The secret to having a great break away:
Start FAST! 
Head staight to GEELONG and get started on
your well earned holiday.

Next morning drive around Eastern Beach and drop off at RAMSAY'S PATISSERIE (fomerly: Joe's Bakery)  at 92-94 Malop St (52215026) (always open except for Public Holidays)   for some of the best pastries and nibbles to carry you down the G.O.R.  Head off thru Anglesea, Airey Inlet and Lorne.  Check out theviews from the top of the cliffs behind the Lorne Hotel.

Then it's off to Apollo Bay where we highly recommend Rayville Boat Houses.  These are a   brand new development consisting of 10 (ten) luxury units which are fully self contained, high quality accommodation with a nautical theme throughout. Contact Ross on 03 52 376 381.  Ross usually requires a minimum 2 nights stayover, but that fits in really nicely with the opportunity of spending the next day relaxing around Apollo Bay, and picking up some excellent seafood locally for tea next night!

From there its off to Port Campbell, and on the way you pass all the key sites of coast: Gibson's Steps, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge to name a few!  And don't overlook cutting across to Cape Otway Lighthouse and its tour!

We suggest you stay at the  Comfort Inn Port Campbell (Formerly Flag Southern Ocean Motor Inn)   Southern Ocean Motor Inn in Port Campbell and ask for one of the front three rooms that overlook the pier.  Your hosts can be contacted on 55986231  and they have a licensed dining room that overlooks the port, pier and beach, or meals to rooms.

Now you have a choice: return or push on!
(Now that's a hard decision!) 

If you've run out of time, you're only 3 hours direct back to Melbourne the quick way via Great Ocean Rd back nearly to Princetown then turn off to Simpson an reach Colac then to Winchelsea and Geelong.

But if you've got a few more days up your sleeve, push on.........

Next stop Warrnambool where we suggest either the Flag Sundowner Warrnambool Mid City (Search: Warrnambool)  which is situated on the main highway (Raglan St) thru the town at the top of Liebig St,  contactable  on  55623866.    This has excellent appointments and is a high rating Motel.  

Equally nice, and ideally suited for those with family to accomodate, is  Elm Tree Lodge Motel at 179 Kepler St Warrnambool (right opposite the Information Centre!)  Ph:  5562 4133  (they have a great 2-bedroom unit too in #8, if you're takng the family - nice and quiet at the end of the property).    Take in the Maritime Museum, Logan's Beach, and Flagstaff Hill.  For dinner, don't miss the great food from the Malaysian Restaurant at the foot of Liebig St.

Next day, it's off to Port Fairy we we suggest the
CENTRAL MOTEL (formerly Lady Julia Percy Motel) in 56 Sackville Street, Port Fairy 3284. Phone (03) 5568 1800, Fax (03) 5568 2258.  Why we like this establishment is that is very reasonably priced and right in the centre of town, so you can walk to everything.   The Italian food from the Pizza/Pasta restaurant in the middle of town is superb. 

Nearly as good as the fish and chips available from the pier - reputedly the best in Victoria (and I'd agree!).  So save room for lunch there next day and stroll the pier, then slip over to the lighthouse on the outskirts of town.  Don't forget to check out all the fine old buildings around the cenre of town and along the Moyne River - some excellent history here!

Next to Portland.....   Here there is some great history!    Genealogists treasure trove is abailable to those who take time out at the old Customs House in the middle of town.  Be sure to visit the maritime Information Centre on the foreshore too!

Plenty to do in Victoria!.......

The sky's the limit from this point.....   Our favourite stretch from this point, is to head across to Mount Gambier and up to Penola.   Now you're in some of the finest wine areas of S.A (The Coonawarra!).    There's also some great historical buildings like Yallum Park just out of Penola.....  and the fine road just keeps going .......

Cheers!

GARY
0408 994799