even just rock up to one of the local pubs. Most will have accomodation available.

G'day Mark,

First off be aware that June is about our coldest month and sun set is about 5.20 pm - so rug up.

The Penguins are a year round attraction - http://www.penguins.org.au/ - although June the number of tourists is far in excess of the number of penguins. Penguin parade is shortly after sunset and goes for about an hour. NO PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED. Also take plently of warm clothes as the beach is exposed and its freezing there.

Appolo Bay and Lorne are the 2 places to stay on the GOR, but with your schedule maybe Appolo Bay would be the better option. Suggest you allow time to go see the Cape Otway Lighthouse - http://www.lightstation.com/ - on the way to see the 12 Appostles.

Amazing history behind Robe as it was the drop off point for thousands of gold seeking Chinese for the Ballarat gold rush of the 1850's. Plently of historic buildings in the town. From Robe suggest at least a brief stop at The Coorong on your way to Adelaide.