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.

Days 25 to 27 – Mallacoota

Distance: from Merrimbula 110kms

Where we stayed: Mallacoota Foreshore Caravan Park

Cost: $29.50/night

Caravan Park Facilities:

• Camp Park mooring for boats
• Camp Park jetty for fishing
• Large Sprawling Caravan Park with river and beachfront
• Offers waterfront sites
• Near Mallacoota Shops, Cafes, Restaurants & Hotel
• Toilets, Showers and Laundry
• Dog Friendly

Local Attractions:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Bushwalking
• Beach
• Kayaking
• Drive to Gipsy Point 17kms
• River cruises
• Kangaroos at Gipsy Point
• Explore the wilderness coastline and bushland of Croajingolong National Park

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.

Days 28 & 29 – 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:

• Huge Camp Kitchen
• Heated Swimming Pool
• Large shady sites
• Children’s Playground including jumping pillow
• Pedal Go-Karts
• BBQ Areas
• Toilets, Showers & Laundry
• Kiosk
• Kayak Hire
• Lakefront location
• Dog Friendly

Local Attractions:

• Fishing in creek/lake nearby
• Ninety Mile Beach a short walk away
• Lakes Entrance township within walking distance
• The Lakes within short walking distance
• Beach Fishing
• Boating on lake
• Marina and Fresh Seafood Outlets/Restaurants
• Walk to Flagstaff Hill for views
• Boat cruises
• Sailing

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!

Day 30 – Rosedale, Gippsland

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:

• Toilets
• Shady grassy park on banks of river
• BBQ Area
• Picnic tables
• Walking path into town

Local Attractions:

• Patrobus statue (winner of Melbourne cup) in Park
• Small quaint village with cafes, shops, historical pubs, St Mark’s Church and Mechanics Institute.
• Rose Gardens Tea House
• Victorian Rose Gardens

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.

Day 31 – Bendigo (a visit to my Dad’s place)

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.

Day 32 – Barwon Heads, Bellarine Peninsula

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:

• Water
• Toilets and cold Showers
• Riverside location
• Shady trees

Local Attractions:

• Barwon Heads township
• Barwon River for boating and kayaking
• Ocean Grove Beach for surfing
• Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and beaches
• Queenscliff Beachside town
• Ferry Queenscliff to Sorrento
• Queenscliff Museums
• Bellarine Food Trail

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.

Days 33 & 34 – Johanna, Great Ocean Road

Distance: from Barwon Heads 157kms

Where we stayed: Johanna Beach Campground, Great Otway National Park, Great Ocean Road

Cost: FREE

Campground Facilities:

• Water
• Drop Toilets
• Large sandy/grassed area
• Beachside location
• Dog Friendly

Local Attractions:

• Great Otway National Park
• Cape Otway Lighthouse
• Great Ocean Road beachside townships of Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Apollo Bay.
• Twelve Apostles National Park
• Great Ocean Walk
• Surfing at Bells Beach and Johanna
• Helicopter Flight over the Twelve Apostles

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.

Day 35 & 36 – Warrnambool

Distance: From Johanna 126 kms

Where we stayed: Discovery Holiday Park, Warrnambool

Cost: Powered Site $42/Night

Caravan Park Facilities:

• Toilets/Showers
• Laundry
• Camp Kitchen
• Swimming Pool
• Large grassy sites separated by hedges
• Kiosk
• Internet
• Games Room
• BBQs
• Childrens Playground

Local Attractions:

• Warrnambool Beach nearby
• Lake Pertobe Park
• Flagstaff Marine Village
• Whale Watching in season
• Tower Hill Reserve
• Walking

HOT TIP: Take the coastal walk along the Promenade which links the historic breakwater to Logans Beach. Nice views along the way.

Day 37 – 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:

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Campfire Pits
• Bush Setting
• BBQs

Local Attractions:

• Mount Clay State Forest
• Mountain Bike trails through forest
• Walk to Whalers Lookout with coastal views
• Historic Saw Pit site
• Bush flora and fauna
• Explore the historic port town Portland
• Explore Cape Bridgewater 21 kms south-west of Portland

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.

