If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. If you want to get the most of a day trip down the Great Ocean Road but do not want to self-drive, a bus tour will be the perfect option. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day 1 - Melbourne to Lorne Setting out on the first section of the Great Ocean Road will take you from the Victorian capital of Melbourne to the coastal town of Lorne. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. We set off from the city at 6am. A relaxed pace - The only 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road experience, allowing ample time for all the 'must-sees' along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Beyond. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. It stretches for 243 kms. Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Departs: 7:00am. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. You can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Purchase tickets. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Some of the largest waves I have ever seen were crashing onto the rocks, sending up sprays of water at least thirty feet in the air. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. If you want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. Go-Ride a Wave! We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! The iconic spots and landmarks on the Great Ocean Road can be covered within a day as it is stretches for only about 243 Km (151 miles). It can be done. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. During your travel, you plan to visit the following- 1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia Recent Melbourne distance calculations Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640 In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Most of the people here were Chinese. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. The standalone arch was earlier connected to the coast with another such arch giving it the name London Bridge, but in 1990 the connecting arch fell down due to erosion. Going up is going to be a task though! Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. 1. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. The coastline is awesome. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. The gorge has been named after a ship Loch Ard ran aground nearby and the rock pillars are named Tom and Eva after the only two survivors. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. The Great Ocean Road is the most famous coastal road in Australia and meanders along sheer limestone cliff tops, spectacular jutting headlands beside the edge of pristine beaches. Although you could go through the city of Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, there's no need to as the Freeway Extension bypasses it, thus speeding . Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Phone: +61 3 5227 9100 Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566) Getting to the Great Ocean Road By Car Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD 1hr 17min The step by step directions below should take you there: - Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway - Continue onto Princes Freeway - Continue onto Geelong Ring Road - Follow the signs for Torquay Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? If you are spending a night while on the road, the best coastal towns to rent a motel are Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Around the Otway National Park. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Hey! 639. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. The Gunditjmara people are the rightful owners of the land incorporated into the Great Ocean Road from Portland to Warrnambool, including Port Fairy and the Princess Highway. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Planning a trip to Australia? Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Required fields are marked *. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Your email address will not be published. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 3. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. Melbourne Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Gippsland Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Attractions More top attractions Sovereign Hill History & heritage Strike it rich with a day out in 1850s Ballarat and pan for gold, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and relive the Eureka Rebellion with sound and light. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Drive 1,500 km | 7 - 12 days Great surf, picturesque coastal towns, ocean views around every bend, wine country and some spectacular hikes define this road trip. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. I guess the quickest and easiest route from Portland back to Melbourne would be up to Hamilton then via the Glenelg Hwy to Ballarat then it is freeway on to Melbourne. We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. Head forEastern Beachfirst. Find out more and plan your adventure. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 12. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. The Great Ocean Road Map of Best Things To See, 50 of the Best Attractions to see Great Ocean Road Stops, Activities and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop atMemoria Arch, which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey. We would appreciate some advice for an itinerary driving from Melbourne to Cape Jervis via the Great Ocean Road visiting Phillip Island and Kennett River where we may hopefully see some Koalas, on the way. Great commentary. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. . Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. Passing the iconic 12 Apostles and other amazing natural features carved into the expansive coastline the Great Ocean Road is a road trip to remember. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell We depart from Southern Cross Coach Terminal on Spencer Street at 8:30am before we commence this amazing 4 day, 3 night guided Great Ocean Road & Beyond Itinerary. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Walk 91 provides assistance to plan your walk along the GOR Walk, either with luxurious accommodation and meals provided or the budge self-catering option. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing. The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. Please enter your email address or username. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. We know what you mean by just taking your time and booking the day of but we would recommend booking in advance as it is so much busier now. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Its a lot of driving. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. The Great Ocean Road tour allows you to witness the spectacular surf coast of Torquay and Lorne, with their sandy white beaches and curling waves. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. 1. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. 34 mins), (3 hrs
4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Our website uses cookies. 5+. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Explore Victoria's Great Ocean Road on an all-day reverse tour Discover the region's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide Get going early and enjoy a small-group experience that beats the crowds Experience London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway, and other sites National Park fees Live commentary on board Professional guide Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, winding along Australia's southern coast in Victoria (Australia).The undisputed highlight of the drive is the Twelve Apostles, but the Great Ocean Road leads past many more sights of interest, from bustling coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay to the lush rain forests of Great Otway National Park. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. . The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. This is one way to get away from other tourists. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.