Orbost: Country Roads Motor Inn (sleeps up to 5)

Many Victorians make the long drive to the south coast of New South Wales. But how many of us break the long drive. Next time, why not considering stopping at the Country Roads Motor Inn and checking out Orbost.

It's a long drive from Melbourne to the South Coast of NSW and popular coastal holiday spots such as Merimbula and Tathra, especially with three kids.

A lot of people do try to do it in a day, but miss out on a lot along the way.

We found the very comfortable Country Roads Motor Inn on the edge of Orbost, about 5 hours east of Melbourne. This motel has not one, but TWO family rooms which sleep 5 and at $150/nt in holiday times, is a good deal!

It's a motel so there are basic tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and toaster, but Orbost has an RSL, several hotels and other places to eat as well as a small supermarket and the variety of shops you'll find in a small community.

Orbost is a jumping-off spot to some of Victoria's best mountain and coastal national parks, the lower reaches of the Snowy River and the East Gippsland Rail Trail.

There's a great park/playground for kids down near the Snowy River as well as a series of locally-made mosaics showing the area's history from ancient times to the recent past.

Orbost is certainly worth an overnight stop - or more.