Editing Melbourne (section)

=== '''The Great Ocean Road''' ===

Firstly, join the official CouchSurfing [http://www.couchsurfing.org/groups/34923 Great Ocean Road (GOR) group] to find people to travel with!

There are several ways to do this trip. Organized tours costing about $150 for two nights/ three days. CouchSurfers have found [http://www.wildwombatescapes.com/ Wild Wombat Escapes] offers small number, good value, one day tours including lunch and hostel pick-up for $95. Chris, who runs it, is apparently very nice, knowledgable and genuine. Self-drive can be for as little as petrol, if camping rough or by [http://www.vline.com.au/discovervictoria/discover/gor.html V/Line] public transport for $31 Melbourne-Warrnambool one way, with a range of tour options including the Grampians for an additional $23.90. 

The best time to see the Great Ocean Road is during wet and overcast weather or even storms when the waves create a majestic atmosphere. Wet weather and indirect light bring out the full colors of the limestone. In strong sunlight and blue sky the limestone tends to look flat and rather dull. In summer there are also hordes of flies (and tourists) so insect repellent and mesh face screens are required. 

For '''organized tours''', check tourist travel websites such as [http://www.greatoceanroadtours.com.au/sites/default.asp Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne].

For '''public transport''', [http://www.vline.com.au/pdf/newtimetables/Apollobay.pdf V/Line Apollo Bay] offer a service starting at 9am South Cross Station Melbourne arriving Warrnambool 16.55 h and stopping at all the major Great Ocean Rd sites. Please note, this is NOT a tourist service but a regular bus service. The stops are only for 10 to 20 minutes at each site. Do NOT delay the bus! That said, it is adequate to see the sites if you are rushed or broke. The trip is not guided, although the drivers tend to be pretty helpful. You can also join the bus or leave the bus at these stops.

'''Self-drive Suggested Itinerary #1'''

''This was provided courtesy of the legendary Mr. Melbournexperience.''

* Everyone meets at Southern Cross around 7:30 am. Coffee/ breakfast at Gloria Jeans opposite.
* Fill up at the Todd Road service centre, from here on we split the fuel bill. 
* Stop at Aldi on the Princes Fwy, just north of Geelong. I get 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, we divide the bill.
* I then go on the Great Ocean Road. I normally try to see the lighthouse at '''Aireys Inlet''', '''Erskine Falls''', and maybe '''Beauchamp Falls'''. See koalas at '''Kennett River''', ask the general store for directions.
* Dinner in '''Apollo Bay''' we eat out, that's each individual's cost. I then drive after dark to '''Johanna Beach''' and camp there for free.
* If you have the energy you can go further to '''Melba Gully''' and see glow-worms in the dark.
* The next morning it's breakfast at the campsite. Then if anyone needs nicer toilets stop at the service station general store at Laver's Hill.
* Then it's the '''Gibson Steps''', '''12 Apostles''' (a collection of eight miocene limestone rock stacks), and Loch Ard Gorge. Then I have lunch at Port Campbell, and I go to Waves restaurant for a fantastic take away coffee.
* There's also a nice souvenir shop opposite if you want something.
* Then back on the Great Ocean Road, seeing all the sights, like the '''Arch''', '''London Bridge''', '''The Grotto''', '''Bay of Martyrs''', '''Worm Bay''' - it's hard to see the turn off point, and '''Bay of Islands''', then I turn off towards Colac, I don't normally go to Warrnambool. If you have time to get to '''Port Fairy''' it's nice for its old buildings, but there's not much on the scenery side.
* I'm normally back to the Todd Rd Service Station by about 9pm, and we fill up again and divide the fuel there.
* I normally do it in 2 days, but it's better in 3 if you can. 

Also, a little after the Great Ocean Road, there is the highly recommended '''Tower Hill''', some 16 km after Warnambool. This is a very large extinct volcanic creator, which you drive down into, in a ''Jurassic Park''-like scenario. There are three shallow lakes, native bush, a circular drive, walks, the inner mound and a profusion of semi-tame wildlife including koala, emu, wallaby, kangaroo, tourists and bird life. Entry is free. There is also whale watching (Southern Right whales) in season, July to October, near [http://www.warrnamboolcam.com/whales.htm Warrnambol] itself. This is free, with excellent views from the shore viewing platform as the whales swim just beyond the waves with their young and will breech (surface).

'''Self-drive Suggested Itinerary #2'''

''By [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/global_drifter/ Global Drifter], moderator of the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=34923 GOR group]''

A few of you have email me about travel suggestions and advice so I thought it would be more beneficial to post it up here for others to view also. My advice is to plan for a three-day trip by car. This is a general itinerary most suited to travelers who want to see as much of GOR in a short space of time, but depending on what you want to see and do whilst on your trip, you will have to of course modify accordingly:

