We have managed to get 2 weeks at the end of March start of April 2011 and I am planning our 3rd trip away in our van.We are still pretty green and new to caravanning, but just want to get out and about.
We have 2 options we are thinking of. 1st is going up to Rutherglen, Beechworth etc for a few weeks of relaxing and wineries......
2nd option is the following itinerary: Home/Hastings to Ouyen, to Mildura, to Renmark, to Morgan, to Murray Bridge, to Ouyen then home. Not necesarily stopping in all those towns, but this is the general route we are thinking of doing.
I would love to get some feedback from you in regard to both our itineraries and any suggestions of what not to miss, best places to stay, both caravan parks and good free camps.
Thanks in advance.
howdrink said
06:23 PM Dec 3, 2010
how about the great ocean road very nice spot's along the route
Gerty Dancer said
06:54 PM Dec 3, 2010
A lot depends on what you actually prefer... Mountains and wineries and Autumn colours (make sure you include Bright), or the wide open spaces of the Western Murray Valley. Also a lot will depend also on the weather forecast at the time... if its cold and you would prefer warmth, the Murray would be the one.
There used to be a butterfly house at Murray Bridge... well worth a visit if its still there. Good luck, and, whichever way you go, do the other one next time.
Happywanderer said
07:11 PM Dec 3, 2010
If that is your only holiday planned for the year, I would be tempted to go a bit further afield. eg If you take the first choice you could go as far as Echuca/Moama in that time.
The 2nd choice, go the great Ocean Road Route and somehow incorporate that into the plan as well.
Whichever, have fun and enjoy.
Popeye said
07:31 PM Dec 3, 2010
The butterfly house at Murray Bridge is alive and living
Smokeydk said
08:41 PM Dec 3, 2010
I suggest Monarto Zoological Park....out of Murray Bridge
-- Edited by Smokeydk on Friday 3rd of December 2010 08:42:23 PM
jimricho said
07:29 AM Dec 4, 2010
Click on this Google Maps link. Check if it's doable in the time you have available. You can change it by editing the destinations.
Jim
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 4th of December 2010 07:35:50 AM
caron said
08:57 AM Dec 4, 2010
Thanks for your replies. This is not our only holiday for the year but it will be the longest time we have taken our van away. We are both born and bred Victorians and have travelled a lot throughout our state and have seen a lot of Victoria already, like Echuca, Moama, Great Ocean Road etc.
The aim of this trip is to give us more experience in our van and to stay in some nice parks and perhaps do a night or 2 of free camping.
I think for me it is the 2nd option.........Butterfly Park at Murray Bridge sounds good to me.
Can anyone suggest any outstanding caravan parks or free camps on this route??
Once again thanks for the replies.
Happywanderer said
06:19 PM Dec 4, 2010
Another way to go would be through Castlemaine - Daylesford way. Very pretty driving
through there. There is also a Butterfly House just out of Castlemaine. The country though the middle of the state is so beautiful remember to take your camera.
caron said
12:24 PM Apr 10, 2011
well we are back...went to Port Fairy, Robe, Port Elliott, Mildura, Echuca and home to Hastings....Had a fabulous time and am planning the next trip
Ma said
01:13 PM Apr 10, 2011
Welcome Home caron. I hope the trip was all you expected. What was the highlight for you?
When and where is the next trip?
caron said
01:18 PM Apr 10, 2011
Hmmm I am not sure what the highlight was....perhaps Robe, where we caught bream for dinner, and also dined on crayfish and oysters kilpatrick cooked in our Weber BBQ! Sea Vu caravan park at Robe was in the most brilliant position of all the parks and we were lucky it was sunny and no wind while we were there. I also loved the ferry crossings along the Murray River. Echuca holds a special place in my heart and I thorughly enjoyed the council park and being able to walk along the riverbank and up into town...goodness I loved all of it really
Cruising Granny said
03:29 PM Apr 10, 2011
I'm glad you chose a simple route this time, and enjoyed th experience. If you're still feeling your way with the van in tow I wouldn't recommend the Great Ocean Road. While it's a beautiful route, it can be hard work when towing. It's winding road with steep bits can take the fun out of a great experience, especially if you're still a bit nervous. If you don't have a lot of time I'd choose an easy drive so you can relax. Otherwise you defeat the purpose of the exerces. A nice park near Murray Bridge is Avoca Dell. They look after you very well, here's a great view, and you can play mini golf, go for a walk around the river bank and wetlands.
We have 2 options we are thinking of.
1st is going up to Rutherglen, Beechworth etc for a few weeks of relaxing and wineries......
2nd option is the following itinerary:
Home/Hastings to Ouyen, to Mildura, to Renmark, to Morgan, to Murray Bridge, to Ouyen then home. Not necesarily stopping in all those towns, but this is the general route we are thinking of doing.
I would love to get some feedback from you in regard to both our itineraries and any suggestions of what not to miss, best places to stay, both caravan parks and good free camps.
Thanks in advance.
how about the great ocean road very nice spot's along the route
http://www.zoossa.com.au/monarto-zoo
Dave
-- Edited by Smokeydk on Friday 3rd of December 2010 08:42:23 PM
Jim
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 4th of December 2010 07:35:50 AM
Welcome Home caron. I hope the trip was all you expected. What was the highlight for you?
When and where is the next trip?
I also loved the ferry crossings along the Murray River. Echuca holds a special place in my heart and I thorughly enjoyed the council park and being able to walk along the riverbank and up into town...goodness I loved all of it really
If you're still feeling your way with the van in tow I wouldn't recommend the Great Ocean Road. While it's a beautiful route, it can be hard work when towing. It's winding road with steep bits can take the fun out of a great experience, especially if you're still a bit nervous.
If you don't have a lot of time I'd choose an easy drive so you can relax. Otherwise you defeat the purpose of the exerces.
A nice park near Murray Bridge is Avoca Dell. They look after you very well, here's a great view, and you can play mini golf, go for a walk around the river bank and wetlands.