In the short space of three and a half weeks we had travelled down the New South Wales coastline, mainly focusing on the South Coast. We continued our trip around Australia in 185 days to Victoria and South Australia, tracing the coastline. As I was born and bred in Victoria we didn’t spend a great deal of time here, but we were looking forward to seeing Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road.
Once we crossed the New South Wales/Victorian border we weren’t too far from the source of the mighty Murray River. We decided we would turn off the main highway and spend a few days at the coastal fishing town of Mallacoota. My husband, in particular was looking forward to doing some fishing here and I was looking forward to walking through the densely vegetated Croajingolong National Park surrounding Mallacoota.
The breathtaking Mallacoota Inlet
Distance: from Merrimbula 110kms
Where we stayed: Mallacoota Foreshore Caravan Park
Cost: $29.50/night
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
TOP TIP: Mallacoota is very much a boatsman’s paradise so either bring a boat or hire one to get out on the water. But also bring your walking shoes because the bushwalking is extraordinary around Mallacoota.
Fishing boats at Lakes Entrance
Distance: from Mallacoota to Lakes Entrance 202kms
Where we stayed: Eastern Beach Holiday Park, Eastern Beach Rd, Lakes Entrance
Cost: $35/Night approx.
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
TOP TIP: Once again put on your walking shoes and walk around the lakes and the marina area of Lakes Entrance. You must try some of the local seafood that you can buy straight off the fishing trawlers. The fresh prawns were divine!
The Picnic Area and Free Camping Spot on the Latrobe River at Rosedale
Distance: from Lakes Entrance 130kms
Where we stayed: Rosedale Picnic Area beside the Latrobe River, on the outskirts of Rosedale located between Traralgon and Sale.
COST: FREE
Picnic Area Facilities:
Local Attractions:
TOP TIP: A great free camping area with basic facilities but far enough off the road so that it was reasonably quiet. Plenty of others campers using it as a free camp for the night.
Our caravan pulled up outside my Dad’s place in Bendigo
Distance: from Rosedale via Melbourne 270 kms
Where we stayed: My dad’s house at Kangaroo Flat
Local Attractions: Bendigo is a historical Gold Mining city and has plenty of tourist attractions including the Talking Tram, Deborah Mine, Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo Art Gallery, Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo Joss House and City Tours of historical buildings.
Barwon Heads
Distance: from Bendigo 208 kms
Where we stayed: On the banks of the Barwon River, Barwon Heads-Ocean Grove Road, Barwon Heads
Cost: FREE
Picnic Area/Camp Site Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: We were not sure whether this riverside camp area was legal, but it certainly had a big area along the riverfront that was ideal for overnight camping.
Johanna Beach Campground
Distance: from Barwon Heads 157kms
Where we stayed: Johanna Beach Campground, Great Otway National Park, Great Ocean Road
Cost: FREE
Campground Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: This campground is a little off the beaten track on a dirt road for some of the way, but its location is idyllic for a beachside holiday – particularly if you are into surfing or just wanting to explore the Great Ocean Road.
Warrnambool
Distance: From Johanna 126 kms
Where we stayed: Discovery Holiday Park, Warrnambool
Cost: Powered Site $42/Night
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Take the coastal walk along the Promenade which links the historic breakwater to Logans Beach. Nice views along the way.
Cape Bridgewater near Portland
Distance – from Warrnambool 104 kms
Where we stayed: Sawpit Picnic Area, Boyers Road, 4km from Narrawong (16km fromPortland)
Cost: FREE
Picnic Area/Camp Site Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Take advantage of these bushland camping sites and enjoy the tranquility of the bush and collect wood to make a big campfire at the end of the day.
Nelson on the Glenelg River near the Victorian/South Australian Border
After a quick stop at Cape Bridgewater it wasn’t too far to the South Australian border (65 kms) and the magnificent Limestone Coast. I had hurt my back in Portland and was struggling with the pain so had to take it easy for a few days. But the show must go on, so we kept moving in a westerly direction.
The Lobster Boats at Carpenter Rocks
Distance: From Portland 140kms
Where we stayed: Carpenter Rocks Camping Area
Cost: FREE
Camp Site Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Although Carpenter Rocks was off the main road, it was a very pretty spot to visit. Make sure you get off the main roads to explore some of these hidden treasures.
