The Question
From: tim@experiencetorquay.com.au
Subject: Help me give you a good answer , Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:25:23 +1000
Dear Pia,
There is quite a lot to choose from so it will help me if you can let me know:-
o When and for how long you intend to come
o Something about your interests, e.g. outdoor activities, music, etc
Regards
The Final response
Thank you heaps for that! Its such a big help!
Yes your welcome to publish the question.
Thanks again
The Request
From: Pia
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 8:41 PM, To:Tim Kottek
RE: Help me give you a good answer
Thankyou for the qucik reply. I am planning a two night stay somewhere along the great ocean road. What i would like to know is what kind of outdoor activities there are to do…and some good places to see and do? I you could assist me in anyway that would be great!
The Response
From: tim@experiencetorquay.com.au
Subject: Things to do along Great Ocean road Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:42:43 +1000
Dear Pia
I’ll apologise in advance for the many links – however they do give you the information to put together a unique experience.
One item I’d put on my list (it is on ours – haven’t had time) is to get up close and personal with a platypus. Details at the Blog - Bruce is a really nice guy and the link will get you contact details.
Next you will want to sightsee at the Apostles coming at them from either Apollo Bay or Port Fairy. I’d choose one of these two towns as one of the overnight stops. Our experience is written up at the Blog with links to helicopter flights you can preview before travelling.
The spectacular drive is between Torquay (the start of the Great Ocean Road) and Apollo Bay. So our suggestion is to have Torquay or Lorne as the other town to stay in. You can find details of a compact walk that you will find time to do part of at the Surfcoast Page Link . I’d also try to fit a surfing lesson from Torquay Surf Academy or look at Big Stick adventures Finally choose your accommodation at Find a Room on the Great Ocean Road page where you will find buttons to all the popular towns.
Regards
YvonneHunter & TimKottek
PS – May I publish your question and my answer on our Blog, I’ll make sure you are not directly identified (not show your email or family name)
We have been asked by a number of travellers how best to plan their trip along the Great Ocean Road. So we have put together some tips to make your trip easier.
TIP#1 – Distances
The Great Ocean Road fringes the coast of Victoria, which is the most southern mainland state of Australia. To give you an idea of size and distance, Australia could fit over the entire USA, and the State of Victoria is the same size as Great Britain.
When you are looking for accommodation, food or petrol, it is also important to keep in mind that there is a relatively sparse population outside of Melbourne and large towns such as Geelong.
The Great Ocean Road itself is 263 km long with steep inclines, blind hairpin bends and a quite narrow single lane each way. The views are spectacular and distracting if you are the driver. So you will be travelling slower than on a main road or freeway and you need to make allowances for the extra time.
TIP#2 – Choosing when to Travel
Any time is the best time to travel the road, especially before and after the long summer school holiday break (late December till end January). Our summers are long with daylight saving until the end of March, making travel into April extremely pleasant. Our winters are extremely mild by Northern Hemisphere standards and driving is easier because there is less traffic.
The famous Bells Beach professional surfing competition is always held at Easter for those keen on seeing the best surfers at work.
April the 25th is ANZAC day, the day Australia stops to remember those killed in war. Point Danger at Torquay is the biggest rally outside of the capital cities providing a moving and memorable tribute as the lone bugle plays at sunrise. Everyone is welcome to join with the locals at a traditional sausage sizzle for breakfast.
TIP#3 - Safety on the Road
Driving the road is an exciting and spectacular experience. You will be able to stop frequently at designated spots to take photos while soaking up the views.
If you find yourself so besotted by the views that you want to drive slowly there are pull-out points to allow other drivers to pass. This is a great convenience on this narrow road for all travellers.
You will notice signs reminding drivers to keep to the left, and the speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph) along many stretches and during the summer additional speed restrictions apply.
TIP#4 - The Sun
The Australian sun can seem intense to visitors from the Northern Hemisphere, so remember your hat and sunscreen whenever you are outside.
When in England, we walked for a whole sunny day without sunscreen without getting sunburnt – here, an hour without sunscreen will be enough to leave your skin reddened and more could lead to a painful burn.
The late afternoon Western sun can also be a hazard if you are driving into it. Best to plan to be on a beach or in a café at this time of day.
TIP#5 - Book Ahead
Our peak summer period between Christmas and the end of January needs to be booked well ahead. And very few places have single nights available because holidaymakers book for longer periods at this time.
Being desperate for accommodation late on a hot day with the possibility of the nearest room being 200 km away is not pleasant when you have come all this way to see the Apostles.
We hope these tips will help you with your next trip to the Great Ocean Road.
