Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. Melbourne and Great Ocean Road Itinerary secret-travel.guide Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. The coastline is awesome. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Apollo Bay is a gorgeous seaside village, located at the entry to the Otways, and without a doubt is one of the most scenic and picturesque stops on our Great Ocean Road drive. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. We set off from the city at 6am. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either 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. Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour, Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists, Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists, Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. If youre a hiker more than a surfer, youll be in for a treat with theSurf Coast Walk 44km of trails that connect Torquay toAngelseaandAireys Inletalong the coast. 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. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. 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. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Twelve Apostlesare one of the most amazing sights within Australia and its not hard to see why as you drive along the coast from Great Otway. Your email address will not be published. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. 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. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $104 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. With your own car however youll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure. Recommended Experiences Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour, Yarra Valley is mostly known for its wineries, but thats just one of its many treasures. . 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). 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. . 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Great Ocean Road & Grampians Road Trip | Apollo Campervans AU They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. Visit Great Ocean Road | Where untamed spirits create inspirational Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. 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. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. Stops. The Great Ocean Road drive itineraries from Melbourne The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. Wendy Report inappropriate content How Much Does It Cost to Experience Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road in What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 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. 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 also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. Great Ocean Road Drive Info - Time, Distance & Tips Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Chasing waterfalls? DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. This iconic route stretches 243km between the towns of Allansford and Torquay, and the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road has to be the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. 3. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Kms. 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 For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. 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. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. What To Know About The Top Chef World All-Stars Contestants If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. 639. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. One of the best walking tracks to visit here isMelba Gulleywhich is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. 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! To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. 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. Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road - 5 ways to travel via bus, and car Reserve your spot here. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! 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. 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. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. 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. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. 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. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Michael Dahlstrom - Environment Editor - Yahoo | LinkedIn The Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - 1-Day Itinerary Head forEastern Beachfirst. It stretches for 243 kms. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. 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. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. 5 Day Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - Visit WA Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. 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. Happy travels. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. Touring the Great Ocean Road: Self-Drive Itineraries & Tips Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. 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. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in 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.) Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. 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! The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo 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. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. We want to book accommodation as we go . BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. GREAT OCEAN ROAD Routing: Melbourne to Adelaide Duration: 5 Days Code: M01 From AUD$685.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Driving from Melbourne to Cape Jervis ( Kangaroo Island ) The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. all things travel. 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. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay. If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. 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). Cute Penguins - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor We still had a long ways to go. The Arch is a giant archway in the ocean, and London Bridge is the same but is more square instead of arched to it looks like a bridge. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. 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. An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - Complete Guide 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. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. 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. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. 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. 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]. Yes. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. 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. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy andhead back towards Melbourneon the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. 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. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves.
