Total Distance: 786 km

The diversity of landscapes incorporated into this relatively short touring route is nothing short of breath taking. From the cityscapes of Melbourne to the towering cliffs and limestone formations of the Great Ocean Road, then inland to the stunning Grampian Ranges. From there its across to Bendigo and through the goldfield country, before reaching the bright lights of Melbourne again.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay 182 km
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy 191 km
Day 3: Port Fairy to Halls Gap 158 km
Day 4: Halls Gap to Ballarat 141 km
Day 5: Ballarat to Melbourne 114 km

So after landing in Melbourne you pick up your campervan from the depot. Its not a great distance you have to drive today, so spend the day taking in some of the Melbourne sights and getting a few essentials for your trip. When you are ready strike out westwards towards Geelong, the official start of the Great Ocean Road.

There is not much but highway up to that point, but once on the G.O.R the scenery takes on a different appeal. Pass through the surfing stronghold of Torquay, home to the infamous Bells Beach. Near Lorne the road passes over cliff tops that provide magnificent views of the ocean and the coastline. Book into a caravan park in Apollo Bay.

Apollo Bay sits at the base of the Otway Ranges, so if you are into your bushwalking then be sure to explore this lush National Park with its stunning views and waterfalls - a trip to Erskine Falls is highly recommended. When you set out for Port Fairy remember that this is the limestone coast you are travelling on, and some of the worlds most famous geological features can be seen along it.

Nearing Port Campbell you will come to the Twelve Apostles, where you should pull up and stop in at the visitor centre to fully appreciate this formation form the viewing platforms. A little further on stop off at the Grotto, a cavernous formation in the rocky ocean shoreline, before continuing on towards Port Fairy.

Overnight in Port Fairy, a charming village with intriguing Georgian architecture. There are some stunning walks through the town, and a few tranquil beaches you should visit before you turn north and head to the Grampian Ranges. This National Park is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the country, and the views are just spectacular.

Stop in for a coffee at Dunkeld, a quaint little town right on the edge of the range, before heading on up the winding roads to Halls Gap. The Grampians are a stronghold for adventure tourism, so its your chance to enjoy some abseiling or mountain climbing, or for the less adventurous there are some stunning bushwalks.

A night in one of the caravan parks in Halls Gap can be followed by an early morning walk to the Pinnacle, one of the most stunning viewing points in the range. If golf is your thing then play a round at the aptly named Mt. Difficult golf course, which also has some stunning views.

Then start out on the drive to Ballarat, calling in at the town of Ararat on the way and visiting the Langi Morgala Folk Museum which has a vast collection of Aboriginal Artefacts. The Gum San Museum is also worth a look, as it pays tribute to the Chinese miners.

As one of Victoria's largest cities, there are a number of places you are able to stay in Ballarat. You are in the heart of the Goldfields region here, and many of the attractions are to do with the Gold Rush past. Sovereign Hill is a re created nineteenth century town that serves as a museum, with characters in costume and everything.

There are a number of old mines in the area that can be visited too. Ballarat is rich in culture, and there are a number of art galleries you should see, especially the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. From here its just a short run down the highway back to the bright lights of Melbourne, and the end of your time on the Great Southern Touring Route.