Hi there - we booked our one-way flights to Melbourne yesterday and now I'm itching to get some accomodation booked for the first two weeks of our arrival. We want to save money and from reading these forums it looks like staying in a caravan/camp park would be a good option, renting a cabin.

This may sound daft though but I haven't got a clue where to start. We've never been to Victoria and don't know which places are nice to stay.

We have a 2 year old so don't want to stay in the city. Can anyone recommend a nice area, near to the sea but commutable in to Melbourne?

We have a friend who lives near the ocean road in a place called Black Rock - but I don't even know if this is North West or South to the city.

I'll study a map over the weekend to get some ideas but was hoping someone could help me on here first.

Would appreciate any assistance.

Cheers in advance,

Black Rock is S.E of the CBD down Beach Road (not the Ocean Rd). It's a residential suburb, can't think of any caravn parks down that way (certainly not adjoining Beach Rd, but then again have never specifically looked for a caravan park anywhere in that area!).

I think you would be looking at Mordialloc (35km from CBD) and beyond for a beachside caravan park (maybe someone else can help here - my Beach Rd knowledge stops at Mordi roundabout!) - Bayside suburbs from Mordi back towards CBD are mainly residential.

Melbourne has an excellent public transport network in trams, trains and buses so wherever you are around the Bay you won't have too much of a problem getting into the city - although obviously the further out you go, the fewer options there are in the form of trams, etc.

Thats really helpful - thanks HiddenPaw. I've looked on a caravan park map and they have resorts in Queensclift, Dromana, Venus Bay. Then on the other side is Portarlington, Geelong. Any thoughts or suggestions on these? Also which would Black Rock be nearest too? Is is Queensclift side?

My geography is crap (sorry!!)

My folks have a place in Dromana and it's about an hour and 15 mins drive from Melbourne. Lovely area, just not so easy to commute unless you have a car. Frankston has trains so would be easier to get into the city, but I think it's still about 30-45 mins possibly longer.

Geelong is about an hours drive to Melbourne, but that side of the city is lovely. Holidayed in Ocean Grove and pretty sure there were caravan parks there. Are you going to hire a car?

Mrs J

Hiya - yes, thats my next plan of action on my extensive list of "things to do". We want to arrange a car hire for as soon as we arrive. Pick it up and then drive to where ever we have booked to stay. Then in the first 2 weeks we intend to check out as many coastal areas as possible in order to decide where to rent. I'll have a look in to Ocean Grove - is that actually in Geelong?

Thanks for your help. Don't know what I'd do without this site

It's actually past Geelong. Not too far though if I remember rightly. Been a while since I was there :0)

Have a great time and make sure you take a visit to the 12 Apostles. Bit of a way down the coast but well worth the view.

Happy driving

Mrs J

we are doing the same, have contact in melbourne who is recommending a site in chelsea (not far from your friend in black rock) this site has 2-bed cabins well equipped, kiddies play area, laundry, etc and is just across from the beach. Cant remember the name but do a search on google for caravan parks/holiday parks in melbourne

Hi Andy - I've tried searching but to no avail. Could youlet me know the name once you've found out. WOuld really appreciate it as I'm going bog eyed looking on the net!!!!

will do probably in next day or so when spoken to contact in melbourne

Hi Andy - have sent you a PM .

I stayed at the Dromana holiday park
http://www.kangerong.com.au/
A lovely cabin for 6 people but it would be a trek to use it to go into Melbourne. I think it took me 1 to 11/2 hours drive.

Try looking on the RACV site -it has holiday parks. http://journeys.racv.com.au/
Somewhere further up the Bay would be more comuterable.
We would all be interested in cheaper accomm. than a hotel!!!(I spent my last night at a hotel in Brighton because I needed to drop the car off at ST Klida- a nice treat and looked over the beach too.

http://www.brightonsavoy.com.au/

It this the caravan park in chelsea?
http://www.travelaustralia.com.au/ph...=accommodation
there's no www address tho
only what you see?

ok you've got me going now! found this site-its a list of caravan parks ? You'll need to get a map out to check the location is right for you but it does list them by region too.

whooops - I'll try that again!!?
http://www.geocities.com/flourpower...._v0.htm#region

KEEP THEM COMING!!! I'm devouring all information sent to me. Thanks Helinuk. I've seen that one in Chelsea and have emailed them as I can't open up the web address.

I just want to book somewhere and know where I'm going !!!!

Thanks again - really appreciate it