Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. 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. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. Stunning photos. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. . 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). It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Read 1 review. Heavenly, right? From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. 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. Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. Discover. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. 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 Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. 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. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. 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 is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! 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. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. 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. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. Find out more here. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Have a great time. 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. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Don't be an idiot. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. 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. Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. 1st Stop: Torquay. Hey! For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the . The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, winding along Australia's southern coast in Victoria (Australia).The undisputed highlight of the drive is the Twelve Apostles, but the Great Ocean Road leads past many more sights of interest, from bustling coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay to the lush rain forests of Great Otway National Park. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Any advice greatly appreciated! While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Read all of our articles in our. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. 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. 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. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. 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 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. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the famous Brighton Beach boxes and more on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. The Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. 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. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. 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 Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. 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. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. 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. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. 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. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. 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. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. 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. 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. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. . To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned. 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. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Great commentary. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. 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. 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. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. 639. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Yes. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Required fields are marked *. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. 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. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Head forEastern Beachfirst. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. Planning a trip to Australia? Check our. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. This is one way to get away from other tourists. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne, wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, 5 Amazing Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula, Australia, The Great Barrier Reef: Cruising to Lady Musgrave Island. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! 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 . Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. A softUsvista Inc. venture! This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. 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 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. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! 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. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. 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). I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. 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. 34 mins), (3 hrs If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Well, at least until the constant winding roads started making Kara nauseous, giving her a front seat in our car and a dose of dramamine. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. 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. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. We set off from the city at 6am. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 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. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. 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. 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. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. 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. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. 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 Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. 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. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 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.