Post 1/7 in our Australia blog series
So, you’ve booked your flights and you’re heading down under. What next, where should you go? Melbourne’s nice, why don’t you head down there? But what about Australia’s heritage, the Aboriginal people? Well, that’s where Zest Car Rental can help you out and you’ll go to some amazing places along the way!
So where to start? Because most people fly in and out of the same place we think a circular route starting and finishing in Melbourne is the best idea. Although it is a road trip it’s important to note that this drive is suitable for any vehicle type and no off road cars are necessary. The route we suggest is best taken at a leisurely pace, so 3 to 4 days is probably about the right time scale to be aiming for, although it can be done quicker if time is of the essence.
This trip is not just about driving and scenery but learning about and visiting some historic Aboriginal sites. Therefore, we think that before setting off it is important to get some background information. The Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne is a great place to do this. You can visit the Trust to learn about the Aboriginal culture of south eastern Australia. There are over 2,600 artefacts to discover, from boomerangs to carved emu eggs. Alongside the art on offer, you will come away with a real appreciation for the history of this fantastic area.
A major chunk of your driving will take place on the Great Ocean Road, which is commonly recognised as the best driving road in Australia. It officially runs from Torquay, about an hour outside of Melbourne to Allansford. The 243km road tracks the coast for the majority of its route and provides some breath-taking views. You will want to just stand and stare at the scenery but it holds some fascinating historical sites as well.
The journey from Melbourne to Torquay sets the scene for what’s to come. When driving out of Melbourne you travel through the You Yangs National Park. This is dominated by characteristic granite hills. You will then arrive at the aesthetically pleasing port of Geelong, just north of Torquay. The biggest bit of advice that we could give you during your trip is to not rush it. Lots of people dash to see The 12 Apostles and The London Arch, but miss out on so much of the beauty on the way. If at all possible, take your time and admire the fantastic views that are on offer as soon as you leave Torquay.
As you travel along the coast, you will visit Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay. Here, there are lots of opportunities for an overnight stay, a walk on the beach and some great food. When you need a break from driving you can take one of the numerous opportunities to stop at a picnic area, get some nourishment and venture off the road for a walk to a nearby waterfall.
As you come to the end of the coastal section of your trip, Port Campbell springs itself upon you. You will soon realise that they have saved the best for last. Port Campbell is the home of some staggering rock formations, including The 12 Apostles, The London Arch and The Grotto. These limestone formations are some of the main highlights of the route and will vindicate those geography lessons spent learning the formation of arches, stacks and stumps.
As you approach the end of The Great Coast Road, the city of Warrnambool offers a great place to relax and maybe do some whale watching? The city is home to a Southern Right Whale nursery that can be seen from the shore, so if you are here between May and October you may be able to catch a glimpse.
As you head north from Warrnambool towards Hall’s Gap and the Grampians, we recommend that you visit the Mount William Quarry. This is a site where Aboriginal people have been mining greenstone for around 1,500 years. The site has led to the discovery of many historic tools such as greenstone axes and other stone grinding tools, which can be seen at the Melbourne Museum.
The final stop before heading back to Melbourne is Hall’s Gap. It is just a short 20 minute drive north of Mount William and can provide a great stopover. There are lots of things to see and do here as it is next to the Grampians National Park. It’s a popular place with outdoor enthusiasts because of the range of cycling, walking and wildlife on offer. The Grampians is also home to over 80% of Victoria’s Aboriginal rock art so there is a lot here to get your head around.
The journey back to Melbourne is just over 2 hours, but it’s littered with worthwhile stops, such as Lake Burummbeet and the city of Ballarat. As you return to Melbourne, be sure to check out the Melbourne Museum to see all the state’s cultural artefacts along with the Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens. This is a great way to get an insight into the history of the gardens and their original Aboriginal owners. The walk discusses how the gardens were used historically for food, the making of tools and the provision of medicine.
We hope that we have given you the inspiration to embark on this journey when travelling to Melbourne. Read our Australia Driving Guide before you set off and make sure that you have a stress free drive along the way too!
