The early morning light spilled across Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, casting a golden hue over the tarmac as the hum of an AirAsia jet faded into the distance. It was a crisp autumn morning towards the end of March 2025, and I had just stepped onto Australian soil for the first time in my life, heart racing with excitement. Sponsored by AirAsia in partnership with JUCY (now Travvia Ltd), this Great Ocean Road motorhome itinerary promised four days of discovery, nature, and a different kind of freedom; all aboard JUCY’s Star RV Six-Berth Motorhome.

With Shaffiq as my co-pilot, we took the wheel of our silver home-on-wheels, equipped with three double beds and a compact kitchen. It became our mobile sanctuary as we explored Victoria’s dramatic coastline. Each turn brought new sights, new sounds, and the unmistakable joy of the open road.

Preparation

The adventure began with thoughtful planning. After arriving in Melbourne, we headed to the JUCY branch in Tullamarine to collect our motorhome. The paperwork was straightforward, and the handover was accompanied by a helpful walk-through of the motorhome’s features.

We were also gifted a bag full of a selection of local snacks, an early nod to the regional charm that would follow.

With campsites booked ahead at Marengo and Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, we checked the forecast: mild autumn days, with chilly nights dropping to around 10°C. That meant packing warm jackets, thick blankets, and plenty of layers.

Armed with maps, snacks, and a growing sense of excitement, we charted our route from Tullamarine to Torquay, and from Port Campbell to Port Fairy, as well as the entire daily journey for the days to come.

The Star RV Six-Berth Motorhome

JUCY’s Star RV Six-Berth Motorhome quickly proved to be more than just a means of transport; it was a reliable and surprisingly comfortable base. Travvia’s design blended practicality with comfort, with a hint of JUCY’s youthful exuberance. Three double beds offered plenty of space, and the onboard kitchen allowed us to enjoy hot meals even on the coldest nights.

One evening, we cooked sardines and toasted bread in the van at Port Campbell; the warmth inside was a welcome contrast to the crisp air outside.

The built-in shower and toilet were small luxuries that came in handy, especially in more remote areas, where public toilets were scarce. Or, when we were too lazy to step outside the mobile home into the freezing night, only to visit the campsites’ public toilet. Hehe.

We learned to manage our water and power efficiently; a worthwhile skill for any campervan trip. The interior, though compact, was cleverly designed and cosy, making it easy to settle into a nightly routine.

Driving in Melbourne and Along the Coast

Driving the motorhome through Melbourne required focus—its size meant being extra cautious on city streets. But once we left the urban sprawl behind and hit the Great Ocean Road, the journey truly began.

The winding coastal route from Torquay to Port Campbell was breathtaking. Sharp curves, sea cliffs, and towering trees made every kilometre feel like a new scene.

Near Lorne, we spotted kangaroos crossing the road, a quiet reminder to slow down and stay alert.

Parking at popular lookouts was sometimes a challenge, but the views made it worthwhile.

With the help of GPS and a bit of teamwork, Shaffiq and I found our rhythm behind the wheel.

Living in the Motorhome

As night fell and the temperature dropped, the Star RV Six-Berth Motorhome kept us warm and dry. At Marengo Family Caravan Park, the sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance while we prepared dinner inside. It was so lovely, too bad we were only two men in the motorhome.

The van’s insulation made all the difference, letting us sleep comfortably even when the nights dipped to 10°C.

At Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, we stayed for two nights and appreciated having a powered site to recharge our equipment. The beds were cosy, the layout manageable, and despite the usual travel clutter, we kept things organised enough to make the space work. After long days of exploring, returning to the van felt like coming home.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road

Day 1 (21 March)

We began with a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay, where we learned about the region’s deep surfing roots. Bells Beach stood tall with its iconic cliffs, and later, Teddy’s Lookout provided us with panoramic views of the St. George River meeting the ocean.

A short drive brought us to Erskine Falls, tucked inside the Otway rainforest, and Mariners Lookout offered a final scenic stop before settling in at our campsite in Marengo. That evening, Wildlife Wonders took us on a dusk tour, during which we spotted a few sleeping koalas, got up close with kangaroos and emus, and saw a few wallabies. As the sun was setting, we saw a few potoroos and bandicoots under the fading light.

Day 2 (22 March)

We joined Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak for a morning paddle to see fur seals in the Marengo Marine Sanctuary. The meeting point was just at the gate of the Marengo campsite. The calm seas and curious animals made for a memorable experience.

In the afternoon, we visited the iconic Twelve Apostles, majestic limestone stacks shaped by centuries of wind and sea, located off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. We had an over-the-top experience when we were given the privilege to take a helicopter ride to see the Twelve Apostles from up above. The aerial views were unbeatable.

Then, we drove a bit further northwest towards the endpoint of the Great Ocean Road, to Port Campbell, where we would camp for the next two nights. JUCY hosted us with a barbecue dinner comprising sizzling sausages, burgers, and friendly conversations under a starlit sky. What made it even more special was the freshest catch from the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Coop. From the sea to the grill, every bite captured the essence of coastal Victoria.

Day 3 (23 March)

Sunrise lit up Port Campbell as we made our little exploration near the quaint town, towards quieter lookout points and the peaceful jetty.

After breakfast, we then took a trip to Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, inscribed on the World Heritage list for its Outstanding Universal Value. Here we visited Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to showcase one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems of Gunditjmara.

We had the opportunity to sample kooyang (eel) tasting plates. We learned a lot about the lifecycle of the kooyang and took a deep dive into the historical background of the first people of Gunditjmara Country. We then took a short trip to the festival town, Port Fairy. We visited the historic wharf, the lighthouse, and Griffiths Island before coming back to Port Campbell for another cosy night in the van.

Day 4 (24 March)

On our last morning, we departed Port Campbell and headed to Colac Botanic Gardens, where we strolled under towering trees and enjoyed hot chocolate and freshly baked scones. It was a peaceful end to an incredible trip. From there, we followed the coastal route back to Melbourne, the fading afternoon light casting a golden glow over the cliffs as we returned the Star RV Six-Berth Motorhome to the JUCY depot.

Tips for Future Travellers:

• Pack for varying weather: warm days and cold nights are typical in autumn.
• Book campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• The Six-Berth Motorhome is ideal for four to six people — plenty of space if you stay organised. If you were planning to come with just two people, you can also check out the other campervans: 4 Berth Crib, 2 Berth Crib, or 4 Berth Condo.
• Bring a power bank for off-grid moments.
• Observe local fire bans and water restrictions to respect the environment.
• Embrace the campervan lifestyle: cook your meals, stay flexible, and enjoy the ride.

Conclusion

Returning our motorhome to the depot marked the end of our journey, but the Great Ocean Road stayed with me. The cliffs, the wildlife, and the quiet moments all wove together into a travel memory that I’ll always treasure.

Thanks to AirAsia and JUCY, we experienced one of Australia’s most scenic routes in comfort and style. And those limestone Apostles? They’re still standing strong, waiting for the next chapter.Gaya Travel Magazine expresses its deep gratitude to AirAsia and JUCY (now Travvia Ltd.) for making the writer’s trip possible and smooth-sailing.

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