Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - GOR from MEL - how far?

Hi all

On a previous trip to Oz I took a trip on the GOR from MEL as far as Warnnambool. I'm going back there again, and wanted to revisit the road.

I was just wondering if it's worth taking extra time away from a city I love (MEL) to go the extra distance to Adelaide on the road, or whether it's worth going futher (Port Fairy, Portland, Adelaide)

Last time I went to Warrnambool we did it in a 2-night trip from MEL. If perceived wisdom is that it's worth going to Adelaide (and including the "B1" road) - how long do you think we should allow for the trip please?

Thanks all

I have not stayed in Warrnambool, but have stayed in Port Fairy a few times in the last couple of years - definitely worth staying in Port Fairy if you like food (there is at least one good restaurant, Merrijig Inn - use to be two [current owners of Merrijig previously ran The Stagg and recently bought Merrijig], plu a fair few good cafes, etc) and quaint little fishing village towns. I have always stayed just for the weekend (two nights).

I've also driven via the Great Ocean Road to ADL - stayed at Robe the first night, after a long day of driving. Another small fishing village.

There are plenty of places to stay and things to do on the way from MEL to ADL via the GOR, especially if you like wine (you can drive via McLaren Vale in SA and there are wineries in Western Victoria) and food.

It does depend on the time of year you'll be driving too - much more interesting in summer than winter (although last time I drove back from Port Fairy a couple of months ago it was spectacular for the opposite - mother nature was as her fiercest - very overcast, raining, churned up sea).

I'm sure you could split it up into a few days/nights that would be worthwhile - one at Port Fairy, one at Robe and one in McLaren Vale. Haven't been to Portland, but I've there are good bushwalks near there.

During summer, it can be daylight until past 8pm.
In winter, dark at 5pm. So, as previously said, it can depend on the time of year. Although, summer is no guarantee of nice weather. Depending on what you like, there are some great little places to stop at on the way.

You may want to consider doing something different like going to Phillip Island, then back through the Yarra Valley. Still a nice drive and a great way to spend a few days. Just a suggestion.

Hey guys. Thanks a lot for that.

We'll be going at the tail end of October - so hopefully the weather will be improving slightly..... the nights will be a bit lighter by then too.

I have a feeling we're going to go from MEL as far as Portland, and then hot foot it back on the A1. We want to spend 2 nights away from Melbourne so I think that's about as far as we're going to be able to get to

I believe we're going to be doing some trips to the Yarra Valley to see the vineyards etc at some other point. I'd love to go back to Healesville too, as the Sanctuary there was great.

I've not done Phillip Island before, so that's tempting. Thing is, I also want to see MEL again, and if I'm not careful, we'll not see any of it!

Sounds like it's very possible to get to Portland in 2 nights though. Nice one. thankyou :)