Best microadventures just outside Melbourne

SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

top parks

SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

Microadventures are a great way to cram the spirit and adventure of a wild family holiday into the span of a weekend without having to take out a second mortgage. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that feels much further from home than it actually is, look no further than a trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Less than hour and a half drive from Melbourne’s CBD, you can begin your journey along one of Australia’s most famous stretches of road. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, and plenty of great holiday parks to set up camp at overnight, too. Here are our top picks to ensure you make the most out of your Great Ocean Road adventure.

The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay, but that doesn’t mean you should just drive right through it. As the birthplace of hugely successful surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver, the thriving beach town of Torquay has a rich surf history and culture that is worth exploring. Take in the spectacular views and the unique cliff-face at Bells Beach, home of one of the biggest surf competitions in the world, or rent boards for the whole family and see how you stack up against the pros!

Once you’re back behind the wheel, cruise along the sweeping coastal road for another 46 kilometres until you reach Lorne. The beauty of Erskine Falls is unparalleled, and the fish and chips are also pretty hard to beat. If you’re keen to get in the water after the drive, book yourself a surf lesson, or take the kids to the Great Ocean Road’s best water park, Lorne Sea Baths. It’s easy to fall in love with this place, so if you want to turn your quick stop into an overnight stay,   is the place to go. Positioned directly along the Erskine River, it’s a picturesque place to lay your head and only a short stroll to both the beach and the local shops. Cabins, glamping and powered campsites are all on offer to suit your accommodation needs.

There’s a reason the word “scenic” comes up so much when people talk about the Great Ocean Road. There are so many spectacular landscapes to take in and explore, like the rock pools at Wye River. The neighbouring Kennet River is an ideal overnight pit stop, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s home to a huge population of native birds and koalas, both of which will surround you at  . If you’ve packed the tent, there’s no better place to camp under the stars while surrounded by natural beauty — although if camping’s not your thing, there are family cabins available, too.

By the time you reach Apollo Bay, you’ve made it a little over half-way along The Great Ocean Road. You’re probably feeling a bit tired after cramming so many epic adventures into such a small amount of time.   is your best bet for getting a good night’s rest before waking up and exploring the enchanting Great Otway National Park. It’s home to some of Australia’s best bushwalking trails, like Triplet Falls and Maits Rest. Another must-see during your stay at Apollo Bay is The Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in Australia. During peak season, it’s also the best vantage point for whale watching.

If you’re pushing forward and finishing the Great Ocean Road, be sure to visit Port Fairy, the bluestone town that’s been described as frozen in time. It’s a fishing village rich with a rich history and its architecture, stone churches and shipwrecks all tell a unique story. Discover the history of the town by following one of the many historic walking trails dotted with whalers’ cottages, explore the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, or go on a tour of the thriving local art gallery scene. Then head back to the  , where you can stay in self-contained cedar cabins or pitch a tent on a powered site. And if at any point you’re looking for your kids, chances are you’ll find them on the giant jumping pillow.

Over the span of just a few short days, you can experience all this and more just by exploring Melbourne’s best microadventure: the Great Ocean Road.