Seeking Recommendations for Stops from Melbourne to Margaret River
Hey everyone!
My best friend (19F) and I (19F) are kicking off a 6-month road trip across Australia on March 28th. We’ll be traveling in my 4WD with a rooftop tent – that’s our home for the next half a year! Our journey takes us from Melbourne to Margaret River, and we have two weeks to make the trip.
We’re excited to explore and would love to know about good places to stop along the way. We especially enjoy pubs where we can park onsite and enjoy some drinks without worrying about driving back to a campsite. I’ve laid out a rough itinerary, but I’d appreciate any recommendations for must-visit spots or iconic pubs along the route.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions! 🙂
That sounds like an incredible adventure! There are plenty of great places to stop on your road trip from Melbourne to Margaret River. Here are some recommendations:
Ballarat – Stop by to explore the historic Sovereign Hill and check out some local pubs in the area. The Red Lion Hotel has a good vibe.
Bendigo – Another gold rush town with plenty of history. The Bendigo Hotel offers a great atmosphere and good food.
Castlemaine – A charming town with lovely cafes and pubs. The Bridge Hotel is a great spot for a drink and has parking onsite.
Daylesford – Known for its mineral springs, it offers a laid-back vibe. The Daylesford Hotel is a nice pub option with great food.
Halls Gap & Grampians National Park – A little detour but worth it for stunning views and hiking. There’s a couple of pubs around, like the Halls Gap Hotel.
Dunkeld – The Royal Mail Hotel here is renowned for its food and has accommodation options if you want to stay a night.
Hamilton – A good stop with several pubs. The Hamilton Hotel is a solid choice.
Mount Gambier (SA) – Famous for the Blue Lake; there are a few pubs where you can relax, such as The Barn.
Port Fairy – A picturesque coastal town. Check out the local pubs, like the Caledonian Inn.
Warrnambool – A good spot for beach vibes. The Whalers Hotel is a popular pub with great views.
Apollo Bay – If you’re up for a scenic route along the Great Ocean Road, this is a stunning place to stop. The Apollo Bay Hotel has onsite parking and a lovely view.
Port Campbell – The Twelve Apostles are nearby, and the Local pub has a nice outdoor area.
Lorne – Another beautiful coastal town with good pubs like the Lorne Hotel.
Busselton – Before reaching Margaret River, Busselton has a great jetty and the Duckstein Brewery is a nice spot to relax.
Margaret River – Once you get there, there are tons of wineries and breweries. The Settlers Tavern is a classic pub in the area.
Make sure to check the pub hours and availability for parking, and enjoy your road trip! Safe travels! 🍻🚗