The long beach (called Long Beach) at Robe
Distance: From Carpenters Rocks 130Kms
Where we stayed: Sea Vu Caravan Park, Robe
Cost: $38/night (beachfront)
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Robe was one of the highlights of our trip, as was the fantastic Sea Vu Caravan Park which not only had great location and amenities, but breathtaking views over West Beach. Sunset is jaw-droppingly beautiful!
Free camping area on Lake Alexandrina at Narrung
Distance: From Robe 227 Kms
Where we stayed: Narrung Ferry Camp Area, The Narrows, Lake Alexandrina
Cost: FREE
Campground Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Top spot for bird watching with a large variety of water birds and also magical sunsets over the Lake.
Views over the seaside town of Victor Harbor
Distance: From Narrung 199Kms
Where we stayed: Port Elliot Showgrounds
Cost: $20/night (power & water)
Campground Facilities:
Local Attractions:
TOP TIP: There is so much to do and see in this area that you could easily use Port Elliot as a base to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula in depth.
The very popular campground at Rapid Bay
Distance: From Port Elliot 65 kms
Where we stayed: Rapid Bay Campground
Cost: $7/person/night
Campground Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: The Fleurieu Peninsula and in particular the drive around Rapid Bay and Second Valley areas is one of the most scenic drives.
The historical town of Clarendon in the Adelaide Hills
Distance: From Rapid Bay 91Kms
Where we stayed: Clarendon Recreation Ground
Cost: FREE
Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: This park is very hard to find as it is tucked away behind houses on the outskirts of town. Although a very pretty area it was a little exposed.
Adelaide Cricket Ground
Finding a camping spot or caravan park near Adelaide was one of our biggest challenges. There weren’t any that accepted dogs, so we were forced to head for the town of Clarendon to spend the night. Thank God for Wikicamps! I think that what we learnt from this is that the closer you get to capital cities the less free camping areas or pet friendly caravan parks there are.
We had to visit the city of Adelaide to go to our bank and this was another challenge, because we needed to park our car and caravan and then get into the city with our dog. We ended up getting a park near the Adelaide Cricket Ground and walked into the city centre.
Our next stop was the Clare Valley grape growing region of South Australia. Stay tuned for the next instalment that will cover the remainder of South Australia before we crossed The Nullarbor Plain.
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Life Images by Jill
October 9, 2017thanks for this great, informative post Kathy. Fabulous for anyone planning to do “the lap”. Happy travels!
Kathy
October 10, 2017You’re welcome Jill. This is supposed to be a book, however I ran out of steam about a third way through. Maybe one day!
Samantha
October 10, 2017Woah sounds like an amazing trip!! I absolutely love Australia and can’t wait to get back :)
Kathy
October 10, 2017Thanks Samantha. It was an adventure of a lifetime. We are so blessed to live in such a diverse and beautiful country.
budget jan
October 13, 2017Hi Kathy. I loved the free camps you did on this stretch – they’re quite lovely aren’t they. Warnambool was quite pricey! I can see this series will make a great book. I will use it as a resource when we are travelling around Australia – whenever that might be.
Kathy
October 13, 2017Yes some of our free camps were fantastic and others not so good. The camping ground at Johanna on the Great Ocean Road was a standout. Such a great spot right near the beach and well sheltered amongst the sand dunes. I’m not sure about the book now. It seems too long ago now and have probably forgotten most of the finer details. I should have written it when we returned. :)
Janet Camilleri aka Middle Aged Mama
October 14, 2017We stayed at 3 of these on our big trip – Robe, Portland and Warrnambool x
Kathy
October 15, 2017Wasn’t Robe the prettiest place? We spent a few days here because it was so gorgeous. The sunsets were amazing from our beachside caravan park. :)
Agness of aTukTuk
October 14, 2017Hey, Kathy! It really seems like you’re having a wonderful time traveling through Australia. The places you visit are so picturesque. Which part of Australia is your favorite so far?
Kathy
October 15, 2017We did have a fabulous trip around Australia and still have so much more that we want to see. There were so many favourites, but the Kimberley region in North West Australia was a standout. :)