Day 18 – 18th April
We called in at some friends house at Diamond Creek and had lunch with them before leaving the Melbourne area about 4pm. We stopped for the night at Avalon Rest area, which is on both sides of the hwy and right next to BP service stations. They are fairly big pull off so we were able to get away from the road but it was still a noisy night with cars and trucks going all night, bothered Chris more than me as I had some ear plugs. Update: 12/2/19 – We were contacted by a gentleman who manages this area on behalf of Vic Roads who said “this is a roadside rest area. Shortstops are welcome. Camping is prohibited.” This is why we always tell people to check the information when they go to a place as things could have changed as in this situation from when we were there. If we know about changes we can update them. Back in 2010 you could stay the night as many people did.
Day 19 – 19th April
We stopped at Little Creek, where I picked up some yoghurt culture and a Feta cheese making kit at Cheeselinks, they were very friendly and helpful.
We then headed to my Grandma’s at Lara and had a few cuppas with her as well as lunch. She is 89 but still as sharp as a tac and doing very well. Update; she is now nearly 92 and still going strong.
We left Lara and headed towards Torquay and the Great Ocean Road, we stopped at the Torquay info centre, and at Bells Beach where we had a cuppa overlooking the waves.
We have stopped for the night at Hammonds Campground, first few kms are on bitumen then it turns into a gravel road. The Camps Australia Wide 5 book says it’s 8km NW of Aireys Inlet, it is in fact 12.3km, with 9.8kms of dirt road. The dirt road is ok at first but then gets a bit rougher with corrugations and some very steep hills. It is not well signposted with no signs to Hammond Camping until we were here. The camp area is like a big grass paddock, does have toilets. Least it is well off the road and should be very quiet tonight as we are the only ones here.
