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Victoria Coast

The Victoria coast is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful road trip destinations in Australia. Rugged cliffs, golden beaches and spectacular panoramic roads meet charming coastal towns, wild nature and turquoise waters. Whether by campervan, rental car or in hiking boots - anyone who drifts along here will soon notice: The journey is at least as special as the destination.

03/02/2024

dear(travel)diary,

from Melbourne, I set off on a road trip: along the coast in Victoria. The first part (the Great Ocean Road), I didn't drive t alone, but with Jake, who I had already met at the airport on the way to Melbourne, and two others who we spontaneously met at our hostel. None of us had been in Australia for more than a few days and our excitement was correspondingly high. When a couple of kangaroos suddenly appeared at the side of the road, we screamed like crazy, laughed and stopped. We started by taking photos and could hardly believe our luck - our first real kangaroo! Later, we even spotted koalas in the trees. Pure euphoria.

I then drove the second part of the route on my own - and really enjoyed it. I met some interesting people along the way and had some great conversations, but most of the time I was just on my own. No distractions, just me, the ocean and the road. This peace and quiet, this conscious solitude, was really good for me - almost like a little reset in the middle of the adventure.

xx Chiara

Overview:


What to See

  • Great Ocean Road: Point Impossible Beach, Memorial Arch & Queenscliff Coastal Reserve, Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne Scenic Beach, Sheoak Falls, Kennet River Coastal Reserve, Apollo Bay, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge & The Grotto
  • Mornington Peninsula: Bathing Boxes, Fort Nepean & Point Nepean National Park, Portsea Surf Beach, Sorrento Ocean Beach, Shelley Beach, Bushrangers Bay, Coppins Lookout, Cheviot Hill & London Bridge Lookout
  • Phillip Island: Penguin Parade, Woolamai Surf Beach, Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk, Pinnacles Lookout, Pyramid Rock Lookout, Nobbies View Point, Red Rocks Beach & Forrest Caves
  • Wilsons Promontory National Park: Big Drift, Squeaky Beach, Tidal Overlook Viewpoint, Whale Rock & Norman Beach
  • Raymond Island
  • Croajingolong National Park & Genoa Peak


Where to Eat & Drink

In Australia, you shouldn't necessarily eat out every day, otherwise it can quickly become expensive. That's why I often cooked for myself on my road trip. But I did eat out here and there. You can find my recommendations here:
  • RAWR BAR, 4/57-63 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road)
  • Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe, 119 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road)
  • Cafe Lugano, 71 Thompson Ave, Cowes (Phillip Island)


Where to Stay

I stayed at various places along the coast. When we were on the Great Ocean Road, the four of us took a room at the YHA Apollo Bay Eco (affiliate link). However, you can also book a bed in shared rooms or a single/double room here. The location is perfect for a trip to the Great Ocean Road.

On Phillip Island. I also stayed in a hostel - at The Island Accommodation (affiliate link). I couldn't find a better cheap alternative online at that time.

After a few nights in hostels, I treated myself with a cozy single accommodation. My room at Bon Accord Luxury Serviced Accommodation (affiliate link) had everything I needed and was totally comfortable and clean. The hosts were also really friendly. I can therefore highly recommend this accommodation.


On the Road

For many of the destinations, it is worth renting a car - but there are also numerous tours that often start in Melbourne. However, with a car (or even a camper) you have maximum flexibility and can stop off spontaneously.


Costs

That was my cost for 1 week along the coast of Victoria:

  • Accommodation: approx. 160€
  • Food: approx. 35€
  • Cafés & restaurants: approx. 95€
  • Rental car: approx. 300€
  • Fuel: approx. 50€
  • Entrance fees: approx. 35€


I have put together a list of all the places on Google Maps.

You can find the list here.

9 days on the Victoria coast

Itinerary



Day 1-3: Great Ocean Road

Day 3-4: Mornington Peninsula

Day 4-5: Phillip Island

Day 6-7: Wilsons-Promontory-Nationalpark

Day 8: Raymond Island

Day 9: Croajingolong-Nationalpark