What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. 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). Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway 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. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. 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. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. 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. 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. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. 5+. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. Wonderful experience - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. Visit Great Ocean Road | Where untamed spirits create inspirational Note: This post contains affiliate links. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Go-Ride a Wave! Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. 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. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 15 Places Along The Great Ocean Road To Visit On A One-Day Road Trip In We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. A lot of people will finish the day in Warrnambool and spend the there, as it is the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. 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. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. 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. Purchase tickets. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Campervan Hire Great Ocean Road - Melbourne to Adelaide - Camper Champ 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 drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Reserve your spot here. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. 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 Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. 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. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. We set off from the city at 6am. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for aTwelve Apostles Helicopter Ride. 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. 639. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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). Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. 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. Battery Hillis a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. Cute Penguins - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor Check our. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where youll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. 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 I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. Melbourne and Great Ocean Road Itinerary secret-travel.guide 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. Michael Dahlstrom - Environment Editor - Yahoo | LinkedIn Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour (Single Room) - kilroy.net You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. 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. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. 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 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). This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. This is one way to get away from other tourists. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. 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. 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 ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. 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. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 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. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. 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. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Happy travels. The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. 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. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. Yes. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. 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. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. 5 Day Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road - Visit WA Online Kms. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. 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. Respect the speed limit. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. Our website uses cookies. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. Read 1 review. It can be done. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. 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 first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and 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. We want to book accommodation as we go . Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Required fields are marked *. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023) - NOMADasaurus 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. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. Chasing waterfalls? 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. 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. This is a stop that not a lot of tourists know about, so you can avoid the crowds and see and experience more than most people would on their Great Ocean Road trip. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. 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. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. Its a lot of driving. Find more of them listed here. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Planning a trip to Australia? Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. 446 Km - Distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Dogs are permitted to join you in a vehicle driving along the length of the Great Ocean Road, even when the highway passes through areas of national park. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. For those who love to drive and are comfortable in driving outside the city and through a variety of terrain it is a paradise waiting to be explored. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). 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. 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.