BOUND FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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.

Day 38 – Carpenter Rocks

Distance: From Portland 140kms

Where we stayed: Carpenter Rocks Camping Area

Cost: FREE

Camp Site Facilities:

• Toilet
• Large open grassy area
• Walk to beach

Local Attractions:

• Bucks Bay safe haven for fishing, swimming and diving
• Rock Lobster industry
• Cape Banks Lighthouse
• Lake Bonney for kayaking, fishing, water-skiing, sailing and wind surfing

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.

Days 39 to 41 – Robe

Distance: From Carpenters Rocks 130Kms

Where we stayed: Sea Vu Caravan Park, Robe

Cost: $38/night (beachfront)

Caravan Park Facilities:

• Beachfront location
• Toilets/Showers
• Laundry
• Children’s Playground
• Internet
• Camp Kitchen
• BBQs
• Boat Parking
• Dog Friendly

Local Attractions:

• Historic town of Robe
• Old Robe Gaol
• Beacon Hill Lookout
• Long Beach (4WD access)
• The Obelisk
• Surfing, fishing, swimming and boating

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!

Day 42 – Narrung, Lake Alexandrina

Distance: From Robe 227 Kms

Where we stayed: Narrung Ferry Camp Area, The Narrows, Lake Alexandrina

Cost: FREE

Campground Facilities:

• Lakeside location
• Jetty
• Toilets
• Water
• Picnic Tables
• Grassy area with shady trees
• Campfires

Local Attractions:

• Lake Alexandrina
• Fishing and Boating
• Ferry across The Narrows
• Aboriginal settlement of Raukkan
• Lake Albert
• Point Malcolm Lighthouse
• The Coorong
• Wellington and the Murray River

HOT TIP: Top spot for bird watching with a large variety of water birds and also magical sunsets over the Lake.

Day 43 & 44 – Port Elliot & Victor Harbor

Distance: From Narrung 199Kms

Where we stayed: Port Elliot Showgrounds

Cost: $20/night (power & water)

Campground Facilities:

• Toilets & Showers
• Power
• Water
• Grassy area with shady trees
• Dog friendly
• Walk to town

Local Attractions:

• Horseshoe Bay for swimming, fishing, surfing
• Restaurants, Cafés and shops in Port Elliot
• Scenic coastal pathway
• Cockle Train from Goolwa to Victor Harbor
• Victor Harbor 6 kms away
• Horsedrawn Tram to Granite Island, Victor Harbor
• Granite Island Little Penguins
• Goolwa and Murray River 11 kms away
• The Barrages and the Coorong 10 kms away
• Murray River mouth
• Nearby surfing beaches at Knights Beach and Boomer Beach

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.

Day 45 – Rapid Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula

Distance: From Port Elliot 65 kms

Where we stayed: Rapid Bay Campground

Cost: $7/person/night

Campground Facilities:

• Beachside location
• Large grassy area with shady trees
• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• BBQs
• Children’s Playground
• Jetty
• Boat Ramp

Local Attractions:

• Beach for swimming
• Fishing from jetty
• Boating
• Scuba Diving near jetty
• Exploring Caves
• Beautiful hilly countryside
• Second Valley and Leonards Mill Restaurant
• HMAS Hobart Shipwreck in Yankalilla Bay

HOT TIP: The Fleurieu Peninsula and in particular the drive around Rapid Bay and Second Valley areas is one of the most scenic drives.

Day 46 – Clarendon, Adelaide Hills

Distance: From Rapid Bay 91Kms

Where we stayed: Clarendon Recreation Ground

Cost: FREE

Park Facilities:

• Onkaparinga River location
• Green grassy and shady park
• Picnic tables
• Toilets
• Camp on roadside beside Park

Local Attractions:

• Historic town of Clarendon
• Onkaparinga River
• Walking Trails
• Old Clarendon Inn
• Onkaparinga River National Park
• Port Noarlunga Beach

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.

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.