Australia’s best summer drivesPack an esky and a picnic blanket — we’re hitting the road for summer!
The Great Ocean Road is perhaps Australia’s most beautiful touring route. For much of its length, the road clings to the edge of the continent, occasionally beaten back by an advancing sea but always returning to fabulous shores.
The journey west is punctuated by beaches, bays and attractive coastal communities before it climaxes with the high drama of the Twelve Apostles and the Bay of Islands.
Begin at Geelong and explore the pretty esplanade. East of the city, Queenscliff offers fashionable shopping and dining, restored buildings and a popular beach.
The Great Ocean Road proper begins in Victoria’s Surf City — Torquay — and runs 240 km to Allansford, near Warrnambool. Along the way are picturesque towns with bustling cafes, museums and shops. Breathtaking picnic spots and surf beaches provide tempting stops.
A one-week itinerary might include a day or two in Geelong; a day’s wine tasting on the Bellarine Peninsula; a day in Queenscliff; two–three days on the Great Ocean Road, overnighting at Anglesea, Lorne or Apollo Bay; and a day or two in Warrnambool and/or Port Fairy.
Bring a camera, an esky, picnic blanket and a wind-cheater!
More information
| December: | The Falls Festival, Lorne; Moyneyana Festival, Port Fairy |
| January: | Beach Horse Races, Apollo Bay; Waterfront Festival, Geelong; Pier to Pub Swim, Lorne; Mountain to Surf Run, Lorne |
| February: | Wunta Fiesta, Warrnambool |
| March: | Apollo Bay Music Festival; Port Fairy Folk Festival |
It happens suddenly. The curtain of trees parts like a conjuror’s trick to reveal a spectacular azure vista that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The surprise is that this is not the Great Ocean Road or the Captain Cook Highway but the Tasman Highway. You are driving to Launceston from Hobart via the east coast roads and the Pipers River wine region.
Your journey might begin at Hobart’s Salamanca Place, where every Saturday the famous Salamanca Market comes to life. Head north on the A3 with detours in search of Georgian villages and ancient churches.
Take a break and explore the untouched splendour of Maria Island National Park and Freycinet National Park. There are numerous hikes and picnic spots with awesome views.
Besides its abundance of wildlife, Tasmania has a rich colonial history evident in historic churches, bridges and gaols. This drive can take days, especially if you fall in love with one of the many secluded, tranquil beaches along the way.
At Scottsdale, say goodbye to the A3 and follow the B84 and B82 to the famous Pipers River wine region. The region’s excellent sparkling wines should put some fizz in your trip. From here, Launceston, via the scenic West Tamar Highway (A7), is a little under an hour away.
| November: | Tasmanian Craft Fair, Deloraine |
| December: | Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race |
| January: | Hobart Summer Festival, including Taste of Tasmania |
| February: | Tamar Valley Festival of the Senses |
Summers in the Victorian capital are measured out in lazy lunches, fine wine and long days on the beach. And the beauty is that Melburnians need not travel far for their pleasures because Port Phillip laps at their doorstep.
This loop-drive around the bay begins and ends in Melbourne. At around 230 km, you can drive this route in a day but to do so would be to miss the point. Pack your bathers and a healthy appetite, take your time and allow a few days in the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas and a few days on some of Victoria’s best beaches.
St Kilda is barely 10 minutes drive from the city centre. Another hour puts you in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula wine country. Twenty minutes more rewards you with a seat in one of lovely Sorrento’s grand old pubs or stylish outdoor cafes.
From there, catch the ferry to Queenscliff. The ferry runs every two hours (even numbers here, odd numbers from Queenscliff) from 8 am–6 pm. taking around 40 minutes.
Queenscliff is a foodie’s delight, with several fine restaurants. Wine buffs should allow a day to visit the Bellarine Peninsula wineries. Complete your drive with a day on Geelong’s lovely esplanade and a visit to the Open Range Zoo in Werribee.
More information
| January: | Waterfront Festival, Geelong; Swim Classic, Portsea |
| February: | Mornington Peninsula Pinot Week; Red Hill Wine Show; Geelong Highland Gathering; Sorrento Street Festival |
4WD
