Great commentary. 639. Guide to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Tourism Australia Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 People - Viator ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Kms. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . Great Ocean Road Touring Route - Visit Victoria home 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. A softUsvista Inc. venture! 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 15 Places Along The Great Ocean Road To Visit On A One-Day Road Trip In While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. 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. 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.) This would end up being our favorite part of the day. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. 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! all things travel. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - Complete Guide An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. 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. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Curious Goose | The Grampians and The Great Ocean Road - a 4 day self We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. The standalone arch was earlier connected to the coast with another such arch giving it the name London Bridge, but in 1990 the connecting arch fell down due to erosion. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. 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. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. 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 Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip: From Melbourne to Adelaide - NeedaBreak 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. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. 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. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Check our. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. Discover. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. Required fields are marked *. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. But you may not have that luxury of time. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. Touring the Great Ocean Road: Self-Drive Itineraries & Tips Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Wendy Report inappropriate content Great Ocean Road Drive Info - Time, Distance & Tips 5+. 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. Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice 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. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. 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. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. 12. Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. 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. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Check, (2 hrs A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. It can be done. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. Melbourne and Great Ocean Road Itinerary secret-travel.guide Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Read 1 review. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. 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 a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. 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. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. 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. The ULTIMATE Great Ocean Road Map 2023 (Local's Guide) All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Rare Role On Australia's Great Ocean Road - Portland | Jobrapido.com We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Great Ocean Road travel guide For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. This is one way to get away from other tourists. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. Great Ocean Road - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor Melbourne to Adelaide Drive Great Ocean Road Route Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. 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 Cute Penguins - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. The drive home will take you inland on country roads (be careful of any cattle or wildlife on the roads) before you hit the highway back to Melbourne. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. 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. Best way from Portland to Melbourne - Melbourne Forum Find out more here. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. Please enter your email address or username. Thanks for your support, kind friend! You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. 1. We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days - Melbourne To Adelaide Drive Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road - 4 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio 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. With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Visit Victoria home Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. 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 Quintessential Great Ocean Road Itinerary - 3 Days Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. 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. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Iconic Animal Sightings. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your roadtrip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. 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. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. 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. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among .