Discover beautiful Ballarat

Start your Great Ocean Road adventure by heading to the coastal town of Geelong. Along the way stop and visit the African wildlife at the Werribee Open Air Zoo. From here you can continue straight to the famous Little Creatures Brewery or take a leisurely stroll through the stunning Geelong Botanical Gardens. Within Geelong you will find many cafes and restaurants, no matter what your taste is. Park your van at the Big 4 Caravan Park for the night and enjoy the facilities that they have on offer.

Wake up and head straight to one of the many beaches, in Geelong, walk along the sand or even a morning swim. If a brisk swim doesn’t take your fancy, head along to Adventure Park, Geelong. This water park will cater for all ages on their water slides and rollercoasters. From the tiny tots Splashzone to the Tornado, every member of the family will enjoy a day spent here. Further down the road you will find yourself in Queenscliff, at the Big 4 Caravan Park. This caravan park is more like a resort and will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. With a pool and spa, indoor playground, a giant jumping pillow and bike hire, you could add an extra day to your trip and quite easily stay on here.

Another adventure filled day will find you down at Sea All Dolphin Swims. From here, driving along into Anglesea will have you travelling over the Barwon River. This spectacular piece of coastal road, although short, will have you grinning from ear to ear as you see ocean and river on either side. As you continue on, you will come across Skydive Great Ocean Road. This stop is only for the most adventurous and daring. Back on the road you will find yourself driving through Torquay, with many cafes and restaurant to choose from, this is a great place to stop, relax and grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget to stop on your way out of Torquay, by Bells Beach, where the famous Ripcurl Pro Surf Competition is held. Once you arrive in Anglesea, head to Big 4 Anglesea for the night. With an indoor pool, playground and a giant jumping pillow, this is a great place to let the children run wild while you rejuvenate overnight.

For those looking to learn to surf, Anglesea is a great place to start. Head down to Go Ride a Wave before you leave town for your surf or kayak lessons. Once you head out on the road, this drive will have you driving along the coastline for a large part of the trip. With many lookouts and beaches along the way, you will have the chance to pull over and stop for many photo opportunities. As you meander through to Apollo Bay, keep an eye out for Marriners Lookout Road. A short trip up here will have you trying to catch your breath as you look out over the spectacular coastline. Back down onto the main road, you will find Apollo Bay Fishing and Adventure Tour. Offering a Seal Colony Cruise, the young and the old will enjoy the afternoon out on the ocean. Head back to Big 4 Apollo Bay Pieces Caravan Park for a night of rest before another adventure the next day.

Heading back on the road to head across to Port Campbell. Along the way you will pull away from the coast to drive through the outskirts of the Great Otway National Park. This is a great place to stop and enjoy a leisurely bush walk and take in the remarkable waterfalls scattered through the park. Not too far down the road and you stumble upon the famous 12 Apostles. A short walk down Gibson steps will have you on secluded beach overlooking the Bass Strait towards Tasmania. No matter where you stop along this stretch you will be sure to catch a breathtaking view and be given plenty of opportunities to take a few photographs to look back on. A short drive further down the highway will have you stopping in at Big 4 Campbell Bay for the night.

Before you venture towards Warrnambool, stop in along this coastal wonderland and cook your breakfast with a view. Another beautiful coastal drive will have you stopping to view The Arch, London Bridge, Bay of Islands plus many more along the way. This drive will give you countless opportunities to stop in and take in the stunning coastline. Further along the highway you will find yourself arriving in Warrnambool, the last stop on the Great Ocean Road. Warrnambool has plenty more coast lookouts including Logans Beach Whale Watching platform. A great place to stop and catch a glimpse of a whale passing through it you are lucky. Pull up at Big 4 Warrnambool for the night to recharge.

Today’s drive takes you away from the Great Ocean Road and through the countryside. Trading in those coastal views, you will find yourself driving through vast green pastures. For a truly breath-taking experience head straight to the infamous rugged Grampians. This national park will have you wandering through different tracks to view the spectacular rocky views. With many waterfalls to stumble across, you will find yourself meandering through for hours. After an adventure filled day, head to Big 4 Grampians Parkgate for the night.

Back on the country road for day 8 of your motorhome adventure towards Ballarat. Once you arrive in Ballarat, you will have many activities to choose from. From the Ballarat Wildlife Park to the famous Sovereign Hill Historical Park, you will not be short on things to see and do. A leisurely walk at Ballarat Botanical Gardens will have you feeling relaxed as meander through to smell the roses. Close by to Sovereign Hill you will find yourself overnight at the Big 4 Ballarat Goldfields Caravan.

The second last day of your trip, will have you travelling back to towards Melbourne. With so much to offer in this cultural capital, you will want to get an early start on your drive to allow yourself a full day of activities. From the Melbourne Star, Melbourne Museum and Luna Park, you are spoilt for choices on how to spend your day in Melbourne City. Be sure to stop into the Queen Victoria Markets for a relaxing stroll and to pick up a bargain or two. If you are lucky enough to book ahead, you might even be able to catch an AFL game whilst in town. For your last night in your Cruisin’ Motorhome, Head to Big 4 Braybrook.

As you rise, you will be spoilt for choice of cafes and restaurants to stop at for breakfast. Be sure to stop for a close encounter with the variety of animals at the well-known Melbourne Zoo. Pick yourself up one last souvenir or two, before heading back to Catalina Drive, Tullamarine to swap stories with the staff as you return your motorhome.