Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). Some people do this as a very long day trip from Melbourne while others can take as long as a week, stopping at towns along the way, leisurely enjoying the beaches, wineries, and historic towns along the way. Thanks for your support, kind friend! However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.Winding through varying terrain along the coast . ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. A Melbourne road trip to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road can be done over 5 days, easily seeing the best of the Ocean Road highlights. 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 There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. 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. Takinga surf lessonis a sure-fire way to have you feeling confident on the board and in the water if you havent tried the sport before. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. Wealso have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. 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. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. 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. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. Check, (2 hrs Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and 3. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. 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. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Don't be an idiot. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Stunning photos. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. But you may not have that luxury of time. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. This is one way to get away from other tourists. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 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. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 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. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your roadtrip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. 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. all things travel. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. It stretches for 243 kms. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. 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. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. For those strapped for time, a visit to just Port Campbellwould allow you to see the best of the Great Ocean Road, skipping the monotonous winding roads between Port Campbell National Park and Melbourne. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? Go-Ride a Wave! You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary, 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2023 Guide]. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. 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. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. . 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. 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. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. 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. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you're going to be going over to Kangaroo Island. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. 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. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. Not for the faint hearted, Gibson steps are a set of 86 steep steps that head down from the cliffs to the beach near the twelve apostles. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. It is the southernmost active regular passenger railway station on the Australian mainland (several other Victorian Railways lines such as the branch lines to Timboon and Crowes did venture further south but all have now closed). 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. 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. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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 lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. Stretching 641 km, this route will take you from Melbourne to Warrnambool and back in about nine hours - that means you'll be treated to changing landscapes and plenty of different scenery! The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. 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. While it is possibe to do most of these in a day with an early start and quick pitstops at every location, you should factor in a 2 day trip for a sedate trip. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! The coastline is awesome. 1. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. 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. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. 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 Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Organized Tours from Melbourne To Great Ocean Road 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). 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. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. Reserve your spot here. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. 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. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Part 1: Melbourne Part 2: Melbourne to Ballarat Part 3: Ballarat to Torquay Part 4: Torquay to Port Campbell Part 5: Port Campbell to Warrnambool Part 6: Warrnambool to Portland Part 7: Portland to Mount Gambier