Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Passing the iconic 12 Apostles and other amazing natural features carved into the expansive coastline the Great Ocean Road is a road trip to remember. V/Line - Regional public transport for Victoria - Plan trip/buy tickets Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Campervan Hire Great Ocean Road - Melbourne to Adelaide - Camper Champ We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. It stretches for 243 kms. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! Lorneis the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch atBottle of Milk, use the facilities and continue on towardsKennett River. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. 1. 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. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. 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. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. 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. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. The Quintessential Great Ocean Road Itinerary - 3 Days The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Hey! Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). 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. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. Read all of our articles in our. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Road trip: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road 277km Beach Culture Benefit Slip on your driving gloves and set off for a run down one the world's most celebrated and breathtaking roads. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - Complete Guide 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. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. Going up is going to be a task though! You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Melbourne real estate: Full list of sales, auction results for February Melbourne and Great Ocean Road Itinerary secret-travel.guide Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. 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. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? 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. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Visit Victoria home 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Wendy Report inappropriate content If you are spending a night while on the road, the best coastal towns to rent a motel are Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Around the Otway National Park. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. 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. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. 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. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. 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. 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. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. Kms. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. 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 To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. 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]. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023) - NOMADasaurus Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 1st Stop: Torquay. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road - 4 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Required fields are marked *. 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. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. Head forEastern Beachfirst. 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. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. We still had a long ways to go. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Great commentary. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. 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. 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. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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 has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. The coastline is awesome. Curious Goose | The Grampians and The Great Ocean Road - a 4 day self Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. . Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Guide to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Tourism Australia 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. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! 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. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. 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? Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. 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. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Planning a trip to Australia? Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Yes, you can. 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. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. 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. 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. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. Cute Penguins - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road 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. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. 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. 5 Day Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - Visit WA The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. 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. Heavenly, right? Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. 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. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. Some of the largest waves I have ever seen were crashing onto the rocks, sending up sprays of water at least thirty feet in the air. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. Check our. 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. 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. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour (Single Room) - kilroy.net Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! 34 mins), (3 hrs 30 mins), 446 Km - Distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, FAQ about Distance from Melbourne to Portland, The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is, Directions from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, map from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Travel time from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury New South Wales, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Orbost. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $104 Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . 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. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. 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. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 People - Viator Great Ocean Road - Wikipedia You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. 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. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. . Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. Copyright 2023 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 | 252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |, What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Weather Local Weather Forecasts. Check, (2 hrs You can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive.