Hey,

I'm going to Australia mid-November to early December and was thinking of adding the Great Ocean Rd to the end of my trip. Will it be really busy around that time of year? I'm going by myself and am debating between hooking up with a tour and driving there myself. Anyone have any advice on places to stay and places that are must sees? I've heard Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, Otway National Park, Apostles and Childers Cove. All advice is welcome. Too bad none of the contiki tours go there.

Hi there,
I grew up at the end of the Great Ocean Road, (Warrnambool) so will try to help you as much as I can.
It will probably start to get busy towards Dec and Christmas, although school holidays wouldn't have started to mid December so you shouldn't have too many problems. Weather shouldn't be too bad, but it can get quite windy along the coast there.
If you drive yourself I think it takes roughly 7 hours from Melbourne to Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road. On the way back you can take the Highway and it will only take 3 hours.
I haven't been to a few of the places for a while, but Torquay is really good. has great surf beaches, Lorne's good. Haven't been to Apollo Bay for years. If you base yourself in Warrnambool or Port Campbell for a couple of days you can do trips to either, the Apostles, London Bridge, the Otways and Childers Cove.
Umm, just the other side of Warrnambool (about 10 minutes towards Port Fairy) there is Tower Hill, which is like a nature reserve. You usually see emus, some kangaroos and maybe some koalas lying around in there.
Not sure of any tours that do the Great Ocean Road but I;m sure there would be.
Hope this helps a little. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks this helps a lot!