From Gippsland to the Great Ocean Road – explore Victoria’s coastal sights
There’s nothing quite like a road trip to add a little zing to your holidays. But repeatedly setting up and packing up camp can be tiresome. So, why not rent a campervan or motorhome? You only have to unpack and pack up once and you can see more, do more and get more out of your holiday.
Here’s a road trip that takes in the best of the Victoria’s coastal treasures, visiting the Bass Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road. Sunnies on, snacks packed, tunes sorted, let’s go!
Melbourne to Inverloch
175km / 2.5 hours
After picking up your Apollo camper, it’s time to hit the road to Inverloch. As the hustle and bustle of the city gives way to the green hills of Gippsland, holiday mode will automatically kick in. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy at BIG 4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch. Young kids will love the indoor splash park and heated pool (add Wahu inflatables for even more fun!). Meanwhile older kids can make new friends over a game of basketball. Directly opposite the foreshore and a short walk from town, you can stay parked up and explore on foot while you’re here. Be sure to pack a rod as the fish are always biting in Anderson Inlet!
Suggested stay: 2 nights
Inverloch to Cape Paterson
14.5km / 16 mins
After a couple of days winding down in Inverloch, it’s time to move on to your next stop. Cape Paterson is just 15 minutes down the road, but it’s a scenic drive that will have you hopping in and out of the camper to explore along the way so allow at least an hour. Don’t miss the Dinosaur Dreaming fossil site at Flat Rocks and the amazing rock formations at Eagles Nest. Ingenia Holidays Cape Paterson offers powered sites with direct beach access so you can be up and on the sand in no time. It’s a beautiful and peaceful stop for beach games and fun in the sun.
Suggested stay: 1 night
Cape Paterson to Philip Island
34km / 30 mins
Now that you’re fully relaxed, it’s time to add a few activities. So hop in the van for a half-hour drive along the Bass Coast to Philip Island. There are enough attractions to keep the family entertained for a week, so allow enough time to visit all your favourites. The fun and interactive exhibits at the Antarctic Journey and the Penguin Parade are definite must-dos. Treat the kids to a stop at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory or try a host of fun activities at A Maze’n Things. After days filled with fun and adventure, the natural bush setting and beachfront location of BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Philip Island make winding down each night a breeze.
Suggested stay: 2-3 nights
Philip Island to Queenscliff
135km / 2.5 hours including ferry crossing
You might find it hard to tear yourself away from Philip Island, but we promise it’s worth it! It’s time to swap Gippsland for the Great Ocean Road. And we’re taking the short cut. Head to Sorrento (about a 1.5-hour drive) where you can catch the ferry across to Queenscliff. From there, it’s less than 10 minutes to BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon. This resort-style holiday park is a destination in itself. Relax and unwind as the kids enjoy the indoor adventure playground, play a game of tennis or shoot some hoops.
Suggested stay: 2-3 nights
Queenscliff to Torquay
40km / 40 mins
So far on this itinerary, we’ve enjoyed fishing, beach days, activities and relaxation so the only coastal adventure left is a little surfing. And where better to catch a wave than Torquay, surfing mecca and gateway to the Great Ocean Road. It’s only 40 minutes from Queenscliff to Ingenia Holidays Torquay, but with your home on wheels there’s no need to back track. Even if surfing’s not your thing, you’ll be fascinated by the memorabilia in the Australian National Surfing Museum, or enjoy a coastal drive to view the breaks at Bells Beach.
Suggested stay: 2 nights
Torquay to Melbourne
120km / 1.5 hours
After soaking in the seaside vibes it’s time to buckle up and head back to the city to drop off your camper and head home.
Plan your Victoria coastal itinerary with Ingenia Holiday Parks today!
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