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. There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. The worlds largest war memorial is built along the road whose story began in 1919 when World War I heroes returned home and started building a memorial for their martyrs. Apart from the trip distance, refer. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! We still had a long ways to go. 8 Days or so of hiking from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles following the coastline with views and experiences not possible by car or bus. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. 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. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). Have a great time. The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. 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. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. A drive down the road will take you through magnificent landscapes of the white surf hitting the golden beaches, where the limestone stacks and arches weather the powerful ocean. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne, wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, 5 Amazing Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula, Australia, The Great Barrier Reef: Cruising to Lady Musgrave Island. 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. 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. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. 34 mins), (3 hrs Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Read 1 review. Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush. 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. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Our website uses cookies. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Find out more and plan your adventure. Purchase tickets. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Melbourne To Phillip Island Tour: A Complete Guide For A Perfect Day Trip, We've served 15 million+ guests and we are here for you, All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne, Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences, 5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score, Featured and recommended by the best brands, Have a question? The landscape varies depending on which route you take. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Find out more here. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town. 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. From Torquay to Warrnambool (the last town on the Great Ocean Road), expect to spend at least 4 hours of driving which doesnt include stops. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. 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 nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. . Recommended option Bus 3h 30m See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. Read all of our articles in our. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Thanks for your support, kind friend! 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 . The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. 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. It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. 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.) 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. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. A softUsvista Inc. venture! 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. 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. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Going up is going to be a task though! ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. 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. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. 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. Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day its best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Any advice greatly appreciated! The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. Your email address will not be published. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. It stretches for 243 kms. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. Head forEastern Beachfirst. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Check our. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. The official limit on the B100 (the Great Ocean Road) is between 80-100km per hour; in towns between 50-70km/h, and when there is traffic and during busy periods, as low as 30km/h. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. Great commentary. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. The Great Ocean Road is an adventurers' perfect medley; expect breathtaking natural wonders, charming restaurants serving oh-so-delicious fare and vast wilderness dotted with native wildlife and jaw-dropping vistas. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. The colors are vivid, the sun is out and the water is ideal for water sports and activities, but it is also the busiest time of the year. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 1. Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. It can be done. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Well, at least until the constant winding roads started making Kara nauseous, giving her a front seat in our car and a dose of dramamine. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Stops. There are 2 main routes to reach the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - an inland road that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong to Warrnambool, or drive over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. 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. Stunning photos. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. Yes, you can. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. 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. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game.

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