DRIVER Reviver centres will be operating across the south-west over what is expected to be a super busy extended Australia Day weekend.
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Colac's Cliff McAliece said the city’s reviver centre would open at 4pm on Wednesday afternoon through until about 1am.
He said the centre would be operating along the Princes Highway on corner of McLennan Street in west Colac on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
A community group runs a similar operation at Lismore with that centre at the power nap rest area near the post office on the Hamilton Highway.
Mr McAliece said the operation of other rest stops at Camperdown, Coleraine and Skipton would be run depending on volunteer availability.
"We've run the Colac Driver Reviver since 1987. It's funded by Road Safe Otway," he said.
"It's an annual catch-up with many travellers and we're all looking forward to seeing some familiar faces," he said.
Victoria Police south west road safety adviser Senior Sergeant Tania Barbary said this year's Australia Day was expected to be especially busy with many people taking a four-day weekend and the holiday coinciding with the Chinese New Year.
"We want everyone to have a great break and get home safely," she said.
"There will be a significant amount of traffic on the roads, even more than usual due to Australia Day and the Chinese New Year coinciding. It is expected to be particularly busy along the Great Ocean Road."
Senior Sergeant Barbary said travellers could expect lots of vehicles along the scenic route and parking may be difficult at some sight-seeing locations.
"Allow time, be patience, try and keep distractions within the vehicle to a minimum and expect that there will be people - both domestic and international visitors - who are not familiar with the roads," she said.
"When driving give yourself time and space. It's not just about you doing the right thing, you need to plan for driving errors others may make."
The police adviser said it was essential that drivers planned their trip.
"Allow for plenty of breaks and give yourself more time than you need to get your destination so you don’t feel rushed," she said.
"Get plenty of rest. Go to bed early, pack the night before and get up early, if you can, to avoid the peak traffic periods.
"And watch for signs of fatigue such as yawning, rubbing your eyes or feeling restless or distracted. These are all symptoms of fatigue and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so," she said.
Senior Sergeant Barbary said large numbers of police would focus on road safety during the coming days.