Start: My place, the unofficial start of GOR (hehe)
* If you have some spare time then maybe take an hour to walk through '''Geelong''', especially the foreshore, and check out some of the cafes (I recommend GO) and bars (Bev's, Edge, Mr.Hyde's).
* '''Torquay''' - awesome little town with nice beaches and cafes to wet your whistle. You can get surf lesions here if you're keen.
* '''Bells Beach''' just so you can say you have been there but if your time restricted then maybe give it a miss.
* '''Anglesea golf course''' where you can check out the kangaroos most mornings and evenings grazing on the greens.
* '''Airley's Lighthouse''' where you can see the table rocks and spectacular coast line. Also amazing bird life and sunsets.
* '''Teddy's Lookout''', Lorne! Make sure you don't miss this.
* '''Erskin Falls''' which is within the Otway National Park. Just make sure to check out both the top and bottom of the waterfall. It's about 10km out of Lorne so don't worry if you feels like have been driving for too long and must have passed it because you probably haven't. It's well signposted.
* '''Cora Lynn Cascade trail''' - this is one the way to/from Erskin falls. You need to park in the banana leaf (I think it's called) picnic area. It's about a 4-5km hike each way but well worthwhile!!! Once you make it to the cascades, keep following the stream till it opens up into bushland. Stunning is all I can say. Probably a good place to propose to your partner for all you romantics out there.
* '''Grey river road''' in Kennett River is a great place to do some koala spotting.
* '''Apollo Bay harbour'''. 
* '''Mariners Lookout''' where you will be greeted by Roger the goat and Patrick the pony.
* If you can spare some time then you can take the scenic drive through the back of town to '''Mariners Falls'''. A bit minuscule compared with Erskin so don't expect too much. WARNING: the road leading there is very narrow, tortuous and loose gravel so not for the faint hearted, inexperienced driver or speed demon as we almost got run off the road several times by stupid, inconsiderate, dick drivers who have no concept of other road users! They also have an awesome weekend market on the foreshore where you can pick up awesome local produce and knick knacks.
* '''Johanna beach'''! Good place to camp for the night and chill out on the beach. Great sunsets and surf. The waves are pretty hectic so only for really experienced swimmers and surfers and maybe use the buddy system. Drive down red Johanna and back on blue Johanna.
* '''Princetown picnic area'''. Just past the town there will be a sign for a campsite and picnic area where you will find a lake with a bridge overpass. Just park near the lake before the bridge as another sleeping alternative to spend the night star gazing. I love just staring at the stars so I found this breathtaking as it's pitch black out there so you can see the the whole Milky Way really clearly. Bring a telescope if you're keen, you won't be disappointed (unless there are clouds of course).
* '''Gibson's Steps''' which are just before the 12 Apostles and the place that will give you your first glimpse of what to expect. Takes you all the way down to the beach where the sand is soft, the sun is warm and the water alluring.
* Now what you have all been waiting for, '''The 12 Apostles''' (minus a few). Great sunsets, but get there early as there are always crowds from 5am. I suggest just after sunset so you get some sunlight peeking over the cliff face onto the Apostles. Better yet, I think sunset is a better option.
* '''Loch Ard Gorge''' and surrounds (Thunder Cave)
* '''The Grotto'''
* '''London Bridge'''
* '''The Blowhole'''
* '''Bay of Martyrs''' and the '''Bay of Islands'''!!! These were actually the the highlight of my trip. Needless to say, make sure you stop that car and get the hell out for a look and a photo.
* '''Port Campbell'''. Great little town where you can stop for lunch and a chat to reflect over the awesome sights you have just witnessed.
* '''Warrnambool'''. Quite a big town/city where you can re-stock on supplies, get a feed and relax for a bit. There is a major train station with trains that takes you all the way back to Melbourne. In the winter months you can also see whales.
* '''Port Fairy'''. Beautiful town and home of the Folk Festival on Labour Day weekend. Deceptive when you drive through as the real beauty is deep within the heart of the town, so try and make some time to explore the town centre and beaches.
* '''Port Fairy Lighthouse'''. Although the lighthouse isn't anything special, the view is great. But even better is the drive there. It's not so much the tree line that's amazing but what's hiding in them. If you keep your eyes sharp, your sure to see koalas!! If you're lucky enough like we were you may even get to see a mum with its baby hanging on for dear life or one might be kind enough to come down and meet you. Truly memorable, even for an Aussie. Hence why I please urge you to drive slowly on the way. Forget the people who instantaneously slam on the breaks when they spot a koala, or the huddle of folks who clammer on the roadway recklessly taking photos without a care in the world, it's the slow-moving koalas who have come down for a forage and stroll you might also run into....so please take it easy, in both directions!
* OK, onto the home stretch now. '''Portland''', including Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater where you can explore the petrified forest, windmill farms and marsh flies. Also check out the port and ships and do a spot of fishing of the pier/breakwater.

Note the rest of the itinerary is if you wish to continue onto Adelaide. I suggest doing it over another two days.
* If you're still keen to explore then i suggest heading west towards SA and the '''Discovery Bay''' with its beaches.
* '''Princess Margarett Limestone Caves''' which are apparently over 70,000 year old. It's a bit of a pain to get to from the GOR (about 13km over unsealed roads), so I suggest doing this on the way back from Mt. Gambier from the HWY as it's much closer and a more pleasant drive.
* '''Port McDonnell''' and '''Shell Beach''' where you can get up close with the marine life at low tide which are stuck in rock pools. Also some decent surf but its a (sharp) pebble beach with heaps of reef.
* '''Mt. Gambier''' where you can see the sinkhole, the something rather caves and Blue Lake.
* '''Beachport'''. Loved this town, especially the seemingly endless jetty and azur blue ocean.
* Encounter bay and the Coorongs. Awesome and worth a nights camp surrounded by nature and the water.
* '''Victor Harbour'''. Beautiful town and great surf. Make sure you try the fish and chips.
* From here you can head north to '''Adelaide''' (1hr).

Safe travels.