The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! One of the best walking tracks to visit here isMelba Gulleywhich is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. 639. 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. Iconic Animal Sightings. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". 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]. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and
The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. 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. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. 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. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. 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. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. 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 stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. If you want to get the most of a day trip down the Great Ocean Road but do not want to self-drive, a bus tour will be the perfect option. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. Most of the people here were Chinese. 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 Respect the speed limit. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. 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. I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. 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 . It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. 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. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check. It stretches for 243 kms. 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. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. 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. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. Wealso have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia. Have a great time. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. We set off from the city at 6am. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. Great commentary. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. 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. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. Discover. Departs: 7:00am. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. 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. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. 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. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. 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. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. Find more of them listed here. 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. We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. There are 4 ways to get from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road by train, 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. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of 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. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. 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. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. 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. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Planning a trip to Australia? 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. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. 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. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. 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. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Chasing waterfalls? Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. 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. 1. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. 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 view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey 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. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. 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 cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. 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.) Our website uses cookies. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Although you could go through the city of Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, there's no need to as the Freeway Extension bypasses it, thus speeding . Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. 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. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. 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. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. 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. A softUsvista Inc. venture! The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Kms. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. 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. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. 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. We want to book accommodation as we go . Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 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. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. 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. 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. 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.