November 22nd, 2010
RENMARK is a town often left off the itinerary of campervanners and roadtrippers, but we believe you would be doing yourself an absolute injustice by not stopping by this beaut place.
Only a two-hour drive from Mildura (which is a six-hour drive from Melbourne), Renmark also is set on the banks of the mighty Murray River and is home to the River Rambler. This amazing houseboat takes you on an afternoon of discovery that you are unlikely to forget. The River Rambler crew collect you from your campervan door (right outside the Renmark Riverfront Big4 Holiday Park, that is) and [...]
October 17th, 2010
DO you have a four-legged family member holding you back from that relaxing dream campervan holiday? No problem. I’ve discovered the most incredible place in southern Victoria where you can take your furry best friend with you.
Forget expensive boarding kennels and any idea of a last-minute calls to family and friends for doggy-sitting duties. And there will be no more separation anxiety and psychotherapy sessions for your pampered pooch if you dare to read on, so start packing those doggie bags and leads and prepare to hit the highway.
Nestled among gently rolling hills of the enchanting Tarra Valley [...]
July 8th, 2010
WE decided to try out somewhere close to Melbourne, our hometown, but somewhere where it felt like we were on holiday.
So after a bit of research we chose Nagambie. This small town is only 90 minutes north of Melbourne, a great little place with all the services you need and a great little Victorian road trip. It has a great pub and an incredibly good bakery. In fact, people head from Melbourne to Nagambie for one reason – just to go to this bakery! There is nothing better than a loaf of extra-fresh bread.
We stayed at Nagambie Lakes [...]
June 14th, 2010
BEING Sydneysiders, we didn’t want to visit another city on a romantic getaway from work and children, but after a friend’s big recommendation we hopped on a cheap flight to Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne after snapping up a hot last minute Melbourne Car Hire deal from www.drivenow.com.au.
The escape from Melbourne’s hustle and bustle was a breeze for a great Victorian driving holiday – we picked up the Western Ring Road off the Tullamarine Freeway and followed all signs to Daylesford and an hour and a half later we entered the sleepy country town in Spa Country. It was Saturday [...]
January 12th, 2010
Looking to escape for a weekend or just a quick day trip out of Melbourne?
Perhaps a Summer break in Point Lonsdale …….
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Hidden around Melbourne are some real gems for weekend escapes, day trips or summer breaks and Point Lonsdale is right up there at the top of the list. This popular and yet relatively unknown coastal village sits at the head of Port Philip Bay on the right hand side of the “Rip” where the bay meets the open waters of Bass Strait.
The commanding Point Lonsdale Lighthouse overlooks endless surf beaches stretching along the [...]
November 27th, 2009
It’s a sign of the times when just about every major city in Australian today has road tolls in one shape or other, generally on the most useful roads & freeways. If you’re an inter-state or overseas traveller with a hired car then paying for these tolls needs to be done within a certain time frame of travelling to avoid penalties, not only imposed by the Toll Service but also rental car provider.
A Quick Guide to Australian Road Tolls:
Sydney:
Sydney operates one of the most extensive networks of Toll Roads and Bridges in Australia. All use electronic e-tags [...]
October 5th, 2009
This is a must-do trip with your camper, enjoying the spoils on offer along the Great Ocean Road and keeping the navigation simple – stay in on your left-hand side!
A shopping trip at Torquay should be first on your list and the best bargains are found in the warehouses located behind the main surf shop strip. Good quality wetsuits, fins, mask and snorkel are mandatory and easily packed in the camper. For the more adventurous, a surfboard is worth the effort too.
Stay on the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Warrnambool. There are many great places to stop [...]
July 24th, 2009
Melbourne to Lakes Entrance
We decided to check out our own “doorstep” and spent a few days looking around the Dandenongs, within an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s a leisurely cruise in the campervan, too, with loads of great sites as you wind your way up these hills east of the city. It’s such a beautiful place in Autumn. You just have to go to the Cuckoo Restaurant, it’s a damn good day out. Great food and very entertaining. We parked the vehicle and took the Puffing Billy (pictured) up there – a place I haven’t been since I [...]
July 14th, 2009
If you’re into wineries, good food and quaint villages, you’ll find your little slice of heaven in the outer east of Melbourne. There’s some lovely drives that can be done in a day, so make sure you mark these down as must-sees.
June 22nd, 2009
I’ve always preferred to drive to Melbourne than fly – I just like my independence, the freedom of the road and the convenience once I get there.
The direct route down the Hume (highway) can be a little tedious, mind you – just as well I’m comfortable behind the wheel! A new touring route has officially opened, however – the Sydney to Melbourne Touring Route. It’s not a new road, just a new slant on familiar territory, opening tourists’ eyes to what’s special in the states of NSW and Victoria.
Keen to try out the multi-day ‘Mega Drive’, I arranged campervan [...]
