Adelaide to Melbourne - best way to go?

[Horse]

Hi Guys

I am looking for some help/advice on my trip from Adelaide to Melbourne in a few weeks. I have two and a half days and thought this would be a good way to go …… Adelaide – Mt Barker – East Wellington – Kingston – Naracoorte – Horsham – Halls Gap – Dunkeld – Warrnambool – Great Ocean Road – Geelong – Melbourne.

If I start early from Warrnambool can I get to Melbourne (at a “gentleman’s” pace) by say 6.00PM.?

Would a better way to go be along the coast from Kingston – Mt Gambier etc?

And finally, is it too early to start talking about the Moto GP at Phillip Island?

Cheers

[KevB]

Gday Horse

Your trip looks good, at least from Naracoorte onwards. The road from Meningie to Kingston is not the best but then the alternative, via Keith (Dukes Hwy), will just about have you falling asleep. In April this year I travelled with some other members of the Triumph Riders Club to Maldon VIC for the All British Rally. The run from Adelaide to Horsham was long and straight but we took a detour via Halls Gap, it’s a great road. I’ve never done Halls Gap to Warrnambool but I imagine it would be a nice run down to Dunkeld before a flat run into Warrnambool.

Warrnambool to Melbourne via the GOR and Geelong is definitely doable in a day, as long as you know where you're going when you get to Melbourne (or have a GPS).

As far as MotoGP is concerned, I’m in the early stages of planning that now. I’m riding with a couple of other guys from Adelaide to Warrnambool (not sure which way yet) and stopping overnight. Then the next day we travel Warrnambool to Phillip Island via the GOR and Queenscliff – Sorrento ferry. One of the guys on the trip is leaving us at Torquay and heading up to North Balwyn which is just East of Melbourne.

At least one of the grandstands is fully sold out for the MotoGP so don’t leave it too late if you want a grandstand ticket or campsite.

Are you riding all the way from Perth or picking up a bike in Adelaide? There are so many trips I want to do in Oz and Adelaide to Perth is one of them. I've done it in a car a few times but would love to tackle it on the Sprint.

Cheers

[TripleTreat]

I start planning the next year's trip the moment I get back from whatever the current one is! Different roads, different accommodation, shiny new bits (or shiny bits from the wreckers) for the bike, a few gear tweaks here and there for the wife & I... the 12 months of anticipation keeps me going.

[Niltime]

Hello Horse;

Click on the link below, which should show up a map with some ideas for you. A group of us did this run about 6 months ago, and it takes you down some quiet back roads, through valleys and the like until you get to Heywood, where it is mainly flat plains.

The route from Warrnambool to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road is included as well - and you will not have any problem in doing it comfortably in one day.

Cheers,


http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&s...4,4.855957&z=8

[ruscook]

Here's a variation that takes in the Grampians. These are a small but spectacular set of ranges in midWestern Vic.

naracourte to gt ocean rd, via grampians

Here's a pic from my ride through the Grampians to Kangaroo Island, then the Flinders and back after last years MotoGP:


Russ

[Horse]

Thanks for the feedback - looks like the Grampions via Halls Gap is the way to go.

KevB - I'm actually catching the train from Perth to Adelaide(shipping my 07 Sprint that far) with the family and then heading off to Melbourne on my own. I may ride back to Perth after the GP though if I can get the time.

[28016]

Warrnambool to Melbourne via the GOR is close to a 6 hour ride, riding within the speed limits. Add a bit if you want to stop to smell the flowers.

[Poddy]

you can't push it on the GOR, too many tourist and too many cops.
Geelong to Melb via freeway (boring) and great revenue rasier for the goverment (speed camera's)

You may wish to consider Queenscliff to Sorrento then back way to the Island

Other than that you have selected a great ride

Cheers
Poddy